After Taiwan's stunning lantern festival, schoolchildren assist clean up the mess

After Taiwan's stunning lantern festival, schoolchildren assist clean up the mess.
Source: Getty images 

A popular tourist attraction in northern Taiwan, a spectacular light show featuring hundreds of lanterns floats around a small town on the cusp of spring.After the flames dissipate, the lanterns are scattered throughout the countryside around Pingxi, located in the mountains outside Taipei.

A group of volunteers is guiding school children to clean the countryside by collecting debris and disposing of it safely.

Chu Tai-shu aims to inspire the next generation to spread awareness about a destructive practice he believes is prevalent.

The individual stated that the children were chosen to achieve the desired effect, as stated by Reuters.

Lanterns, powered by small wads of burning paper soaked in oil, are launched into the sky at the end of the Lunar New Year, marking the start of spring.

Pingxi, Taiwan, releases lanterns year-round due to its damp climate, which receives one of the highest annual rainfalls in Taiwan, reducing the risk of forest fires when they return to earth.

Environmental groups have long criticized the lantern festival for its negative impact on fields and forests around Pingxi, leaving behind the wire frames that provide structure.

Revellers often write their wishes on lanterns, and Chu occasionally finds older lanterns on garbage collection hikes.

The New Taipei government has initiated garbage collection hikes during the festival, resulting in the collection of over 160 kg and 21 bags of garbage over the two-week period.

The government has emphasized the use of biodegradable materials like rice paper and bamboo frames for lanterns.