NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Tourism and Travel Department of the New Taipei City Government, the New Taipei City Mountain Association (新北市山岳協會), and other units collaborated to clean up mountains on Feb. 18 and 25, collectively removing 160 kilograms of sky lanterns and other litter.
More than a hundred people joined the cleanup activities, demonstrating a solid commitment to environmental protection.
During the Sky Lantern Festival, the New Taipei City Government held two large-scale sky lantern events on Feb. 17 and 24. These popular happenings, while drawing tourists and locals alike, also contributed to litter in the mountains.
The New Taipei City Mountain Association organized the cleanup event on Feb. 18 on three hiking trails.
In coordination with the Long-an Community Development Association of Pingxi District, the Tourism and Travel Department launched a mountain cleanup and cultural hiking activity on Feb. 25. Led by the founder of Hip Hop Pingxi, Wu Ming-hsien, participants collected discarded lanterns and other litter, while enjoying the scenic beauty along the trail.
Around 60 kilos of waste was collected during the cultural hike, bringing the total amount of rubbish removed across both cleanup activities to over 160 kilos, or approximately 21 bags. Organizers hope to promote environmental education through these activities, striking a balance between tourism and natural preservation.