On today's Backchat, we're talking about the alternatives to plastic tableware that are fast becoming the new norm after the ban on single use plastics took effect late last month.

Most restaurants have adapted swiftly, switching to a mixture of paper, wooden and bamboo substitutes. But environmentalists say that, instead of just using other disposable products, there should be more emphasis on reusable tableware instead.


Meanwhile, the government is considering allowing suppliers of non-plastic tableware to voluntarily submit safety certificates to help allay concerns that some may contain small amounts of carcinogenic substances.


So how well is the ban on plastic tableware working? Are you happy with the alternatives? And what should be the next step?


After 9:45, we get a professional hiker's take on whether some spots should be off limits to amateur walkers, after two hiking-related deaths within just 24 hours.


9:05am-9:45am: Safety of plastic tableware alternatives


9:05am-9:30am: Kelvin Tsui, CEO of start-up ReCube
9:05am-9:30am: Leanne Tam, Campaigner, Greenpeace
9:30am-9:45: Shan Shan Chung, Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for the MsC in Environmental and Public Health Management, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University


9:45am-10:00am: Should some hiking spots be off-limit to amateurs

9:45am-10:00am: Roland Sharman, Founder of HKOutsider