"This is it, right here. You can make a difference here." Even though it is only an outdoor space, having a place where Tzu Chi volunteers can promote environmental recycling is a very good thing.
Multiple Benefits
Since March of this year (2023), Tzu Chi volunteers from Singapore and Malaysia have been visiting poverty-stricken areas in Bodh Gaya in Bihar province, eastern India. They discovered that the streets and alleys were filled with garbage, creating a dirty and chaotic environment. Flies swarmed everywhere, and the sanitation conditions were a matter of concern. Upon entering the homes of the families they cared for, they found very minimal possessions—a bed, a rope hanging with old clothes, and a few basic utensils— that show the poor living conditions of many villagers.
The presence of garbage brought dirt and pollution, affecting the environment and water sources. For villagers who relied on underground water for drinking, this posed a risk to their health. It was a challenging task to uplift the impoverished and address their health issues simultaneously. However, the volunteers were not discouraged. Step by step, they promoted charity, medical care, education, and humanity.
Over the past four months, they gradually gained the recognition and support of villagers, principals, and teachers, achieving modest results. Now, the focus has shifted toward promoting environmental protection. The team reached a consensus to encourage villagers not to litter and to recycle usable resources, reducing waste and improving living conditions.
On July 6, village chief Rajesh Gama met the volunteers and pointed to a large tree, saying: "This is it, right here. You can make a difference here." Although it was just an outdoor space, having a designated area for environmental recycling was a positive step. Seizing the opportunity, the volunteers wasted no time and held an explanatory meeting the next day (7/7) at the village activity center. Over a hundred adults and children attended, boosting the volunteers' confidence.
Vivek Kumar, a local volunteer, stood before the audience with a laptop, explaining the importance of the five Rs of environmental protection: Reuse, Reduce, Repair, Refuse, and Recycle. Considering the poverty-stricken circumstances of the villagers, the volunteers came up with the idea of making "eco-bricks" (also known as ecological bricks). They would cut non-recyclable plastic packaging into small pieces and stuff them into plastic bottles, aiming for a weight of 422 grams per bottle.
Each eco-brick could contain numerous plastic fragments. Vivek described it as a "monster" that consumed waste. By accumulating a sufficient number of eco-bricks with the same volume, they could create tables and chairs, and beautify the environment. This initiative not only reduced waste in the village but also engaged adults and children who had nothing to do. As for valuable recyclable items such as newspapers and cans, they could be exchanged for cash with recyclers, providing additional benefits. It was a comprehensive approach.
Looking out from Bakraur village, you can see an austere forest on one side of the mountain. The village had the Sujata Temple and the Sujata Stupa, attracting tourists on pilgrimage. Improving the environment would likely lead to longer stays by visitors. The influx of people meant an increase in income opportunities for the villagers. They would have the chance to sell locally made handicrafts, and agricultural products, and offer lodging services.
"The environment here is incredibly beautiful. Without all this garbage, it would be like a paradise," said Malaysian volunteer Lee Li-hua (李麗華). She pointed out that eco-bricks were driving waste reduction in Malaysia. Witnessing adults and children littering biscuit and candy wrappers everywhere was having a significant impact on the environment. The volunteers hoped that villagers would learn not to litter and keep their surroundings clean. "Today, we establish this recycling point in Bodh Gaya, and in the future, there will be more recycling stations." The weather was pleasant under the lush tree, with a gentle breeze, marking a beautiful beginning. Li-hua envisioned an optimistic future ahead.
Taking Action Brings Endless Joy
Around 7 o'clock in the morning, the volunteers arrived under the big tree and unloaded newspapers, bottles, and miscellaneous items collected from hotels from their tuk tuk. They immediately started setting up—spreading a large plastic sheet and erecting a portrait of Master Cheng Yen. They carefully embedded a banner among the tree branches with the environmental slogan, "A person who litters discards a blessing; a person who picks up litter gains a blessing." Nearby was the Senari Samaj Seva Ball Jagrup School, where children were gathering for their morning assembly. Two young individuals approached curiously, observing the scene.
Vikash Kumar, a new local volunteer, recognized them and explained the volunteers' intention to promote environmental protection in the village and improve the local environment. Seeing their skepticism, Malaysian volunteer Ye Zhen-zhu (葉真珠) took out her mobile phone and showed them a video demonstrating how to transform waste into useful resources, giving non-biodegradable plastic waste a new life. "You can search on Google to learn how it's made and its applications." Ye Zhen-zhu hoped that the young people would gain a better understanding of waste reduction and the magic of turning trash into treasure.
The idea seemed intriguing, and Pankaj Kumar sat on the plastic sheet, starting to learn how to organize newspapers. He helped bundle them together one by one. Then, he learned how to make eco-bricks while listening to Vikash explain the serendipitous events that brought Tzu Chi to this place. Baijunath Kumar picked up small scissors and, following Li-hua's instructions, shredded paper bags to fit inside the bottles. Li-hua emphasized the importance of reaching a specific weight and had prepared appropriately sized wooden sticks in advance. She demonstrated how to compress the materials inside the bottle and guided him to do the same. After a while, when they noticed volunteer Lai Han-xin (賴漢心) organizing another bag of recyclables, they approached to learn how to properly sort the items.
They became interested and felt that this was a beneficial activity for the village, the villagers' health, and protecting the Earth from further destruction. They promised the volunteers that they would return the following Saturday to help with the sorting and would also encourage more villagers to participate.
Show Villagers What Can Be Done
While waiting for the villagers to arrive, Tzu Chi volunteer Chen Ming-hua (陳姳樺) from Malacca and local volunteer Vivek Kumar went to the village to call on the villagers to join in the environmental protection efforts. Villager Bablu Manjhi immediately bent down to pick up the resources along the roadside, inspiring teachers from Senari Samaj Seva Ball Jagrup School to lead the students in picking up plastic bags from the ground.
Bablu Manjhi collected garbage along the way from his home to the Recycling Point. However, the resources that had been exposed on the ground for a long time were too dirty and unusable. Chen Ming-hua asked another enthusiastic villager, Akhilesh, to fetch water from the school to clean the resources. Bablu Manjhi also joined in the cleaning process. He was eager to become a volunteer; due to his drinking habit, the volunteers had not yet allowed him to wear the volunteer vest like Gaina Manjhi. "I'm drinking a little less now," he said with lingering alcohol breath. He was, making efforts to overcome his bad habits and hoped for both physical and mental health while participating in environmental conservation.
Gaina Manjhi carried a large bag of recyclables to the tree, only to find out that they needed to be cleaned before use. He walked to a nearby low-lying area with water in the grass and started washing the items. Ye Zhen-zhu quickly went over to help him.
Gangu Yadav, the grandfather and close friend of Gaina Manjhi, who had stopped begging and was diligent in rehabilitation after receiving care and medical treatment from the volunteers, happened to be there and immediately sat down to assist in organizing the materials. Rashmi Kumari, a grandmother who the volunteers regularly cared for, also brought two bags of resources. "These cannot be used immediately," the volunteers reiterated. Building awareness of environmental protection takes time, but fortunately, the villagers did not show any displeasure. They happily joined in the cleaning and later took the items for drying. The contrast before and after washing was significant.
Without wearing gloves, Chen Ming-hua fearlessly scooped up the plastic waste from the water bucket, leading the villagers. "We have already explained to the villagers that things need to be cleaned first, but it seems they still don't fully understand, so we need to show them by doing it ourselves," she said. She wanted the villagers to experience it firsthand so that they would be willing to get involved.
Do Not Litter
At this moment, Principal Ramji Manjhi of Senari Samaj Seva Ball Jagrup School walked over to the tree after inspecting the Tzu Chi-assisted project to repair the school's roof. Coincidentally, local TV reporter Rajesh Kumar from KashishTV passed by the area. He first interviewed Principal Ramji Manjhi, learning about Tzu Chi's assistance to the villagers and the school. He then interviewed Lee Li-hua, who explained to him why Tzu Chi was promoting environmental protection in the area, as well as the process and uses of eco-bricks.
Rajesh Kumar expressed admiration and appreciation for the work the volunteers were doing, and he promised to report on Tzu Chi's environmental initiatives in Bakraur village to encourage more people to join. The documentary volunteers took the opportunity to invite Rajesh Kumar for an interview, understanding the importance of working together to create a clean and pure home and community. This would ultimately contribute to the improvement of Bodh Gaya and even the entire country of India, bringing better lives to the people—a great blessing indeed.
Just before the volunteers finished their work, the children happened to finish school. The volunteers seized the opportunity to educate the children once again about the concept of "no littering but recycling." Through early education, they hoped the children would become future environmental warriors.
After tidying up the site, Chen Ming-hua and Vivek Kumar loaded the sorted recyclables onto a vehicle and took them to a pre-arranged recycling center. They sold the items for 250 rupees (approximately US$3.05). Although the amount was not significant, the key was to let the villagers know that many unwanted items were actually valuable. They hoped the villagers would stop littering, instead, they collect and sell these items, which could increase their income and keep the community clean. This would result in a healthy and beautiful home.
"Cleanse the body and mind for happiness; save the mountains and oceans for a secure life." On July 8th, they marked the first step in the environmental initiative in Bakraur village. Although the whole village had yet to fully engage, as the saying goes, "Where there's a will, there's a way." With the help of young people and the support of the community, Bakraur village will eventually become a pure land on Earth, with people of all ages and genders coming together to say, "Let's do recycling."
A Jing Si Aphorism says: “The purpose of recycling resources is to promote and educate everyone about the value of cherishing blessings.”
Join Tzu Chi. Let us cherish our blessings together.
Story by Chu Hsiu-lien
