Recycling Stations are not only meant to preserve the environment, they are also to preserve our mind. Under the encouragement from home visit volunteers and recycling volunteers, more beneficiaries are bravely stepping out to do their part for the environment. Their bended backs reflect their humble repentance; their sweat cleanses their soul. Picture:Since the Redhill Recycling Station was established in June 2007, more than 30 local residents and Tzu Chi beneficiaries will come together every month to do their part for the environment.

As He Sumei practiced recycling at home, this attracted many of her neighbours and friends to join in. This promoted a recycling station to be established at her home’s void deck for Redhill residents to do their part for the environment.

Mr Guan was busily sorting out the bottles and cans. Occasionally, some new volunteers will place the cans in the wrong locations, and he will pick them out. He was praised as the “The Boss” for his serious attitude.

Mr Tan is quite sick, as his vision is impaired, he cannot stand for long periods and cannot control his bladder and bowel. But he still insists on participating in the monthly Recycling Day as he feels that recycling can help other people. This is how he shows his love for others.

With encouragement from the home visit volunteers, Mother Teo (left) and Mother Tan (right) accompany their sick child to the monthly Recycling Day. Besides encouraging their children to interact with people, the mothers also got along more harmoniously with their children.

Contributing to Society through Recycling

Blk 136 at Redhill is the first Recycling Station for Tzu Chi Central 1 cluster. Since its inception on 8 June 2007, there had been much support from the local residents who set aside their recyclables for Tzu Chi. Every second weekend of the month, more than 30 volunteers will come together punctually at the Recycling Station to transform the empty void deck into a “production line” to sort out the recyclables.

The initiator of this Recycling Station is the thin but energetic He Sumei. In 2004, she came to know Tzu Chi through the donation drive for the South Asia tsunami. She was inspired by Tzu Chi and started to promote recycling at home. The news of her good deeds travels afar and soon many of her neighbours and friends started to join in and sent recyclables to her home. Sumei is steadfastly hardworking. Over time, with the help of local volunteers, this “temporary recycling station” with its humble beginnings expanded to a permanent one.

At the site, there was no one directing the sorting. Instead, several groups of volunteers simply squatted down and started sorting. Another few groups pushed their carts to each household to collect the recyclables. Teamwork and initiative were evident everywhere. Amongst the volunteers responsible for sorting out paper, there were two ladies who were exceptionally hardworking and joyful.

Mother Teo and Mother Tan are the mothers of two beneficiaries in the Medical Assistance Program. Ever since their children are sick, the morale at home was very low. The mothers either were weeping secretly or spending their days in silence. Half a year ago, they heard about the Recycling Station near their home from the volunteers who visit them. They joined in eagerly, as they wanted to use this good opportunity to accompany their children out of the house.

Recycling Brings More Joy than Winning the Lottery

Sister Wang Lijuan who has been accompanying ill beneficiaries for a long time shared, “There are different types of patients. Some are rather talkative and open to people; some are introverts and have an inferiority complex. They have been locking themselves at home for the past few years.” She had witnessed remarkable improvement after the four beneficiaries present today started committing to recycling. Some beneficiaries are physically weaker who are unable to stand continuously for an hour at home. However, at the Recycling Station, they are able to work for three to four hours and not complain that they are tired. In fact, they will work right till the end, and only leave after cleaning up the place.

“Previously when we conducted house visits, the beneficiaries will only talk when we asked questions. I remembered that after the first time they did recycling, they were already smiling and radiant in the second month. Mother and child got along more harmoniously and their interactions with the home visit volunteers were enhanced.”

Mr Guan was busy sorting out the bottles and cans. Occasionally, some new volunteers will place the cans in the wrong locations, and he will pick them out. Sister Lijuan was full of praise for his meticulous observations, even commending him as “The Boss”!

The volunteer said, “Not only do we want to encourage beneficiaries to step out, we also want to let them understand why we are doing recycling.”

For example, Mother Tan not only carefully recycle things at home, but after she heard ideas from the volunteers on how to save water and electricity, she even promoted the importance of recycling to her children and daughter-in-law and influenced them to join the recycling team. Mother Teo happily proclaimed at the side, “Recycling brings more joy than winning the lottery!”

Let go of your Troubles by doing Recycling

For the usual person, it may be hard to fathom the significance of the monthly recycling activities to the beneficiaries. In fact, before inviting the beneficiaries to join in the recycling activities, the home visit volunteers and recycling volunteers had communicated amongst themselves, so that the beneficiaries can do their part in the most natural manner, just like the others.

“If we can make them come with our sincere invitation and encouragement, it could well be a form of workout for them. As nobody views them differently, they do not have to worry about what others think. They could simply enjoy doing recycling here.” Sister Lijuan thinks that being able to step out of their shadows has far-reaching implications. “They are no longer in a protective shield. They are sacrificing just like everyone else.”

Mr Tan who does not speak much, put down a huge stack of old newspaper and surprisingly agreed to be interviewed. “I collected the things at home that were intended to be thrown away and brought them here for recycling”. The man is quite sick, as his vision is impaired, he cannot stand for long periods, and cannot control his bladder and bowel.  “I feel very happy to see others helping with recycling. Although I do not feel well, but the discomfort is only for a few hours. As long as one is committed, one will not be afraid of difficulties”. His optimism seemed to light up his tan face.

Two years ago, Tzu Chi started to help with the majority of his medical bills. To make ends meet, his mother had once wanted to sell off the flat. Then, Mr Tan could not bear to let his mother suffer, and had left home out of desperation. The home visit volunteers realized that Mr Tan wanted to learn to live independently and not make his mother worry. After carefully reviewing his financial and medical situation, the foundation decided to assist fully in his medical bills, so that he can stay at home with ease.

Because his mother is always so supportive, Mr Tan resolved to take good care of himself. At home, he will wash his clothes himself. When outside, he will seize every opportunity to do recycling. With a brilliant smile, he said, “Recycling can help other people**. It’s how I show my love for others!”

Rich people are not the only ones who can give back to society. Given the opportunity, any willing person can find a way to do their part for society.

“I’m very grateful that we have a Tzu Chi Recycling Station here. It is an emotional haven for the beneficiaries. It restores their confidence and allows them to interact with the society.” Sister Lijuan sincerely hopes that Tzu Chi Recycling Stations will continue steadfastly in Singapore, and through teamwork, attracts more Bodhisattvas.

If one steps out, one will leave behind the dark shadows in life. Today, the world is in disharmony. This arises because the human mind is disorientated; our thoughts are in chaos. The only way to bring harmony back to the world is to work on our minds first.

** All proceeds made from the recycling are donated to Tzu Chi Foundation’s Social Activities Fund, which supports the charitable activities carried out by the Foundation.