In today's pressing climate crisis,
sustainability has now become a top priority for countries aiming to balance
bullish economic development with its inevitable environmental impact.
Developing countries should look at the
playbook of a once-garbage-ridden island republic in Asia, which is now one of
the world's leading recycling countries.
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| Deya Ocean Recycling Roll Function Backpack |
More than a couple of decades ago, Taiwan
grappled with a widespread waste disposal problem. Inaction pushed the
residents of Taipei to protest, thus enacting change through laws and other
government measures.
From then on, Taiwan has become a leader
in many aspects, including green initiatives. Its success has been a result of
effective public and private efforts.
Leading in green innovation
To better arm itself in its bid for
sustainable development, Taiwan has also adapted the Circular Economy model,
which focuses on maximizing the resources while minimizing waste.
According to President Tsai Ing-Wen,
Taiwan's development and push for the Circular Economy demonstrate that
economic growth can go hand in hand with environmental protection and
sustainability.
With the model used as a guiding
principle, the green mindset has flourished in many other facets of Taiwanese
life.
Aside from strict garbage disposal laws,
the Taiwanese government has recently passed the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and
Management Act, as well as amended its Air Pollution Control Act, with stronger
measures to curtail air pollution and accelerate Taiwan's energy transition.
Also, Taiwan has created the National
Climate Change Action Guidelines, which set emission caps and promote green
finance initiatives.
Even in architecture, environmental
consciousness permeates. For one, there's the iconic Taipei 101, which is
considered one of the world's most innovative green structures. Another
architectural marvel is the EcoARK Pavilion, a three-story exhibition hall
built with 1.5 million interlocked plastic bottles instead of conventional
bricks.
Taiwanese corporations have also found
innovative ways to harness renewable energy and promote
environmentally-friendly products and policies.
Recently, Taiwan's Environmental
Protection Administration (EPA) has lauded green efforts of several companies
including Fuji Xerox Taiwan and Taiwan High Speed Rail.
Additionally, many products have been
developed to help achieve Taiwan's green dream. To further promote recycling,
Taipei residents are now using vending machines like iTrash booths to recycle
cans and bottles in exchange for credit on their transportation smart cards.
Taiwan Excellence awardee Kymco Motors is
also leading the electronic motorbike revolution. The company has developed
all-electric scooters powered by swappable batteries, effectively improving air
quality.
Fellow awardee PaperShoot Camera offers a
compact digital camera with a case made out of eco-friendly paper.
Meanwhile, Deya makes waves with its
backpack line made from recycled materials including the Ocean Recycling Roll
Function Backpack, whose fibers are spun from recycled ocean waste.
As a testament to its successful green
innovations, the EPA says that around 11,000 environmentally-conscious stores
throughout Taiwan sold NT$44.4 billion (Php74.88 billion) worth of green
products in 2017.
Future sustainability
In terms of propelling the economy
forward while balancing environmental interests, Taiwan is a leading global
force. With much of the world burdened by issues linked to fragile
environmental issues, developing countries are best to emulate Taiwan's
boldness when it comes to ensuring sustainability.
Sustainability has become a priority in
Taiwan. While other countries continue to debate adopting a greener approach to
development, Taiwan is already thinking years into the future. As Taiwan
continues to develop and sharpen its green ambition, it's making leaps and
bounds to ensure future generations live their best lives.
To witness the future of Taiwan’s
technologies, check out the following events: The Taiwan Excellence E-Sports
Cup, October 4-6 in Metro Manila, and; the Taiwan Expo, November 8-9 at SMX
Convention Center Davao.
