The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.112)

2019 • 07 08 eature motivating her to work even harder to ensure the recyclables were arranged in an orderly manner without obstructing the path. Some who knew of her intention of saving the recyclables for Tzu Chi’s cause teased her for her apparent folly, saying, “It’s difficult enough having to wash dishes to earn a living, yet you still willingly take on filthy, unpaid recycling work. If you’re to sell the recyclables, you would have earned tens of Ringgit in extra income for yourself.” Every time Yet May received similar comments, she did not refute her detractors nor was she upset by them, as the experience she gained from carrying out recycling work had nurtured in her a wellspring of wisdom. “Back then, I would be embarrassed if any passers-by caught me gathering recyclables, but not anymore. Now I couldn’t care-less. Instead, they should join me in protecting the environment and cultivating wisdom by performing good deeds,” she mused. A steadfast commitment “I’m delighted to see a truckload full of recyclables, as it means no resources have gone to waste. I come from a disadvantaged family, hence I support Tzu Chi’s initiative of donating proceeds from the sales of recyclables to the poor. I want to help others to the best of my ability,” said Yet May. Havingexperienced thehardshipof poverty, Yet May has insisted on making an independent living for most of her life. Although she is of limited means, she is determined to do her part, no matter how small, to help others. She also keeps herself updated on the latest environmental issues as she is dedicated to preserving a clean environment for the next generation. She lamented that some quarters found sorting waste for recycling a hassle, causing waste to accumulate, citing recent news reports on Malacca’s landfills that were filled to capacity. In addition to collecting recyclables at the restaurant where she works as a part-time cleaner, she would request her co-workers to transport any leftover recyclables back for her whenever the restaurant is tasked with hosting a wedding banquet elsewhere. She would rather go the extra mile, as she dreaded the prospect of having recyclables ending up in the trash. She once encountered a passer-by leaving behind a bag of trash on the lid of a garbage bin, yet a foreigner passing by had voluntarily deposited the trash into the bin. This observation triggered Yet May’s belief that education in the formative years is key in inculcating the habit of recycling amongst the public. When adults fail to lead by example, the younger generationwill turn out to be equally ignorant, resulting in the build- up of waste dumped irresponsibly into drains and To protect collected recyclables from the elements, Yet May stores them in waterproof plastic and polystyrene containers found among the waste. [Photograph by Yong Siew Lee]