People in our society are very much concerned about environmental pollution. The fact is that damage to the environment is caused by people, and people's behavior originates in their minds. Driven by the desire for speedy gain, humans constantly seize all resources available from the earth, but return an immense amount of unrecoverable garbage. The more our minds are defiled, the more we rudely push nature into an incurable vicious cycle.

Tzu Chi launched a campaign to protect the environment in 1990. In view of the pollution problem which was already going from bad to worse, Master Cheng Yen called on the public to confront the issue of environmental protection. With the concept of "cherishing our blessings," all Tzu Chi members started to implement the campaign to recycle reusable resources. The proceeds were donated to the Tzu Chi Construction Fund, both to promote resource recycling and to help Tzu Chi's mission of creating good fortune for all living creatures.

In 1995 alone, a total of 18.3 million kilograms of paper was recovered, saving approximately 366,000 twenty-year-old trees from being felled-tantamount to saving a small forest.

Besides recycling resources, Tzu Chi members have also disciplined themselves to decrease consumption of plastic bags and paper cups and dishes in markets and food stalls. They carry with them their own reusable lunch boxes, cups, chopsticks, shopping bags, etc., to decrease the amount of garbage.

A campaign to plant more trees and to clean mountains, parks, water sources and beaches was launched at the same time. Through such a campaign, people were able to experience the boundless strength of life. They began to examine themselves and to eliminate their mental garbage-greed, anger, illusion, pride and suspicion. By so doing, they could cultivate loving, unencumbered hearts.

In Taiwan, in addition to Tzu Chi, many other organizations have also taken action to demonstrate their concern for our environment. The Homemakers Union emphasizes the concept that "dripping water can penetrate rock." They promote the idea of environmental protection in each community to enhance both adults' and children's respect and care for the environment.

In addition, the Green Consumers Foundation has promoted the concept of environmental protection since 1990. They have published books dealing with this subject and introduced the promotional methods of international campaigns on environmental protection. In September each year, this foundation joins the United Nations Clean Up the World Campaign, mobilizing efforts within communities and enterprises to clean up the environment. It also collects recyclable resources, which are then forwarded to the Environmental Protection Association or to used-goods dealers.