Turning the Tide with a Sustainable Serpent

"Turning the Tide with a Sustainable Serpent" transforms a traditional Lunar New Year installation—typically symbolic and decorative—into a platform for sustainability education and carbon transparency.

The exhibition fully disclosed the carbon footprint of each display element through comprehensive life cycle assessment, pioneering environmental accountability in a government-led cultural event. Key materials, including a large inflatable snake centerpiece and paper-based snake-shaped coloring cards, were upcycled into reusable tote bags and seed balls distributed to local schools after the exhibition, extending the lifecycle of design materials.

To enhance engagement, an NFC-based ecological tour was introduced, allowing visitors—especially families and children—to learn about Taiwan’s native snake species in an interactive format. The exhibition attracted over 20,000 visitors and received media coverage for its innovative integration of carbon literacy, festive celebration, and sustainable design.

This project not only set a precedent for carbon disclosure in public events but also inspired local government efforts toward normalizing carbon transparency for future public activities.