Students are hence supportive of patenting as it implies money making. It is interesting that several investors in Hong Kong have set up biotechnology laboratories in neighbouring China, because of not only reduced cost of land and labour, but also the less restrictive patent and copyright laws. Also in Hong Kong there is widespread illegal photocopying of books, or computer programmes, and students often use photocopies versions of textbooks rather than buying them. Projects related to the recycling of plastics and cans, etc., are given to final year students to complete. Recycling bins are placed in strategic areas, such as around the library.
Advertisements related to conservation are also common in the local newspapers and on television.
Shops which sell natural products are also doing well. Most of the food, especially vegetables, are imported fresh from Malaysia to Singapore, and from mainland China to Hong Kong, as well as from a variety of other countries. The food purchasing for these young student samples is mainly by their parents as they are living at home, so they may not be aware whether they are pesticide free or not, even if they are available in vegetable markets. In Hong Kong there have also been several campaigns and their are active Friends of the Earth and other green groups. Recycling is still in early stages, with collection of cans by the underprivileged for economic reasons.