Futian hosts environmental market to promote circular economy

The second “Eco-Reuse Day” environmental market was held in Futian District on June 19-21, aiming to inspire the public to move away from a “disposable” culture and integrate “reuse” into daily life.

Hosted by the environmental organization Plastic Free Guangzhou, the event received support from dozens of institutions and enterprises across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Eco-Greenergy, Link Central Walk mall, Patagonia, Hainan Impact MICE Investment Co. Ltd., and Riskory.

Under the theme “Reuse, Reshape a Better Life,” the market showcased reuse as a key source-reduction and low-carbon solution to plastic pollution.

Scenes from the second “Eco-Reuse Day” environmental market held in Futian District. Photos from the organizers

At the opening ceremony, Chen Bingnan, a senior researcher at the Shenzhen Institute of Standards and Technology, presented the organizers with a Carbon Neutrality Certification, confirming that Eco-Reuse Day has become a carbon-neutral public participation demonstration event by implementing waste-reduction measures such as promoting reusable cups, minimizing disposable decorations, and encouraging visitors to bring their own containers. 

Notable guests, including Duncan Chiu, a member of the HKSAR Legislative Council, representatives from the Futian District Bureau of Commerce, and Jiang Shan, assistant director of Marketing Services at Phoenix TV, witnessed the ceremony.

Zheng Xue, head of Plastic Free Guangzhou, said, “We want to build public trust in the reuse model through a tangible and participatory market, showing that it is not only convenient but also hygienic.” She emphasized that reuse combines traditional habits, such as bringing your own container or repairing items, with sophisticated product design and professional cleaning and return systems. She called on the public to reduce the use of disposables, prioritize reusable alternatives, and turn “reuse” into a daily habit.

The event also featured a “Circular Cup” experience zone. Supported by Eco-Greenergy, residents could scan a QR code to borrow a reusable cup and purchase beverages at any stall. Major brands such as Naixue, Manner Coffee, and Kuddo Coffee, joined the initiative by offering discounts to customers using the cups. Used cups could be returned at various points throughout the market or the mall. Tang Junyan, project manager at Eco-Greenergy, displayed the cups’ hygiene certification to reassure consumers. “The cups are very clean; I never realized being eco-friendly could be this simple,” remarked a young woman at the scene.

Visitors pose for a photo at the market.

The market featured several themed zones, including a “No New Packaging” area where Watsons offered refillable body wash and other daily household products, while Bamboo Life provided plastic-free bamboo tissues with refillable tin boxes. Long lines formed at the “Soy Sauce Refill” station, where residents brought their own bottles to purchase dried fruits and soy sauce, reviving nostalgic memories with a modern green twist. In the “Second Life” section, 2good Outdoor offered second-hand gear, Decathlon provided rental services for tents and kayaks as well as used bicycles, and Infinite Aesthetics Studio offered on-site clothing repairs and alterations.

Plastic pollution remains a global challenge, but research indicates that reuse is one of the most effective solutions, capable of reducing plastic pollution by 30% and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% compared with single-use packaging.

The event serves as an early example of implementing China’s green consumption policies, following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments to encourage resource circulation. By focusing on source reduction rather than merely purchasing carbon offsets, Eco-Reuse Day provides a replicable “Shenzhen model” for carbon-neutral public events.