WORLD’S ECO LIFE
Garbage Bags are Comparatively Expensive
The Republic of China
Garbage bags in Taipei are not cheap. For example, in Japan, a 30 liter bag costs about 10 yen. In Taipei, a 33-liter bag costs 43 yen. The reason why they are so expensive is that they include the City’s garbage processing cost.
In the past the garbage processing cost was covered by taxes. Opposition was voiced that since the amount of garbage varies from person to person, it is unfair to cover the entire processing cost with taxes. The result is the current system, which has been in effect since 2000. At first, dissatisfaction was voiced that it affects the family budget.
However, when put in the perspective of the sundial way of life, this can lead to a change in lifestyle: “since garbage bags are expensive, the amount of garbage should be reduced as much as possible and one should try to not waste anything.” As a matter of fact, the Government’s proposal for garbage recycling has helped heighten citizens’ awareness about environmental protection. My family’s garbage volume is also on the decline.
(Rev. Chen Bor Horng, Chief Secretary, Seicho-No-Ie Republic of China Missionary Area)