Nantou County is renowned for its scenic attractions, drawing tourists from near and far, thereby fostering the growth of the local tourism and accommodation industry. However, this growth has also led to an increase in disposable amenities and the environmental impact associated with them, along with the depletion of resources. The escalating volume of waste has placed a substantial burden on the county's waste management facilities. To promote a reduction in disposable amenities provided by the local tourism and accommodation businesses and encourage residents to support source reduction policies, the Nantou County Government's Environmental Protection Bureau (EPB) has organized an eco-accommodation lottery event. This initiative assists tourism and accommodation establishments in implementing source reduction practices, promoting the concept of sustainable and eco-friendly consumption. The goal is to effectively reduce waste generation in the local tourism and accommodation sector and enhance public awareness of plastic waste reduction.
The event is organized by the EPB of the Nantou County Government, with the participation of 36 local eco-accommodations carrying the Environmental Label. The event runs from now until October 31, 2023. During this period, customers staying in eco-rooms (which do not provide disposable amenities or do not change sheets and towels for consecutive stays) at designated cooperating eco-accommodations and eco-label hotels in the current year (2023) can participate in the lucky drawing. To qualify, guests must either stay in an eco-room or bring their own reusable toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, shampoo, and shower gel), as verified by the establishment. Participants have a chance to win a variety of prizes, including an iPad tablet, AirPods Pro 2, high-pressure steam convection oven, ceramic thermos, PX Mart gift vouchers, and more, with a total of 24 prizes available (see the event poster for more details.)
In recent years, the Environmental Management Administration of the Ministry of Environment has actively promoted the reduction of disposable amenities in the hospitality industry. In the future, the goal is to move towards the comprehensive limitation of disposable products. This effort aims to create a travel and accommodation model that reduces waste at its source through the collaborative efforts of the industry and consumers. Yi-shu Li, the Director-general of the EPB of Nantou County Government, expressed that the bureau is actively promoting various waste reduction initiatives during recreational activities in tourist areas. The goal is to encourage local business owners, residents, and visiting tourists to implement environmental conservation practices. This approach aims to establish a new image for the green tourism industry in the county, allowing all visitors to Nantou County, as well as its residents, to enjoy the beautiful natural environment.
Nantou County Government Environmental Protection Bureau cares about you!