Raleigh Earth Day and Arbor Day: BLIA North Carolina Promotes Plant-Based Living and Environmental Sustainability

[Reported by Hai Kuo, North Carolina, USA] 

On April 25, the North Carolina Second Subchapter of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) took part in the Raleigh Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration. Venerable Miao Jou, guiding monastic of the chapter, introduced the Vege Plan A program to attendees.", took part in the Raleigh Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration. The event, organized by the nonprofit We Plant It Forward in collaboration with the City of Raleigh, was held at Dorothea Dix Park, offering a free community event with earth-conscious vendors, live music, activities, and a movie. 

The Earth Day and Arbor Day event, held at Dorothea Dix Park, attracted enthusiastic participation from many families.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell was present at the event, where she expressed appreciation for the city government and all partners’ efforts in conservation and sustainable development. She highlighted several initiatives, including the program on tree canopy and the intelligent design of greenways and parks. Mayor Cowell also announced the upcoming opening of the “Gipson Play Plaza” in early June—a sustainability-focused design project that will feature over 110,000 plants and shaded structures for both environmental and child safety benefits. Regarding preparations for extreme weather, she explained that the city and county governments are actively coordinating responses and encouraged residents to register for the free notification system “Ready Wake!” to receive real-time alerts about storms and tornadoes, enhancing community readiness.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell attended the event and presented the city’s efforts on tree protection, new park designs, and emergency preparedness for extreme weather.

The event centered around themes of nature conservation, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Dozens of booths were set up by city departments and environmental organizations, alongside family-friendly activities, live music, vegetarian food trucks, and an outdoor movie screening to promote green living.

Informational booklets were made available at the booth for attendees to take home and read.

In recent years, BLIA North Carolina has continuously supported We Plant it Forward’s tree-planting initiatives, particularly through proceeds from the global plant-based charity run VEGRUN. These efforts help fund ongoing reforestation projects.

Many attendees signed pledges in support of the “Vege Plan A program,” committing together to protect the Earth.

The North Carolina Second Subchapter hosted a booth promoting the “Vege Plan A Program,” which introduced the link between vegetarianism and environmental sustainability. Activities included a vegetarian trivia game, a display of vegetarian recipes by Fo Guang Shan founding master Venerable Master Hsing Yun, a photo check-in area, and interactive games. Attendees who answered questions correctly received small prizes while learning about the connection between vegetarian diets and carbon reduction, water conservation, and forest protection. Thirteen members and youth volunteers served at the booth, engaging warmly with the public.

The booth featured several fun, eco-themed games that helped children learn about environmental protection through play.

During the event, many attendees showed great interest in Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s vegetarian recipes, eagerly taking copies or photographing them. After learning about the VEGRUN event, several participants expressed their desire to join. Raleigh resident Jason Harden remarked in an interview, “The information provided here is excellent—I hope more people will stop by and learn.” Another participant shared that he had adopted a vegetarian diet for over a year and brought his three-year-old son to the event, carefully explaining the booth's messages about plant-based eating, carbon reduction, water conservation, and forest protection.

BLIA North Carolina Chapter President May Shiue encourages children to participate in the vegetarian photo check-in activity.

The North Carolina Second Subchapter of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) took part in the Raleigh Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration. Venerable Miao Jou, guiding monastic of the chapter, introduces the Vege Plan A program to attendees.

The BLIA booth displayed vegetarian recipes by founding master Venerable Master Hsing Yun, attracting attendees to take photos and learn about plant-based living.

Youth volunteers actively promoted plant-based and environmental values with great enthusiasm.

BLIA members and volunteers introduced the public to various vegetarian initiatives and shared insights on the connection between plant-based living and sustainability.