The "Drift East!" eco cup initiative has arrived on Green Island and Orchid Island! The Taitung County Environmental Protection Bureau is promoting reusable cups on both islands. As soon as visitors step off the ferry or disembark from the plane, they can borrow an eco cup for free at the pier or airport. It's incredibly convenient to carry one around the island, and it helps reduce waste on these small, remote communities.
Travel writer Huang Xiaomo, who has long been concerned about the waste problem on Taiwan's outlying islands, made a video to help promote the initiative. She said: "Five years ago, I discovered that behind Sleeping Beauty — one of Green Island's most famous landmarks — was a landfill sitting right by the sea. I later learned that the landfills on both Green Island and Orchid Island were already full. On top of that, all garbage from Taiwan's outlying islands has to be shipped back to the main island for processing. So over the past few years, whenever I've given an ocean-related talk, I've urged visitors to reduce the waste they generate when they travel to these islands. I'm so glad that Green Island and Orchid Island finally have a reusable cup borrowing program this year!"
Good Box (好盒器) — Self-Service Eco Cup System
Huang Xiaomo explained that Green Island and Orchid Island operate on a self-service borrowing model using the "Good Box (好盒器)" system. All you need to do is scan a QR code and register the cup number to complete the loan. A single person can borrow up to six cups at once. Each borrowed cup even comes with a carry bag that you can hang from your scooter, making it effortless to use while touring the island. She noted that many scuba divers have already started borrowing cups, and numerous local businesses have been actively helping to spread the word.
Buy your drink in a Green Island cup first, then pair it with traditional local food — convenient and delicious
The Benefits of Using a Reusable Cup
She urged visitors that by spending just one extra minute borrowing a reusable cup before buying a drink or coffee, they can eliminate one paper cup, one plastic sealing film, one straw, and one plastic carrier bag — all while enjoying a discount for using a reusable cup. A habit that benefits both you and the environment is one worth cultivating. It also helps lighten the environmental burden on these small islands: waste disposal on outlying islands is extremely difficult, and shipping costs are high. The best solution is to reduce waste at the source.
In addition, Green Island has dozens of water refill stations. Huang Xiaomo pointed out that by using a reusable cup together with these stations — which can be found via the "Fengcha Action App (奉茶行動App)" — visitors can easily replace bottled water. Alternatively, simply fill your reusable cup with drinking water at your guesthouse before heading out, and you won't need to buy bottled water or take the guesthouse's pre-packaged bottles. It saves money and is good for the environment.
The manager of the Green Island branch of Dingo (叮哥) said that because her family is involved in the tourism industry, she also wanted to do her part for the island's environment. When she heard about the eco cup promotion, she decided to join right away. Many scuba divers now come in to borrow cups.
Eco cups are easy to borrow at beverage shops on Green Island
Green Island Eco Cup Borrow & Return Stations
There are currently five borrow-and-return stations for the "Green Island Cup" on Green Island, including Nanliao Fishing Harbor (where the ferry departs), Green Island Airport, and the Green Island Township Office. The 7-Eleven Green Island branch and the Dingo Green Island store — both popular with tourists — also offer borrowing and returning, making the system very convenient. There are also five return-only locations, including a duty-free shop, a hot spring shop, and three accommodation providers such as Huoshao Island Diving B&B.
Orchid Island Eco Cup Borrow & Return Stations
The "Orchid Island Cup" currently has four borrow-and-return stations: Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor (where the ferry departs), Orchid Island Airport, and two 7-Eleven stores on the island — all very convenient. The Orchid Island Township Office also accepts returns.
海洋因我潛水而改變
https://youtu.be/9o4QIN4QWrE
