In a city of skyscrapers and bustling commerce, one organization is quietly reshaping Hong Kong’s relationship with the environment. The Green Earth, founded in 2016 by veteran environmentalist Edwin Lau, doesn’t just talk about sustainability – it drives real change where it matters most.
From plastic-choked shorelines to overstuffed landfills, the organization tackles tough environmental challenges with a mix of research, hands-on action and creativity.
As Founder, Lau has dedicated over 36 years to environmental protection and promoting awareness education in Hong Kong.
“Guided by the core value ‘Cherish the Earth’, we continue to unveil inconvenient truths and drive meaningful change through corporate engagement, green education and sustainable policy research,” said Lau, explaining that the organization’s impact is tangible and meaningful.
Their tree-planting initiatives stand as a testament to this approach. Since 2017, more than 19,000 saplings have taken root in Hong Kong's country parks through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and corporate teams, making a tangible difference in local biodiversity.
Lau pointed out that The Green Earth’s five-year Beverage Plastic Bottle Brand Survey (2018-2022) revealed a serious issue of plastic pollution stemming from single-use plastic beverage bottles, prompting the authorities to develop a producer responsibility scheme that enables beverage producers to demonstrate their environmental commitments in addressing the problem.
“And our Green Events campaign has inspired event organizers to take a proactive approach to reduce the environmental impact, mainly disposable waste, by implementing measures and solutions for almost 200 events,” he said.
The organization’s targeted green messaging and actions have reached up to a million participants since inception, preventing more than 37 tonnes of recyclable materials from ending up in landfills, aptly demonstrating its game-changing impact.
At the corporate level, The Green Earth Companion Programme offers businesses more than just symbolic environmental commitment. Through dynamic ESG workshops, creative upcycling sessions and hands-on volunteer opportunities, companies gain practical tools to reduce their ecological impact while enhancing employee engagement and environmental literacy.
These aren't typical corporate training courses – participants have consistently described them as “engaging, informative and surprisingly enjoyable.”
“Several partner companies have even taken inspiration from upcycling workshop concepts, like transforming used banners into new products or repurposing coffee grounds for art, for their sustainability practices,” he added.
As a longstanding supporter of ReThink HK, Hong Kong's leading sustainability business event, The Green Earth continues to shape the environmental conversation. With the Government's ambitious 2050 carbon neutrality target on the horizon, Lau emphasizes the need for collective action: “We're calling on businesses to join us in pioneering Hong Kong's sustainable transformation.”
The organization’s influence also belies its size: recognition, such as the 2023 Outstanding Green Event Facilitator Award from the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency, highlights its significant impact.
In the future, The Green Earth hopes to expand its collaborations with schools, government bodies, mega-event organizers and the business community.
“Working closely with storied entities like the HKGCC will further exemplify how business growth, employee wellness and environmental care can align while supporting the 2050 carbon neutrality goal – a target that calls for collective action today,” stated Lau.
The Green Earth
HKGCC Membership No.: HKG0678
Year Established : 2016
Website : greenearth.org.hk