TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Environment has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing plastic use, aligning with global conventions despite recent U.S. policy shifts, Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) said on Wednesday (Feb. 12).
Peng clarified that Taiwan will not follow U.S. President Donald Trump's recent executive order promoting plastic straws, emphasizing that the nation's measures are progressing well.
Trump recently signed an executive order advocating for the return of plastic straws, arguing that paper alternatives often break and have limited impact on marine life. Peng suggested that Trump's dissatisfaction with paper straws may stem from personal experiences, noting that Taiwan's paper straws do not exhibit such issues. However, he acknowledged concerns about some paper straws containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which present a problem.
The Taiwanese environment minister highlighted that Taiwan's efforts to reduce straw usage and plastic have been effective and will continue in line with global plastic conventions. He also pointed out that international trends indicate renewable energy as the most effective carbon reduction strategy.
Peng emphasized that Taiwan's focus on renewable energy aligns with international trends, underscoring the nation's commitment to sustainable development.
