【明報專訊】Typhoon Mangkhut left a trail of destruction across Hong Kong last month. One of the shocking photos picturing massive piles of plastic waste in Heng Fa Chuen has warned the public about the city's trash problem again.

The plastic waste is mostly Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as plastic foam (發泡膠). It is made from non-renewable petroleum based chemicals, and is commonly used for manufacturing disposable food containers. Plastic foam, like any type of plastic waste, is not easily degraded and remains in the landfill for many years. It adds burden on the landfills.

To reduce the use of plastic foam, it is important to change the community's wasteful habits. For example, one should avoid using plastic foam containers, and try not to buy products with excessive EPS packaging. You can also reuse EPS containers, like for potting plant.

sources: Ming Pao, Environmental Protection Department

■Game

The Smarties are trapped in a mega plastic foam box. Help them find the way out.

■Quiz

1. Circle the word which has the opposite meaning of "massive" in paragraph one.

large / small

2. Are the following statements true or false?

a) EPS can be easily degraded.

T / F

b) It is encouraged to use plastic foam food containers. T / F

3. Name one way to reduce the use of plastic foam.

___________________________

■English highway﹕a trail of

a long line or a series of marks that have been left by someone or something

e.g. The train left a trail of black smoke behind it.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

disposable (adj) 一次過的

degrade (v) 分解

landfill (n) 堆填區

excessive (adj) 過分的

[Smarties' Power English 第225期]