The Taitung County Government is actively implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting green policies in response to growing environmental awareness. A key initiative is the establishment of the “Drinking Water Sharing Platform,” which underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability. This platform not only provides accessible drinking water for residents and tourists but also sets a pioneering example for sustainable tourism in Taitung. By reducing single-use plastic bottles and encouraging environmentally conscious habits, this initiative is shaping a greener future while enhancing the convenience and quality of life in Taitung.
Taitung County now boasts 481 water refill stations across a wide area, allowing residents and visitors to easily locate nearby stations via the “My Hong Te” water refill map mobile app. This convenient service ensures access to clean and safe drinking water while significantly reducing single-use plastics. Every refill with a personal reusable cup translates to one less potential plastic waste item, thereby also lowering carbon emissions associated with bottled water production.
- My Hong Te－APP download
- My Hong Te－Facebook fan page
- My Hong Te－Line account
- My Hong Te－Official website
Notably, the Taitung County Government has chosen to collaborate with the private enterprise My Hong Te, demonstrating an innovative model of public-private partnership. Rooted in Taiwan’s traditional culture of hospitality, My Hong Te, combines this spirit with technological innovation to recreate a sense of warm welcoming. They have developed a comprehensive water refill map system. This app not only provides real-time information on refill station locations but also features a rewards program, making eco-friendly actions more engaging. With over 8,000 water refill stations across Taiwan and more than 200,000 app downloads, this initiative has effectively reduced the use of over 250,000 plastic bottles. The collaboration between Taitung County and My Hong Te exemplifies a perfect blend of sustainable development and technological innovation.
This eco-friendly initiative has received enthusiastic support in Taitung’s outlying islands, especially on Green Island, where both public and private sectors actively participate in the sustainability program. Currently, local hospitality businesses, including hotels and guesthouses, offer 22 water refill stations, showcasing strong support from local businesses for environmental sustainability. Public facilities have also joined the effort, including the Green Island Human Rights Memorial Park, the East Coast National Scenic Area Green Island Visitor Center, the Green Island Township Office, the Taitung County Household Registration Office – Green Island branch, Green Island New World Duty-Free Shop, the Coast Guard’s Green Island Outpost, and the Green Island Guanyin Cave Temple—all equipped with public drinking water facilities. On Orchid Island, there are currently two water refill stations available, and residents and visitors can conveniently locate refill points using the Lanyu Drinking Water Sharing Platform Map.
The Ministry of Environment further supported the installation of 10 unique IoT-enabled drinking fountains on the outlying islands. These fountains incorporate local design elements, such as the Green Island Lighthouse, General Rock, and Guanyin Cave, allowing visitors to appreciate the island’s distinctive cultural beauty while refilling their water. All refill station information can be easily accessed through the Green Island Drinking Water Sharing Platform Map, enhancing convenience for residents and tourists alike.
To ensure the health and safety of every water user, the Taitung County Environmental Protection Bureau conducts quarterly water quality tests, strictly maintaining standards at each refill station. This sustainable initiative not only supports government efforts to reduce waste transport from the islands and cut carbon emissions but also benefits local accommodations with increased visibility and provides convenient water access for tourists—a true win-win.
Notably, each avoided 600cc plastic bottle saves about 150 grams of carbon emissions. The IoT-enabled counters provide real-time tracking, allowing tangible measurements of environmental impact, which demonstrates the program’s success and encourages more public participation in conservation efforts. Let’s all support this initiative to protect Taitung’s environment—bring a reusable water bottle on your visit, make use of these free refill stations, and contribute actively to Taitung’s sustainable future.
