Environmental Charities and Activities in Hong Kong
If your inner eco-warrior longs to get stuck into environmental activities or charity work, you’ve come to the right place. Here we share options that will suit a variety of interests, including some that your kids will love to get involved with. So go ahead, see what appeals to you and your family. Here are some of the best environmental charities and activities in Hong Kong:
Environmental Charities in Hong Kong
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth focuses on protecting Hong Kong’s local and regional environment by offering equitable solutions to help create environmentally sustainable public policies, business practices and community lifestyles. They engage government, business and community to act responsibly.
In 2024 they are running a tree planting challenge plus a Sustainable Development School Talks and Workshops programme. They also have a recycling programme with collection points around the city to help with used clothes and ink/toner cartridges.
Clean Air Network
Clean Air Network (CAN) aims to improve Hong Kong’s air quality for the benefit of public health with their absolute priority of safeguarding children and vulnerable communities. CAN’s current primary focus is on roadside pollution and indoor air impact but they don’t want to lose sight on air pollution from regional activities, marine vessels and power plants.
Through public health campaigns, CAN educates the public about the serious effects of air pollution on personal health. In recent years, they launched two environmental educational programmes, “Clean Air Neighborhood” and “Clean Air Schools for Hong Kong“, to deepen their engagement with schools, families and communities.
CAN also advocates for policy improvements to lower emissions within a tightened legal framework.
Greenpeace East Asia (Hong Kong)
Greenpeace focuses on pressing environmental issues globally. In Hong Kong, Greenpeace engages in campaigns and initiatives to promote sustainable living, urging individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. Their current focus of work is plastic removal throughout the city.
You can register for free to participate in Qiqi’s waste sharing session where you will learn practical waste reduction ideas and hear discussions on disposable plastic tableware control, garbage levy and other waste reduction policies, and expand the “throw away” community network.
|World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Hong Kong
Another prominent player in the local environmental scene is the The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). This group is dedicated to conserving nature and reducing the most pressing threats to biodiversity. In Hong Kong, WWF works on initiatives such as marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and wildlife protection, contributing to the overall well-being of the city’s ecosystem.
Charitable Choice HK
This group has a round up of charities in HK, grouped by purpose. Those falling under “save the planet” include: Clean Air Network, EcoDrive Hong Kong, Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens, Ocean Park Conservancy, Plastic Free Seas, World Wide Fund for Nature HK, Soap Cycling, The Conservancy Association, https://www.charitablechoice.org.hk/pages/charity-hero-environment
Looking for volunteer opportunities? Check out our list of 51 Volunteer Opportunities in Hong Kong.
Greeners Action
Greeners Action (previously Green Student Council) is a leading environmental non-profit organization in Hong Kong. Core aims are to change the disposable lifestyle of local citizens and raise public awareness on environmental issues.
Established by a team of undergraduates and professionals across various sectors voluntarily in 1993, Green Student Council was registered as an independent environmental group in 1998 and renamed to Greeners Action in 2007 as a charitable institution.
Over the past two decades, Greeners Action has successfully advocated the plastic bag levy, eco-friendly lunch program, Lai See Reuse & Recycle Program, etc. Their team puts effort on promoting sustainable lifestyle particularly on waste reduction, plastic pollution and food waste issues. Through policy advocacy and public environmental education, Greeners Action strives to take Hong Kong into a new green era.
Green Power
Green Power was founded in 1988 by a group of dedicated Hong Kong volunteers and has remained committed to promoting environmental education as they believe that education is key to changing the way we think and behave. Their three key areas of focus include ecological conservation, school and community outreach, and policy advocacy.
EcoDrive Hong Kong
EcoDrive Hong Kong promotes the awareness and reduction of single use plastic in Hong Kong through education, connecting with corporates, and providing possible solutions. By motivating and driving each individual to make a lifestyle change, they believe together we can make a difference. Their websites has some great ideas on how to get started at home with tips for reducing plastic in the kitchen and bathroom.
Single use plastics are polluting our cities and our oceans. It is affecting our environment and contributing to health problems in humans and animals. EcoDrive is focused on promoting a change. They are a not-for-profit entity established in 2018 by 11 women from a variety of backgrounds including self-starters, lawyers, entrepreneurs but most importantly, mothers, who passionately want to make Hong Kong a better place for their children.
Hong Kong Cleanup
Hong Kong Cleanup aims to empower all of us to become active agents in keeping our beautiful coastal areas, country parks and city streets safe, clean and rubbish free. They hope to increase public awareness by educating communities and seeking to change attitudes towards environmental protection with a goal to minimise Hong Kong’s waste production.
Hong Kong Cleanup has been coordinating free community cleanups and other educational activities in Hong Kong since 2000. Having volunteers see the trash, collect it, and record data about it, raises awareness of local and global issues. When volunteers work to remove hundreds of plastic straws from a beach, or a bag full of cigarette butts from a hiking trail, their outlook on trash begins to shift, and this understanding can lead to transformation and change of habits.
Want to make your home more eco-friendly? We have a Guide to Creating An Eco-Friendly Home in Hong Kong
Green Education Foundation (GEF) Hong Kong
Green Education Foundation‘s ambition is to cultivate a greener and more sustainable Hong Kong by supporting environmental education, upcycling and environmentally friendly practices. They aim to raise Hong Kong community’s awareness of environmental protection and ecology by promoting upcycling practices and responsible consumption.
GEF offers skills training workshops and has formed strategic partnerships with educators and other charities. They also provide unique, upcycled homewares and furniture to vulnerable and underserved populations (like retired seniors) to promote well-being and social inclusion.
Other Environmental Groups in Hong Kong
Green Council Green Council
Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong (OPCFHK) OPCFHK
The Conservancy Association The Conservancy Association
Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society
Environmental Activities
Earth Hour Carnival
Date: 23 March
Location: High Lawn, Art Park @ the West Kowloon Cultural District
On the afternoon of 23 March, join WWF and esteemed artiste Do Do Cheng and singer Kaho Hung (event ambassadors) for the Earth Hour Carnival at High Lawn, Art Park @ the West Kowloon Cultural District. Take part in a series of fun and inspirational activities with interactive booths where you can learn about preserving the planet and how to spend the “lights-off” moment in meaningful ways. Ahead of the lights-off ceremony, there will be a series of creative workshops, outdoor fitness sessions, a green market, educational workshops, and much more.
The lights-off ceremony is at 8:30pm. Many of the buildings along Victoria harbour’s skyline switch off their lights and go dark for an hour in support of Earth Hour.
WWF-Hong Kong has partnered with local organisations to host a variety of fun, educational activities to amp up Earth Hour participation.
Tai Kwun in Bloom
Dates: 4 – 7 April 2024
Location: Parade Ground, Tai Kwun
Tickets: https://www.taikwun.hk
Tai Kwun in Bloom is a grand affair transforming Tai Kwun into an inspiring space where arts, culture, and heritage can be celebrated. Over a dozen Hong Kong-owned, eco-conscious brands will be showcased; from florists to botanical artisans, lifestyle purveyors, plant doctors, and culinary masters. Funding and support is through The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Check out the schedule for what’s on offer – from workshops to unique experiences, unusual dining options and more.
Voices for the Planet Challenge 2024 *ENTER NOW*
Competition dates: through Apr 22, 2024
This year, Voices for the Planet, has a new theme and new initiative. The theme for 2024 is Magic Wings. Students (kindergarten to secondary) can join the free art competition, Voices for the Planet Challenge, by entering their own creative artwork: drawing, writing, singing, or taking photos or videos.
Voices for the Planet (V4TP) advocates educating and inspiring the young to care for the planet through music and the arts. Their education programs inspire young people to love and protect wildlife and biodiversity by creating their own wildlife artworks in different art forms including drawing, writing, photography, videography, and music (vocal & instrumental).
The deadline for this challenge this year is set for April 22, Earth Day.
In addition to the challenge, V4TP are excited to announce the launch of an enriching program of workshops and talks, centered around the theme of arts for biodiversity. Through these workshops, students have the unique opportunity to develop compassion and a profound love for wildlife and nature by engaging creatively with environmental themes.
You may also be interested in:
Buying, Selling and Making Eco-friendly Toys in Hong Kong
Forest Schools in Hong Kong
