In response to the core principles of sustainable development and climate action advocated by Earth Day and World Environment Day, the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau held the event “Earth Power・Low-Carbon Picnic Day: A Sustainable Commitment under Green Shadows and Starry Skies” on the evening of April 12 at the Dounan Forest Food and Agriculture Education Park. The event was jointly inaugurated by Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan, County Councilor Chien Tzu-fang, and Director Chang Chiao-wei of the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau. Magistrate Chang noted that on the eve of Earth Day, Yunlin County guided the public to implement carbon reduction actions in daily life through outdoor picnics and diverse experiential activities, gradually establishing a low-carbon lifestyle. Centered on the themes of “plastic-free,” “low-carbon,” and “environmentally friendly,” the event integrated environmental education with daily practices, encouraging collective public participation in net-zero transition and sustainable action. The atmosphere was lively and meaningful.
Magistrate Chang Li-shan stated that as the impacts of global climate change become increasingly evident and extreme weather events occur more frequently—coupled with current international conditions driving up the prices of coal, gas, oil, and other raw materials—mitigation and adaptation have become key policy priorities at all levels of government. Achieving net-zero emissions not only depends on industrial transformation but also requires action at the community and household levels. Key measures include reducing the use of single-use products, implementing proper waste sorting and recycling, choosing local and seasonal foods, and cultivating energy-saving and carbon-reduction habits, all of which are crucial actions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Magistrate Chang further explained that Yunlin County does not operate an incineration plant. In recent years, the County has continuously promoted public education to encourage waste sorting and reduction at the source in pursuit of energy conservation and carbon reduction goals. Additionally, the County has implemented a “no littering” policy, introduced the Zero Waste Recycling System (ZWS), and adopted the MMT mobile mechanical waste sorting system, transforming waste into SRF fuel pellets to convert waste into energy—turning trash into value. Regarding waste stockpiling issues, the Yunlin County Government has long collaborated with township offices to assist in waste disposal. Previously accumulated waste totaling 170,000 tons has been reduced to approximately 100,000 tons. Gukeng Landfill is the first facility to have completed full clearance, and the Environmental Protection Bureau aims to guide other sites sequentially so that by the end of this year, all seven townships will complete waste clearance and remediation.
Director Chang Chiao-wei of the Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau pointed out that in alignment with Magistrate Chang’s promotion of ethics education since taking office, this event aimed to extend environmental education into households. Actions such as turning off lights when not in use, unplugging unused sockets, and reducing the use of disposable products can collectively contribute to creating a healthier and more livable environment for Yunlin and the planet.
This event featured a wide range of environmental education and policy advocacy activities. The venue included themed booths on the Environmental Points App, eco-friendly agriculture, environmental education facilities, and hands-on workshops. Through interactive learning mechanisms, abstract environmental issues were translated into concrete and actionable solutions, enhancing public understanding of climate change, the circular economy, and sustainable resource use. The event was conducted in a low-carbon picnic format, providing picnic mats for public use and completely prohibiting the provision or use of disposable tableware. Challenge-based activities guided participants to recognize the importance of plastic reduction, reuse, and resource circulation, further reducing waste generation and promoting green consumption principles.
The evening program included a “Starry Sky Cinema,” featuring the environmental documentary The City of Waste. Through visual storytelling, the film depicts the massive volume of waste generated by urban development and the misallocation of resources, prompting reflection on the environmental impacts of modern consumption patterns and exploring possibilities for circular utilization and sustainable transformation. Through the film, participants were guided from global environmental issues to local action, deepening their awareness and commitment to environmental protection in a relaxed setting.
In addition, the event responded to the international Earth Hour initiative, promoting energy conservation and low-energy lifestyles. A “Dim Light Moment” was designed to create ambiance using low illumination and energy-efficient lighting, allowing participants to experience firsthand the importance of energy-saving actions and further internalize low-carbon living principles.
This event received enthusiastic support from local enterprises, with a total of 14 companies sponsoring the initiative. County Magistrate Chang Li-shan personally presented certificates of appreciation in recognition of their commitment to environmental sustainability and concrete actions. These enterprises are also partners in Yunlin County’s Green Office initiative, continuously promoting energy-saving measures, paperless operations, green procurement, and waste reduction strategies within their workplaces. Through systematic management, they reduce operational carbon footprints and integrate sustainability into corporate culture. Magistrate Chang expressed hope that public-private collaboration will gradually expand the impact of low-carbon actions and shape a model for local sustainable development.
The Yunlin County Environmental Protection Bureau stated that it will continue to strengthen public understanding and participation in environmental issues through diverse activities and educational outreach, ensuring that sustainability is not merely an理念 but is fully implemented in daily life, collectively advancing toward the vision of a low-carbon, livable, and sustainable city.
Sources: Yunlin County Government
