At the Neihu recycling point in Taipei, we had a
hands-on session to see for ourselves how blankets can be made from
recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. We were also
briefed on the importance of recycling and the need to pick up
litters such as batteries, electrical appliances, florescent tubes,
as these items contain toxic elements which are harmful to the
earth. Hearing these, I began to realize why Tzu Chi is so
passionate about environmental protection, and that its members are
not just concerned about conserving Earth’s resources, they care
deeply for the safety of all living beings too.
We got to hear such a touching story from the recycling station.
One day, a hunchbacked old lady appeared at the recycling station
declaring her intention to join as a recycling volunteer. After a
year of voluntary work, this old lady, whose back was previously so
bent that she cannot even walked straight, began to be able to
stand and walk properly like any normal person.
Upon hearing this incident, Master Cheng Yen commented during one
of her speech that this is in fact a rehabilitation session for the
senior. As the senior had been helping out in the recycling station
daily, she had been able to correct her bad posture and hence
straighten her back gradually. From a medical point of view, this
is quite similar to the effects of going through physiotherapy. By
explaining in simple terms, it proved the point that Master Cheng
Yen is always able to dissect the complexities of our life into
simple concepts for the benefits of everyone.