In celebration of World Environment Day on June 5, themed "Beat Plastic Pollution," HK Electric launched its inaugural "Barter Event" to encourage employees to find new homes for their unused items, giving them a "second life" and reducing waste in the ecosystem. The initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to promoting sustainable living.
Within just two weeks, the event collected approximately 200 diverse items, ranging from books, toilet paper holders, wooden racks, and toy figurines to practical items like massage devices, small drones, coffee frothers, heat-resistant glass teapots, bedsheets, and bicycle helmets. A dedicated "Third Life" zone featured items made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, further emphasizing sustainable practices.
HK Electric’s Managing Director, Ir Francis Cheng Cho-ying, along with members of the Sustainability Management Committee, led by example, donating their own "treasures" to the barter market for colleagues to share. Employees were encouraged to select items they liked, ensuring these possessions were put to good use.
Cheng described the event as lively as a "bustling marketplace," noting that it not only gave idle items a new purpose but also inspired employees to reduce waste and embrace low-carbon living. He emphasized that this initiative is not a one-off effort. HK Electric has established an internal online platform, "Pass It On," where employees can continue to exchange unused items, fostering a culture of sharing and waste reduction.
The barter event also featured two interactive games: a "Plastic-Free Activity" testing employees’ knowledge of plastic recycling and a "Sustainability Quiz" to enhance awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development. These activities blended education with entertainment, reinforcing the company’s environmental goals.
Through the "Barter Event" and ongoing initiatives like the "Pass It On" platform, HK Electric demonstrates its dedication to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices among its workforce.