| Apr 30, 2009
Let’s face it: most cheap furniture inevitably collapses after a few months and then ends up in the landfill, so why not invest in some furniture that’s long-lasting, beautiful and most of all, eco-friendly? Tree is a furniture company that reuses old wood sourced from around Asia to create its pieces. Some of it comes from old fishing boats, others from unused railway tracks, and all of it is certified eco-friendly. Every wood-based product from Tree is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
22 Elgin St., Central, 2841-8844, www.tree.com.hk
If you haven’t gotten around to making the switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs yet, well there’s no time like the present. Though they’re more expensive at around $30 each, fluorescent lightbulbs give off less carbon dioxide and last nearly 10 times longer than regular bulbs, saving you money in the long run. Most electrical appliance stores stock them, or you could check out Zodiac Lighting in Wan Chai, which offers a variety of bulbs.
G/F, Tak On Mansion, 32-34 Morrison Hill Rd., Wan Chai. 2832-9987, www.zodiaclighting.com.
Green roofs—where a lawn or other plant life is installed on the roof of a building—are a much-needed addition to the roofs of Hong Kong buildings. In addition to contributing to urban greening and improving the air quality of the surrounding area, green roofs also absorb sunlight, keeping the building cool. If you have a rooftop apartment and are thinking about creating a green roof, then check out Waste and Environmental Technologies, a company that has created several green roof projects in the city.
601-602, 6/F, Lakeside2, 10 Science Park West Avenue, Phase II, Hong Kong Science Park, Sha Tin, 2602-0308, www.wastech.com.hk
If that seems like too much work for you, you can always grow some simple potted plants on your balcony. Even a few plants can help boost oxygen levels both in and around your home. Try to go for indigenous species that don’t require much care. Try Prince Florist for a wide range of fresh plants.
Prince Florist 198 Prince Edward Rd. West, Mong Kok, 2380-1982
In Hong Kong, there’s no shortage of sunlight during the summer, so consider installing a passive solar water heater in your home. Try Ceplat, which offers a variety of solar products. The 220 watt model costs $4,840 and the 110 watt model costs $2,420.
3112-0566, www.ceplat.com.
The government has a mandatory energy efficiency labeling scheme for appliances, so next time you go shopping, check the label on the appliance, which will have a Grade from 1-5 with Grade 1 being the most energy-efficient. If you’re looking for a Grade 1 refrigerator, then try Hitachi. Most of its products have a Grade 1 rating, starting from around $2,730 from Fortress.
G/F, Yu Sung Boon Building, 107 - 111 Des Voeux Rd., Central. 2544-4385
For a one-stop eco shop, check out the China Light and Power store, CLP Eco Home. It deals specifically with energy-efficient products and offers several household items, such as a induction cookers and electric water heaters, all of which are highly energy-efficient and ideal for small Hong Kong apartments.
188 Sai Yeung Choi St. South, Mong Kok, 2678-6368
Also see: Green is Good: The shift towards "green buildings" in Hong Kong.
