By Victoria Paranavithana 

In today's fast-paced world, the call for sustainable living echoes louder than ever. Tzu Chi Sri Lanka is answering this call with action, bringing the message of refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle directly to the community. Their monthly recycling program, amplified by a recent social media campaign promoting sustainable living, is making a tangible difference, from doorstep to doorstep. 

Spreading the Message of Sustainability 

The campaign highlighted practical ways to incorporate sustainability into daily life—from minimizing waste and conserving energy to choosing eco-friendly products and advocating for change. It served as a powerful invitation for the community to join the movement, emphasizing the importance of small changes and reminding everyone that "every little action counts." The team visited 25 residential and commercial places during the campaign. 

The day's activities extended beyond the door-to-door campaign. Earlier in the day, Tzu Chi volunteers briefed Tzu Chi scholars and youth volunteers about the program, ensuring everyone was well-prepared to educate and assist the community.  

Tzu Chi Collegiates in Action 

Youths like Sameera Dulshan, a 2nd-year university student, played a vital role. "This program is very good," Sameera commented. "People all over the world face huge problems due to improper waste disposal. It is very important to have recycling programs like this in Sri Lanka to create awareness about proper waste disposal, change people's attitudes, and maintain a clean environment." 

Lakesha Dias, a 4th-year university student, also echoed this sentiment. "We do recycling programs every month. Today we informed people about the importance of recycling. We also collected a lot of recyclable materials. So, I hope to participate in such programs in the future." 

Door-to-Door Engagement 

This month's program saw Tzu Chi volunteers, including dedicated Tzu Chi youths and volunteers, taking to the streets near their Colombo office. Armed with information and enthusiasm, they went door-to-door, engaging residents in conversations about recycling. They explained the importance of diverting waste from landfills, the benefits of resource recovery, and how everyone can play a role in creating a cleaner, healthier environment. 

"Today, we teamed up with youth volunteers to share important information about recycling with people," said Tzu Chi volunteer G. Ranjith. "We asked them to gather cardboard, cans, and bottles, and we'll come to pick them up." This door-to-door approach not only educated residents but also provided a convenient way for them to participate. 

Building Community Ownership 

The volunteers weren't just collecting recyclables; they were building relationships and fostering a sense of community ownership. They explained how joining recycling programs not only helps the Earth but also brings a sense of happiness and fulfillment. Furthermore, they highlighted the positive impact of the program, explaining how the money generated from recycling is used to support the foundation’s charity programs. 

Community Feedback and Hands-On Demonstrations 

Volunteer Rananjaya Malinga shared, "Today, Tzu Chi Sri Lanka in Colombo held this month's Recycling program. We went and informed the people of the houses around the office about the importance of recycling. They gave us very good feedback and gained a lot of knowledge." He also noted the growing community involvement, mentioning that several locations have invited Tzu Chi to collect the increasing amounts of recyclables they gather each month. 

The program also included practical demonstrations. Volunteers explained which items were recyclable and taught people how to sort recyclable materials into different categories. This hands-on approach empowered residents to become active participants in the recycling process. The collected materials were then brought to the Tzu Chi office, where volunteers meticulously sorted them, ensuring that everything was processed correctly. 

A Sustainable Future Together 

The program's success was clear from the enthusiasm of the volunteers and positive community feedback. Tzu Chi Foundation is committed to environmental protection, driven by increasing natural disasters. They aim to minimize human-caused damage and preserve the planet for future generations. Through recycling initiatives and social media promotion of sustainable living, they are making a significant impact, one recycled bottle, one informed household, and one dedicated volunteer at a time.