Dog Poop Golden Tower: An Unexpected Golden Miracle

(中央社訊息服務20250324 15:38:52)In recent years, the Hualien County Environmental Protection Bureau has established a local composting facility centered around the "recycling and reuse" of dog waste, turning dog poop into a resource for the "Golden Garden." Here, fallen leaves and soil microorganisms break down the dog waste, cultivating environmental citizenship and learning. This project is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 14: Life Below Water and Biodiversity. This not only gives the construction and maintenance of the Golden Garden a sense of honor but also deepens the understanding of how to practice sustainable development.

The goal of the "Dog Poop Golden Tower" project is to establish a cyclical system using natural elements such as soil, plants, earthworms, and fallen leaves, to systematically process dog waste within this pet-friendly Golden Garden. This cyclical process allows dog poop to decompose and transform into nutrients in the soil, which are then returned to nature. These nutrients promote the growth of plants and organisms, achieving a harmonious cycle of interdependence in the natural world. Discarded wood is used to create informative signs that introduce how to combine dog waste, fallen leaves, and moisture to form a complete ecological cycle, helping the public understand how feces can transform into "gold" in the soil.

Magistrate Hsu stated that through the establishment of the "Dog Poop Golden Tower," the public can better understand the interdependence between individuals, society, and the environment. This project aims to enhance environmental responsibility, maintain ecological balance, respect life, and foster environmental citizenship and learning. It also promotes the SDG goal of "ensuring that all people have access to water, sanitation, and their sustainable management." The purpose of this project is to deeply instill environmental education into the hearts of the public, transforming knowledge into action, and bringing the SDGs closer to everyone’s daily life.

The Environmental Protection Bureau noted that from a young age, we are taught about the concept of poop, seeing it as a filthy and bacteria-filled item, which is why we develop the habit of washing our hands after using the restroom. Particularly when handling dog waste, many pet owners tend to place it in a plastic bag and discard it, a solution that may seem effective but often becomes part of the environmental problem. Failing to clean up after dogs during walks frequently leads to environmental messes, affecting community hygiene and the cleanliness of parks and tourist attractions. Despite various slogans like "Pick up after your dog," the impact has often been limited, and most methods lack an environmentally friendly approach.
Looking ahead, Hualien County will continue to promote a higher quality living environment. Magistrate Hsu calls on the public to continue their support in creating a cleaner, healthier environment for our homes and future generations.