Hello everyone! This is Clara Lee from Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong) Limited (SMTHK).

Green Living is a lifestyle that strives to create balance in preserving and protecting Earth’s natural resources, habitats, human civilization and biodiversity. It is a means of developing sustainable habits in one’s daily life so that their daily routines work alongside the resources of nature instead of depleting them, or doing more long-term damage to the environment or ecological system.

The benefits of green living include improved sustainability both within individuals and the world, as well as the conspicuous benefit of improving the state of the environment by taking direct action to reduce climate change and global warming.

As such, F-E-E-L Green Week was arranged in SMTHK this year to encourage our staff to adopt a green lifestyle. There are various advantages in adopting a green lifestyle, it includes creating a healthier environment, save money and conserve natural resources.

Two events were held during the F-E-E-L Green Week.

On 11 November 2023, 1^st event was held to visit The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) Organic Farm.

HKFYG Organic Farm situated at Ho Pui Reservoir, Yuen Long is about 160,000 sq. ft, its is so far the only farm in Hong Kong that follow both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Programme and also Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre offering consumers fresh local organic products. They have been serving thousands of loyal customers in the community for near a decade. With a constant supply of fresh organic vegetables and educational visits, the farm contributes to the health and well-being of people of all ages.

Including family members, 15 participants had the opportunity to get involved in organic farming experience, understand the efforts of farmers and learn about the benefits of organic farming.

During the visit, members are able to know more about seeds of different crops, soil, farming techniques and learn diversify types of product mix. There are various products being planted in the organic farm – roselle, Indian lettuce, lemons, passion fruits, etc. Participants also have an experience to be farmer to bring home half catty organic vegetables. Apart from harvesting vegetables, members have the chance to purchase organic vegetables directly.

On the following Monday, 2^nd event was held inhouse for all SMTHK members to enjoy vegetarian meal prepared by the Gingko House.

Gingko House is one of the major social enterprise icons in Hong Kong. They are famous for advocating senior employment as a pioneer with a quite diversified business structure, restaurant, organic farm, food factory, catering, elderly band, rehabilitation supplies store and a placement agency for the elderly, benefited more than 2,000 elderlies in the past. Restaurant of Gingko House is supported by self-produced organic vegetables and uses quality ingredients to promote a healthy diet.

Our members brought along with their own utensil to enjoy the green meal in order to reduce wastes.

After participating in both events, we believe our members will have a better understanding of the importance of having a green lifestyle and continue to help in contributing to a healthier planet.