Green group calls bag levy a success

The environment group Greeners Action said it has determined that consumers used 85 percent fewer plastic bags on the first day upon which the bags came under an environmental levy. The green group described the government steps to protect the environment successful, adding it is an accomplishment for Hong Kong people. In a survey of 18 supermarkets on Tuesday, the day the levy came into effect, Greeners Action observed that the number of plastic bags distributed in one hour plummeted from 2,742 in previous studies to 403.

Design graduates get internship opportunities

Internship programs with government subsidies have opened up for design school graduates with degrees or higher diplomas. The new programs were announced yesterday by Create Hong Kong as part of an initiative to promote the design sector.

The program will take 50 fresh graduates from Visual Communications, Digital Media, and Fashion/Interior/Product Design. Each company will have two intakes and provide mentoring, seminars and workshops for professional training.

Staff, members of Caesar Beauty left out in the cold

Caesar Beauty Center closed yesterday after 10 years of service. The company said it had been badly afflicted by the financial crisis and was ceasing operations. The company's applications for loans that would have kept it afloat were refused. Some 100 staff and 1,000 company members are affected. A customer said she paid HK$5,400 for a one-year package last month. She attended only seven sessions and now fears her money would be wasted. The company said customers with coupons can continue their service at Modern Beauty Salon. The Consumer Council received 672 complaints related to the sector in the first six month.

China Daily - Agencies

(HK Edition 07/09/2009 page1)