Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

[Life Wisdom]
2012/5/30 Safeguarding the Earth and Our Hearts of Goodness
In the United States, wildfires have spread over six states. In Italy, aftershocks struck again after the earthquake. Because of these disasters, many families have been forced to evacuate from their homes. Master Cheng Yen said that the Earth is out of balance; to reduce the consumption of natural resources is the only way to protect our environment.

Tzu Chi Foundation began its mission of environmental protection in 1990. In a speech that year, Master Cheng Yen encouraged everyone to use the hands with which they were applauding to do recycling. The principle of the mission is to care for the Earth.

Almost 20 years ago today, on May 30, 1993, Tzu Chi volunteers in Pingdong, southern Taiwan, gathered to promote recycling and sort recyclables for the very first time. They began with only a few volunteers in 1993; now there are around 3,000 of them and over 200 recycling points. Recycling has become a widespread practice. In fact, not only in Pingdong but all over Taiwan, Tzu Chi volunteers are working hard to promote recycling.

Only when Mother Earth is safe and well can everyone live in peace and safety. When Mother Earth is ill, no matter where we live in the world, we will all suffer the consequences. So, as citizens of the world, we all have the responsibility to care for Mother Earth.