Author: Paco Wong
As sustainability becomes a pressing global priority, eco-conscious living becomes more accessible through its 4th Green Market, themed"Let Green Lead". Scheduled on December 10 to 13, 2024, this event will transform Fenghua Plaza into an area bustling with environmentally friendly practices and products that inspire students, faculty, and local community members to live a more green lifestyle.
With estimated 300 to 500 visitors per day, the Green Market has become a unique event on campus, contributing to the university’s efforts to promote sustainability and serving as a platform for dialogue and action. The market aims to create an impact beyond its four-day run by focusing on vegetarianism and eco-conscious brands.
One of the key highlights of the event is its vendors – local businesses and advocates of sustainability. They offer a range of products, from vegetarian food and plant-based drinks to dried flowers and other eco-friendly crafts. The vendors are required to follow the sustainability mission of the market, ensuring that each outstanding product or service reflects the ideology of environmental consciousness.
“It’s not just a place to sell things,” said Ms. Chen, a vendor who runs a plant-based drink stand. “It’s a platform to show people who may not consider sustainability in their daily lives that there is a part of the market taking sustainability very seriously.” She added, “Selling drinks is secondary. It's worth it to have the conversation about why small choices like scooping up plant-based options matter.”
Ms. Chen’s enthusiasm embodies the broader vision of the Green Market: motivate change through interaction and teaching. For her, the event is not only about sales, but about connecting with a younger, engaged audience—someone who might bring these ideas forward into the future.
The Green Market is more than just a collection of stalls —it’s an immersive experience designed to inspire. It features exhibitions showcasing global sustainability success stories and workshops on practical ways to reduce waste. This interactive approach to sustainability is especially influential for students.
A sophomore student, Alex Tsai says, “I came to the Green Market last year out of curiosity but feeling inspired. I didn’t realize how simple it was to make it a habit to pack a personal container or try vegetarian meals .Mindfulness isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being mindful.”
Several students also agree with this statement, praising the market as a driver of personal growth. “It’s a market, but it’s also a reminder of what’s at stake, says a Junior student, Vivian Lin. “The best part is that it’s fun! It doesn’t feel like a lecture on the environment — it feels like a celebration of what we can do to change it.”
Moreover, the market unites the vendors, students, and visitors in the community, for a common cause. Small business vendors, like Ms. Chen, appreciate opportunities to network with other small businesses while learning how to become more sustainable themselves. In turn, students are exposed to real practical examples of how businesses can work with an eco-friendly concept.
A dried flower vendor, Mr. Huang is one example who tries to turn floral waste into new products. “We have a lot of waste in the flower industry and most people don’t realize that,” then he explained. “Events like this help me raise awareness and show people that beauty and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
These conversations are eye-opening for students. “Talking to the vendors gives me different perspectives,” “I‘ve heard about sustainability, but seeing it in action, like how dried flowers can be repurposed is inspiring.”Alex Tsai said.
The Green Market is able to gather a variety of different vendors and make it an entertaining place for participants. After the event, many students and visitors take these lessons practically: buying consciously, adopting greener habits, or just being more conscious about how they may affect the planet.
“ These small, collective steps do make differences,” Mr. Huang said. “This market shows people that you are not alone when making changes. We can do that. Together, we can build a better future.”
The growing scope of Fu Jen University’s Green Market is a timely reminder that sustainability is just as much about steps taken in the present as promises made about the future. By bringing communities together through education and shared commitment to the planet, this event shows us how community-driven initiatives can be catalytic.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be a daunting challenge As the Green Market proves, it can be a vibrant and enjoyable journey —one choice at a time.