Celebrating Chinese New Year at Plymouth Covenant Church: A Festive and Sustainable Experience
On February 2, 2025, Plymouth Covenant Church hosted an unforgettable Chinese New Year celebration. This highly anticipated event brought together community members to celebrate cultural traditions through ethnic food, engaging cultural games, and vibrant performances. Attendees were able to immerse themselves in the festivities while also participating in meaningful sustainability practices.
ENGLISHRECYCLE
- Jing Li-
4/4/20253 min read
The celebration at Plymouth Covenant Church saw a wonderful mix of traditions and activities that highlighted the richness of the Chinese New Year. From delicious ethnic dishes to lively cultural games, our participants found joy in embracing diverse traditions. The performances by talented members of the community added an extra layer of excitement, making the night truly memorable.
A significant aspect of this event was the participation from ZIRAN members and volunteers, who set up a dedicated trash station. This station was instrumental in guiding attendees on how to properly sort their waste. By directing participants in recycling efforts, we aimed to maximize recycling and minimize landfill waste.
The hands-on experience of sorting waste was a new venture for many attendees. Participants enthusiastically engaged in the waste sorting process, learning important practices that can be applied not just in community events, but in their everyday lives. Thanks to the dedication of ZIRAN members and volunteers, we successfully recycled and diverted more than 70% of waste from landfills.
Every item counted. Items such as foil trays, often discarded without a second thought, were carefully recycled. Furthermore, plates were stacked that greatly minimized the trash volume, leading to a reduced number of trash bags used. Napkins, chopsticks, and food scraps that often go to landfill were collected as organic waste which will end up in a composting facility. The facility utilizes a controlled environment and process to allow microorganisms to break down the organic matter into a stable, nutrient-rich substance called compost, which can be used as a soil amendment or fertilizer.
By educating participants on proper waste management and recycling during the celebration, we fostered a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility. This initiative not only served the local community but also inspired attendees to incorporate sustainable practices into their daily routines.
The Chinese New Year celebration at Plymouth Covenant Church was not just about cultural festivities; it was a unique opportunity for the community to come together and embrace important lessons in sustainability. The positive response from participants reflects an appreciation for both the cultural richness and the environmental consciousness fostered during the event.
As we look back on the successful event, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who participated in making the night both festive and sustainable. With continued efforts, we can hope to see even more engagement in both cultural traditions and responsible waste management in our future celebrations.
