新作坊 Humanity Innovation and Social Practice

Abstract

In November 2014, Puli PM2.5 Reduction Association (PPRA) was established. In 2015, National Chi Nan University began to participate in the association and joint the related movements. During the process of participation, it was discovered that when most people were faced with air pollution issues, they often ignored the importance of community-based pollution sources and the identity of air pollution producers, and would point their fingers at overseas pollutions or large-scale pollution resources. They expect the government and cooperate consortia to solve the problems effectively and quickly. Although the volunteers of the association were also victims of air pollutions, they chose to take voluntary reduction as their spirit of action and started from what they can do within their abilities. For example, promoting environmental education or publicities in order to guide the public to understand air pollution prevention and reduction in Puli Town. It has also led other local organizations to jointly respond to the promotion together, and gradually form an atmosphere of “Work Together for Good air” around the neighborhood.

By adopting qualitative research, the main findings of this study were: (a.) The development of air pollution awareness is through the transmission of information through external channels, and then confirm the fact of air pollution through own observation, and the motivation of individuals to take action comes from the unshakable responsibility to the community and the aspiration derived from life experiences. (b.) The control of air pollutions mainly promotes the demands through the five internal strategies like political action, creative exchange and discussion platform, development of multiple media, development of scientific tools, and promotion of life practice. (c.) The dilemma from being aware to taking action. Facing a weak sense of air pollution, and feeling powerlessness and resistance to change before taking action. During the action, there were problems of dodging the responsibility to the other sides of groups, unshakable living habits or folk beliefs, also the restrictions on communication and cooperation with the public sectors. After the actions, facing the problem of limited sustainability. (d.) Ways to cope with the predicament include: Using environmental education and scientific tools to raise awareness of air pollution, establishing an attitude that everyone and oneself are accountable, cultivating capabilities, and at the end, choosing an action position to start from the "heart" and the motivation for continuous actions in the future.