The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.116)

eature layer of wax prevents paper straws from being recycled over concerns of them being unable to disintegrate naturally. Too little, too late? Dr Theng graduated from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) with a degree in environmental scienceandpursuedhisPhDinwastemanagement at FukuokaUniversity, Japan. He is also amember of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert team working with the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) of Malaysia on various waste management projects. He also serves as the National Coordinator for the National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN) and is the deputy chairman of the Association of Environmental Consultants and Companies of Malaysia (AECCOM). “Our Earth is facing a grave challenge. We have to make the change now before it’s too late. Our predicament reflects Master Cheng Yen’s constant reminder that ‘Time is running out’. We should consider ways of driving the message home to the grassroots level. Besides raising public awareness, it is imperative for the government to enforce regulations. As citizens, we should comply with government directives and do our part,” reasoned Dr Theng with an air of exasperation. Due to the nature of his work, Dr Theng is no stranger to engaging with government agencies, private institutions and environmental organizations. He commended the volunteers’ meticulous efforts in carrying out recycling work, as witnessed during his previous visits to the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall and numerous Tzu Chi recycling centres. Furthermore, he observed that Tzu Chi’s waste classification process is carried out in a systematic, organized manner. He had once accompanied the senior management of waste management company Alam Flora on a visit to a recycling centre, advocating for corporate involvement to raise greater awareness on environmental conservation among Malaysians. He cited Japan’s attitude to waste management as exemplary, stressing that the Japanese have long been practising waste management methods that treat waste at the source. Waste classification practices are adopted from the individual level to the community and even the government levels, following which the waste would be sent to the incinerator. The energy released by the incineration process is then channelled to hot springs and schools to generate electrical power, enabling the waste to be optimally utilized. Everyone has a role to play in contributing to environmental sustainability, from ordinary citizens to the government. The urgency of environmental conservation has never been more pronounced; every single effort matters. 2019 • 11 12