Islam Perspective
There is a need to raise the level of environmental and ecological consciousness among citizens to new
heights. The role of education, both formal and informal, needs to be addressed. In Islam, one of the
most effective ways would be through the weekly Friday sermons.
Buddhist Perspective
Science confines its research exclusively to the external, physical phenomena. It does not include
mankind in its picture of the universe. Looking at nature in this way, science has only one object, i.e.
the physical universe.
But the objective of Buddhism is to solve the problem of human suffering, which arises from both internal and external conditions, with an emphasis on the world of human behaviour. At the same time, Buddhism sees this process as a natural one. For this reason, Buddhism, like science, has faith in nature, but it also includes human beings. As human beings are a part of nature, they are therefore subject to the laws of nature. As such, they are taught to respect nature and the environment they live in.
Islam Perspective
“But waste not by excesses: for God loveth not the wasters (al-musrifun)." The Quran
(6:141)
“[And the servants of the Most Gracious] are those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just balance between those [extremes].” The Quran (25: 67)
These Quranic verses imply among other things the following practical approaches to sustain planet earth:
Buddhist Perspective
The example of Tzu Chi Malaysia’s program on recycling is a practical manifestation of compassion for
the planet. Tzu Chi started its environmental protection initiatives in 1995. To date over 160 recycling
centers and 980 recycling points have been established throughout Malaysia. This is to make
environmental protection a way of life among Malaysians. Volunteers trained by Tzu Chi will visit
corporations, schools, private and public organizations to advocate environmental protection concepts.