HK Launches 1st Mobile Environmental Resource Center

The first mobile environmental resource center (MERC) was launched Thursday to provide a convenient way of promoting public environmental education and awareness.

Modified from a 4.6 ton van, the MERC is the first liquefied petroleum gas vehicle of its size running in Hong Kong. It is funded under a 2 million Hong Kong dollar grant from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

It is characterized by a number of green features including electronic ballast and energy saving bulbs, waste collectors for recycling, asbestos-free insulating materials, a ventilation system powered by solar energy and a sunroof to maximize the use of natural light.

The MERC contains six learning areas specially designed to disseminate a variety of green messages, including 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 centers and shopping malls to promote the message of "Waste Reduction".

Hong Kong has already launched two fixed environmental resource centers in Wan Chai and Tsuen Wan.

People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/