Protecting Our Environment (5) Ven. Yin Shun
To save our earth, we must reduce the consumption of natural resources. There are many things we can do with minimal effort. Instead of using disposable paper plates and plastic utensils, we can use reusable ones. Plastic is not environmentally friendly. It is not biodegradable, sitting for centuries in landfills and producing carcinogenic gases if incinerated. We should all contribute to our planet's health by using less disposable items. Another way to conserve resources is to recycle. We can recycle paper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass jars. As more people recycle, awareness will be heightened, generating momentum for the cause. By practicing recycling, we practice the teachings of the Buddha, strengthen the connection between people, and help spread environmental awareness. In terms of specific actions that we all can do, I want to offer the following: 1. Consume moderately and do not overbuy unnecessarily. Excess food often rots and has to be thrown away. 2. Maintain your car and follow emission guidelines. 3. Minimize the use of disposable plates and utensils. 4. Use glasses or mugs instead of paper cups. 5. Take shorter showers. 6. Do not litter, and reduce the amount of trash we produce. 7. Use energy-saving light bulbs or fixtures. 8. Set your air conditioner to a higher temperature. 9. Recycle old newspaper and motor oil. 10. Bring your own shopping bags when shopping. 11. Inspect your tires regularly. Flat tires wear more quickly and lower fuel efficiency. 12. Choose durable and fuel efficient tires. 13. Use your car's air conditioner as little as possible. Automobile air conditioning systems are one of the main emitters of chlorofluorocarbons into the earth's ozone layer. 14. Buy and use more recycled materials. In addition to protecting the physical environment, we have to take good care of our internal spiritual environment. The Vimalakirti Sutra says, "If one wants to be in a pure land, one should purify his mind. When the mind is pure, the land is pure." What this means is that the environment we live in is a reflection of our state of mind. To be successful in the movement to better the environment, we must not neglect to tend to our inner spirit. From time without beginning, our pure nature has been defiled by greed, hatred, jealousy, and malice. We must work to turn greed into generosity, hatred into compassion, jealousy into tolerance, and malice into respect. When we change the way we think and the way we see the world, what we see, hear, and touch will take on a different quality. We should care for our body and mind like we care for the physical environment. After all, our body can be compared to the great earth. The circulatory system is like a river, flowing ceaselessly to transport nutrients to various parts of the body. The lungs are like forests in reverse. They take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Bones are like mountains, giving protection to our many delicate organs. Cells are like little forest animals, moving about with vitality. Our body is like a village with the six inhabitants of eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin, and mind. The mind is like a village chief, directing and influencing the other inhabitants. If we want good physical health, we should start with our mental health. When we have inner stability, then our body will know peace. How do we maintain purity in our internal environment? We simply have to be mindful of the Buddha. If you have the Buddha in your heart, everything you see in the world is the sight of the Buddha, everything you hear is the sound of the Buddha, everything you say is the word of the Buddha, and everything you do holds the compassion of the Buddha. Although we live in a world full of negativity, if we know how to preserve our inner sanctity, we can be more like the Buddha. Like a pristine lotus that rises out of the mud of a pond, we can rise above the distractions of the world. We have discussed many aspects of environmental protection. I'd like to conclude with the following lines: Value every word-they are the roots of dignity. Treasure every grain of rice-this is the way of wealth. Speak with care-it is the basis of happiness. Protect even the smallest form of life-this is the cause of longevity.
