Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Monday, May 23
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    The HK HUB
    • What’s On

      What’s On: New Restaurant & Bar Openings In Hong Kong

      2022-05-05

      What’s On: What’s In Movie Theatres This Month?

      2022-04-22

      What’s On At PMQ: The Best In-person & Online Art Workshops In 2022

      2022-03-10

      What’s On : The Most Exciting Events For All This Month

      2021-12-30

      What’s On : The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2021-12-30
    • Eat & Drink
      1. Bars
      2. Food
      3. Restaurants
      4. Reviews
      5. View All

      Coa Named Asia’s Best Bar For 2nd Consecutive Year; 7 More Hong Kong Bars Appear In Top 50

      2022-05-05

      10 Best Shisha Bars In Hong Kong For A Smoke & Chill Session

      2021-12-30

      Festive Afternoon Teas in Hong Kong to Enjoy This Christmas

      2021-11-30

      Our 10 Favourite Places To Fulfill Your Bubble Tea Craving

      2021-11-04

      10 Filipino Dishes You Must Try When In The Philippines

      2022-05-13

      Top 45 Cantonese Foods & Snacks You Must Have In Hong Kong To Eat Like A Local

      2022-05-11

      Easter Egg Hunt: Where To Get The Best Easter Eggs, Themed Pastries & Desserts?

      2022-04-12

      44 Best Weekend Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong

      2022-01-18

      Sugar & Salt: 27 Best High Teas To Try in Hong Kong

      2022-04-28

      10 Restaurants To Spoil Your Mum This Mother’s Day

      2022-04-27

      15 Best Indian Restaurants In Hong Kong For Authentic Regional Curries, Tandoori & Stews

      2022-04-05

      6 Hong Kong Restaurants Named Among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022

      2022-03-30

      Restaurant Review – Modern Chinese Vegetarian at Miss Lee

      2020-03-05

      Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Brunch at FRANCIS, Wan Chai

      2019-12-04

      Restaurant Review: Hue, Modern Australian with Harbour Views

      2019-11-27

      Review: Micasadeco & Café, Langham Place

      2019-09-20

      10 Filipino Dishes You Must Try When In The Philippines

      2022-05-13

      Top 45 Cantonese Foods & Snacks You Must Have In Hong Kong To Eat Like A Local

      2022-05-11

      Coa Named Asia’s Best Bar For 2nd Consecutive Year; 7 More Hong Kong Bars Appear In Top 50

      2022-05-05

      Sugar & Salt: 27 Best High Teas To Try in Hong Kong

      2022-04-28
    • Lifestyle
      1. Beauty
      2. Fashion
      3. Entertainment
      4. Interviews
      5. Outdoor
      6. Shopping
      7. View All

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      Our Review of LifeHub’s IV Drip Treatment For Glowing Skin

      2021-12-09

      Our Review Of EstheClinic’s OXYPURE Oxygenation Facial

      2021-11-18

      5 Fantastic Spas In Central For Stress Relief Massages & Luxurious Beauty Treatments

      2021-09-16

      15 Local Hong Kong Fashion Brands For Stylish Women, Men & Kids

      2022-02-02

      Hong Kong-based fashionpreneurs Rock Atoll promote sustainable and year-round witty apparel

      2021-04-30

      6 Best Bowling Spots In Hong Kong: Glowing Bowling Alleys & Outdoor Lawn Greens

      2022-04-20

      20 Dating Apps In Hong Kong For Meeting Friends, Lovers & Forever Partners

      2022-03-16

      Experience LOST Hong Kong’s Virtual Escape Rooms With Up To 8 Teammates

      2022-03-15

      12 Gift Ideas & Unique Things To Do This Valentine’s Day In Hong Kong

      2022-02-08

      Brian Eagen Lau On Transfeminism: “In Hong Kong, I Get Stared At A Lot; In Thailand, I Don’t Experience That”

      2022-04-07

      HER Fund On Intersectionality & Letting Marginalized Lead In Journey Towards Gender Equality

      2022-03-17

      Interview with TWFHK: What Gender Inequality Looks Like In Hong Kong’s Workforce

      2022-03-10

      Interviewing 7 Bias-Breaking Women For International Women’s Day

      2022-03-07

      20 Beautiful Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Beaches In Hong Kong

      2022-05-12

      Top 10 Hong Kong Hikes With Trails For Families, Hardcore Hikers & Nature Lovers

      2022-04-14

      Dazzling Waterfalls Dotted Around Hong Kong To Refresh Yourself After a Hike

      2021-09-02

      Your Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Hong Kong

      2021-08-16

      7 Stores To Get Gourmet Hampers & Gift Boxes For All Special Occasions

      2022-05-18

      10 Local Businesses Offering Inspired Mother’s Day Gifts

      2022-04-29

      Comprehensive Guide To Hong Kong’s Supermarkets, Grocery Stores & Speciality Food Stores

      2022-03-18

      11 Best Tailors For Bespoke Suits, Shirts And Dresses For Men And Women In Hong Kong

      2022-02-24

      7 Stores To Get Gourmet Hampers & Gift Boxes For All Special Occasions

      2022-05-18

      20 Beautiful Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Beaches In Hong Kong

      2022-05-12

      10 Local Businesses Offering Inspired Mother’s Day Gifts

      2022-04-29

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26
    • News
      1. Covid Pandemic
      2. Local News
      3. View All

      Unvaxxed Students Can Attend Graduation Ceremonies; Daily RAT Testing For Schools Till June

      2022-05-20

      Hong Kong Clubs, Bars Reopen; Restaurant Hours Extended Till Midnight As Social Distancing Rules Ease

      2022-05-19

      Carrie Lam Says 3rd Dose Requirement Will Begin May 31 Despite Expert Op-Ed

      2022-05-18

      6 More Quarantine Hotels For International Travellers

      2022-05-18

      Hong Kong To Introduce New Measures To Prevent Cruelty To Animals, May Require Cats To Be Microchipped

      2022-04-28

      Look Out For Jupiter And Venus Aligning In Hong Kong Skies From Apr 30 To May 2

      2022-04-27

      Hong Kong Government To Conduct Spot Checks On Dog Licences Starting April 25

      2022-04-25

      Hong Kong Opens 62 More Pet-friendly Parks, Bringing Total to 103

      2022-04-20

      Unvaxxed Students Can Attend Graduation Ceremonies; Daily RAT Testing For Schools Till June

      2022-05-20

      Hong Kong Clubs, Bars Reopen; Restaurant Hours Extended Till Midnight As Social Distancing Rules Ease

      2022-05-19

      Carrie Lam Says 3rd Dose Requirement Will Begin May 31 Despite Expert Op-Ed

      2022-05-18

      6 More Quarantine Hotels For International Travellers

      2022-05-18
    • Family
      1. Activities
      2. Education
      3. Kids
      4. Pets
      5. View All

      What’s On : The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2021-12-30

      Hong Kong Disneyland Fireworks To Resume Next Year

      2021-11-04

      7 Theme Parks & Attractions For All Ages

      2021-08-10

      Water World Ocean Park Opens Doors on 21 September

      2021-06-29

      4 Tips For Parents To Be Proactive Against Bullying At School

      2022-05-03

      Filling The Gap For Underprivileged Children & Non-Chinese Speakers With Adapted Education: IBEL

      2022-04-13

      A Hong Kong School Issues Cautionary Bulletin About Squid Game

      2021-10-28

      7 Tips For Choosing The Right Kindergarten For Your Child

      2021-10-26

      10 Awesome Playgroups In Hong Kong To Prepare Your Toddler For Kindergarten & Beyond

      2022-05-12

      8 Tips For Working From Home Productively With Kids

      2022-03-03

      Five Questions With Santa at His Island Shangri-La Sweet Shop

      2021-12-09

      41 Amazing Summer Camps Your Child Will Love

      2021-06-02

      Hong Kong To Introduce New Measures To Prevent Cruelty To Animals, May Require Cats To Be Microchipped

      2022-04-28

      Hong Kong Government To Conduct Spot Checks On Dog Licences Starting April 25

      2022-04-25

      Hong Kong Opens 62 More Pet-friendly Parks, Bringing Total to 103

      2022-04-20

      DIY: How To Leave Hong Kong With Your Pets And Save Up To HK$10,000?

      2022-03-01

      10 Awesome Playgroups In Hong Kong To Prepare Your Toddler For Kindergarten & Beyond

      2022-05-12

      Water World Ocean Park To Reopen On 14 May

      2022-05-04

      4 Tips For Parents To Be Proactive Against Bullying At School

      2022-05-03

      Hong Kong To Introduce New Measures To Prevent Cruelty To Animals, May Require Cats To Be Microchipped

      2022-04-28
    • Culture

      All You Need to Know About Dragon Boat Festival: The Meaning Behind Races & Where To Watch Them In 2022

      2022-05-17

      The Cultural Guide To Buddha’s Birthday Or ‘Bathing Of Buddha’ Festival

      2022-05-06

      The Cultural Guide To Cheung Chau Bun Festival: Climbing Towers For Lucky ‘Bao’

      2022-05-06

      The Cultural Guide To Tin Hau Festival, Celebrating The Sea Goddess’ Birthday

      2022-04-14

      A Cultural Guide To Ching Ming Festival, The Tomb Sweeping Day

      2022-03-15
    • Sustainability

      Eco-Fashion Advocate Sheryl Bolden’s Book ‘Sustainably Stylish’ Is A Guide To Building An Ethical Wardrobe

      2022-05-03

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Eco-Friendly Jewellery: What You Need To Know About Lab-Grown Gemstones

      2022-04-20

      Putting Microplastics Under The Microscope: Where Do They Come From & How Do They Affect Humans?

      2022-03-31

      Where To Recycle Your Lai See In Hong Kong?

      2022-02-10
    • Wellness
      1. Diet
      2. Fitness
      3. Health
      4. View All

      Bust the Belly Fat: Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss and Maintenance

      2018-02-27

      Health Hacks – Plan Your Meals

      2015-04-30

      Hong Kong’s Top Gluten Free Restaurants and Cafés

      2014-12-01

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Where To Go Rock Climbing and Bouldering In Hong Kong?

      2021-10-28

      Free Daily Online Dance Classes in Hong Kong!

      2020-04-16

      Great Ideas to Keep Busy While ‘Social Distancing’

      2020-04-02

      The Kare Lab Launches Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Screen Protector That Kills 99% Of Coronavirus In 30 Minutes

      2022-05-18

      What Is Loneliness: How To Connect In The Throes of Pandemic Isolation

      2022-04-21

      Turn Critical To Compassionate #4: There’s Nothing Wrong With Embracing Negative Feelings

      2022-03-03

      Turn Critical To Compassionate #3: Perfectionism Is Paralysis By Overanalysis

      2022-02-24

      The Kare Lab Launches Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Screen Protector That Kills 99% Of Coronavirus In 30 Minutes

      2022-05-18

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      What Is Loneliness: How To Connect In The Throes of Pandemic Isolation

      2022-04-21
    • Travel
      1. Hotel Reviews
      2. Staycations & Hotels
      3. Travel Guides
      4. Travel To Hong Kong
      5. View All

      Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

      2022-02-09

      Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali

      2018-11-09

      Review: Weekend Escape At The Grand Lapa, Macau

      2015-10-02

      Review: Family Staycation At The Grand Coloane Resort, Macau

      2015-08-19

      20 Staycation Packages In Hong Kong To Book For A Self-Care Retreat

      2022-04-28

      The Ultimate List Of Hong Kong’s Best 5-Star Hotels

      2021-10-27

      8 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels in Hong Kong

      2021-09-13

      6 Economical Pod Hotels For A Unique Sleeping Experience

      2021-08-26

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      18 Getaway Destinations In Asia-Pacific To Travel To During Covid (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-04-01

      Top 10 Things To Do in Seoul

      2020-01-15

      Top 10 Dive Sites in Asia : Our Guide To The Best Scuba Diving Destinations

      2019-09-16

      Starting May 1, Non Residents And Tourists Can Enter Hong Kong While Flight Ban Will Be Reduced To 5 Days

      2022-04-23

      Travelling To Hong Kong Checklist: Who Can Enter, Necessary Arrival Documents, Booking Quarantine Hotel & More

      2022-03-29

      The Updated List Of Hong Kong’s Government Designated Quarantine Hotels

      2022-03-22

      Quarantine Shortened To 14 Days, Flight Bans & Social Distancing Measures Extended For 14 Days

      2022-01-28

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      20 Staycation Packages In Hong Kong To Book For A Self-Care Retreat

      2022-04-28

      Our 10 Best Places To Visit In The Philippines, Between Islands & Mountains

      2022-04-26

      Starting May 1, Non Residents And Tourists Can Enter Hong Kong While Flight Ban Will Be Reduced To 5 Days

      2022-04-23
    • HK Living
      1. Around HK
      2. Essential HK
      3. Helpers
      4. Neighbourhoods
      5. Work
      6. View All

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      10 Awesome Gazetted Swimming Pools For Olympic Pools, Water Slides & Kids’ Facilities

      2021-10-07

      Your Guide To Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery

      2021-09-23

      French May 2021 Imagines A New World Full of Art And Fantasy… and Gastronomy!

      2021-04-30

      Hong Kong Public Holidays In 2022 & 2023

      2022-05-16

      Leaving Hong Kong Checklist: How To Withdraw MPF, Clear Taxes, Get Rid Of Furniture & Much More

      2022-03-24

      15 Professional Relocation Companies To Move Your Furniture Internationally & Locally Without Stress

      2022-03-23

      60 Charities, Foundations & NGOs You Can Volunteer With In Hong Kong

      2021-09-21

      Domestic Helpers Left Stranded In Parks & Outside Hospitals After Testing Covid-Positive

      2022-02-18

      NGO Helping Hong Kong Helpers Access Justice & Better Conditions, HELP for Domestic Workers

      2021-11-03

      Helper Insurance Options in Hong Kong

      2020-08-05

      Uplifters, Helping Domestic Helpers

      2019-01-25

      A Local Guide To Living, Dining & Playing In Discovery Bay

      2021-10-20

      Where to Eat and Drink in Wan Chai

      2019-10-16

      Things to do in Sai Kung

      2019-10-10

      A dynamic co-working space has arrived in Sheung Wan – theDesk Strand 50 – and it’s about to become your new favourite spot for productivity and relaxation.

      2019-09-02

      All You Need To Know About Business Insurances in Hong Kong

      2021-08-11

      The Best 4 Ways to Structure Your Day and Accomplish Your Goals

      2020-04-29

      Explore Your Work Style at Eaton Club

      2020-03-27

      Professional Networking & Training Events in Hong Kong

      2020-02-11

      Hong Kong Public Holidays In 2022 & 2023

      2022-05-16

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      Leaving Hong Kong Checklist: How To Withdraw MPF, Clear Taxes, Get Rid Of Furniture & Much More

      2022-03-24

      15 Professional Relocation Companies To Move Your Furniture Internationally & Locally Without Stress

      2022-03-23
    The HK HUB
    Home»HK Living»We Interview: Lisa Odell from Plastic Free HK
    HK Living

    We Interview: Lisa Odell from Plastic Free HK

    The HK HUBBy The HK HUB2019-10-16No Comments5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp
    plastic free hk

    We recently chatted with Lisa Odell from Plastic Free HK about her business, life and living zero waste in Hong Kong!

    Content of this article hide
    How long have you lived in Hong Kong?
    When did you start Plastic-Free HK and why?
    What’s changed since you started the business?
    If you could go back in time, what would you do differently in your business?
    What have you enjoyed most about the business?
    What’s been the biggest challenge in your business?
    The most innovative plastic-free product you’ve found? Personal favourites/most used?
    Do you have a team at PlasticFree HK?
    What’s been the most effective marketing for your business?
    Do you live zero waste/plastic free yourself?
    What’s your top tip for living more sustainably in Hong Kong?

    lisa odell from plastic free hk

    How long have you lived in Hong Kong?

    I can’t believe it but I’ve lived in HK for over 10 years!  I came from the US back in 2009 to have an adventurous year abroad, and on the third day, I met my now husband Jonathan.  Sometimes life just has way more adventure planned than you could ever imagine! Two kids, two cats and one business later, we are still here and loving it.  The beaches and water of Sai Kung are definitely our most favourite thing about living here and we try to spend as much time in nature as we can. We will mostly relocate back to the states in the next couple of years, but for now, this is home.

    When did you start Plastic-Free HK and why?

    PFHK started to take form in my mind in January of 2016.  My firstborn was nearing two and I was finally coming out of the baby haze and starting to long for more.  By meditating on what I wanted for my future, I realised I craved to live more sustainably and that Hong Kong did not offer the things I needed in order to do this. I saw a hole in the market and thought I would try to be part of the solution by making sustainable living more accessible and possible in Hong Kong and beyond.  We opened our e-shelves in November of 2016 and it was well received and quickly took off!

    zero waste products

    What’s changed since you started the business?

    Green-washing has become a thing, where companies make a product seem more sustainable and eco-friendly than it actually is, so we have to be very mindful and careful when selecting products to stock and make sure they are the real deal.  There is also a bit more competition out there, so we’ve had to get really clear about who we are and how we are different from the rest of the pack.

    If you could go back in time, what would you do differently in your business?

    I would have laid a better foundation, in terms of a business plan and accounting support.  I had no idea how quickly things would grow and I wasn’t really ready for it. This cost me unnecessarily, but as a trade-off, I learned so much in the process.  I’ve been involved in every single aspect of my business and I know what goes into every part of it, and I know this will serve me well in the long run. Sometimes the only way to learn is to go through it.

    Zero waste bags

    What have you enjoyed most about the business?

    Hands down, I love the creative outlet.  I love building the brand and bringing to life what I see in my mind’s eye.  I wake up in the morning, and most days, I can’t wait to get to work so I can make my vision a reality!

    What’s been the biggest challenge in your business?

    Learning how to scale the business and continually bring it to the next level has been the biggest challenge.  I’ve always longed for a business mentor/consultant, who has walked this road before, believes in what I’m doing, and can help show me the next steps.

    cleaning brushes

    The most innovative plastic-free product you’ve found? Personal favourites/most used?

    I absolutely LOVE my cleaning brushes.  I think they are such useful products and eliminate so much disposable plastic in the process.  The water bottle brush, toilet brush + stand and dustpan and brush set are my top three favs. I use them every day and they look gorgeous while not in use.

    Do you have a team at PlasticFree HK?

    Yes, I have two people currently on our team, in addition to myself.  One Sai Kung mom helps with pictures, design and IG and another Sai Kung mom helps me with managing the office and fulfilling orders.  They are both right here in town and can literally walk to our office, which I find helps loads with keeping the machine running smoothly.  I also love working with other fellow moms, as we can relate to each other even more. I’m still needing more help, but as stated above, knowing how to grow is a major learning curve for me.

    What’s been the most effective marketing for your business?

    Hong Kong Moms Facebook Group!  Ha! In all seriousness, word of mouth from satisfied customers has probably been our greatest marketing tool, but Facebook ads is proving successful as well.

    zero waste living

    Do you live zero waste/plastic free yourself?

    I do my best but we are definitely not a 100% zero waste home.  I think it’s actually impossible to live completely sustainably here in Hong Kong.  There are just too many roadblocks we haven’t found solutions for yet, like composting sites and plastic-free produce.  We’re getting there though! Every day it seems to get better.

    What’s your top tip for living more sustainably in Hong Kong?

    If living sustainably interests you, start small and go from there!  First, try to eliminate all single-use plastics from your life, especially the top five: water bottles, straws, bags, coffee/tea cups and take away items like cutlery/polystyrene/etc.  These are the big offenders and if you can let these go from your life, the world will benefit greatly. After that, take a look at your home and choose one room to tackle first. The bathroom is always an easy and effective place to start.  Change things out one at a time and go from there. Every single change matters, so don’t be disheartened by the magnitude of this issue, yet rather be encouraged by the changes that make a difference.

     

    You can visit PlasticFree HK’s website to browse their full range of eco-friendly products here.


    Rate this post
    Around HK Environmental Issues Female Entrepreneurs Green Greener Hong Kong Hong Kong Lifestyle Online Shopping Shopping
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit WhatsApp
    The HK HUB
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Created by Hong Kong lovers for Hong Kong lovers, The HK HUB offers you a daily dose of stories, deals, and tips about this unique and amazing city. If you're looking for the best places to visit, to know more about the Hong Kong Culture, to find a cool restaurant or bar to chill with your friends, or an exciting thing to do over the weekend with your family, we've got you covered. The HK HUB opens the doors to Hong Kong.

    Related Posts

    50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

    2022-04-21 Around HK

    Leaving Hong Kong Checklist: How To Withdraw MPF, Clear Taxes, Get Rid Of Furniture & Much More

    2022-03-24 Essential HK

    15 Professional Relocation Companies To Move Your Furniture Internationally & Locally Without Stress

    2022-03-23 Essential HK

    Add comment

    Partners
    CCW Hong Kong
    The Kare Lab, Medical PPE Supplier
    Latest Posts
    Unvaxxed Students Can Attend Graduation Ceremonies; Daily RAT Testing For Schools Till June
    2022-05-20
    Hong Kong Clubs, Bars Reopen; Restaurant Hours Extended Till Midnight As Social Distancing Rules Ease
    2022-05-19
    Carrie Lam Says 3rd Dose Requirement Will Begin May 31 Despite Expert Op-Ed
    2022-05-18
    The Kare Lab Launches Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Screen Protector That Kills 99% Of Coronavirus In 30 Minutes
    2022-05-18
    6 More Quarantine Hotels For International Travellers
    2022-05-18
    7 Stores To Get Gourmet Hampers & Gift Boxes For All Special Occasions
    2022-05-18
    All You Need to Know About Dragon Boat Festival: The Meaning Behind Races & Where To Watch Them In 2022
    2022-05-17
    The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do
    2022-05-17
    Advertising Solutions
    Newsletters

    Receive the latest news weekly

    Subscribe to updates

    Open the door to Hong Kong and get your weekly dose of stories, deals and tips.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    • Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Designed by Get Clicks.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.