SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE ACTION

BLIA supports respect for life and our earth in sustainable practices and responsible consumption of resources.

“Buddhism is a religion that embodies environmental protection.”
-Venerable Master Hsing Yun

our global works

vege plan a

Vege Plan A, which began in 2016, is an initiative of BLIA Sydney and BLIA Melbourne as part of our vegetarian expositions, which have been held since 2005. The program raises awareness of the social and health benefits and environmental impact of a meat-free diet through social media advocacy, partnerships with local businesses, and outreach events like cooking workshops and engaging talks.

zero hunger, paraguay

BLIA Paraguay launched the Zero Hunger program in 2001, which has provided soy milk machines and set up stations for over 6,000 underprivileged families, many with young children or elderly persons. Classes are given to educate on the uses of soybean pulp, which has high fiber, protein, and other nutrients. The soy milk stations are a vital food source and allow the families and the community to supplement their diet and nutrition.

sustainable cities

BLIA locations serve as a focal point not only for the practice and promotion of Humanistic Buddhism but also as a culture and community touchstone, open to all. Our temples, including that in Christchurch, New Zealand, have been recognized with national architecture awards for their green, energy efficient, and inclusive designs. These safe, public, and eco-friendly spaces are BLIA’s responses to sustainable urbanization.

environmentalism

In protecting and safeguarding natural resources and helping to develop accessible, public green spaces, BLIA chapters, the BLIA Young Adult Division, and Buddha’s Light Scout troops enact environmental preservation activities such as beach cleaning, street cleaning, charity gardening, recycling, and planting trees. These initiatives encourage all to live a “greener” lifestyle, whether it is at school, work, or home, and to build lifelong habits that could potentially make a dramatic difference in the future of the earth.