They say that the future lies in the youth of today. If our future leaders have Eugenia Chow in its ranks, we’re in good hands!

Eugenia is a Hong Kong-born environmental activist who uses her blog and podcast to shed light on food systems, regenerative living and intersectional sustainability in Hong Kong – while sharing her love of vegan food. Her thoughtful perspectives on the need to be more mindful of our daily habits have spurred a mini-movement among the youth of Hong Kong.

Our “8Shades of…” series aims to highlight established faces in the sustainability landscape, but also up-and-coming ones. We played a quick-fire round of eight questions with Eugenia to get to know her and her work a little better.

1. In one sentence, tell us what you do?

Through running my blog (@eugreenia) and podcast (The Everyday Activist) on topics of food systems, regenerative living and intersectional sustainability, my aim is to demonstrate how anyone can contribute to the environmental movement. 

2. Why are you an 8Shader?

My first encounter with sustainability followed my first-ever dive. After experiencing the beauty that the underwater world has to offer, I was devastated to learn that common forms of plastic such as straws and bags often end up harming these creatures and their ecosystems.

While I’m learning now that issues of sustainability are far broader than single-use plastics, this experience made me realise that we can have a direct impact on the environment around us and that it is crucial to take action if we have the means to do so.

3. Your best eco habit?

One sustainable habit that I inherited from my parents is making the most of what I have. Whether it is wearing the same clothes for seven years or repurposing old t-shirts into rags, I believe that these behaviours help encourage a culture of sufficiency and simplicity. 

4. Guilty not-so-green habit?

Definitely flying. As a student from Hong Kong currently studying abroad, a large contribution of my environmental impact comes from taking a plane across the globe. 

5. Fave eco product?

Making the most of things you already own!

6. Fave veggie dish in HK?

This is a tough choice, but I might have to go with the veggie shao mai from Pure Veggie House because I miss Hong Kong food!

7. For people who don’t care about sustainability, what do you have to say to them?

Sustainability is not something you can choose to care about; for some, it is a way of life essential for survival. Living in harmony with the environment is the only way forward if we want to be able to continue living comfortably on this planet. 

8. What shade of green are you and why?

I would describe myself as a medium shade of green – while I actively try to engage with and educate others about environmental issues, I am aware that there is always more to learn!

Follow Eugenia Chow on Instagram and her podcast, The Everyday Activist.

See also: 8Shades Of… David Yeung, Founder Of Green Monday Group