Ghost Month Begins With Eco-Friendly Shift on Burning Joss Paper

As the annual Ghost Month begins, worshippers across Taiwan prepare offerings for deities, ancestors and wandering spirits. To combat severe seasonal air pollution, local temples—including the Taiwan City God Temple in Taipei—are partnering with municipal governments to promote centralized joss paper burning. Over five years, Taipei’s collected volume of joss paper grew by nearly 30%, rising from 1,200 to over 1,600 metric tons. Supported by the environment ministry, cities nationwide are deploying specialized incinerators and designated collection bags, proving that sacred traditions can adapt to modern environmental standards.