Ecobuddha first started out under the name of the Korean Buddhism Social Education Institute in March, 1988.
In 1994, it was authorized as a corporation under the name of the Korean Buddhist Environmental Education Institute by the Ministry of Environment. During the first 10 years, it investigated the current state and cause of the environmental issues in modern society. It also promoted discussions to seek ways to solve the environmental problems, actively carrying out education on ecology based on those discussions.
In 2005, the organization was renamed as Ecobuddha. It established new environmental ethics based on the basic teachings of the Buddha, which centers on respecting all living beings. It has also focused on socializing and promoting environmental ethics.
In order to resolve the current environmental problems caused by the modern culture of consumption, Ecobuddha is carrying out projects based on the goal and idea that people’s lives must change fundamentally through substantial changes in their values and lifestyles.
Since Ecobuddha considers education as one of its major tasks, it has been running classes and experience programs such as eco-school, pro-life academy, and eco-trips for students and adults from all walks of life. Also, it has actively promoted networking with other environmental organizations, as well as focusing on academic publications. In addition, it has been running various alternative programs, so the projects mentioned above contribute to actually bringing about changes in people’s lifestyles.
Nature produces no waste. With the Zero-waste Campaign, we want to be free from the addiction to consumption and build a new civilization of community and solidarity.
The Zero-waste Campaign pursues simple and humble lives.
1. Emptying dishes based on the spirit of alms bowl meal
2. Carrying and using one’s own reusable cup instead of a paper cup
3. Carrying and using a handkerchief instead of tissue or napkin
4. Carrying and using a cotton cloth instead of toilet paper
5. Using the washbasin placed in the sink to get only the necessary amount of water
6. Using reusable shopping bags
7. Not using disposable products
8. Unplugging power cables not in use (zero standby power)
9. Maintaining room temperature at 28 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) in the summer and at 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) in the winter
10. Making compost with food waste
11. Carefully separating recyclable materials
12. Maintaining items in good conditions and donating unnecessary used items
A clean
environment
Eco-bodhisattva
A simple and
humble life
No food waste in the garbage bin
100% of any food waste is made into compost
No toilet paper in the restrooms
Instead of using toilet paper, wash with water (hand-held shower hose) and wipe with a cotton cloth
Twelve environmental practices to save the Earth
Principle
No toilet paper
Purpose
By not using any toilet paper, which takes up a large portion of the general waste, no toilet paper waste is generated. Also, there would be less environmental destruction that is created in the process of producing toilet paper, which helps to counter climate change
Method
Install a hand-held shower hose. Instead of using disposables, use alternative products including handkerchiefs, reusable cotton sanitary pads, cotton dishcloths, and cotton towels
Principle
No food waste in the garbage bin
Purpose
By making the food waste into compost, we can save the astronomical cost and effort in collecting, moving and disposing food waste as well as preventing water, air and soil contamination
Method
Make 100% of the food waste into compost
Execution
Minimize food waste and execute the six steps for zero food waste, which are shopping, refrigerating, cooking, emptying dishes, three-step dishwashing, and composting. Specifically, they are planned shopping, using dated ingredients in the refrigerator first, using cooking methods that minimizes waste, putting on the plate only the amount of food that can be consumed and cleaning the dish with warm water and drinking it, reusing the water from washing rice to wash the dishes, and making compost
Principle
The problem of disposables, vinyl, and plastic products is becoming increasingly more serious. Only a small portion of these materials are being recycled, and a significant amount finds their way into the sea, threatening the lives of birds and marine life. Some of these waste products turn into micro plastics, which threaten people’s health. It is necessary to encourage people to produce less of these materials, use less, or even not use them altogether
Zero plastics in the shopping bag
Shopping for food with reusable shopping bags, fabric bags, and plastic containers
Zero paper cups
Using a mug or a tumbler
Zero vinyl
Not purchasing snacks, breads, candies, and coffee products in vinyl wrappers
Zero disposable products
Not using disposable items such as wooden chopsticks, plastic spoons, plastic cups, disposable lunch boxes, and tea bags
Sharing and emptying, ‘Nabie’ Flea Market
Refraining from purchasing new items, maintaining items in good condition, regularly organizing ‘Nabie’ Flea Market to donate and buy used items
Principle
Reducing water consumption
Purpose
Water is equal to electrical energy, so conserving water saves energy
Method
Installing water saver toilets and water saver faucets
Execution
Implementing the three-step dishwashing system, placing a small washbasin in the sink, and using a cup when brushing teeth (use a tumbler)
Principle
Zero standby electricity
Purpose
Standby electricity makes up 20% to 30% of total electricity consumption
Method
Using standby electricity blocking devices and timed multi-tap
Execution
Preparing a detailed manual for air conditioner and heating system operations and implementing the instructions
Principle
Providing fun guides for actual practice of the Zero-waste Campaign
Purpose
Running an environmental program that the volunteers can implement and the visitors can experience
Execution
Preparing a visiting training program and zero-waste building operation plan (specialized guide for each floor)