Newsletter No. 15

CUHK Newsletter No. 15 Feb.1991 After investigation, Mr. Choi identified the source of trouble to be the sewage discharged from a canteen nearby. After notifying the parties concerned, the situation improved. At present, the water on the campus, though not crystal clear, is regarded as acceptable. The Mosquito Problem Mr. Choi also maintains a constant monitoring system to check the breeding of mosquitoes on the campus, but the job is more complicated than monitoring water quality. He has divided the campus into 15 areas, each with a monitoring point where a plastic bucket filled with clear water will be placed for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Every two weeks Mr. Choi filters out the mosquito larvae and counts their number, and estimates the size of the mosquito population in each area. One of Mr. Choi's findings is that there are as yet no malaria-bearing mosquitoes on the campus. But Chung Chi College, with its high humidity and dense vegetation, is a haven for mosquitoes. In general, however, the mosquito population on the campus has not reached an alarming level. The environment officer is currently engaged in research on mosquito control. How to limit their number without resorting to chemicals such as insecticides and mosquito-repellent coating which could pollute the environment is the biggest headache. Mr. Choi is considering using biological control, i.e. employing certain bacteria to kill the mosquito larvae. The bacteria under consideration have very strong specificity and will not harm the environment. Such a method has already been used in other countries and tests in the local laboratory have also confirmed its effectiveness. Since importing such bacteria from overseas is very expensive, Mr. Choi is now trying to culture them instead. Waste Paper Recycling Project Late last year, the Buildings Office made an appeal to University members to support a waste paper recycling project on campus. Waste paper recovering cages were placed at 21 spots on the campus to collect old newspapers, magazines, books, telephone directories, and computer print-outs. The waste paper thus recovered will be sold to traders for recycling. According to Mr. S. H. Liang, the assistant to director of the Buildings Office, cages are placed where they (1) will not become eyesores, (2) do not block traffic or fire escapes, (3) are accessible by car, and (4) can be sheltered from wind and rain. Response Lukewarm By 9th January, the University had recovered 1,100 kilogrammes of waste paper. Best results were achieved at the collection stations at the Buildings Office, the University Administration Building, University residence No. 4 ， Ho T im Building, Fung King Hey Building, Wen Lan Tang and Benjamin Franklin Centre, where the recovering cages were often full to the brim. In comparison, collection stations at the administration building and canteen of United College, the Basic Medical Sciences Building, the student hostel of Shaw College, staff quarters E and Chung Chi Tang of Chung Chi College received little support. The hundreds of dollars generated in December's waste paper recycling project has already been transferred to the Bursar's Office for disposal. Call for Greater Support After weeks of observation, the Buildings Office is now reviewing the locations of collection stations and may make adjustments to achieve greater effectiveness. Mr. S. H. Liang also calls upon colleagues to cultivate the habit of separating paper from other trash and to actively participate in this common effort to save the tropical rain forests. Other Suggestions In an affluent society, people often waste natural resources without realizing it. Actually, slightly modifying one's life style or habits not only saves money but also our environment. The following are some suggestions that can be practised on campus. 1.Turnoff all fans, air-conditioners, lights etc. when they are not in use. 2 . I n the summer, reduce the need for air-conditioning by keeping blinds and curtains drawn and doors closed when possible. 3 . In winter, reduce the need for heaters by letting the sunshine in, seal gaps around windows and doors and use thick curtains to keep in the heat at night. 4. Use public transportation. Walk or ride your bike when you can. 5. Try forming a car pool. Travelling with your friends or colleagues will reduce travelling expenses. 6. Buy energy-efficient motor cars. 7. Don't run your car on over-inflated tires, as this increases petrol costs. 8. Make note pads by using blank sides of used paper. 9. Re-use envelopes. 10. Use cheaper paper for draft copies. 11 . Bring your own tea/coffee mug to the office. Encourage fellow workers to do the same. 12. Avoid buying disposable products such as plastic lighters and polystyrene cups. They are more expensive. 13 . Use a handkerchief rather than paper napkins. 14. Choose goods which have the least packaging. That means less wastage of energy and resources, less garbage and, in general, savings for you. 6