Taiwan’s tourist accommodations join the climate change battle by eliminating single-use toiletries from rooms; a big move that will reduce carbon emissions by 2,500 metric tons annually.
The Environmental Ministry has stipulated that beginning in 2025, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other tourist accommodations will no longer be allowed to provide in-room single-use toiletries. These will include any containers of less than 180 ml capacity and disposable items such as combs, toothbrushes, razors, slippers, and more.
When polling the public, opinions seem to be polarized. One woman says that she’s always brought her own toiletries when she’s traveled, so this doesn’t make a difference for her. Another man says that they should at least prepare some for travelers’ convenience.
Some hotel operators have already stopped offering disposable toiletries in guest rooms and found that most guest reactions were positive, with feedback saying they felt that this was an international trend. Kaohsiung Unite Hotel chain deputy manager Lien Hsiao-chi (連曉其) says that if guests forget to bring their toothpaste, toothbrush, or other products, they can buy them at the front desk.
According to the ministry, by utilizing refillable large containers, small bottle usage can be cut by more than 460 million units per year which is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 2,500 metric tons.
The saying goes to take only memories and leave only footprints when visiting the natural vistas of the world. With this eco-conscious change, tourists in Taiwan can take home memories more happily knowing that they leave a smaller footprint.