Environmental Protection Lecture

In response to the Taoyuan City Government’s promotion of environmental sustainability and environmental protection policies, this institution has continued to implement various environmental protection measures through both management systems and daily living practices. These initiatives range from external environmental management—such as waste sorting, food waste reduction, and rainwater recycling—to advocating vegetarian diets and the concept of spiritual environmentalism. Through these efforts, the spirit of environmental protection is gradually integrated into daily operations, demonstrating the correctional institution’s commitment to protecting the Earth and promoting life education.

During the planning stage of the institution’s new (expanded) construction project, environmental protection and green energy concepts were incorporated into the overall architectural design, including the installation of rainwater recycling and reuse systems as energy-saving measures. In addition, the institution actively cooperates with the waste classification policy promoted by the Taoyuan City Government, advocating food waste reduction and resource recycling practices to cultivate inmates’ good environmental habits and ensure that environmental protection concepts are implemented in everyday life.

In terms of spiritual environmentalism, on March 10 the institution collaborated with the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation (hereinafter referred to as Tzu Chi) to promote environmental education. Tzu Chi volunteers were invited to organize the environmental lecture “Eating Vegetables Is Best: Starting with a Change in One Meal.” Through an engaging and educational approach, the lecture aimed to guide inmates in understanding environmental concepts and encourage them to care for the Earth beginning with their dietary choices. Chief of the Education Section Wen Min-nan noted that environmental protection is not only about maintaining the external environment but also about transforming one’s inner mindset.

The lecture began with ice-breaking group activities and sign-language movements led by Tzu Chi volunteers, creating a lively and warm atmosphere. This was followed by a short skit titled “Eating Vegetables Is Best,” which vividly illustrated the relationship between vegetarian diets and environmental protection. Tzu Chi volunteer and well-known actress Lin Chia-li then shared her personal life journey of transitioning from a meat-based diet to vegetarianism, explaining the significance of dietary changes for health, environmental protection, and compassion for life. She also engaged in interactive exchanges with the inmates. The event concluded with a vegetarian snack tasting experience, further deepening participants’ understanding of vegetarianism and environmental protection concepts.

Through sharing environmental concepts and providing hands-on experiences, the institution hopes to help inmates understand the value of “protecting the Earth and cherishing life” in their daily lives and to put environmental principles into practical action. In the future, the institution will continue to collaborate with civil organizations and social resources to promote environmental protection and life education, allowing environmental values to take root in people’s hearts, fostering an appreciation of sustainable coexistence between humanity and nature, and demonstrating the positive role of correctional institutions in caring for life.