Here in Hong Kong, the name of the game is consumption. We all know that shopping is more a way of life than a mere activity, but it might be time to consider how our spending habits can actually help others, and also the environment.

You may find yourself strapped for cash this holiday season, so shopping for presents might seem daunting. Indeed, after receiving your hard-earned paycheck, it’s tempting to spend it on yourself. Well, you can…at least feel less guilty about doing so, anyway.

Here’s how you can shop, spend less, and help the Hong Kong community at large:

-    Recycle by donating used goods to a charity or organization. It’s one less thing to add to our already teeming landfills, and you’d be surprised at how many people in Hong Kong can’t shop.

-    Check out your local Salvation Army for clothes and other secondhand goods. There are probably some good finds there, like vintage t-shirts and quirky items. Besides – you would be saving money for yourself in addition to also contributing to a good cause.

-    Don’t throw away anything! This includes batteries, CDs, aluminum cans, laptops, clothes, and even printer cartridges. ALL of these things can be recycled and reused. You can find drop-off bins in many MTR stations.

-    Save the wrapping paper from all the presents you receive, and reuse them. Similarly, think about using less wrapping paper on your own gifts. Try something simple like tying a single ribbon instead.

-    Send an e-card rather than wasting money and paper on a fancy one. Your family and friends won’t mind it really is the thought that counts.

Organization: Salvation Army What They Need: new or used clothes (clean), electric appliances (TVs, refrigerators, computers, printers), toys, books, bags, DVD/VCD/CDs Where To Drop Off: Their headquarters is located at 11 Wing Sing Lane, Yaumatei in Kowloon, but you can also go to any one of their other 16 collection centres.

The Salvation Army’s recycling program benefits people in Hong Kong. The donations go to the poor and needy, as well as the elderly and ex-prisoners, while the rest of it is sold at discounted prices in the Family Stores.

Organization: Christian Action What They Need: either new or used clothes, shoes, handbags, small stuffed toys, and small home electronic appliances Where To Drop Off: You can actually call (2716 8778) and have them collect at your home or go to the head office in the New Horizons Building on 2 Kwun Tong Road in Kowloon.

Christian Action will redistribute your goods to the poor, elderly, and orphans, in addition to selling them at their charity flea market and “Shopping Day,” in which new-arrival families can buy winter clothes during Chinese New Year. The proceeds from their sales also help abandoned and disabled children in China.

Organization: Friends of the Earth What They Need: clothes, CDs, printer cartridges, expanded polystyrene (styrofoam), aluminum cans Where To Drop Off: Hundreds of collection bins and sites depending on the type you are recycling.

Clothes in good condition will be donated to various charities, while the clothes in poorer condition will be recycled into mops. CDs are recycled and used to make electronic components. Styrofoam can be recycled and made into boxes, pots, packaging materials, and lightweight concrete. Details and specifications about the items can be found on the website.

Organization: St. James’ Settlement What They Need: electric fans, rice cookers, electric water boilers/pots, radios, telephone sets (with large number keys), TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters Where To Drop Off: Room 105, 1/F, 85 Stone Nullah Lane in Wanchai

Your appliances help the elderly who live by themselves and often don’t have much money or people to help them cook, clean, or perform many daily tasks.

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