Tzu Chi Launches its EcoVolve Campaign with Youth-Driven Recycling Event

By Xie Yuxin

KUALA LUMPUR - Tzu Chi Malaysia brought together over 100 students and volunteers for a full-day environmental event, including its monthly Recycling Day and the launch of EcoVolve, a youth-led campaign promoting simple, sustainable living.

Volunteers sorting through donated books during the Recycling Day. Image Credits: by Xie Yuxin

The day began at the Jinjang Recycling Education Centre, where participants worked alongside experienced Tzu Chi volunteers to sort through donated items. There were different types of donated items, from plastic bottles and old clothes to books and household goods. They were introduced to the principles of resource classification, called Ten Fingers of Recycling, which included separating bottles, cans, paper, electronics, textiles, and more with care and purpose. Participants saw firsthand how Tzu Chi encouraged people to discard different types of waste without mixing them, so many things can be reused. Most student volunteers who were participating for the first time came from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur such as those from Monash University, Sunway University, UKM and nearby institutions. All the tasks were managed well by everyone. There were volunteers who sorted through plastics and metals, along with those who sorted clothes and picked out what could still be used. In addition, a different group handled the donated books and magazines, separating what could be used again and giving it out.

Volunteers attending the EcoVolve campaign launch at Jing Si Hall. Image Credits: by Xie Yuxin

The afternoon continued in Jing Si Hall with the official launch of the EcoVolve campaign, which focused on building sustainable habits such as recycling, reducing waste, and embracing plant-based lifestyles. The games and sharing helped students see how simple things they do can impact the environment in the future. Senior Tzu Chi volunteers gave presentations on the organization’s beliefs about environmental protection, using their personal experiences and explaining how living in a compassionate way matters deeply to Tzu Chi. A member of Tzu Chi from Taylor’s University, Yuxiang, said the event helped him understand what sustainability means. “I signed up with Tzu Chi because I wanted to become involved in important causes. What had the greatest effect today was how much of a difference small actions make.” Danny, another student from Taylor’s who joined for the first time, appreciated the experience but admitted feeling a bit uneasy during the campaign’s push for vegetarianism. “I really respect what Tzu Chi is doing,” she said, “but I think it’s important that the messaging remains inclusive and doesn’t feel too forceful.”

Despite differences in perspectives, the event left a strong impression on many participants, especially those new to environmental volunteering. Through EcoVolve, Tzu Chi hopes to keep empowering youth to take mindful, collective action for a better planet.