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On October 11, 2025, the “Healthy Vegetarian Living” event was held at the Tzu Chi Richmond Office. This community exchange gathering combined the promotion of vegetarianism, health lectures, eco-friendly crafts, and regenerative potted plants. The event unfolded smoothly thanks to the concerted efforts of volunteers in the Richmond and funding support from the city government.
Beyond merely promoting vegetarianism, the event aimed to encourage attendees to respond with practical action to “Love the Earth through Healthy Vegetarianism,” while simultaneously inspiring diverse new ways of thinking about environmental protection.
Balanced Vegetarianism: Eating for a Vital Life
First on the agenda was a health lecture. Nutritionist Yen-chieh Chang shared how to achieve a balanced intake of nutrients and carefully answered the public’s doubts regarding vegetarian diets. Using the “Vegetarian Vitality Plate” as an example, she taught attendees how to combine vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to create a healthy, delicious meal. She also provided guidance for vegetarians on how to supplement key nutrients such as protein, Vitamin B12, iron, and Omega-3.
The atmosphere was lively, with everyone listening intently and asking questions enthusiastically. Ms. Chang emphasized, “As long as you know how to supplement key nutrients, a vegetarian diet can provide full energy and strength!”
Volunteer Zi-ling Guo demonstrated a “Corn Husk Repurposing” craft, transforming ordinary materials into creative art. Participants wove and created with their hands, filling the venue with joy. Zi-ling Guo shared emotionally, “Every leaf has new value, just as the kind thoughts in everyone’s heart can turn into beauty.” Upon completing their works, the participants were filled with joy, admiring each other’s creations and taking photos to commemorate the moment, experiencing the fun and sense of achievement found in eco-friendly creativity.
Finally, volunteer Shao-sui Chen guided everyone in making “Regenerative Vegetable Planters” using vegetable roots and stems, helping to integrate environmental concepts into daily life. People were pleasantly surprised to discover that vegetable roots originally destined for the trash could sprout and grow again. Many expressed their intention to take them home to care for them, allowing this greenery and hope to continue in their daily lives.
Spreading Love through Vegtarianism: Immersed in Tzu Chi Humanistic Culture
During lunch, volunteers prepared delicious vegetarian bento boxes. Xiu-mei Zhao, the Richmond Office Team Leader, shared Tzu Chi’s dining etiquette, reminding attendees to maintain the elegant and dignified dining posture of “a dragon holding a pearl in its mouth, a phoenix drinking water” while eating.
During the meal, everyone drew a “Jing Si Aphorism” and shared their thoughts, filling the room with laughter and gratitude. Volunteer Hui-zhen Xu shared, “Someone asked, ‘Where does Tzu Chi’s money come from?’ I replied, ‘It comes from everyone’s pockets, and it comes from the power of kind hearts.'” She then spoke about the “Bamboo Bank Era,” explaining the spirit of performing great good with small contributions: “The ten dollars you donate carries the same merit as a rich person’s one million dollars, because both originate from a sincere, kind heart.”
By the end of the day’s event, the public was deeply impressed by Tzu Chi volunteers’ compassion and love, as well as their environmental advocacy. As they departed, volunteers gave everyone apples symbolizing peace, wishing them health, safety, and lasting good affinities. Starting from one plant-based meal, the seeds of love quietly sprouted in the community. Plant-based goodness nurtured connections, and kind thoughts accompanied everyone, allowing warmth and greenery to radiate the light of sustainability.
