[ LETTER ]

‘Earth Eve’ planned

We, a group of university students and professors combined to form the “Smile Union,” have a dream. We have initiated the idea of “No Litter Left after New Year’s Eve” and are spreading the message around the world. April 22nd is international Earth Day. Citizens around the globe recognize this day as “an environmental protection day.”

Smile Union proposes to launch “Earth Eve,” which stands for the period between New Year’s Eve on Monday and midnight on New Year’s Day. Our action on this coming Earth Eve is based on two principles: First, we call on the people who participate in the celebrations on New Year’s Eve to put the idea of “No Litter Left after New Year’s Eve” into practice.

Second, while celebrating New Year’s Eve, on the day of “Earth Eve,” we encourage everyone to tidy up their house, and to say goodbye to the past year and embrace a brighter incoming new year.

As young college students, we hope that the idea of “Earth Eve” will gain national and world-wide support like the Earth Day environmental movement did 30 years ago.

There are only a few “Eves” we celebrate, such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. On those occasions we celebrate peace and happiness. We define “Earth Eve” as a time dedicated to environmental protection, adding color and meaning to New Year’s Eve.

We invite those who are concerned about environmental protection to join us in front of Taipei 101 between 5pm and midnight on New Year’s Eve for Earth Eve.

Starting in Taipei, please help circulate this message around the world.

Liu Kuan-Ting

Taipei