While their hands were busy, the volunteers did not forget to share Tzu Chi's stories with the residents. (Photo by Law Hai Loon)
"Hello, we're volunteers from Tzu Chi. This is our new recycling point, we'll be collecting and sorting recyclable resources here on every second Thursday night of the month. You may bring recyclable items from home and join us here."
It was 7pm. Two volunteers in Tzu Chi uniform were standing at the pedestrian path outside Block 23, Jalan Membina, inviting the passing residents to check out the new recycling point below the flat. While some hurried by, some stopped and listened to the volunteers' introduction. A few walked into the recycling point to explore further.
After collaborating for several environmental promotional events in the zone, Tzu Chi Singapore and Kim Tian West Residents' Committee (RC) have been discussing and planning for a new recycling point in Tiong Bahru.
On 10 Mar, a Thursday, Tzu Chi's first night time recycling point was officially launched at the location recommended by the RC. Just within walking distance from Tiong Bharu MRT station, the 15th Tzu Chi islandwide recycling point is expected to draw big crowds, especially those who are on their way home from work.
That evening, banners were put up at the venue, with volunteers going all out to explain to the residents of the importance and impact of recycling to the planet. In order to encourage them to walk the eco talk, the volunteers further drew their attention to the recycled PET fabrics developed by Da Ai Technology and eco-friendly cutleries displayed at the recycling point. With takeaway as part and parcel of Singapore's lifestyle, many residents paid special attention to the explanation on the eco-cutleries and, to the volunteers' delight, decided to stop using disposable cutleries in their everyday life.
In fact, ten days before the official launch, volunteers have gone around the neighbourhood inviting residents to participate in the recycling activity. The door-to-door invitations attracted 16 residents, including Mdm Ou Hui Chun, to take part that night.
Mdm Ou is a Tzu Chi donating member and has long heard about the monthly Tzu Chi recycling point at Redhill. However, she has not been able to participate in the recycling activity as she was rather busy. After knowing the new recycling point is just in the vicinity of her residence, Mdm Ou knew she must seize the opportunity to contribute her part.
As soon as she arrived at the recycling point at 6.30pm with recyclable resources gathered from home, Mdm Ou immediately chipped in to help the volunteers with the setting up. The resident even stayed till the end of the activity sorting through the recyclables. "The planet's resources belong to every one. If we do not protect our planet, our future generations will live in harsh environment with scarce resources. We certainly don't want that to happen," said Mdm Ou.
After being invited several times by a relative, another resident, Mdm Zhuo Jin Zhuan, finally took her first step to volunteer at the recycling point and was quick to busying herself sorting bags after bags of recyclable items. When she saw things that are still usable among the recyclables, the resident who leads a frugal life couldn't help sighing: "It's so wasteful! I won't even throw away my shoe that has a hole in it."
Thanks to that first exposure, Mdm Zhuo felt compelled to share with her friends about the need to live a simple life and cherish our existing resources in face of the current environmental crisis. She also promised to volunteer at the recycling point every month to do her part for Mother Earth.
Residents patronizing the eco-friendly products of Da Ai Technology and reusable cutleries. (Photo by Huang Bi Ying)
A resident stopped to listen to the volunteers' explanation on Tzu Chi's eco-living concept. (Photo by Huang Bi Ying)
Mdm Zhuo (left) felt sad to see many usable goods being sent away for recycling. She said she would start urging her friends to live simple and cherish resources. (Photo by Huang Bi Ying)
A volunteer walked up to help a resident with the recyclables. (Photo by Saw Gwek Keow)
Share 
