Strengthening Bonds Through Environmental Action in the US

Chang-Chih Tsai and Su-Chen Su | USA

At Oleta River State Park, parents and children can be seen picking up litter from the sand and rocks. | Photo courtesy of Chao-Hua Chen | Oleta River State Park, Florida, USA | 2024/04/13

On the sunny morning of April 13, a gentle sea breeze blew through Oleta River State Park, Florida's largest urban park, where birds occasionally glide across the sky. The park was peaceful and serene as nearly 100 Tzu Chi Miami volunteers, including Tzu Chi Youth, and students, parents, and teachers from the Tzu Chi Academy Miami gathered for the "Baynanza 2023" cleanup event organized by Miami-Dade County DERM.

Enhancing Parent-Child Relationships

By 8:30 a.m., Tzu Chi volunteers began preparing for the cleanup. Nearly 100 people, including teachers, students, parents, and volunteers, including Professor Wang from St. Thomas University and a few of his students gathered, their faces filled with joy and anticipation.

LEFT: Volunteers gather and divide into groups at the meeting point, providing each group with a walkie-talkie to stay in touch. RIGHT: Miami Tzu Chi volunteers, Tzu Chi Youth, and students, parents, and teachers from the Miami Tzu Chi Academy participate in Miami-Dade County's annual beach cleanup. | Photos courtesy of Chao-Hua Chen | Oleta River State Park, Florida, USA | 2024/04/13

At 9:00 a.m., everyone assembled and divided into three groups led by teachers. Volunteers, parents, and students picked up litter, demonstrating environmental responsibility and hoping to leave a clean, beautiful Earth for future generations.

The weather was perfect for an outing, reinforcing the message that environmental protection is everyone's responsibility. Participants had the opportunity to express gratitude to Mother Earth through their actions. The cleanup involved walking along the rocky shore, collecting various types of litter, including beer bottles, soda cans, plastic bags, caps, ropes, fishing lines, Styrofoam, and other debris. If washed into the sea, this litter poses significant harm to marine life.

Meaningful Treasures

Parents and children worked together, emphasizing that the cleanup's importance lies not only in environmental education but also in strengthening parent-child relationships. Opportunities to work closely with family are rare, and the shared love transcends generations and cultures.

LEFT: In the cleanup area of Oleta River State Park, parents can be seen with their children picking up litter among the sand and rocks. RIGHT: Strolling beneath the shade of trees, the beach cleanup is a dialogue with Mother Earth. | Photos courtesy of Chao-Hua Chen | Oleta River State Park, Florida, USA | 2024/04/13

Volunteers took the chance to plant seeds of kindness in the children's hearts, hoping they would grow into strong, caring individuals. The cleanup was an excellent parent-child activity, where children learned through practice, expressed joy with innocent smiles, and were eager to contribute to a better world.

"The collected litter symbolizes the children's achievements and our shame as adults. While we applaud their efforts, we also feel a deep sadness. Why is there so much trash, even more than last year?" said Tzu Chi Miami volunteer Allen Tsai.

Learning to Appreciate the Earth

The organizers prepared commemorative sportswear printed with the beach cleanup theme, forging bonds with each participant. | Photo courtesy of Chao-Hua Chen | Oleta River State Park, Florida, USA | 2024/04/13

The event concluded around 11:00 a.m. with everyone gathering under tents to chat and snack. Tzu Chi volunteers provided water and snacks, and the organizers handed out commemorative T-shirts to participants. Some stayed back after the event to enjoy the clean park and the beautiful afternoon sunshine.

Tzu Chi Miami Office and the Tzu Chi Academy Miami responded to Earth Day by organizing teams to clean up designated areas. | Photos courtesy of Chao-Hua Chen | Oleta River State Park, Florida, USA | 2024/04/13

The annual "Baynanza Beach Cleanup" aims to instill a sense of appreciation to Mother Earth in children, encouraging them to be better than those who litter. They learn to cherish the environment in cities, towns, and beaches, reducing carbon footprints and waste. Not only is it beneficial to the environment, the team effort of working together during the cleanup also fosters lasting familial bonds and creates memories of happiness that can last a lifetime.