Mr Patrick Tay, MP for Nee Soon GRC, was gratified with Tzu Chi's efforts to promote awareness on environmental protection. He hopes that in the near future, Tzu Chi can work with his grassroots and residents to organize more of such meaningful activities. (Photo by Alvin Tan)
Other participating organizations include the National Environment Agency (NEA), North View Secondary School, and Northbrooks Secondary School. Students from these schools performed a fashion show showcasing clothes made from recycled materials and a drama.
The school teachers and students also demonstrated ornament making using recycled materials; their nimble craftsmanship attracted many onlookers. However, what surprised the crowd most was when they were told by Tzu Chi volunteers that the clothes displayed by the students in the fashion show are made of recycled PET bottles and are distributed to victims during disaster relief.
One of the attendees, Mr Wang Qing Ji, was moved learning the effort that he picked up the eco-shirt and shared the story with his family. Another onlooker, Wang Ah Li, praised the great work by DA.AI Technology in turning garbage into something valuable and even took pictures of the display boards so that he could share them with his children at home.
The volunteers were happy to hear residents expressing their interest in volunteering with Tzu Chi's community recycling activities.
Supporting Tzu Chi’s environmental ideals, resident Mr Hu Cheng Zhi said, "Being a vegetarian is not only healthy, but also environmentally friendly. If one abstains from meat a day, it is equivalent to saving 180 trees." Mr Hu, who has been a vegetarian for a long time, said that God gave him the greatest gift – vegetarian food. Previously, he was in pain and poor health, but has seen improvements in his health since turning vegetarian. He believes that environmental protection should start from each individual and he himself would begin by participating in community recycling. He took the initiative to leave his contact number and asked for a reminder from the volunteers closer to the recycling day.
After an early morning exercise, Mr Xie Li Sheng and his family came by the community club to check out the event. Mr Xie actually found out about Tzu Chi last year. This year, after learning about the eco-friendly creations of DA.AI Technology and how its profits are being used for charity purposes, he and his family expressed interest to contribute in Tzu Chi's monthly recycling activity.
He was also full of praise on Tzu Chi’s education mission and sought more details from the volunteers. Meanwhile, Mrs Xie was explaining the concept of environmental protection to her children. She pointed to the PET bottle that was held by her child and said to him, "Although these plastic bottles can be recycled, we should still use less of them, OK?"
We can start by first changing our lifestyles
"Every year, Singaporeans waste 640,000 tons of food. This is equivalent to every person disposing a plate of mixed vegetable rice a day!" During the talk session, recycling cadre Khor Chin Seng and two other Tzu Chi collegiate youths went on stage to share videos and facts with the residents, reminding them that there is a limit to the world’s resources, and there is a need for conservation.
In addition to the 3R (Reuse, Recycle, Repair) advocated by the NEA, Brother Khor further expounded Tzu Chi's 'Environmental 5R', with the other 2Rs being 'Rethink' (rethink if it is really necessary to use) and 'Refuse' (refuse to use). The world’s resources are limited; thus there is a need for us to conserve resources and reduce wastage.
Mr Patrick Tay, Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC (Nee Soon East), was very pleased with Tzu Chi's efforts in promoting awareness on environmental protection. During his time in university, Mr Tay was very interested in environmental laws. He is passionate and committed to environmental protection and is constantly looking for ways to increase public awareness on the issue. He said 'Green Living @ Nee Soon East' is part of the grassroot's new scheme, with the goal to increase residents' awareness on environmental issues such as energy and water conservation, as well as civic-mindedness.
Currently, Tzu Chi holds regular monthly blood donation drives at Nee Soon East Community Club. Mr Tay hopes that in the future, Tzu Chi will organize more of such meaningful community activities for the residents.
The success of environmental movements lies in the hand of the community.. Everyone has a part to play, and no effort is ever too small or insignificant to save the environment – not just for ourselves, but also for the future generation.
A supporting crowd at the event. (Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
Mr Huang Ya Li, impressed by DA.AI Technology's creations, took pictures with his mobile phone to share with his children at home. (Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
Mr Hu Cheng Zhi shared that being a vegetarian not only keeps him healthy, but is also environmentally friendly. He believes the effort to save the planet starts from each individual, and has expressed keen interest to participate in Tzu Chi recycling activities. (Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
Mr Xie Li Sheng and his family would like to do their part in protecting the environment after learning about DA.AI Technology and how their creations are used for disaster relief. (Photo by Wong Twee Hee)
After the video screening, Brother Khor Chin Seng and two Tzu Chi collegiate youths shares with the audience on how each and everyone can do his part in saving the Earth. (Photo by Alvin Tan)
Participants were enthusiastic during the impromptu Q & A session. (Photo by Alvin Tan)
Students from North View and Northbrooks Secondary Schools showing off the eco-garments produced by DA.AI Technology Co. Ltd. (Photo by Alvin Tan)
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