In response to Earth Day on April 22, the Ministry of Environment organized a series of Earth Day events between April 19 and 22 under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet—Earth Power.” April 19’s event was a response to the global environmental protection trend, raising the public's awareness of environmental sustainability and encouraging participation through large-scaled cleaning activities. The event, “Team Planet, Cleaning for Earth, Go!” saw a gathering of businesses from various sectors, social organizations, and environmental protection volunteers across all 22 cities and counties in Taiwan.
Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming, Taipei City Government, as well as volunteers from businesses and organizations gathered at the event’s main venue, the Red House Plaza in Ximen to demonstrate the public and private sectors’ joint resolution to clean up the environment and begin cleaning activities. Nearly 50,000 people across Taiwan joined the cleaning effort, picking up cigarette butts and carrying out dengue fever-preventing measures. During the one-hour event, participants cleaned nearly 100,000 kilograms of general waste, over 20,000 kilograms of recyclables, as well as cleaned over 10,000 containers with standing water and removed nearly five million cigarette butts.
“Let us rethink our relationship to Earth on Earth Day and spread this power around!” said Peng, who highlighted that the 50,000 participants mobilized by the ministry for the event represent those concerned about environmental protection, including businesses, social organizations, environmental protection volunteers, and water environment patrol teams. They joined the cleaning event all over Taiwan, according to Peng, and if they can noticeably reduce the amount of urban waste, citizens will feel the difference and drive further change.
Peng said that environmental cleanliness is not only the fundamental power behind national development but also the key to public health and ecosystem protection. The three actions of this year’s Earth Day campaign were “Cleaner Streets,” “No Cigarette Butts on the Ground,” and “Patrol, Dump, Clean, Scrub,” which prevents dengue fever.
“There’s no glamour in a street with trash.” Even the most beautiful scenery is dulled by litter, Peng stressed. Currently, street cleanliness largely relies on cleaning crews and volunteers maintaining order behind the scenes. A shared public commitment to not littering is essential for preserving scenic beauty. Participants in this year’s Earth Day campaign include the Life Insurance Association of the Republic of China and its member companies, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Taiwan and local chapters, the Tzu Chi Foundation, FamilyMart Co., Ltd., environmental protection volunteers, water environment patrol teams, and environmental protection agencies from all 22 counties and cities across Taiwan. Cleanup zones covered streets, parks, alleys, rivers, and flood control roads nationwide.
According to Peng, the “Nationwide No Cigarette Butts on the Ground” campaign faces challenges due to many smokers lighting up in alleyways and casually tossing cigarette butts into drains. Some mistakenly believe this ensures the butt is extinguished, but in fact, cigarette butts are among the most common marine pollutants globally. Each discarded butt can take years to decompose and may release thousands of toxic substances and microplastics, contaminating water sources, harming wildlife, and threatening public health. The ministry will enhance enforcement, increase the number of butt collection facilities, and strengthen public-private cooperation to eliminate cigarette butt pollution. The public is urged to clean up their own cigarette butts.
Peng also noted that Taiwan’s annual joint efforts to combat dengue fever now face new challenges due to global warming, which has lengthened summers and expanded risk areas northward. As spring brings warmer temperatures and occasional rain, the environment becomes more conducive to mosquito breeding. It is urgent that prevention begins now to stop the spread of dengue fever. The public is encouraged to join the effort and “Patrol, Dump, Clean, Scrub.” By regularly inspecting homes, emptying water from containers, removing waste and breeding sources, and scrubbing container interiors to prevent mosquito egg attachment, the risk of dengue fever spreading can be reduced. The hope is that this environmental campaign will spark nationwide awareness and promote sustainable environmental action in daily life.
Peng called on the public to keep the environment clean and demonstrate collective commitment to protecting the planet. Through active public participation in the three actions, there can be resonance, consensus, and action that keep Earth clean and sustainable.
According to ministry statistics, after the “Nationwide No Cigarette Butts on the Ground” policy launched in 2024, local environmental protection agencies have continued to promote six major strategies: “Change the Culture,” “Reduction at the Source,” “Inspection and Enforcement,” “Environmental Cleanup,” “Public-Private Collaboration,” and “Enhanced Research.” 941 garbage trucks have displayed red banners promoting “Extinguish Cigarettes Properly—Clean Up Your Own Butts,” along with 251 social media and news posts reaching 7.89 million impressions. Over 10,000 cigarette butt collection facilities have been installed, improving cityscape cleanliness. In terms of dengue fever prevention, over 1.04 million inspections were conducted across Taiwan in 2024, resulting in the removal of over 2.19 million mosquito breeding sites, effectively reducing the risk of transmission. This year’s cleaning event aims to continue that momentum, enhance environmental hygiene, and improve epidemic prevention outcomes.

The ministry said that this Earth Day campaign demonstrates the government and public’s commitment to environmental protection. Whether it’s government, business, or individuals, everyone can be a force for change. Environmental protection must go beyond slogans; it must be translated into concrete actions. Let us sustain this clean energy, empower Earth, and carry forward this spirit of cleanliness and passion!