Typically, as a countries GDP grows, their consumption and waste grows. However, this is not the case for Taiwan. They have managed to grow their GDP while keeping their household waste low. The average citizen in Taiwan creates less than 1 kilogram of waste per day, while the average American creates 2 kilograms per day.
They have done this largely through education. Every kid in school gets taught about environmental issues all throughout their schooling – from kindergarten all the way to the end of their education. Not only are they educating kids, all government officials have to get at least four hours of environmental education as well.
Households are also made hyperaware of their waste, as you can only put out garbage that is in government issued bags, and the bags cost more money if they are larger – five of the biggest bags cost $10. This has been so successful that Taiwan has had to shut down an incinerator because there is so much less garbage.
Not only are the Taiwanese creating less garbage, but 93% believe in climate change, and recognize that we need to be doing something. Having this type of public support is huge – without it, this would not be possible.
Dr. Eugene Chien, the former minister of Taiwan’s EPA (Environmental Protection Administration) has contributed the large successes to education of kids. This is a great example of why environmental education is so important in schools.
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