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

29 TZU CHI 144 Meet the exceptional vendors By Lew Hooi Ching By Wee Suan Yen James Lee Chan Kai Wen James Lee, a Korean who has been living in Malaysia for 3.5 years, is a vegetarian cuisine operations manager. He decided to become a vegan five years ago, after learning the truth about livestock farming and how it impacted the planet. He has also been advocating a plant-based diet. The biggest change he has experienced being a vegetarian is improvements in his energy and digestive system. He used to feel sluggish and tired after meals, due to heavy consumption of meat and dairy products. A vegetarian diet, on the other hand, has enabled him to maintain his focus and acuity throughout the day. He remarked, “If you wish to create a better world, you have to know how to materialize it, and you will realize that you only need to adopt a plant-based diet, which is the easiest way.” He is grateful to the organizer for bringing like-minded people together. It was a great experience for him, and he looked forward to the next Midori Market. Chan Kai Wen is the founder of a store selling eco-friendly products. She was motivated to act for the sustainability of the Earth after witnessing loads of plastics waste instead of fishes during her first diving experience. She started sharing about environmental protection online during the pandemic, educating the public to opt for packaging-free products to reduce waste. She also founded Papago Zero Waste in an effort to promote environmental protection and zero waste concepts. Although it is tiring having to juggle her professional career as a physiotherapist and the green initiatives, she has persisted because she truly enjoys the process, and there is a sense of accomplishment, especially when her family started to bring their own reusable tableware. Kai Wen suggested making changes in living habits, such as using a bamboo toothbrush, cloth sanitary napkin and razor with replaceable blades, to reduce the use of disposable items. Her reusable tableware rental service was well-received by visitors at the Midori Market. Midori Market