Mid-Autumn Festival Brings Cultural Celebration and Environmental Awareness to Century College

On Thursday, October 9, Century College’s Lincoln Mall was transformed into a lively celebration beautifully decorated to fully embrace Chinese culture. This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival was hosted by the Chinese Culture Club at Century College. ZIRAN co-founders and co-presidents Jing Li and Grace Li also took the stage, sharing their missions in environmental sustainability and calling for everyone’s action.

Every participant admired the intricate artwork displayed throughout the venue. Chinese lanterns illuminated the space, while colorful tapestries hung from the walls, celebrating the beauty and richness of Asian heritage. Many community members arrived in traditional Chinese attire, adding to the authenticity and vibrancy of the event’ atmosphere.

Before the program started at their Minimal Waste Station, Jing Li and Grace Li teamed up to explain to a student volunteer, Ethan, the differences between landfill, organic recycling, and mixed recycling bins. They also showed him how to undo cross-contamination in the three bins

Grace Li explained how to identify BPI compostable labels on paper plates, emphasizing that these items must be disposed of in compost bins rather than mixed recycling bins. Printed paper plates without BPI compostable labels will have to go to landfill since they are coated with a thin layer of plastic. Neither of these kinds of disposable plates should be put in mixed recycling bins.

When Jing Li and Grace Li took the stage, they immediately engaged the audience with an opening video titled “Unearthed.” The video depicted a sobering vision of what the world could look like if people do not prioritize recycling and caring for the planet.

They further explained the different kinds of pollution and its harm to nature and human beings. The focus of the talk was not about the issues, but about the actions - what we can do now!

They introduced the 7 R’s as a practical framework for environmental responsibility.

● Rethink: Reflect on your consumption habits and the type of consumer you aspire to be.

● Refuse: Avoid cheap quality merchandise such as quick fashion clothing, and single-use items that serve little purpose, such as plastic straws.

● Reduce: Cut back on use of resources (e.g., electricity, gas, water); for instance, walk, bike, or carpool instead of driving alone. Bring tote bags for shopping to reduce use of plastic bags; use stainless steel water bottles instead of purchasing bottled water

● Reuse & Repurpose: Use again, upcycle, resale or donate. Repair: Fix instead of buying new things.

● Rot: Compost organic materials such as fruit and vegetables or participate in city compost programs.

● Recycle correctly: Ensure proper sorting to avoid contamination. If you don’t know, ask or dispose of it in the landfill.

After outlining these steps, Grace Li encouraged the audience, saying, “Don’t despair; we can all do something!” Jing continued, “Let’s act now to build a sustainable future together!” Their words resonated with listeners leaving them enlightened and inspired.

When the speech concluded, attendees enjoyed a traditional Chinese lunch featuring kung pao chicken, orange chicken, vegetables, rice, and the festival specialty, mooncakes, symbolizing reunion and gratitude during the Autumn Equinox.

After attendees finished eating, they also practiced how to correctly dispose of their trash under ZIRAN guidance.

The event also featured musical performances by three traditional Chinese musicians: Mr. Jiaxiang Li and husband-and-wife duo Mr. Zhenggang Xie and Ms. Mei Hu. Their performances captivated the audience with elegance and dramatic flair. Century College alumna Julie Ann McDonald shared that “the music is both elegant and dramatic,” perfectly summarizing the atmosphere of the concert.

As the festival drew to a close, students and community members explored informational and activity tables spread throughout Lincoln Mall. These included opportunities to learn about Century’s Study Abroad program from Larry Sklaney, English faculty and Study Abroad Coordinator; play an interactive cultural Kamizumo (paper sumo wrestling) with Rio Saito, Executive Director of Japan American Society of Minnesota; and find out information about the Theordore Roosevelt Legacy Association, a non-profit founded by former Century English faculty Steve Anderson and his wife Katie Holley, Director of Strategic Management at Allina Health.

Graceful Hands Ministry, a non-profit dedicated to serving children with autism, patients battling with cancer, and other vulnerable populations, donated eight boxes of non-perish food to Century College’s Resource Center. The event also collected miscellaneous donations that would benefit students in need.

Students and faculty alike enjoyed honoring Chinese culture through food, music, and interactive learning.

The 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival at Century College was a resounding success. ZIRAN’s participation left a profound impact on the community by deepening awareness of environmental care and responsibility. Jing Li and Grace Li inspired everyone with their passionate advocacy. Their presentation, filled with practical recycling and waste-reduction strategies, perfectly complemented the evening’s cultural celebration. The combination of cultural pride and environmental education ensured that this festival celebration would leave a lasting legacy on Century College’s campus and the wider community.