Liang Changqing, a 67-year-old from Taiwan's Kaohsiung, shows off the waste tires he has converted into roadside markings in Baisha village in Pingtan's Baiqing township. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Liang Changqing, a 67-year-old from Taiwan's Kaohsiung, has spent the last year travelling around Pingtan, Fujian province, promoting his philosophy of environmental protection: Turning trash into things of value.

Waste such as discarded tires and tempered glass are all treasure in the old man's eyes. Trash cans, flower pots and even a dog kennel transformed from used tires can be found everywhere in Liang's home, "good-looking and environmentally friendly" in his words.

Liang has been aware of the importance of environmental protection from a very young age. Since retiring, he has dedicated more energy and time to exploring methods of upcycling.

Liang discovered that waste tires are usually burned as fuel on account of their high heat value and low cost. However, the method produces a foul smell and causes air pollution.

"There are a lot of waste tires in Pingtan's garages and most of them are commonly carried away as trash or get burned directly," said Liang.

The former Taiwan resident has been trying to reduce this waste by turning the island city's tires into creative cultural products.