Innovative ideas utilizing environmental-protection methods in daily life to increase water efficiency, conserve energy and even to make oneself trendy, were demonstrated yesterday at an awards ceremony held jointly by Delta Electronics, Inc and the Public Television Service (PTS).
According to event organizers, the competition aims to promote both recycling and energy conservation. Rapid economic development has in the past resulted in environmental deterioration, which has been affecting people's lives negatively. Emerging problems such as drought and illegal dumping force people to re-examine their way of life.
PHOTO: CHANG CHIA-MING, TAIPEI TIMES
Hsiao Ming-chien (
He produced a videotape of his research project, during which he built a zero-emission farm integrating environmental technologies, agriculture and aquaculture.
On the environmentally friendly farm, chickens are raised in shacks built above a pond. The chickens' excrement drops directly into the pond, providing nutrition to water creatures such as shrimp and fish, as well as a fast-growing type of lotus. The lotus is turned into fodder for pigs and chickens.
"The farm is a zero-emission concern because all waste produced on the farm is recycled within its borders," Hsiao said.
He said that eggs produced on the farm also contain less cholesterol than ordinary eggs.
Hsiao said that farms run according to his methods could become tourist attractions for people seeking recreational activities in the countryside.
Hsu Ming-yuan (
Mary Chen (陳曼麗), chairwoman of the Homemakers' Union and Foundation, said that variations of Hsu's idea had been applied in advanced countries, such as Japan.
"The outstanding part of Hsu's idea is that people can transform existing toilets at home into water-efficient appliances," she said.
Chen also praised the winner of the second prize, Chang Shu-hua (
At the ceremony, students from the Taipei Private Hwa Kang Art School presented a fashion show modelling clothes made from shiny wrapping paper, PET bottles and other recycled materials.
Environment Protection Administration Deputy Administrator Chang Chu-en (
"Fulfilling sustainable development in the 21st century relies on brilliant ideas, which transform waste into reusable resources," Chang said.
The award winners received prizes ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$100,000.
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