All these measures helped Gaoyuan garner one of the EPA’s top scores for cleanliness and volunteer participation. In addition, it has consistently received the No. 1 award for its environment in Taoyuan County.
Other communities should learn from Gaoyuan and the example of model communities said Yeh Jiunn-horng (葉俊宏), Director-General of Comprehensive Planning at the EPA.
“While environmental awareness is very important, it starts with culture,” Yeh said.
“Previously in Gaoyuan, no one cared about its environment, outsiders saw it as a safe haven for dumping and waste. However, once people started taking an interest, the whole process [of environmental awareness] was put in motion,” Yeh said.
However, the benefits of its accomplishments are not only limited to the environment. Gaoyuan’s economy has also steadily improved despite the global downturn.
It has started to attract tours and groups wishing to understand more about its achievements. Last year, thirty such groups visited the village and numbers are increasing.
The village has also started attracting new artists that are interested in Gaoyuan’s eco-culture. Its community center is filled with sculptures and models made from recycled goods.
The highlight is a traditional Hakka sacrificial pig made out of 25,000 bottle caps. Not only has it saved a pig, the village has made money by renting it out to other Hakka festivals.
Local farmers have also said that the quality of crop yields has been consistently increasing as less harmful chemicals and pollutants are entering the land.
In fact, the villagers plan to erect a new showroom for their eco-arts and farm produce next year.
“We have accomplished much, but still … we will continue to work hard to better this community,” Huang said.
The EPA hopes that this example can repeat itself throughout the country.
“Communities are the foundation of this country,” Yeh said. “If every community can accomplish what we have achieved here today … the entire country will be better for it.”
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