PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups warn that giving uneaten mooncakes as gifts during the Mid-Autumn Festival can contribute to food waste problems, especially if the pastries end up in landfills. They also highlight the issue of excessive and non-recyclable packaging associated with mooncakes. To reduce waste, consumers are advised to only buy what is needed, share any excess, and choose mooncakes with minimal or no packaging. Additionally, environment and waste management specialist Dr Theng Lee Chong calls for a law to address the problem of excessive packaging in Malaysia.
Dr Theng reveals that some mooncake makers spend a significant amount, up to 30% of the cost of a mooncake, on packaging. He attributes this to consumers’ demand for attractive packaging. Theng believes that unless there is a specific law regulating packaging, mooncake makers are unlikely to simplify their packaging and make it more environmentally friendly. He proposes a packaging law that mandates the use of recyclable materials and limits excessive layers in packaging. Theng suggests that non-recyclable packaging should be subjected to higher taxes, as seen in a packaging law in Germany.
Consumers can contribute to reducing waste by avoiding mooncakes with excessive packaging and opting for those made with recyclable materials such as metal or paper. Theng also suggests that mooncake sellers and brands offer discounts or incentives for purchasing mooncakes without packaging. Another suggestion is to establish return systems where consumers can bring back their packaging materials for reuse. Tina Yap, a member of Zero Waste Malaysia, emphasizes the importance of buying less and engaging in conversations with traders who use minimal or no packaging.
Yap advises consumers to choose simple packaging over elaborate ones, as the latter is harder to recycle. She also highlights the need for clear labeling on mooncake packaging to indicate recyclable components and the appropriate disposal methods. By consuming mooncakes with minimal or no packaging, Yap believes that the demand for unnecessary packaging will decrease over time. Ultimately, consumer awareness and responsible choices can contribute to reducing waste during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
