Six coffee-shop chains have formed the Green Cafe Alliance to offer environmental advice to customers, such as encouraging them to use less disposable cutlery.

Agnes B Cafe, Caffe HABITU, McCafe, Pacific Coffee, Pret A Manger and Starbucks will run the campaign at their 300 Hong Kong outlets.

Launching the alliance today, Assistant Director of Environmental Protection Vincent Tang said if each customer uses less disposable cutlery a day, it will see a significant reduction in waste. He added the programme will raise public awareness and gradually change their behaviour to make good use of resources and cut waste.

Customers will start seeing publicity materials in the cafes, and their staff will remind them to think twice before taking disposable cutlery. Some cafes will also encourage customers to bring their own coffee tumblers or reuse cup sleeves.