Climate change and religion

We need religious leaders also to push the climate change agenda.

In Buddhist monasteries during ceremonies, it is not difficult to spot the thousands of packets of packaged foods that are offered to the monasteries and monks. During alms-giving ceremonies, when devotees are offering packets of biscuits, instant noodles and other packaged food, I have questioned religious leaders why they do not tell their devotees to not indulge in these practices. Yes, it is convenient for devotees to make these offerings, but they also need to learn that they are doing more harm than good. Each one thinks it is just me and a few packets; but when thousands of devotees do that, they are creating a situation of excessive waste. When I was ordained as a temporary monk, I did not know what to do with the hundreds of packets of biscuits and instant noodles that came as my share.