Next time you check into a hotel, remember to pack your own toothbrush and comb to help protect the planet, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said yesterday.
The EPA issued the call during a press conference promoting "green hotels" -- those with reduced energy consumption and waste.
"The average mid-sized hotel [from 150 to 500 rooms] consumes more disposable personal care products in a week than 100 families in a year," said Yang Ching-shi (
The definition of a "green hotel," however, does not stop at discontinuing the provision of plastic shower caps or disposable razors. Citing a 2001 study, Yang said that at 902 liters, water consumption per person per day was three times the domestic usage.
"Take for example the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel in the US, which received a Gold Rating for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design from the US Green Building Council," Yang said.
"The environmentally friendly hotel, run by Taiwanese-American Chang Wen-i (
In Taiwan, Leofoo Development Co (
The hotels will cease to offer disposable products such as toothbrushes and razors in guest rooms, Westin marketing communications assistant manager Fennie Kuo (
"In addition, we will provide shampoo and conditioner with a free travel pack so that guests can take them away after they check out. We hope this will help promote the concept of bringing your own personal products on trips."
Yang said that more than 80 percent of hotels had responded positively in a questionnaire in which they were asked if they would participate in the campaign.
"As such, the administration will establish certification guidelines next year," Yang said.
"Hotels can voluntarily apply for the certification and customers who wish to frequent environmentally friendly hotels can use [this certification] as a reference," he said.
The administration is hosting a poll to select the nation's top-10 green hotels, Yang said.
People can nominate hotels and vote online at www.buygreentw.net through Jan. 15, where they could win prizes including an energy-friendly portable computers, he said.
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
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