Tzu Chi Foundation launches www.YouProtocol.com

Campaign conveys a simple message: The Planet is in Your Hands

The Tzu Chi Foundation Canada today announced the launch of the YouProtocol campaign, a unique local and global grassroots effort to encourage citizens to pledge a personal commitment to reduce their eco-footprint.

To kick off the two-week campaign, Tzu Chi today unveiled www.YouProtocol.com, where citizens can sign the protocol and pledge their commitment to the environment. Launched in Metro Vancouver and modeled after the international Kyoto Protocol, the YouProtocol challenges individuals to do their part to protect the planet. The campaign focuses on two simple actions people can do everyday when washing and drying their hands: Turning down the tap to conserve water, and using cloth hand towels instead of paper towels.

Next week, a team of Tzu Chi youth volunteers will spread out across Metro Vancouver to promote the YouProtocol and give away thousands of reusable hand towels. As a symbol of personal responsibility, the hand towels will be embroidered with the YouProtocol web address, and a simple message: "The Planet is in Your Hands."

The YouProtocol campaign will wrap up with Tzu Chi's annual Harmony Festival on May 3rd in Richmond, which is expected to draw more than 2,000 people. Everyone who attends the festival will be given a complimentary cloth hand towel.

"We all share the responsibility to reduce our environmental impact," said Gary Ho, CEO of Tzu Chi Foundation Canada. "If we all do our part, everyone's small contributions will make a big difference. Even simple daily steps, such as conserving water and paper, go a long way towards helping the planet. Once people have signed the YouProtocol, I encourage them to tell their friends and family about the pledge. After all, the Planet is in Your Hands."

The YouProtocol will be the focus of the third annual Tzu Chi Harmony Festival, being held at Cambie Park in Richmond on May 3. The festival will feature interactive demonstrations teaching people how they can live in harmony with the planet and will be attended by several Lower Mainland Mayors, including Sam Sullivan, Derek Corrigan, and Malcolm Brodie.

Cassidy of Vancouver, a Tzu Chi student, was the first person to sign the YouProtocol and will be featured in a promotional video Tzu Chi will be broadcasting on YouTube to encourage individuals around the world to visit www.YouProtocol.com.


- posted April 18, 2008