Youth-Led Green Actions Spark Change on Earth Day
On April 20, Taipei’s Daan Forest Park transformed into a vibrant hub for sustainability as youth volunteers and environmental enthusiasts came together to celebrate Earth Day 2025. Hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment, the Taipei City Government, and Tzu Chi Foundation, the “Green Action for Earth: Plant-Based Zero-Waste Family Day” set the stage for an immersive and inspiring event dedicated to sustainable living.
With this year's Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” the gathering emphasized the collective impact of individuals in tackling climate change. Attendees were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, including bringing reusable tableware and picnic mats, using electronic payments, and opting for public transportation. These simple yet impactful actions turned the event into a living example of how sustainability can seamlessly integrate into daily life.
A Marketplace with a Mission
The event featured a lively marketplace with 37 booths set up by Tzu Chi and 22 booths from the Ministry of Environment, offering everything from plant-based meals and community engagement activities to renewable energy education and eco-friendly lifestyle solutions. The Zero-Waste Plant-Based Market brought together 31 brands specializing in creative international vegan cuisine, innovative Taiwanese plant-based dishes, natural beverages, desserts, and even vegan gelato. Visitors could also rent reusable utensils, making every bite a step toward reducing environmental impact.
Tzu Chi environmental advocate Han-Chun Chang highlighted the importance of energy transformation, noting that extreme weather patterns will continue to drive energy consumption higher. He said, “By choosing plant-based meals, carrying reusable utensils, and embracing renewable energy—such as installing solar rooftops in Tzu Chi's Jing Si Halls—we pave the way for a more sustainable future.”
An Interactive Journey Toward Net-Zero Living
At the core of the event stood the Tzu Chi Mobile Environmental Education Truck – Net-Zero Future Pavilion, a 40-foot interactive installation with seven experiential zones designed to educate participants on sustainable practices. Through engaging games and exhibitions, visitors explored ways to support the four key transformations—lifestyle, industry, energy, and society—necessary for achieving Taiwan’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal. The exhibit encouraged attendees to reflect on their daily choices, reinforcing the idea that sustainability is not just an abstract concept—it’s an achievable reality.
Youth Power in Action
One of the highlights of the day was the active involvement of the "Young Shan" Youth for Goodness volunteers, who infused the event with enthusiasm and creativity. Having trained in hand-brewed coffee techniques during their February gathering, these young volunteers showcased their skills at the event while also captivating audiences with flute performances and street dance routines.
Their booth offered specialty Jing Si Black Tea, handcrafted multigrain biscuits, and limited-edition “Omamori” (protective charms)—symbolizing love and wellness. Beyond refreshments, the youth actively engaged in conversations about eco-friendly habits, inspiring visitors to take small but significant steps toward sustainability.
One standout volunteer, Shang-Hao Wang, a high school senior, shared his personal journey:
"Since joining Tzu Chi’s 'Young Shan—Youths for Goodness' program, I've realized the true impact of plant-based eating and energy conservation. Climate change is evident—winters are unusually cold, summers unbearably hot. If we don’t act now, the planet will continue to suffer. I always carry my reusable cup and utensils now, and even enjoy scenic MRT rides instead of driving."
Fun Sustainability for a Greener Tomorrow
Visitors enthusiastically joined the "Flowing Water Cycling Zone," where pedaling stationary bikes generated energy to filter underground water, oxygenate aquatic life, and promote sustainable water ecosystems. The fun and engaging activity attracted families and children alike, reinforcing the importance of renewable energy in everyday life. Participants received bottle caps as achievement tokens—collecting ten bottle caps allowed them to exchange them for small gifts and fresh vegetables, further promoting plant-based living as a core environmental solution.
Plant-Based Living as a Daily Practice
Beyond interactive exhibits, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital hosted a Nutrition Promotion Zone, guiding visitors through three key checkpoints focused on health and balanced eating. Registered dietitian Hung-Hsuan Wu educated participants on BMI evaluations, the six essential food groups, and the hidden sugar content in common snacks and beverages.
Hung-Hsuan Wu emphasized,
"Balanced plant-based meals provide complete nutrition while reducing chronic disease and cancer risks. At Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, our menus prioritize plant-based ingredients to support healthy lifestyles while helping the planet."
Among the participants was Ying-Ying Liang, a young woman who has been vegetarian for 13 years. She arrived with multiple reusable containers, determined to support the zero-waste concept. "I first embraced vegetarianism to protect animals and the planet, but it has also simplified my life. Bringing my own containers is second nature—it’s just a small action that makes a big difference."
A United Effort for a Sustainable Future
This full-day celebration merged environmental education, eco-friendly practices, and community engagement. By harnessing the collective energy of youth and sustainability advocates, the event illustrated how small individual actions can collectively drive global change.
The journey toward net-zero emissions and sustainable living isn’t just a distant goal—it’s a daily commitment that every person can contribute to, transforming “Earth Day” into an everyday practice.
Written by Ai-Feng Kao
