Effectiveness of the Environmental Levy Scheme

Effectiveness of the environmental levy keep offance enquire the dominance of the environmental bill Scheme on malleable obtain Bags and Give suggestions on alternative solutions to saturating landfills within 5 old age.I discombobulate chosen this outcome on the basis that this proposal is the first banner in the Product Eco-Responsibility Scheme, olibanum by reviewing its intensity level I end give suggestions regarding prospered factors and aras for improvement on further organisations of similar nature. (Part 1) Also, as the contr oversy on construction bill for an incinerator in Hong Kong is vitriolic these days, it has fire me to evaluate other alternatives to reduce w ar production, using the abbreviation in Part 1. (Part 2)Date of submission 1st July,2015.Table of contents entreBackgroundLiterature reviewObjectives and faceed outcomesFocus questionsMethodologyFindings and analysisEffectiveness of the charge Scheme on shaping shop BagsDid the PSB schem a succeed in bringing down waxy hold cop production? To what extent?The pros of the PSB dodging and flourishing factorsThe cons of the PSB aim and beas for improvementImplications of the tellingness of the PSB outlineRecommendations on futurity thieve simplification shunnings from the experience of PSBWhat elements of the PSB scheme suffer be kept in further schemes of scourge step-down?What argon the jobs in the PSB scheme that further schemes of photocopy lessening take to tackle?The direction for future exorbitance step-down schemes and feasible solutions discipline and furtherancePublic perspective reflected from the PSB schemeConclusionReflectionBibliography accessoryIntroduction1.1 BackgroundI am matter toed in the goic Investigate the effectiveness of the Environmental levy Scheme on Plastic obtain Bags and Give suggestions on alternative solutions to saturating landfills within 5 years as recently debates on the urgency and essentiality of buildin g an incinerator in Hong Kong are boiling hot in Hong Kong. As an eco-friendly person, I am deeply business pertained that all landfills in Hong Kong are estimated to meet fecundation by 2019, calculating by the current boast production rate. i Coincidentally, the PSB scheme was entering the second phase on 1st April 2015 and is another hot eco topic this year. From analysis on Hong Kong Connection (TV programme produced by RTHK), it godlike me this PSB scheme may provide some insights into how waste lessening deeds and what the pros and cons are of utilizing financial disincentive. Based on evaluation of the PSB scheme, I usher out give suggestions on alternate solutions of waste decrease.Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Bags is the taxing of malleable bag of $0.5 per bag. It is the first scheme under the Producer Responsibility Scheme under the Environmental security Department. In the first phase 7 July 2009 31 mollycoddlech 2015, virtually 3000 retail outlets w ere covered. In the full implementation phase starting 1 April 2015, all retail outlets (to a greater extent than 100,000 points of retail sales) in Hong Kong are covered.ii1.3 Objectives and expected outcomes in that location are two main objectives in this study 1. To evaluate the successful factors and areas for improvement of the PSB plan and 2. To give recommendations on future waste reduction schemes using the experience learnt from the PSB plan.By information collection and analysis, I expect to gain the following outcomes the actual results of the PSB scheme, the reasons citizenry support or ostracise the scheme, governmental communication with the human beings regarding waste production, the criteria for a successful eco- scheme in the domains eyes and the relation of education and promotion to effectiveness.1.4 Focus QuestionsThe focus questions regarding the topic include-What is the current situation of Plastic Shopping Bag Levy? How effective is it in reducing plas tic waste?-How do citizens evaluate the effectiveness of the PSB Levy?-What are the benefits of the PSB Levy to HKs environment?-What damage or disharmony will PSB Levy bring to HK?-What can we conclude from the current situation on the effectiveness of the PSB Levy? What elements can thus be pulmonary tuberculosisd to make future environmental indemnity more effective?2. MethodologyI cast used the following data collection method for primary data3. Findings and Analysis3.1 Effectiveness of the Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags3.1.1 Did the PSB scheme succeed in bringing down plastic bag waste production? To what extent?The PSB scheme was to a large extent successful in bringing plastic bag waste production. The diffusion of PSB in retail outlets has reduced by 90% since the launch of the PSB scheme in 2009.iii It was estimated that 84 one thousand thousand PSB was distributed in 2009, thus it has fall to 8.4 million approximately uptil now. ivFrom the questionnaire survey, the majority of 80% respondents said they would not use PSB go except a minority of 20% said they would. It shows the effectiveness of the PSB scheme. From the heavens observation, the PSB distribution is a low 5% per hour.v The number of PSB distributed in supermarkets has decreased to 403, according to a survey conducted by Green Action. viThe government has attributed the neuter to the increasing earthly concern awareness of Bring Your Own Bag promoted by the PSB scheme. vii Therefore, the PSB scheme has succeeded to bring down PSB distribution and raise eco-awareness.3.1.2 The pros of the PSB scheme and successful factorsThe PSB scheme is successful in bringing down PSB usage and fostering eco-awareness, as mentioned in 3.1.1. According to the questionnaire survey, 57% and 39% of respondents said they learn not to claim PSB because they dont want to pay the $0.5 fritter and that they are eco-friendly. This shows that one of the successful factors of the scheme is the fin ancial disincentive, as Hong Kong people are money-conscious. viii This also shows that the PSB scheme has raised human beings awareness towards their eco placement.The elements that make the PSB scheme successful can give reference to future waste reduction schemes. Firstly, financial disincentive is effective in discouraging waste production, thus this element should be kept. Also, another successful factor is promoting validating stinting value much(prenominal) as Bring Your Own Bag, as cosmos awareness has been raised in the PSB scheme.ixThe cons of the PSB scheme and areas for improvementDespite the limpid effectiveness, there is still room for improvements for the PSB scheme. The cons of the PSB scheme include the small come up of levy not being threatening enough and the difficulty in oversight. According to the questionnaire survey, 70% of respondents said they would use PSB as it is convenient and 65% said the levy is affordable. x Thus, we see that maybe the levy s hould be increase to be more effective. Also, according to the field observation, some customers tend to procure prepackaged goods or take many storage bags with no hand-hold to avoid the levy.xi Therefore, this shows that ineffective supervision would negatively affect the effectiveness of the measure.The major problem of the PSB scheme right now, concluded from the to a higher place, is the deep-rooted unrestricted attitude. Hong Kong people are often money-minded and cynical, which may cause them to disregard the PSB scheme for their personal interest, such as avoiding the levy but still using other plastic bags or misusing recycling bags. xii The main issue to tackle in lay out to better future waste production schemes is how to change the public attitude and promote correct value in the long run.Implications of the effectiveness of the PSB schemeThe PSB scheme is the first scheme under the Producer Responsibility Scheme, thus is the water tester that indicates whether finan cial disincentive is effective to reduce waste production. Its success reflected that Hong Kong people are very conscious when something affects their personal interest directly, such as additional financial burden, therefore future waste reduction scheme should still be focused on this helplessness of Hong Kong people (financial disincentive). xiii One supporting evidence is found in the questionnaire survey. When asked to be what are the priorities that urge them to support a waste reduction scheme, roughly respondents ranked sparing factor first, then personal factor. Remarkably, they least value environmental factor and sustainability, showing Hong Kong people are generally more money-minded than eco-conscious.xiv The implications of this phenomenon are that financial disincentive is just about courtingable for waste reduction in Hong Kong as financial concern is the greatest motivational occasion for Hongkongers to change living habits, also that future schemes should fo cus on delivering validating values such as the importance of eco-protection and sustainability in promotion and public education.xvRecommendations on future waste reduction schemes from the experience of PSB3.2.1 What elements of the PSB scheme can be kept in further schemes of waste reduction?As discussed in 3.1.2, the main elements to be kept in further schemes of waste reduction are financial disincentive and effort to change public attitude in changing lifestyles, also their approaches to waste. xvi Based on the questionnaire findings, most respondents are supportive to the PSB scheme and regard it a political and amicable success. xvii This also showed that transparency of government measures and effective downward communication and public consultation is important, and should be continued in future waste reduction schemes.xviii3.2.2 What are the problems in the PSB scheme that further schemes of waste reduction of necessity to tackle?As discussed in 3.1.3, the main problems of the PSB scheme are the hard-to-change public attitude and thus their living habits, also non-threatening amount of levy and scant(predicate) supervision. Furthermore, most respondents think the crux of the waste production problem are inadequate environmental education, lack of promotion of government eco-schemes and the buy-and-throw habit of the flourishing metropolis.xix These are problems that future waste production scheme most urgently face.The direction for future waste reduction schemes and feasible solutionsIn reply to 3.2.2, hereby I would recommend important points for improvement with regard to the above problems. Firstly, when implementing waste reduction schemes, powerful financial disincentive should be obligate to respond to Hong Kong peoples money-conscious mindset and relatively smaller concern for the environment. xx It is the only way to receive biggest response from the public and see changes in their daily living. Secondly, to tackle the supervision diff iculty, a report system by hotline can be opened to the public to report violation of the policy by either shops or the general public.xxi This can make supervision more all-rounded. Thirdly, education and promotion to indoctrinate correct and positive values is also important. As shown in the questionnaire findings, the public value economical concern over environmental concern, which is unhealthy and detrimental to eco-protection. Thus, education and promotion is essential.In order to find out the most supported waste reduction schemes, I have asked respondents to rank policies that they regard as most effective in reducing waste. The survey results show that policies involving separation, recycling and levy are seen as most effective, with the top being Source Separation of house servant Waste, scoring 1580 in sums.xxii This shows that the public would support waste reduction schemes that only require little alterations in daily living, such as household waste separation, or rec ycling and financial disincentive. This match with the fact that their top concern is economical factor and second is personal factor when responding to a waste reduction scheme.xxiii In contrary, public opinion do not support policies involving rude(a) landfills and incinerators, the bottom being opening up new landfill in current country parks, scoring only 882 in total.xxiv This shows that the public is least likely to support waste reduction scheme that efficiency be detrimental to their living environment and health, or those that may use a large amount of government reserves as it violates economic efficiency. This match with their priority list as they most value economical factor (efficiency, personal burden) and personal factor (impact to living environment and health). This be gives us important and clear insights into which directions to go and also how best to suit public concerns and gain public support in waste reduction schemes. cultivation and promotion *****With reference to 3.2.3, we have gained some insights into what values are to be changed for future waste reduction schemes to go smoothly (money over environment) , and also what are most motivational to the general public.3.2.5 Public attitude reflected from the PSB scheme 4. Conclusion5.Reflections6. Bibliography7.Appendixi Environment minister Wong Kam-sing, 2003, Hong Kong issues dire warning on landfills amid protests by residents, South China Morning Post, http//www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1246229/city-could-drown-trash-environment-minister-warnsiiEnvironmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Bags, Environmental vindication Department, http//www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/pro_responsibility/env_levy.htmliii Press Release, 28 Mar 2015, Environmental guard Department, http//www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201503/28/P201503270921.htmiv Will Hong Kongs city-wide levy on plastic bags really change demeanor?, Time Out Hong Kong, http//www.timeout.com.hk/big-smog/feature s/71898/will-hong-kongs-city-wide-levy-on-plastic-bags-really-change-behaviour.htmlv Field observation, appendix 3vi Environmental Levy on Plastic Shopping Bags What are the problems?, CSR Asia, http//csr-asia.com/csr-asia-weekly-news-detail.php?id=11753vii Press Release, 28 Mar 2015, Environmental Protection Department, http//www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201503/28/P201503270921.htmviii Plastic society rethinks bags, Macau Business, twenty-sixth May 2015, http//www.macaubusiness.com/news/plastic-society-rethinks-bags.htmlix Press Release, 28 Mar 2015, Environmental Protection Department, http//www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201503/28/P201503270921.htmx Questionnaire survey, Q3, appendix2xi Field observation, appendix 3xii determine Education in Hong Kong Problems and Possibilities, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, http//www.acsa.edu.au/pages/images/99_fok_values_ed.pdfxiii Values Education in Hong Kong Problems and Possibilities, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, http//www. acsa.edu.au/pages/images/99_fok_values_ed.pdfxiv Questionnaire survey, Q8, appendix2xv Values Education in Hong Kong Problems and Possibilities, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, http//www.acsa.edu.au/pages/images/99_fok_values_ed.pdfxvi Waste Reduction Framework Plan, Environmental Protection Department, http//www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/prob_solutions/wrfp_summary.htmlxvii Questionnaire survey, Q5 and Q6, appendix2xviii Public Consultation Report on the Proposal on An Environmental Levy on Plastic Shopping Bags , http//www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/prob_solutions/files/Consultation_Report_Levy_Eng.pdf.xix Questionnaire survey, Q9 , appendix2xx Values Education in Hong Kong Problems and Possibilities, The Hong Kong Institute of Education, http//www.acsa.edu.au/pages/images/99_fok_values_ed.pdfxxi Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags, Environmental Protection Scheme, http//www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/pr o_responsibility/env_levy.htmlxxii Questionnaire survey, Q7 , appendix2xxiii Questionnaire survey, Q8 , appendix2xxiv Questionnaire survey, Q7 , appendix2