Your Voice: Eat ‘ugly’ produce to reduce food waste; increase support for kids with dyslexia in Hong Kong (long letters)
- Nearly half the fruits and vegetables produced every year end up in the landfill, and many are perfectly fine to eat, one student writes
- Another reader discusses why society should provide more support for pupils with dyslexia
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Fight food waste with ugly produce
Emily Kwai Hoi-lam, Munsang College
As I stepped into the wet market, I was greeted by a plethora of stalls selling fruits and vegetables. However, the floor was laden with polystyrene boxes filled with disposed lettuce, which had just a few minuscule blemishes. Many fruits and vegetables go to a landfill if somebody does not purchase them. This sight can be seen in markets across the world.
The United Nations estimates that nearly half of the fruits and vegetables produced worldwide are wasted each year. With such a large surplus of food, it seems ironic that the World Bank estimated that 10 per cent of the world’s population was undernourished in 2023.
Of all the reasons why such a staggering amount of produce goes to waste, none are as significant as the fact that when consumers purchase fresh food, emphasis is put on its appearance rather than its taste and quality.
Foodlink Foundation works on reducing food waste and hunger in Hong Kong
It is a deep-rooted belief that vegetables and fruits that look better taste better. This is by no means an unfounded statement; the harvested items may have suffered damage from pests or infections, leading to some minor scratches. These vegetables are perceived as unhygienic, and consumers would rather steer away from them. In light of this, supermarkets have made the more cost-effective choice to dispose of fresh green vegetables that fail to meet cosmetic standards.
There are many more reasons why some produce appears unattractive, most of which are due to natural causes.
For instance, according to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden in Hong Kong, deformities on vegetables may simply be a sign of them regenerating after being slightly scraped. Incomplete pollination, frozen dew and growing through compacted soil can all cause incomplete development and growth of some parts of the plant, giving the fruit a slightly different shape. It is of utmost importance that we bear in mind that despite the unattractive appearance of these products, the nutritional value and quality are not affected.
Price is one compelling reason unattractive produce may be a better choice than the packaged greens in air-conditioned supermarkets. Shop owners may plan to dispose of the vegetables at the end of the day anyway, so unattractive farm produce comes at a discounted price. Consumers can acquire the same quality and quantity of vegetables at a much lower price.
In addition, after cleaning and cooking the vegetables, there is no doubt that the leafy greens will get a makeover. After preparing your meal, you can’t tell that the dish was made from unappealing produce.
We, as individuals, can take the initiative to alleviate this problem. In addition to purchasing such greens ourselves, we can participate in related volunteering work.
University of Hong Kong students turn food waste into dog toothpaste through upcycling competition
Environmental organisations in Hong Kong conduct events to collect produce with minor damage from wet markets instead of leaving it to be thrown away at landfill sites.
The advantages of buying greens that do not look so appealing outweigh the downsides. As the adage goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. The next time you come across unattractive fruits and vegetables, why not give them a shot? You’ll probably realise that you cannot tell the difference between them and more “attractive” produce.
Students with dyslexia need support
Athena To, Pope Paul VI College
I am writing to express my views on the article “SOTY 22/23: Best Improvement winner shares how a mentor helped her overcome dyslexia and be a more confident student”, published on December 7.
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disorders, affecting about 9.7 to 12.6 per cent of Hong Kong children. The symptoms include difficulty reading, writing, and memorising text. More importantly, those with dyslexia tend to suffer from low self-esteem. As dyslexic individuals get older, they are often more prone to developing mental illnesses like social anxiety and depression.
To begin, the current lack of awareness and education regarding dyslexia is concerning. It is crucial for the government to educate the general public on dyslexia and extend support to parents of dyslexic children.
By allocating resources to awareness campaigns, parents can gain knowledge about the symptoms and signs of dyslexia, enabling them to identify it in their child at an early age and have a better understanding of their children’s needs.
Additionally, the government should ensure the availability of support and resources for dyslexic children, such as workshops and counselling services.
Schools should also provide individualised teaching tailored to the specific needs of dyslexic students.
Assessments should be inclusive, and a positive study environment should be fostered in order to celebrate diversity and encourage students to embrace their strengths.
Moreover, movies and influential media should discuss dyslexia to promote a more inclusive and supportive society for individuals with dyslexia.
When dyslexia is depicted in a realistic and authentic manner, it can inspire and empower individuals who have it, letting them know that they are not alone and that their experiences are valid.
Movies and influential media have the power to reach a broad audience and shape public opinion. By portraying dyslexic characters and exploring their experiences, these platforms can provide valuable insight into the daily struggles, triumphs and unique perspectives of individuals with dyslexia.
I truly hope for all dyslexic children to discover their passions in life and experience joy in learning different languages. I personally would be delighted to help a dyslexic friend who wants to learn a new language by embarking on the journey along with them.