Sustainability Program ------Fifth day of Alternative Trip

Today is the fifth day of our wonderful trip. Every day is new and challenging. We left for our first destination at 8:30 am. By the way, today is the birthday of Daisia. So on the way we sang happy birthday for her in six different languages in the van. It is the advantage of the diversity in the group. And with the company of these days, we all feel that we are closer with each other. We three foreigners can get involved in their conversations and play jokes with them. We look like a big family and have more tacit understanding with each other, especially during the work.

Our first destination was Habit of Humanity, Springfield. When we got here, their leader presented the background and general information about it. I was shocked and surprised by this amazing organization. After visiting the restore warehouse, we began our volunteer work. I was in charge of packing the used paint cans onto the pallet and wrapping them together, which would be more convenient to deal with for the worker.  And four of our group members were responsible for classifying the good and bad pallets. The others took charge of the trash around the building. We were all enthusiastic with our own jobs. I really learnt a lot from this activity. People donate their extra stuffs to this organization and the workers here help others to build house. Yes, they not only build the house, but also provide a warm home. They bring happiness and convenience for lots of people. I really appreciated that I can contribute my own part to them.

After a quick lunch, we went moved on for our schedule today. The stops were the Household Chemical Collection Center, Computer Recycling Center, Commercial Metals, and Landfill. We visited their work place and listened to the explanation about their specific work. Actually, these organizations are the real behind- the- scenes. As an international student and a foreigner, I came to the United States and usually see the good, nice and bright aspects, but this is not the real America, or the overall America. These sustainability programs do provide another aspect for me. If a city wants to develop well and provide the high-quality life for their citizens, it should cooperate well between all different kinds of organizations. Although the work there is hard, dirty and somewhat tedious at times, the workers stick to years and years and do their best for the good life. When we visited the Landfill, I was really surprised by the lots of trash. I think if each of us can pay attention to garbage classification and recycle, it could help them a lot and lessen their workload.

This really reminds me of the situation in my home country.  We are only enjoying the life that they provide us, but do not know the real situation behind that. We live in the city and should consider and care for the city. How does China deal with these kinds of things? Hope I can care about these behind the scenes later and contribute my own part to my country’s development.

-Jin Zhang, trip participant.