The “Green Cancer” – Milea-minute Weed Handmade Paper DIY event was held in collaboration between the Department of Arts and the Department of Visual Communication at National Cheng Shiu University.

The “Milea-minute Weed” is recognized as a malignant invasive species that can choke other plants to death. The “Treasure Island Mambau” graduation production team from the Department of Visual Communication designed this event to raise awareness about the threat of this invasive species and promote environmental education.

The “Treasure Island Mambau” team also organized activities for the removal of this invasive species and compiled educational materials on how to identify and remove it. They believe that by educating people about the environmental impact of the Milea-minute Weed, they can encourage more active participation in its removal.

During the DIY event, participants learned about the Milea-minute Weed and its threat to the environment while creating unique handmade paper. Handmade paper production involves a fiber recombination technique, where different ratios of Milea-minute Weed fibers and pulp create paper with different colors, patterns, and textures. Unlike mechanically produced paper, handmade paper carries a warm human touch.

The “Treasure Island Mambau” team, composed of graduates from the Department of Visual Communication, guided participants in the process of creating paper from scratch. Participants shaped the paper as they desired and engaged in the creative process.

One participant, a freshman from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, expressed their enjoyment of the DIY activity, particularly the paper-making process. They found it fun and engaging and expressed a desire to participate again in the future.

The Department of Arts and the Department of Visual Communication plan to continue promoting environmental education by conducting Milea-minute Weed removal activities in Taiwan and raising awareness of the need to protect the natural ecological balance through volunteer-based removal efforts.

Handmade Paper Making Process:

• Soak dehydrated pulp in a large plastic container until the paper becomes fully saturated. Then, add a suitable amount of Milea-minute Weed fragments and mix thoroughly.
• Add Milea-minute Weed fragments as needed to achieve the desired color.
• Use a 32K silk screen to sieve the paper pulp mixture in the plastic container.
• Place the sieved mixture onto absorbent paper and use a sponge and cloth to remove excess moisture, allowing it to detach from the silk screen for drying.
• Optionally, use a hairdryer to expedite the drying process. Once dry, you can take it home for decoration.

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