Taipei City Government

On May 7, Mayor Ko Wen-je signed an MOU with the independent organization Greenpeace in an effort to promote sustainable marathons and reduce litter during such events.
 
With marathon running now in trend, numerous runs are held across Taiwan at every distance all year around. However, large-scale races often come with an environmental cost due to the amount of single-use plastics and disposable items consumed throughout the course of the events.
 
According to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Taipei Marathon attracts around 27,000 runners from both Taiwan and abroad each year. If the event can be held in a greener way, it can help keep the city on the sustainable track.
The agency pointed out that by signing the MOU, the city government and Greenpeace will work together to make Taipei Marathon the island’s first running event to go green.
 
From this year onward, waste reduction approaches will be incorporated into all possible aspects of the run. For example, at the time of registration, participants can identify if they want to receive the event shirt. Runners can download information manual and completion certificates, rather than keeping hard copies. They are also encouraged to bring their own bottles or cups to reduce bottled water consumption.
 
Greenpeace’s commitment to green and sustainable ways of living is in sync with the City’s vision of a livable and sustainable future. In signing the MOU, the city government and the organization will collaborate to promote waste and plastics minimization and to bring the idea of green living down to a level in which everyone can practice to help save the environment.