As the Year of the Rabbit concludes, ushering in the imminent Year of the Dragon on Feb. 10, adherents to the ancient lunisolar calendar in Taiwan are fervently engaging in the annual ritual of preparing for the new year. This cultural practice involves a meticulous cleaning of homes, with the belief that purging every surface of accumulated dust and unwanted items will dispel misfortunes from the previous months.
A widely embraced idiom during this season translates to “clear out the old and replace it with the new” , encouraging the disposal of unused items. Consequently, in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, waste management systems nationwide experience an influx of perfectly serviceable clothes, household appliances, and furniture.
In contrast to Western societies, where secondhand goods enjoy popularity, many Taiwanese exhibit reservations about embracing pre-owned items. For some, this reluctance stems from concerns about social status, fearing that using secondhand items might be perceived as a financial inability to acquire brand-new equivalents.
However, exceptions exist. A resident of Kaohsiung’s Nanzi District, surnamed Yang, has been proactively salvaging usable items discarded by her apartment complex’s janitorial staff for years. Despite prevailing local superstitions suggesting potential bad luck associated with secondhand items, Yang, a Christian, remains unfazed by what she calls “irrational fears.”
Her altruistic efforts extend beyond her family, as she seeks to aid neighbors with limited resources. Yang exemplifies a mindset of frugality and sustainability, reminiscent of an era when making do with limited means was a way of life.
As affluence has grown in Taiwan, such behaviors have become less common. Yet, social media has emerged as a platform facilitating the rehoming of unwanted possessions. Lianna Nicole Faruolo, recognizing the need to reduce waste and provide assistance to those arriving in Taiwan with minimal belongings, established the “Buy Nothing Taipei (Free or Swap Only)” Facebook group six years ago. This group, now boasting 5,700 members, exemplifies a growing trend of online platforms promoting the exchange of goods without financial transactions.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist in Taiwan’s recycling landscape. The Ministry of Environment’s “Unwanted Treasures Map” identifies over 6,800 used-clothing recycling points nationwide, but gaps remain in certain regions, such as Hsinchu, Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung. Taitung County, for instance, removed all its used-clothing bins due to misuse, necessitating alternative disposal methods.
While some areas, like Chiayi City, boast numerous used-clothing recycling points, managing the influx of items, especially around the Lunar New Year, presents challenges. The Chiayi City Spinal Cord Injury Association, responsible for 139 locations, faces complications such as ordinary trash, pillows, quilts, and shoes mixed in with clothing donations.
As Taiwan grapples with changing consumer habits and waste management, the concept of sustainability is finding resonance, urging individuals to rethink their consumption patterns. The age-old Lunar New Year tradition of cleansing homes takes on a modern twist, prompting reflection on the environmental impact of discarding unwanted items. In this evolving landscape, individuals like Yang and groups such as “Buy Nothing Taipei” embody a shift towards conscious and sustainable living, emphasizing the need to reduce waste and foster community support.