Yesterday The Link joined with Greeners Action, an environmental organisation, to launch the “Lai See Recycling and Reuse Programme 2013”. The launch ceremony was officiated at Lok Fu Plaza by Mr. Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Angus Ho, Executive Director of Greeners Action,  Ms. Hilda Wong, Head of Marketing of The Link Management Limited and representatives from other participating organisations.  
 
The Link has supported Greeners Action’s “Lai See Recycling and Reuse Programme 2013” for all four years of its existence. In 2013, The Link is a “Gold Packet Sponsor” , taking advantage of its strong shopping centre network to place recycling boxes in 80 of its shopping centres. This year, a total of 19 companies have pledged their support to the programme, and the number of collection points has increased from 158 to 362 across Hong Kong.
 
Since the “Lai See Recycling and Reuse Programme 2013” was established in 2010, Greeners Action has collected over 1.29 million lai see envelopes, which equals saving 66 trees and 17,000 kg of carbon emissions. This year, it is anticipated that over 2 million lai see envelopes will be collected. Half of the collected lai see envelopes – those that are in brand new and reusable condition – will be redistributed to different NGOs, institutions, housing estates and the general public for reuse. Participating companies and organisations have also signed the “Green Packet Action” Charter, which pledges to reduce the distribution of lai see envelopes during Chinese New Year, use environmentally friendly paper for printing and encourage the reuse of lai see envelopes. 
 
Mr. Angus Ho, Executive Director of Greeners Action, said, “We are delighted to see that the public has embraced the use of ‘redistributed lai see’, as we have increased our distribution of these environmental-friendly lai see envelopes over the last 3 years. We would like to reiterate our call to companies and the public to reduce the amount of lai see envelopes being distributed during Chinese New Year. While we face a serious waste problem in Hong Kong, instead of throwing out old stuff in the new year, we should make an effort to reuse and recycle them.  We should apply this idea to other new year traditions too to make Chinese New Year more environmental-friendly and meaningful.”
 
Ms. Hilda Wong, Head of Marketing of The Link, said, “This year marks The Link’s fourth consecutive year of supporting Greeners Action’s ‘Lai See Recycling and Reuse Programme’. We have increased the number of collection points from 50 to 80 to contribute a wider range of coverage and districts throughout Hong Kong, allowing more people to participate. The Link places an emphasis on sustainable development, and environmental protection is a major focus of our approach. For example, the red packets, The Link prefers to use eco-paper and soy ink printing in those publications with relatively large production quantity plus wide distribution, and we promote a low-carbon lifestyle to the public by organising events such as the CNY Bike Parade and Dragon Bike Dance. In the new year, The Link will continue to encourage a low-carbon lifestyle and enhance the local community’s green awareness through our strong shopping centre network.”  
 
Details for the programme in The Link’s shopping centres:
 
• Date: 17 February (Day 8 of First Month) to 2 March (Day 21 of First Month)
• Venue: 80 shopping malls, including Lok Fu Shopping Centre, Wong Tai Sin Shopping Centre, Lung Cheung Mall, Stanley Plaza, Leung King Plaza (please refer to appendix)