Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Tzu Chi Gold Coast has actively responded to Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s long-standing advocacy of vegetarianism to protect life, and her further call around 2009 to promote vegetarianism as a way to reduce carbon emissions and care for the Earth. The organisation has continued to deepen its community outreach while promoting plant-based living.

Starting in April 2020, vegetarian lunchboxes were distributed weekly to care for people experiencing homelessness in Southport. Beginning in May, vegetarian meals were also provided to police officers in the Upper Mount Gravatt area, Brisbane, continuing until the final distribution in December 2023.

From July 2020 onwards, vegetarian lunchboxes have been delivered regularly on the first Monday of each month to the Southport Police Station. Since April 2022, this initiative has expanded to include Emergency Departments and Ambulance Personnel, with monthly meal distributions continuing to this day. Through these ongoing efforts, frontline workers are supported while healthy and environmentally friendly dietary practices are promoted.

In addition, Tzu Chi seizes various opportunities throughout the year to promote vegetarianism through three major annual events, allowing more people to experience the benefits of plant-based meals. Over the course of a year, more than 1,100 vegetarian lunchboxes are shared through these events, further expanding the impact of vegetarian advocacy and fostering goodwill within the community.

Through sustained and consistent efforts, Tzu Chi Gold Coast not only cares for vulnerable groups and frontline personnel, but also puts into practice Master Cheng Yen’s vision of “Protect life through mindful eating, care for the Earth through our actions.”