Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
May 2, 2023

Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) Sydney Chapter West Branch 1 collaborated with Return and Earn and Permaculture Sydney West to promote environmental sustainability at the 2023 multicultural celebration of Buddha's Birthday. The event was held at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour from April 22nd to 23rd, and BLIA participated in the booth of "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation, Sustainable Development." 

Exchange for Change's Community Engagement Manager, Marta Scuccuglia, stated in her speech that the Return and Earn container recycling environmental program is a collaboration between three organizations, including the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Exchange for Change in charge of marketing, and TOMRA Cleanaway, which in charge of operating the hardware facilities for recycling. This program echoed the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advocating for waste reduction and donating the proceeds from recycling.
President of BLIA Sydney Chapter Hu Ming An(middle) talked to Marta Scuccuglia, Exchange for Change's Community Engagement Manager, and Ruan Aichan, vice president of the LIA Sydney Chapter West Branch 1. photo／Nan Tien Buddhist Temple Parramatta

The BLIA Sydney Chapter West Branch 1 and BLIA SYD BLIA Scout held the "Return and Earn for BLIA" event in 2020, echoing "Earth Day" and encouraged Fo Guang members to donate the proceeds from recycling empty bottles to support educational, cultural, and charitable activities.

The concept of "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" was proposed in 2010 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the BLIA. Venerable Master Hsing Yun said that "cherish the blessings, affinities, things, and lives" are all beautiful concepts in Buddhism.

Venerable Jue Wu of BLIA Sydney Chapter stated that the BLIA holds various cultural and educational activities to purify people's hearts in accordance with the theme of "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation." They promote sustainable living, emphasize that environmental protection starts with oneself, echo the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and hope to create a purifying force in daily life.

The vice president of the LIA Sydney Chapter West Branch 1, Ruan Aichan, is responsible for contact work and invited local groups to participate in "Environmental and Spiritual Preservation" cultural education booth. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share environmental preservation concepts and learn from the teachings of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. She pointed out that she is very happy to see the BLIA uphold the concept of "Oneness and Coexistence" and reach a consensus with the local community to collaborate and bring Humanistic Buddhism into the local community, convey positive energy and demonstrate the kindness and beauty of Buddhism.