Green scheme: Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau officiates at the Green Lunch Charter launch.

More than 270 secondary and primary schools have signed a Green Lunch Charter to show their support for the provision of green lunches at school.

They will adopt an on-site meal portioning approach and use reusable food containers and cutlery to reduce wastage.

Officiating at the scheme's launch today, Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau called on more schools to join the charter, saying they can apply for subsidies.

Up to 40 million disposable containers and 15,000 tonnes of food waste were generated from school lunches per year in Hong Kong, which not only resulted in wastage but runs contrary to the green living principle, Mr Yau said.

On-site meal portioning has the merit of protecting our environment and offering a healthy diet. Food waste can be reduced as the amount of food served is adjusted according to the need of each student. The food will be more nutritious and fresher under the practice and it is in line with the principle of a healthy diet.