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- 2021.03
- Trivia
- Green Living
Trivia on Sustainable Consumption – Choosing Your Environmental Spending
What are the “more sustainable” choices in Hong Kong? In recent years, there are a number of new developments in Hong Kong on sustainable consumption, such as waste reduction at source initiatives (e.g., zero-waste store) and recycling initiatives (e.g., garment to garment recycling system, Tetra Pak recycling facility), etc. 1 Zero-waste store in Hong Kong The first zero-waste store was opened in 2018 in Sai Ying Pun and more stores joined to provide no-packaging products in order to minimize the use of packaging materials. Packaging materials, despite having a short shelf life (of a few minutes to a few days), constitute a major part of municipal solid waste. 2 The world's first garment to garment recycling system The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), in cooperation with garment manufacturers and international apparel brands, developed and launched the world’s first garment to garment recycling system (G2G) in Hong Kong in December 2018. The G2G system can perform a series of processes including: cutting fabric into smaller pieces, opening and mixing fibre, carding, spinning and garment knitting. It takes as little as 4 hours to turn an old garment into a new piece and has showcased the textile and garment industry’s ability to achieving sustainable development. 3 Drink cartons can now be recycled! The main recyclable materials in Hong Kong include paper, metal, plastic and glass. As compound materials are difficult to recycle, items such as drink cartons which are typically made from layers of paper, polyethylene and aluminum, have a recycling rate close to zero and generate a large amount of waste. In view of this, one beverage manufacturer in Hong Kong launched a new recycling scheme and a recycling facility in 2019 to promote sustainable development of the industry, with dozens of smart recycling systems installed in various locations throughout the territory. 4 Various ecolabelling programs In order to help consumers in finding sustainable products, a number of non-government organisations (NGOs) in Hong Kong have put in place various ecolabelling and certification programs to attest the environmental standards across a wide range of products, from household cleaning products to building materials. Hong Kong Green Label Scheme CIC Green Product Certification – HK G-Pass HKQAA Hong Kong Registration-Eco-Friendly Series Sustainable consumption can be “Strong” or “Weak” “Weak Sustainable Consumption” refers to actions arising from individuals’ own needs or choices to conserve and reduce waste. For example, one will switch off the lights when leaving a room, or select a more energy-efficient model when purchasing a new electrical product. These actions can save money and also are eco-friendly. They are relatively easy to follow as consumers do not need to make drastic changes to their original consumption behaviour. However, “Weak Sustainable Consumption” alone is not enough to support the sustainable development of our society. Therefore, it is necessary to promote “Strong Sustainable Consumption”. "Strong Sustainable Consumption" must take into account matters such as "product life cycle" and the long-term impact of the purchased product on the ecological environment and society. For example, before making a purchase decision one will consider matters such as power consumption of the product during its production process, labour rights of the workers, impact on the ecological environment of endangered species, possibilities of causing water and air pollution, disposal and recycling options, and corporate social responsibility measures of the manufacturers and retailers, etc. How to promote sustainable consumption? — Let’s learn from our foreign friends! Using economic incentives to encourage the consumption of sustainable products: Some foreign governments have launched cash reward programs. For example, the South Korean Government launched the "Green Credit Card Scheme" in 2011. Cardholders are rewarded with points when they use public transportation, buy eco-friendly products, or implement water-saving or energy-saving measures at home and the points accumulated can then be used to purchase eco-friendly products or services. Certification / accreditation programs operated by a government agency or a credible third-party organisation can increase the transparency of product information: It is not easy for consumers to obtain information on the sustainability aspect of a product. There are a number of voluntary ecolabelling schemes in the world, such as “EU Ecolabel” by the European Union, which allow consumers to identify products that meet high environmental standards. Besides, the "Seafood Guide" launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which uses simple and easy-to-understand guidelines to assist consumers in choosing sustainable seafood. A user-friendly platform can facilitate consumers in accessing information about sustainable products: There are different types of claims and labels relating to sustainable products on the market. Consumers need to have sufficient knowledge or invest enough time to understand the certification process and regulatory system behind these ecolabels and determine whether the products actually meet their needs. Therefore, an easy-to-browse platform can save consumers time while promoting sustainable consumption behaviour. Sending gifts this festive season can be more eco-friendly by simply saying "No need to wrap, thank you!" We also want to remind everyone to consume smartly! As the festive season approaches, when consumers buy chocolates or candies as gifts, they should opt for those in ordinary packaging. Gift boxes are often over-packaged, and therefore are also more expensive when compared with ordinary packaging. After reading the above information, why not take a quiz?! You can find in “Quiz for the Eco Consumption Guru”, CHOICE Magazine, Issue 521 (Chinese version only) a list of questions on your consumption patten relating to clothing, dining, living and commuting. Let’s find out if you are a “Basic” or an “Advanced” level eco consumption guru!
- 2021.02
- Tips
- Tech-savvy
- Home Appliances
Washing Machines: Can They Save Water and Energy at the Same Time?
3 different types of washing machines 1) Front-loading type (commonly referred as ‘Big Eyes’); 2) European top-loading type which typically has a narrower body, and 3) Japanese top-loading type (also known as the impeller type). In front-loading and European top-loading types, the drum rotates around a horizontal axis and the clothes are tumbled inside the drum. In impeller type, the drum rotates around a vertical axis. Performance showdown The Consumer Council recently tested 18 washing machine models on their energy-saving and water-saving performances, cleaning performance, noise level and vibration reduction, etc. Here is a summary of the results for your reference: Which type had the best cleaning performance? In general, the front-loading and European top-loading models which could heat up water seemed to be more effective in delivering the cleansing power of laundry detergent. Although the impeller models did not have any heating function and washed with room-temperature water only, the test results showed that some models did not necessarily give inferior cleaning results. Duration of the washing phase For the same type of washing machine, the longer the washing phase, generally the cleaner the laundry would be. Many models had a ‘quick wash’ cycle which, e.g., could complete washing, rinsing and spinning within 15 minutes. However, this cycle should only be used for smaller load and less-soiled clothes. Which type had the least detergent residuals after rinsing? The lesser the amount of detergent remained on the clothes, the better the rinsing performance was. A number of the front-loading and impeller models scored well in this test! Were the clothes still very wet after spinning? The water-extraction performance of the tested models varied. For example, in ‘cotton clothing’ session, the front-loading models varied between 42% and 112% in remaining moisture content. Due to their lower spinning speed, the impeller models generally had inferior water-extraction performance. Which type of washing machine has the shortest wash cycle? To complete the laundry in a fast fashion can be very helpful when you face endless housework. Which type of washing machine has a shorter wash cycle? In the test, all the impeller models performed well, taking about 7 to 20 minutes to wash each kilogram of clothes. The performance of the front-loading models varied significantly, taking about 17 to 59 minutes for each kilogram of laundry. European top-loading models took longer on average with 32 to 44 minutes for each kilogram of laundry. Achieving water and energy savings at the same time may not be possible Wishing that your washing machine can save water and energy at the same time? Well, it may not be possible in reality! In terms of energy consumption, since the impeller type does not have a heating function, and the spinning speed is generally lower as well as their wash cycles are often shorter, in general, they consume less energy than the front-loading type and European top-loading type. In terms of water consumption, since the clothes are tumbled in the front-loading and European top-loading models, there is no need to fill up the whole drum with water. Therefore, they generally use less water than the impeller type. Furthermore, using cold water or turning on the ‘eco’ mode can help save energy. Sorting clothes according to their materials and soil level, and using the appropriate wash cycles can help achieve water and energy savings more effectively! Pay attention to child safety features In terms of child safety features, the front-loading and European top-loading types are better as their doors are locked during the wash cycle. Because the drum opening of the impeller type is on top and wider in general, if the child lock function is not activated, the risk of children accidentally falling into the machine is higher. Moreover, the drum is filled with water during the wash cycle, which may not be drained automatically when the lid is opened, thus children may drown if they accidentally fall headfirst into the drum. Therefore, parents must pay attention to whether the washing machine is equipped with a child lock function when purchasing as it will help reduce the risk of accidents. Maintenance tips It is not cheap to buy a washing machine, so how to maintain and use it properly to prolong its useful life? Some models have a "drum cleaning" cycle, which should be used at least once a month. Consumers can also clean the drum regularly by running a hot water cycle with an empty drum (i.e., without any clothes and detergent). Avoid washing too many clothes at one time to reduce the vibration level of the drum during high-speed spinning. This can reduce the chance of mechanical damage. Use an appropriate amount of laundry detergent according to the instructions on the packaging. Using too much detergent may result in excessive foam and affect the operation of the machine. If the spinning speed is adjustable, consider lowering the speed to reduce the chance of mechanical damage as well as wear and tear on clothes. Extra: Some ‘eco’ tips Use cold water or the ‘eco’ mode to help save energy. Sort clothes according to their material and soil level and use the appropriate wash cycle in accordance with the user’s manual. This can help save water and energy more effectively. Try to wash with a full load. Using excessive amount of laundry detergent may not enhance the cleaning performance. It will only be a waste of money and may even cause environmental pollution. For the full report on the test, please refer to the article ‘Impeller-Type Front-Loading Type European Top-Loading Type Which Model Consumes Less Energy or Water’ (Chinese version only) in issue # 529 of CHOICE Magazine.
- 2021.02
- Trivia
- Health and Beauty
《Don’t Let UV Radiation Harm Your Skin!》
UV ABC Everyone knows that the sun emits UV radiation, which is invisible. But do you know that UV radiation can be further divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC according to its wavelength? UVC and a large portion of UVB are absorbed by the earth's atmosphere, so most of the UV rays that reach the earth are UVA and, to a lesser extent, UVB. UVA and UVB can cause different problems to the skin Although sun exposure can help the body in producing vitamin D which makes bones stronger and reduces the chance of fractures, excessive exposure to the sun may bring adverse effects. In fact, a few minutes of sun exposure per day is already sufficient to generate vitamin D. Furthermore, vitamin D can also be supplemented through daily diet. For example, salmon, tuna and other types of deep-sea fish contain vitamin D. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can cause various skin problems: e.g. UVA can cause wrinkles, skin ageing and darkening, and may even lead to skin cancer. UVB (which has a higher energy level) can damage the DNA on the skin surface and cause sunburn which is also one of the main causes of skin cancer! To avoid sunburn, learn to read the UV index! We often hear the weather anchor mentioning the UV index (UVI) during the daily weather report, but how much do you know about this index? UVI is a measure of the amount of skin-damaging UV radiation on a particular day. The higher the UVI, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and the less time it takes for harm to occur. According to the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), UVI is reported using a scale of 1 to 11+, and is divided into 5 exposure levels: Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme. Among them, UVIs 1 and 2 are “Low” and UVI 11+ is “Extreme”. According to the data provided by the Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong’s daytime UVI during summer season generally exceeds 10, which reaches ”Very High” or even “Extreme” level. Therefore, we have to pay heed to sun protection during summer season to avoid potential skin damage. Most people often overlook the need for sun protection during autumn and winter months when the exposure level is either “Moderate” or “High”. In fact, it is equally important to avoid prolonged outdoor activities during daytime when the level is at “High” or above. During daytime, we should always apply sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat for protection! Sun protection is necessary to prevent skin cancer There is often a misconception that only Caucasians may develop skin cancer, and that skin cancer is not common in Hong Kong. In fact, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, and the number of cases worldwide is increasing. Even in Hong Kong, the number of new cases found is also rising. According to the statistics published by the Hong Kong Cancer Registry in 2017, skin cancer ranked 7th most common cancer in Hong Kong. Among the new cancer cases recorded in 2017 alone, 3.6% of the cases are skin cancer. The 3 most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (both are non-melanoma skin cancer), as well as melanoma. People who are often exposed to the sun are at high risk of developing these 3 types of skin cancer. Occasional sun exposure may not lead to skin cancer? The truth is, every occasion counts! If the skin is exposed to the sun twice and develops blisters due to overexposure to radiation, the relative risk of developing melanoma is 1.7 (a relative risk of 1 means the risk is neither higher nor lower). 3 consecutive times of sun exposure with blisters will increase the relative risk to 3.8! At the same time, the effect of UV radiation on the skin is actually accumulative. Don't be tricked into thinking that only sunburn may lead to skin cancer. Although melanin will be produced to protect our skin when we are exposed to the sun, this protection is only equivalent to applying a sunscreen of SPF 4. The irony is that people want to have a suntan thinking that it symbolizes healthiness, but the suntan means that the skin tissues might have already been damaged. Even without sunburn on skin surface, the risk of contracting skin cancer has already increased! Is it safer to use a tanning bed? Some people may want to get a suntan using a tanning bed, thinking that staying indoors is safer and more convenient than exposing under the sun outside. But in fact, the skin is also exposed to both UVA and UVB when using a tanning bed. As mentioned above, these 2 types of UV radiation can cause skin ageing and may lead to skin cancer! How to reduce the risk of skin cancer? Apply sunscreen products “Remember to put on sunscreen!" - it is a kind reminder we often hear. However, not everyone knows how to choose the right sunscreen products. Do you know that sunscreen products can be divided into 3 types: physical, chemical and mixed? And do you know their differences? When buying sunscreen products, SPF is not the only factor to consider. For further information on how to choose an effective sunscreen product, please refer to the article “Choose the Right Sunscreen Products — Beyond SPF value”. Check the UVI before determining the activities for the day As mentioned earlier, UVI indicates the intensity of UV radiation and how much damage it may cause to the skin. On days when the UVI is high (6 or above), you should avoid staying outdoors for a long time in order to minimize the sun exposure time and avoid direct sunlight to the eyes. If you have to engage in outdoor activities for a prolonged period of time, especially during water sport activities, you should apply waterproof sunscreen with appropriate Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value to your body and face and reapply every 2 hours to prevent sunburn. More sun protection measures In addition to applying sunscreen products, you can also wear a wide brimmed hat, dark colour loose outfits with long sleeves to protect ourselves from the radiation. At the same time, try to stay in a shaded area or use an umbrella to avoid direct sun exposure. Wear sunglasses that can block UV radiation to protect your eyes. Learn more about sun protective clothing Generally speaking, any outfit that can cover the skin can achieve some degree of UV protection. Some clothing, however, has a higher protective function, including the following: Specially treated sun protective clothing Many sport outfits have been specially treated to enhance the degree of protection against UV radiation. These outfits are marked with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) values, which indicate how much UVA and UVB are allowed to penetrate. For example, clothing marked with UPF50 can block 98% of sun rays, thereby reducing the risk of sunburn. Dark coloured clothes are more effective in sun protection Dark coloured clothes are more effective in blocking UV radiation than light coloured ones. Generally speaking, the darker the colour, the more UV radiation can be absorbed, thus providing better protection to the skin. Densely-woven fabric Densely-woven fabrics, such as denim, canvas, wool or synthetic fibers, can more effectively block UV radiation than thin or loosely-woven fabrics. You can do a simple check on the level of light transmittance of the fabric under the sun. If the level of light transmittance is high, then UV radiation can easily penetrate the fabric and reach the skin. Don’t forget to check out the guide on how to select sunscreen products. Click here to read the article, “Choose the Right Sunscreen Products — Beyond SPF value”. The Consumer Council previously tested 30 models of sunscreen products on the market to check their sun protection efficacy and to find out which products are more cost-effective. For more information, please refer to the article, “Over 80% of Sunscreen Performed Below their Labelled Efficacy 6 Models Outperform But Price Can Vary By 23 Times”, CHOICE Magazine, Issue 528 (Chinese Version Only).
- 2021.01
- Tips
- Home Appliances
- Food and Cooking
Induction Cookers and Electric Ceramic Cookers are Significantly Different!
Which Pot Matches with Which Stove? Due to different heating principles, induction cookers are only compatible with magnetic-based iron pots with cast iron, stainless steel, or enamel materials. Electric ceramic cookers can be used with any pots, including ceramic, aluminium, glass, or teapots. What's more, the entire surface of a grilled electric ceramic cooker can be used for heating. The inception of new accessories, such as seafood steamer sets and Japanese or Korean teppanyaki, are also available for selection, so the associated package is also a key consideration! Heating Efficiency It can be frustrated to wait for a long time for water to boil when having hot pots. In general, induction cookers can heat the pot directly, being more efficient. In contrast, the surface of electric ceramic cookers must first be heated before the heat reaches the pot, so the efficiency is relatively lower. In terms of heating speed, the efficiency of cookers with a higher wattage performs better. Taking the 2,000-watt model as an example, it takes about 4 minutes to boil one litre of water; smaller wattage models with lower power heats up more slowly. Therefore, it is vital to pay attention to cookers' power when choosing the best fit option. Standby Power Electrical appliances also consume energy in standby mode. The difference in the performance of various cookers can be significant, especially for induction cookers. Consumers may refer to the energy efficiency label of the product when purchasing induction cookers. The third phase of The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) extends the coverage to induction cookers, categorised into five grades. Grade 1 energy label is the most energy-efficient, and Grade 5 energy label is the least energy-efficient. The test results revealed that models labelled as Grade 5 have higher standby power. Therefore, users are advised to switch off the power cord to save energy when idling. Heat Control Cooking fire can be distinguished with a naked eye when the heat is turned on. The control board display helps indicate and regulate the amount of heat delivered for electric stoves. The test results suggested electric ceramic cookers to be more stable, with the heat supply relatively more even and easier to control at low heat. Preset Cooking Procedures In terms of electronic functions, induction cookers and electric ceramic cookers are better than traditional portable LPG stoves. Most models provide basic functions, including hot pot, soup boiling, fixed temperature, and stir-fry. Some cookers are equipped with functions such as slow cook and sauna steam. Electronic cookers usually have timing functions to power off themselves or cook at low heat at constant temperatures, without cooking supervision required. Some cookers contain a bonus Wi-Fi function, which can be operated remotely through mobile phone apps – actualising a smart home life. Convenient to Clean Since the surface of most models is covered in ceramics, it makes cleaning much easier regardless of oil drops, soup spills, or food crumbs! When purchasing, it is vital to observe the cooker's cooktop, edges, buttons, or knobs to identify any potential dents that may make cleaning difficult. Safety Recommendations on Electronic Cookers Safety Locks The light-touch design is convenient but is often touched mistakenly, especially for pets. In case "the naughty pet" jumps onto the stove, accidents can occur at any time. Therefore, a safety lock is also a key factor for consideration. Most models, in general, have the heating button preset for cooking after the on-and-off button has been pressed to ensure safety. Residual Heat on the Surface of the Cooker Electric ceramic cookers pass heat to the pot through the gradual heat-up of the cooktop panel. The heat remains on the surface after the cooker has turned off. It is advised to cover the top with utensils after cooking to avoid getting burnt. Moreover, the power cord should be tied up, stored well, and kept from crossing over the cooker's surface. The induction cooker panel retains less heat, and the temperature of the cooker surface is relatively lower after cooking. In addition, less heat retention in the panel also helps to improve the operation efficiency! Marking and Instruction Labels Foreigner roommates and domestic helpers should observe whether the control board display has dual language, containing both Chinese and English. Although most of the buttons are relatively simple to use, it is best if all family members know how to operate without obstacles. Reminders: Tips for using induction cookers and electric ceramic cookers Induction and electric ceramic cookers' wattage is generally high, so do not share the same socket with other high-power electrical appliances. Please check the cooker surface for cracks or breakage before use. Do not put too much water in the pot to avoid over floating when it boils. Cover the pot with a lid as much as possible and reduce the heat to save electricity and retain food moisture. Many fumes will be produced when grilling, so it is advised to maintain indoor air circulation. Do not unplug the power cords immediately after use as the fans of some models are still operating. It is recommended to allow the heating panel to cool off before turning it off. Summarising the above main points, even with hundreds of models of induction cookers or electric ceramic cookers, the Consumer Council believes you can choose the most suitable one. If you want to understand further the safety test and the efficiency information of different models, take a look at the comprehensive test of various induction cookers! [Issue 518 "Choice" Monthly Magazine: Induction Cookers are Essential for Hotpots in Winter] (Chinese version only) Food Safety You should pay heed to food safety when eating hot pots. Avoid thinking that bacteria will not hurt, thus swallowing uncooked food hastily. You may look at [Issue 320 of Choice Monthly] (Chinese version only) for food safety tips on choosing frozen meat and why thawed meat should not be re-frozen.
- 2020.12
- Tips
- Green Living
Beware of Traps – Shop Smartly on the Web
Understand the role of online shopping platforms In addition to the different product offerings, each online shopping platform’s role in the transaction may differ if you check closely. For example, online apparel websites such as ASOS and Zalora play the role of sourcing companies, selling items that they have sourced to their consumers. On the other hand, Amazon, Taobao, etc., act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. Some platforms such as big big shop and HKTVmall are hybrids, i.e., acting as intermediaries between suppliers and buyers well as selling products sourced by themselves. Why is this information important? Well, that is because the roles they play define their responsibilities! Before shopping online, consumers should find out which party to make enquiries and negotiate should there be a dispute. Take ASOA and Zalora as examples, consumers can contact the customer service teams of these shopping platforms. Some websites require customers to contact the suppliers directly, but the means can vary. For example, Taobao customers need to contact the suppliers through Taobao’s preset channels, while for some products sold on HKTVmall, customers have to make enquiries with suppliers according to the instructions listed on the product information page. Some websites only accept enquires made to their customer service teams when buyers have difficulties in contacting the suppliers. Is the website safe and reliable? If the website is a small online shop rather than operated by a large and reputable online store, then consumers should be more cautious. For example, please take a look at its website, "https" and "http" are quite different! URLs start with "https" are safer links. If warnings pop up in the browser, or the webpage is only presented as "http", then DON’T disclose any personal information via this webpage. Difficult to seek redress from overseas operators Many websites have a "region/language" option to cater to the global consumer base. However, even if "Hong Kong" is selected as the region or the website displays the word ".hk", it does not necessarily mean that the website is operated by a local (Hong Kong) company. Consumers should read the content of the website carefully and check the specific information and reputation of the operator based on information under "About Us", "Terms and Conditions" and "Contact Method". In some previous cases, some websites marked the prices in Hong Kong dollars, but settled the transactions in other currencies, and consumers were forced to pay for the exchange rate difference. Furthermore, if it is a small overseas trader, consumers may have difficulties in following up or seeking redress should there be any dispute or issue. Consumers should therefore evaluate the risks carefully. “Double count” or “pay later” in shipping costs Some shopping platforms operate a dual delivery system, i.e., delivery by the shopping platform or directly by the supplier(s). Goods from the same order may be delivered through different ways, and the shipping charges will also be calculated separately. Consumers should pay attention at checkout to see if the goods will be sent separately by different traders, because the shipping charges of each separately sent product will be calculated separately, which may increase the total shipping costs beyond the original budget. Some shopping platforms mainly target local customers and therefore the shipping costs will be shown even before customer entering the delivery address, thereby making it easier for consumers to make price/cost comparison. On the contrary, some overseas shopping platforms display the shipping costs only after payment information and delivery address are entered, or even after completion of the purchase process. At the same time, the shopping process of some platforms can be quite unusual as the system will not provide the shipping costs at the time of purchase, and after 1 or 2 days, the buyer will receive a confirmation email from the supplier specifying the shipping method and costs. Buyers will need to reply to confirm such arrangement before supplier dispatch the goods. In this case, consumers should pay attention and check their emails to avoid cancellation of the order. Automatic payment renewal? Many online shopping websites use promotional discounts, such as "half price for new members!", etc. to attract customers to become members in order to establish long-term customer relationship. However, many consumers may not know that certain conditions may be attached to the membership, such as monthly fee. They will only find out when their credit cards are automatically charged with the information they provided to the website. So before registering as members, consumers should read the terms and conditions carefully. Websites unilaterally cancel the order? Most shopping platforms will send an email to confirm the order after a customer has made the payment. Consumers should pay attention to verify the product information listed in such emails. Some shopping platform may cancel orders for various reasons! Previously, there were cases where some platforms cancelled transactions due to lack of stock or for no reason at all. If a consumer purchase multiple items in one go in order to save shipping costs, then he or she may end up not saving at all. Incomplete list of prohibited goods Some mainland online shopping platforms may list out goods that are prohibited for export. However, this may not be the complete list, so consumers who have purchased prohibited goods may have their transactions cancelled by the shopping platforms. Therefore, consumers should log in to the platforms from time to time to check the delivery status of their purchased goods. Consumers should also be aware that individual courier company may impose delivery restrictions on certain goods, such as health foods and supplements, seaweed, dried fruits, canned foods, hair dye, aromatherapy products, nail polish, leather, infant formulas, etc. Check the return policy in advance After all, consumers make online purchase decisions relying mainly on the photos and descriptions provided by the traders. When they see the real goods, they may not like and want to return them. However, some platforms will state in the terms and conditions that they will only accept returns due to damages or inconsistencies in product descriptions. And consumers will need to bear the shipping costs if they choose to return the goods without any valid reason. In particular, the mainland has stricter controls on the delivery of goods. If consumers purchase certain regulated goods through mainland online shopping platforms, even if the sellers agree to the return requests, they may still unable to return the goods due to delivery / shipment controls. Therefore, consumers should evaluate the risks carefully before any purchase. Is the return procedure clear? Some platforms may have very convenient procedures to return goods. Consumers simply need to log in their accounts, press a few buttons, and then take the goods to the convenience stores and the process is completed. However, there are also platforms that do not specify the return policies and application procedures, and do not provide any instructions or links. If you don’t take a screenshot of the product information page when purchasing the product, you may miss the only information for return purpose. Therefore, it is best to keep transaction records when doing online shopping, and contact customer service team as soon as possible to ask about the return procedure. Handling return makes your head spin? If you only need to press a button on the website, and go to a convenience store to hand over the return goods, it is of course convenient. However, the return procedures of some online shopping platforms are more complicated. First of all, consumers can only apply for return by sending emails to the platforms or retailers, and then follow the instructions in the reply emails to complete the process. Sometimes, the customer service personnel may fail to respond in time prior to the deadline, causing delay in the return process. The pain of arranging courier service At the same time, the need to arrange courier service is also a headache for many consumers, such as choosing the right courier company to use. When filling in customs clearance information, there is a chance that the goods cannot be sent due to the lack of recipient's business registration information. If you need to send back the goods at your own expense, sometimes the shipping costs could be similar to the price of the goods, making it pointless to go through the whole return process, and you will also bear the risk of loss or damage to the goods during the delivery process. These are all aspects that consumers need to consider in advance. Don't delay the return process Everyone knows that most online shopping platforms have a return period. Some platforms set the deadline on the 7th day from the receipt of the goods. The refund button in the account will disappear after this date! Therefore, consumers must inspect the goods as soon as possible after receipt, and start the return process if there is any problem with the goods. The refund method and amount are not as expected? How do shopping platforms return customers’ money after successfully processing their requests? Most consumers tend to prefer the money to be returned via the original payment route. However, some platforms will provide two options: 1) via the original payment route; or 2) to the customer’s account with the platform. 1 shopping platform even stated in its policy that refund could only be made to customers’ accounts with the platform if they apply for return after certain period. In addition, consumers must also remember to check the refund amount. The Consumer Council (or the “Council”) had previously conducted a survey and found that some platforms did not refund the full amount to the customers. The Council purchased a variety of popular goods via 9 online shopping platforms that are familiar to Hong Kong people. After receiving the goods, the Council requested refunds on certain transactions, so as to better understand the delivery process and policies and procedures with respect to the return of goods, as well as the quality of their customer service. If you want to learn more about this survey, please refer to the article, “Pay Heed to Online Shopping Return Policy Survey Revealed 3 Major Issues”, CHOICE Magazine, Issue 516 (Chinese version only).
- 2020.11
- Tips
- Home Appliances
No Fear of Feeling Cold When Taking a Bath in Winter! Tips for Purchasing Thermal Ventilators
They are all bathroom heaters Whatever their brand name, thermo ventilators, bathroom warmers, bathroom ventilating heaters etc. are in fact all bathroom heaters. The main functions claimed are heating, ventilating, air circulation and drying clothes. Getting to know the two main types There are two main types of thermal ventilators - ceiling mounted and window mounted: Window mounted models can be installed in the 20 cm (about 8 inches) wide opening of the bathroom window for the ventilator fan, while the ceiling mounted models may require the installation of a suspended ceiling to conceal the ventilation pipes. Some models can be either installed in the window, on the ceiling or mounted on the wall. However, models without waterproof designs will require a waterproof cover to be installed at additional cost. Some thermal ventilators have a special compressor dehumidifying function which allegedly enhances the efficacy of drying clothes and the bathroom, and both window mounted and ceiling mounted models are available. Four main selection criteria for bathroom heaters The following video clip includes the main points of comparison between different heater models: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMlWi5SRyw0&feature=emb_title 1. Size of the bathroom and the heater Ifthere is no window in the bathroom, the installation of a ceiling mounted thermal ventilator can be considered. As compared to wall mounting models, the distance for the delivery of warm air is shorter and hence more effective. On the other hand, window type models are usually smallerand can be conveniently installed in the opening for the bathroom ventilator fan. 2. Heating capacity To find a thermal ventilator with strong heating capacity, it is most important to know its rated power as the heating function of the thermal ventilator comes mainly from a PTC (positive thermal coefficient, or thermistor) ceramic heater and a fan to blow out the warm air. The key factor affecting the production of warm air is the power of the heating element. Therefore, a 2,000 watt (W) bathroom heater can generate more heat than a 1,200W one. It should be noted that the Consumer Council has found in tests that for most thermal ventilators with ceramic heaters, the measured input power is higher than their rated input power when operating under low temperatures. Due consideration should be given to the potential upsurge in electric current to avoid tripping the circuit breaker, especially in severely cold weather. 3. Clothes drying function According to tests conducted by the Consumer Council, the clothes drying speed of the best and worst performing models differ by as much as 5 times! Ceiling mounted models perform generally better in drying clothes. They take less time and consume less energy. When drying clothes, ceiling type models deliver warm air from top to bottom which blows dry wet clothes hanging near the air outlet, resulting in a more even drying effect. In addition, some thermal ventilators will exchange the moist air indoors with drier air from the outside. This ventilation operation design can also help speed up the drying of clothes. Moreover, heaters with built-in compressor dehumidifying functions can remove moisture condensation and reduce the humidity in the vicinity in order to speed up the removal of moisture from the clothes. However, there are not many choices for this type of model. 4. Installation Window type models are mostly installed with a waterproof shell so that they can be mounted conveniently outside the window, and the cost of buying another waterproof cover can be saved. Installation costs are higher for ceiling mounted models due to the need for installing a suspended ceiling. Therefore, when selecting models, it is also important to ask whether the price includes installation fees, the length of the maintenance period as well as whether additional on-site inspection fees are required. To learn more about the Consumer Council's detailed test results for 10 bathroom heaters, please click [Issue 494 of the Choice Magazine “Enjoy a warm winter! 2 bathroom heaters warm air and dry clothes fast!” (Chinese version only)]
- 2020.10
- Features
- Leisure and Entertainment
Love-Hate Relationship with Caffeine
Rediscover "Caffeine" Why is it called "caffeine"? Coffee can reinvigorate the mind, relieve fatigue and energise the body. All these effects are brought about by "caffeine". Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Through stimulating the CNS, one can feel refreshed and become more focused. However, excessive intake will cause side effects such as an increase in heart rate and anxiety. In fact, caffeine is not unique to coffee. It can also be found in tea, cocoa and other plants. It is named “caffeine” as it was first discovered in coffee. After its discovery, caffeine has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Nowadays caffeine can be found in all types of drinks, such as Coke, milk tea, lemon tea, and even some chrysanthemum tea and sports drinks, giving consumers a boost of energy after consumption. Help! I might be a little addicted... The “love affair” with caffeine has made people focus only on the good aspect, such as its refreshing effect, but ignore the potential downside that it can be addictive. But as long as you avoid excessive intake, you can still enjoy coffee with peace of mind. Health organisations around the world have yet to suggest a universal standard for appropriate intake level, but children, adolescents, and people who suffer from high blood pressure, arrhythmia, mental illness, neurological diseases, and certain liver and kidney diseases, as well as women who are breastfeeding should pay attention to their intake level. Pregnant women are advised to limit their daily caffeine intake to no more than 200-300mg. If you find yourself becoming dependent on caffeine, it may be time to cut down. Instead of stopping abruptly, you can try to gradually reduce the amount, or replace it with "decaffeinated" coffee first! Weak coffee might not contain less caffeine It is more difficult than you think to figure out the caffeine content. Want to drink coffee without consuming too much caffeine? Many people tend to avoid drinking dark, bitter coffee. However, the strength of taste does not necessarily reflect the caffeine content. Consumers should not “guesstimate” the caffeine content purely based on the taste. Food labels may not have the right information on caffeine Have you noticed that the word “caffeine” pops up on the food labels of many energy drinks, but cannot be found on coffee products? It is because under Hong Kong legislation, only non-naturally occurring ingredients need to be listed. As caffeine exists naturally in coffee, there is no need for extra disclosure. Furthermore, food and beverages sold in Hong Kong do not need to disclose their caffeine content. If you belong to the high-risk groups mentioned above, then remember to pay extra attention! A Must-have for Urban Espresso Lovers: Automatic Espresso Machines Select an espresso machine carefully to make that perfect cup of espresso Want to enjoy the indulgent aroma and taste of fresh coffee both at work and at home? Maybe it is time to invest in an espresso machine! Espresso machines have many functions nowadays, and some even have a milk frother, just like a self-contained mini café in itself! In addition to the flavour of the espresso, other deciding factors include the speed of the machine, energy efficiency, drip, etc. Espresso machines can generally be divided into 3 categories: Semi-automatic: Only ground coffee can be used. It involves a more manual process, such as grinding coffee beans, loading the portafilter, and tamping. Coffee enthusiasts could really enjoy the process given the high level of customisation and hands-on experience. Fully automatic: Coffee beans are placed into the machine, which grinds the coffee beans into powder then brews fresh espresso. This option offers a balance between convenience and enjoyment. Pod / capsule coffee machines: This type of coffee machine uses pre-packaged pods or capsules. You can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee by simply inserting the pod / capsule and pressing a button. It is the most convenient option though it does not offer much room for customisation. Putting the same beans into different espresso machines may produce vastly different results. For example, the temperature and aroma could vary a lot. No wonder the price range of espresso machines runs the gamut from below $1,000 to over $10,000. Before buying an espresso machine, you may want to read the article “Speed of Espresso Machines Could Vary by 3 Times” from CHOICE Magazine, Issue 504. The Consumer Council tested a number of popular espresso machines, which will hopefully help you to select your ideal model to make that perfect cup! “Convenience” vs “Environment” – Make the right choice today Nowadays, capsule espresso machines are becoming increasingly popular. However, at least 1 capsule is used for every cup of espresso, which is indeed not environmentally friendly. In fact, not all capsules are made of plastic — some are made of aluminium. The former cannot be recycled, but the latter can! Consumers can bring the used aluminium capsules back to the stores or to have them collected during the next delivery. If you opt for plastic capsules, then at least don’t waste the coffee grounds after use. Similar to ordinary coffee grounds, these residues have many uses (especially as a deodorizer) and can be recycled. Much like activated carbon, these coffee grounds are porous. Once dried, they can be used to absorb moisture and deodorize, and are ideal for shoe cabinets or refrigerators. If your kitchen sink and drain pipes have an unpleasant or greasy smell, instead of using chemical products, you may try sprinkling coffee grounds in the sink and rinse with running water. For more espresso machine reviews and tips, please refer to the article, “Espresso Made by Some Espresso Machines are Not Hot Enough” from CHOICE Magazine, Issue 475. Watch Out! Energy Drinks May Have a Higher Caffeine Content than Coffee! Energy drinks and sports drinks are different For those who don't like coffee but are in need of an energy boost, "energy drinks" are considered by many as good substitutes. Do you know that energy drinks are different from sports drinks, and that consuming energy drinks during physical exercise may pose health risks? Energy drinks usually contain caffeine. In some instances, a bottle of energy drink may contain more caffeine than a cup of coffee. Although they can increase alertness and augment physical performance, one must pay attention during consumption. On the other hand, sports drinks usually contain electrolytes which help replenish water and electrolytes lost during exercise, and are generally caffeine-free. Although many stores put these 2 types of drinks next to each other, they are actually very different. Sports drinks can’t boost energy. If you’re tired in the office, sports drinks will not help. On the other hand, energy drinks are not intended for consumption during exercise. It can even be counterproductive and prevent the body from performing at its best. Misconception: Energy drinks are energy boosters Don't be fooled by the name! The word "energy" does not translate to "calories" in a nutritional sense. Instead, caffeine is added for a rapid energy boost. However, caffeine cannot eliminate fatigue during exercise. Instead, it can dehydrate and hinder the body's recovery process, making the body “energy-less”. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) recommended consumers to avoid consuming energy drinks during physical exercises to prevent people with genetic conditions from having severe adverse reactions or heart failures. In addition to caffeine, these energy drinks are often loaded with sugar. If you want to pick the right drink to boost performance, you may want to read the article “Energy Drinks Contain Caffeine and Sugar. 1 Cup of Coffee is Equivalent to 10 Sugar Cubes” from CHOICE Magazine, Issue 451.
- 2020.09
- Trivia
- Life and Financial Planning
《Auto-Fuel Trivia: Why Does Hong Kong Have the Highest Auto-fuel Pump Price in the World?》
Widening gap between pump price and crude oil price / import price The Consumer Council has always been concerned and monitoring the impact of local auto-fuel prices on consumers. After reviewing the data over the past 7 years from 2013 to Q1 2020, we have observed the following: Average pump price vs. Brent crude oil price: the highest and lowest monthly price gap has widened by 85.2% Average pump price vs. import price: the highest and lowest monthly price gap has been increased by 107.9% In the past 7 years, the gaps between the pump price and both of Brent crude oil and import prices have widened. For example in March 2020, although Brent crude oil price and import price returned to the same price level in Q1 2016, and with the same auto-fuel tax and stable auto-fuel demand, the pump price still increased by more than HK$3 per litre. Any sign of “Quick Going Up, Slow Coming Down”? The Government has been emphasizing that it has urged oil companies to reduce their retail prices as soon as international oil prices fall. According to the data collected, we can see that from January to April 2020, oil companies had decreased auto-fuel prices for 11-13 times. During this period, international oil prices had significant fluctuation since March, and oil companies did adjust their prices more frequently than before (in total 7-9 times), the "Quick Going Up, Slow Coming Down" phenomenon did not appear to exist during this period. A clear sign of “More Going Up, Less Coming Down ” Using the data from 2013 to Q1 2020, we have compared the cumulative change in pump price and the cumulative changes in Brent crude oil price and import price over the 7-year period, and found that: Cumulative changes in pump price vs Brent crude oil price: during price drop, the reduction in pump price per litre was $2.4 “less”; and during price hike, the rise in pump price was $1.99 “more” Cumulative changes in pump price vs import price: during price drop, the reduction in pump price per litre was $0.68 “less”; and during price hike, the rise in pump price was $3.09 “more” According to the data, except for 2014, sign of “More Going Up, Less Coming Down" in pump price was observed over the 7 years. High conformity in pump price across oil companies Looking at the database again, in the past 7 years, percentage of days that all the 5 oil companies having the same pump price was generally on an upward trend and had reached a historical high of 92.3% in Q1 2020. Is auto-fuel really so expensive? Even that the international crude oil prices remain depressed and there are Government’s efforts in promoting competition, such as changing the tendering system of petrol filling station (PFS) sites in 2003 to make it easier for new entrants to scale up their operation more quickly, why then the pump prices in Hong Kong have not dropped accordingly, but instead have edged up conversely? According to the oil companies, the 2 major reasons are as follows: • Other operating costs: Import price is only one of the factors in determining the retail price. Other costs / expenses such as discounts, insurance, land costs, government rates, transportation, and inflation, etc., have yet to be reflected. Therefore, the range of pump price adjustment may not necessarily follow closely with the changes in international crude oil prices. Some companies specifically pointed out that the rise in the bid price of PFS sites in recent years has increased the operating costs of PFSs; • Lack of local oil refinery facilities: All auto-fuel products sold in Hong Kong are imported as refined products, not crude oil. Crude oil and refined products (such as unleaded gasoline and auto-fuel diesel etc.) are very much different. Therefore, changes in international crude oil prices and local auto-fuel prices may not necessarily be in tandem. But here comes the dubiety…... From public records, we observed that the bid prices of PFS sites have indeed risen considerably in the past 10+ years. However, these tender bids have been mainly won by the 2 new entrants. As such if land cost is a key cost component, the operating costs of different oil companies should, in theory, be different. That’s why one would be puzzled as to why there has been a high degree of conformity in the pump prices across different oil companies in Hong Kong…... Transparency is the key Unfortunately, due to the lack of transparency in the current auto-fuel market, the Consumer Council finds it difficult to examine if the level of gross margin is reasonable. In this connection, the Consumer Council urges the Government to increase the transparency of information disclosure, including more frequent release of import price data and price trend analysis, as well as reports on cost structure, so that consumers can better understand and monitor auto-fuel price fluctuations. Smart tips If you want to keep up with the oil (auto-fuel) price anytime and anywhere, you can use the “Oil Price Watch” website and smartphone application developed by the Consumer Council. Simply enter the estimated volume and auto-fuel type, it will help you to find out which oil company would offer better cost-saving and discounts / promotional offers, thus helping consumers in making a smart choice! For more detailed information, please refer to the report “Auto-fuel Price Monitoring Analysis 2020”, https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/advocacy/study-report/autofuel_2020
