Earth Day 2020: 5 Hong Kong Charities That Save The Environment

If you're looking from some Hong Kong charities to champion this Earth Day, from the sea to the skies, these five non-profits are helping to clean up Planet Earth.

1. Clean Air Network

Above Photo: Unsplash

With a vision of an unpolluted Hong Kong, Clean Air Network aims to clear the smog by engaging the public through workshops, community monitoring projects and policy advocacy.

Their three-pronged approach starts by building knowledge and understanding of the problem, connecting the resources of stakeholders in Hong Kong and seeking out sustainable solutions for the future that the government can implement today.

Above Photo: Courtesy of EcoDrive Hong Kong

Non-profit EcoDrive was founded in 2017 by 11 women—including Tatler 500 Listers Yolanda Choy-Tang, Emily Lam-Ho and Tansy Lau-Tom—to combat single-use plastics by educating the public and working with corporations to reduce waste

Although it might be a relative newcomer, it has made plenty of strides, educating more than 4,000 students on the dangers of single-use plastics, and shooting the bilingual short film "Start Small, Start Now" with filmmakers Photo Escapes, which it incorporates into its many workshops.

3. Ocean Recovery Alliance

Above Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Recovery Alliance

Founded by Doug Woodring, who was awarded the Prince's Prize for Innovative Philanthropy from Prince Albert of Monaco for his efforts, Ocean Recovery Alliance creates business opportunities for local communities to help improve the ocean environment.

Not only did they help Watsons Water convert their plastic water bottles from zero percent recycled content to 100 percent recycled content, they were also the recycling partner for the Rugby 7s in 2014 and founders of the global Plasticity Forum that is attended by industry leaders around the world.

4. Project C: Change

Above Photo: Courtesy of Project C: Change

Founded by award-winning TV producer and Tatler 500 lister Sean Lee-Davies in 2010, Project C:Change is a social enterprise and media platform that raises awareness about environmental issues such as climate change and conservation, and empowers local communities to protect their own natural resources.

The platform engages media outlets and celebrities to spread its message. The social enterprise also frequently runs fundraisers, from mountain climbs and walks to gala dinners and art exhibitions, donating the proceeds to environmental charities such as the Nature Conservancy, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation and the Big Life Foundation.

5. The Nature Conservancy

Above Photo: Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy was originally the research-oriented Ecological Society of America, established in 1915. Recognising the need to preserve forests, rivers, the marine environment and other ecosystems, the organisation reformed as a non-profit in 1951. It has since expanded to 72 countries around the world, protecting millions of hectares of forests and thousands of kilometres of rivers.

As when it first began, however, the organisation’s approach is firmly rooted in science and collaboration. In addition to protecting land and water, it also prioritises tackling climate change, building healthy cities and sustainably supplying food and water.

(Editor's note: This is by no means an exhaustive list of Hong Kong charities that save the environment. If you would like to have your charity featured, please send us an email.)

This article was originally published on 18 February 2019 and was updated on 21 April 2020.

Topics

Charity Environment Earth Nature Eco earth day

Tatler Asia

Earth Day 2020: 5 Hong Kong Charities That Save The Environment

1. Clean Air Network

2. EcoDrive Hong Kong

3. Ocean Recovery Alliance

4. Project C: Change

5. The Nature Conservancy