1. While Gathering, Don’t Forget the Earth’s Breath
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished time for reunion. From barbecues and gift-giving to moon-gazing, what we share is not only the moonlight, but also emotions. Yet hidden in these rituals are environmental costs.
Take barbecuing as an example: burning 1 kilogram of charcoal releases about 3.67 kilograms of CO₂. A family using 5 kilograms equals the emissions of driving roughly 80 kilometers. The smoke also carries PM2.5 and black carbon, which harm air quality and health—especially for children and the elderly.
According to Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration, household waste increases by 15–20% during the holiday, mostly paper boxes, plastics, and composite packaging, much of which cannot be effectively recycled. Behind these gestures of goodwill lies resource consumption worth reconsidering.

2. From Barbecue to Gift Boxes: Carbon Reduction Begins with “Choice”
We don’t have to sacrifice the warmth of the festival—just make more mindful choices to live closer to sustainability.
Suggestions:

Use electric grills or gas cookers to reduce pollution and emissions.

Choose sustainably sourced charcoal (e.g., FSC certified), reduce meat, and increase plant-based options.

Pick minimalist or reusable gift box designs to cut down on single-use packaging.

Prioritize locally made products with shorter transport distances to lower logistics footprints.

These small adjustments are acts of genuine kindness toward the environment and add deeper meaning to the holiday.

3. More Inspirations for a Sustainable Mid-Autumn
Beyond barbecues and packaging, there are other ways to align the festival with sustainability. They may not be flashy like fireworks, but they bring depth and tenderness.

Rethinking Food Waste
Feasts are abundant, but over-preparation often leads to leftovers. EPA data shows kitchen waste rises by nearly 20% during the holiday. Planning portions in advance, sharing with friends, and turning leftovers into creative dishes ensures every ingredient is cherished.

Moon-Gazing Without Light Pollution
On Mid-Autumn night, we look up at the moon—but city lights blur the view and disrupt natural nocturnal rhythms. Try switching off the lights for an hour to enjoy the moon quietly—it saves energy and fosters harmony with nature.

4. Extending the Warmth of the Festival More Gently
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of reunion, but also an opportunity to reconnect with nature.
From barbecue methods and gift choices to lighting and food planning, each decision allows the holiday’s warmth to last longer.

“Let moonlight be our promise to the Earth—not just reunion, but a light toward a sustainable future.”

Further Reading & Sources:

Is Mid-Autumn Barbecue Smoke Toxic?｜Poll-Tex

Light Pollution Is Harming Our Health｜National Geographic

The Invisible Cost of Food Waste｜Homemakers United Foundation