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Press
Release
Launching
of mobile environmental resource centre
The first
mobile environmental resource centre (MERC) was launched today
(August 23) to provide a convenient way of promoting public
environmental education and awareness.
The Director
of Environmental Protection, Mr Rob Law; the Director of Electrical
and Mechanical Services, Mr Roger Lai; and the Executive Director,
Membership Services of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Billy
Chen, unveiled the MERC at Kwong Yuen Estate, Sha Tin.
Modified
from a 4.6-tonne van, the MERC is the first liquefied petroleum
gas vehicle of its size running in Hong Kong. It is funded
under a $2 million grant from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities
Trust.
It is
characterised by a number of green features including electronic
ballast and energy saving bulbs, waste collectors for recyclables,
asbestos-free insulating materials, a ventilation system powered
by solar energy and a sunroof to maximise the use of natural
light.
The MERC
contains six learning areas specially designed to disseminate
a variety of green messages. They include the use of computers,
panel and model displays, a reading and information area,
a seminar corner and an experience corner.
Starting
this September, the MERC will tour around housing estates,
schools, community centres and shopping malls to promote the
message of "Waste Reduction". It will provide an opportunity
for residents in various districts to gain access to environmental
information in a convenient way by taking the information
to their doorstep.
Schools
will also be invited to participate in a reach-out programme.
The mobile centre will visit schools on weekdays and serve
the community on weekends.
Members
of the public who are interested in visiting the centre may
contact the MERC hotline at 2594 6013 to check the arrangement.
Apart
from the mobile centre, the public is also welcome to visit
the two existing environmental resource centres in Wan Chai
and Tsuen Wan.
End/Thursday,
August 23, 2001
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