Taiwanese temples advance environmental sustainability and social welfare

Religious institutions in Taiwan are increasingly integrating environmental sustainability and social welfare into their operations. In Yilan County, 20 temples have received the ‘Environmental Low-Carbon Temple Certification’ for implementing measures to reduce air pollution and carbon footprints. These measures include reducing the burning of joss paper and incense, utilizing LED lighting, and replacing traditional firecrackers with gas-powered alternatives. Notable participants include the Fo Guang Shan Lanyang Retreat and Ciyun Temple, which have implemented policies against burning joss paper and firecrackers.

In Kaohsiung, the Fengyi Kaizhang Shengwang Temple was recognized at the Kaohsiung City Outstanding Religious Groups Commendation Ceremony. The temple received an award for its contributions to public welfare and charity. Temple chairperson Cheng An-li emphasized that the recognition reflects the collective effort of volunteers and believers to transform religious faith into community support and social care.