Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation: Climate Without Borders

In the face of climate change and the increasing rate of environmental destruction, we must intensify efforts to protect Mother Nature. In advocating for environmental protection, Tzu Chi not only focuses on methods and actions, but also on changing people’s mentality and creating awareness of what Mother Nature in telling us.

Reduce

Tzu Chi actively advocates the practice of bringing your own meal utensils. A cup, bowl, chopsticks and carrier bag are basic things that each volunteer carries in order to reduce the use of single-use utensils. In 2001, Typhoon Nari caused flooding in 19 counties in Taiwan. Tzu Chi volunteers immediately prepared and distributed 660,000 servings of hot meals to the survivors. Even though it was emergency disaster relief, Tzu Chi still maintained the use of reusable utensils. Tzu Chi volunteers were steadfast in upholding the “reuse” practice despite the inconvenience, in order to avoid causing further stress to the environment.

Refuse

In their daily lives, most Tzu Chi volunteers have very few single-use items. They bring their own water bottles, buy few packaged drinks and seldom eat out. Through such practices, they influence the people around them to follow suit. This not only decreases the creation of waste, but is also in line with Master Cheng Yen’s call for us to practice a simple lifestyle. Tzu Chi volunteers are mindful of the need to protect Mother Nature through each and every small action. With self-discipline, they curb their desires and reduce consumption of Earth’s resources; with the spirit of ‘diligence, frugality and endurance’, they reduce consumption of water and electricity, practice vegetarianism, and walk or cycle – so they actively reduce their individual carbon footprint.

Reuse

Each Tzu Chi recycling-educational center has a variety of recyclables and other items, like an ordinary shop. The difference is that the items displayed at the “Treasure Station” are not new but have been used before. While sorting through recyclables, volunteers put aside cups, bowls, clothes, books or home items that are still usable and in good condition. With some cleaning and touching up, these items can be given to those in need. Apart from reducing waste, this is also a way to extend the life of those items. For example, volunteers remove the frame of an old, broken umbrella and use the fabric to make waterproof carrier bags. Doing that reduces the need for plastic bags and creates reuse value for the umbrella.

Recycle

Also, at the recycling centers, the volunteers sort papers according to their colors and materials, such as white papers and near-white papers. Volunteers also rely on their touch and hearing to distinguish between different types of plastic materials.Their efforts help to increase the quality of recycling and reduce the amount of rubbish.

Rethink

Master Cheng Yen always asks us to think before consuming and buying things in order to ensure we only buy what we ‘need’, and not what we ‘want’. A simple lifestyle stems from reducing desires in one’s heart. If we want to have healthy lives and peace in the world, we must start by working on our own spirit and heart. By practicing recycling in our daily lives and being more mindful, we will be able to protect Mother Nature!

Press Conference

Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is an international humanitarian organization whose mission is to relieve the suffering of those in need, and create a better world for all. In Chinese, “tzu” means compassion, and “chi” relief: with open hearts and helping hands, our volunteers are here to serve you. On Thursday 4 November Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation conducted a Press Conference on “Climate Without Borders”.