TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An event addressing the invasive white popinac will be held in Pingtung on Saturday (Dec. 14), featuring plant removal and eco-bottle crafting with carbonized wood.
Activities include popinac tree removal, product demonstrations, and explanations of material reuse. ReWood studio, the 2022 National Sustainable Development Award winner, will guide participants in crafting eco-bottles using carbonized white popinac wood, per CNA.
The initiative aims to raise awareness of the ecological threats posed by white popinac and promote sustainable local development by encouraging participation in its removal. Products made from recycled white popinac will also highlight the value of resource reuse.
Native to Central America, Leucaena leucocephala was first introduced to Taiwan by the Dutch in the 1640s and was later reintroduced several times. The species was once widely used in large-scale afforestation efforts across Taiwan, according to kplant.
Due to its strong invasive nature, the white popinac displaces native species. Originally introduced for firewood and animal feed, white popinac has become a threat to the Hengchun Peninsula's ecosystem due to its rapid spread.
Pingtung began control efforts in the 1990s, collaborating with stakeholders to address the issue. This year, public-private efforts repurposed the wood into everyday products, promoting environmental sustainability.
A gift box has been launched featuring dry-cleaning mousse, polyphenol cleaning solution, and dehumidifying charcoal packs. Each box represents the removal of 0.9 kg of white popinac.
The event will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Checheng Guishan Trail parking lot. Online reservations are open, and 30 DIY eco-bottle kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
