Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
April 20, 2023

BLIA YAD New York celebrated Earth Day on April 16th. Event leader Evan Ralske, YAD leader Jaron Zhou and Venerable Miao Zhu led a group of 16 young adults to clean up the environment at Flushing Meadow Corona Park, implementing Venerable Master Hsing Yun's "environmental and mental protection" philosophy.

Members of BLIA YAD New York gathered at 1 pm, picking up trash across the park.

Children who were having a picnic in the park throw their trash into the collection bags. People saw YAD cleaning up the environment, smiled and gave them a thumbs up as encouragement and praise.

After two and a half hours of cleaning, the YAD group collected about 200 pounds of trash and recyclables, most of the waste were randomly discarded drink bottle caps.
Event leader Evan Ralske and YAD leader Jaron Zhou(right) picked up trash. photo／I.B.P.S. New York

Venerable Miao Zhu encouraged YAD members that, in addition to external ecological cleanliness, they should focus on mental protection, purifying their own thoughts, ideas, language, and intentions, so as to keep their mind clear, cultivate positive thinking, avoid Verbal Karma and eliminate negative emotions. With a protected mind, environmental protection can be achieved naturally. The earth is our home, and protecting the environment is not only to love the earth but also create a harmonious and joyful society for future generations.

YAD member Grace Lin hoped that, starting from the youth, everyone can take care of the environment, never litter, and cultivate habits of not polluting, and build a cleaner environment. YAD member Evan also said that this event is not just for Earth Day, but also to show respect for the park. He hoped this event can serve as a demonstration and raise public awareness of environmental protection, and promote everyone to love the earth, not litter, and purify both the environment and the mind.