The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2022 (Vol.144)

TZU CHI 144 27 Raw vegan chef Boey Yin Yin shared with the audience the benefits of a raw vegan diet and her own experiences. [Photo by Lin Yi Yi] environmental protection. Raw vegan chef Boey Yin Yin shared about the benefits of a raw vegan diet, citing her own health improvements as an example. Thirty years ago, she was plagued by prolonged skin problem, where her hands and feet were prone to cracks and bleeding from dryness. She had visited many doctors but there was no cure. It was not until she started a vegan diet that her skin problem was solved. “Adopting a vegetarian diet is an excellent way to lose weight, and it gives you a younger appearance.” She suggested that the audience embrace veganism progressively, to allow the body enough time to adapt to the diet change. Yin Yin came into contact with a raw vegan diet in 2014, and became a certified raw vegan chef two years later. To her, it was a wonderful experience to leave her comfort zone in the public relations industry and go into the culinary industry. She encouraged everyone to bravely accept what they were afraid of and maintain a lifelong learning. “Those who adopt a raw vegetarian diet do not eat food that has been cooked above 47℃. We have to use various machines, like fruit roaster and spiralizer in food preparation to preserve their nutrients.” She recommended vegetarians to ensure they choose a variety of food ingredients from five different colour groups when purchasing, so that the meals they prepare are nutritionally-balanced. Reduce your desires “It is an uphill task to promote the concept of zero waste in Malaysia. Studies have shown that Malaysians produce 1.2 kg of waste per person per day.” Sue Yee, Co-founder of Zero Waste Malaysia, shared about the situation in the country. She also discussed in a humorous and interactive way how we can practise waste reduction in daily life. “When we learned to refuse, we can prevent 50% of furniture and appliances from entering our homes.” Zero Waste Malaysia advocates the 5Rs (i.e., Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot), and Refuse is of utmost importance. Sue Yee shared with the audience some tips on how to refuse, as the waste produced will stay in the ecosystem forever. She looked forward to continue cooperating with Tzu Chi, to jointly promote a zero-waste lifestyle. Healing the body and mind Catering to the Midori Market, Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centre specially organized workshops on blue dyeing, simple Japanese wagashi and decoupage, to enable the public to settle their minds in a serene space and appreciate the overlooked beauty in life. Participants of the blue dyeing workshop produced a unique, one-of-a-kind cotton t-shirt using natural blue dyes from plants. The instructor, Swiss Chai explained, “Chemical dyes used in the modern textile industry can Midori Market