DBSPTA-PD Newsletter 2018-19

Environmental Protection Sub-committee
The Green Sub-committee was formed last year to help with furthering
the school’s environmental protection agenda. Working very closely
with Ms. Phyllis Lo, Ms. Michelle Ng, Mr. Sammy Ho and leveraging on
our student ambassadors, we managed to achieve quite a few impactful
changes.
1. Installation of new water fountains/Reducing single-use plastic in
tuck shop
One of the first changes in the year was the installation of new water
fountains. After the fountains were installed, our student ambassadors
proposed to the tuck shop that we should stop selling bottled water.
In addition, our ambassadors also recommended ways in which the tuck shop can reduce styrofoam containers and
other single-use plastic utensils. These recommendations were promptly accepted and rolled out.
2. Composting
We generate hundreds of kilograms of food waste each week. After evaluating the feasibility of having a composting
machine on-site, we decided to use a third-party composting service provider instead. Now, all food waste from lunch
are composted.
3. Green uniform
Thanks to the great support from our parents and boys, PTA Green Uniform programme collected around 400 pieces
of used uniforms. We were grateful to many parent volunteers who helped us in sorting and screening on 16 May,
and distribution on 17 May (Parents’ Day). Most of our used uniforms found new home among our boys. With the
remaining 50 uncollected pieces (mainly PE uniforms), we shipped them to an Orphanage in the Philippines. Our
school started as an Orphanage itself 150 years ago and it is meaningful that our used uniforms can find new masters
in another Orphanage.
4. Promoting Green in school events
Working with parent and student volunteers, we started recycling stations during the Open Day. We also reminded
parents and guests to bring their own reusable utensils and water bottles. However, the results were mixed. We will
learn from our experience and aim for better results next time.
5. Teaching Green
The Sub-committee worked closely with Dr. Nadia Chan and Ms. Michelle Ng to introduce a Green program for G5
students during the Extended Learning Week. Over 30 parents volunteered to help develop and deliver the weeklong
program that culminated in many bright ideas to save the environment and a presentation to the Secretary for
the Environment Mr. Wong Kam Sing.
I want to thank Ms. Jennifer Wang who has done most of the heavy lifting from the parent end; Mr. Victor Lee and
Ms. Hilary Choi for leading the Green Uniform effort and to the many parent volunteers who have given us so much
of their time and ideas.
Special thanks to Ms. Lo for your leadership, Ms. Michelle Ng and Mr. Sammy Ho for your dedication to Green and
the extra hours you put in. We would also like to thank Dr. Nadia Chan for giving us the opportunity to work on the
ELW program.
Mr. Joseph Wan and Mr. Victor Lee
Convenors of Environmental Protection Sub-committee
DBSPTA-PD 9/2019
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