Say hello to wheat straw cups

Tzu Chi Foundation, which originated in Taiwan, has scheduled a charity run on July 21 for one, three, five and 10 kilometers at the UP Diliman campus.

- ROSE DE LA CRUZ

They will be distributing loot bags that have hydration cups made of wheat straw as part of its massive, aggressive global campaign for recycling farm wastes, among others.

According to Tzu Chi, the marching words for the campaign is: “wave goodbye to single-use plastic and paper cups, and say hello to our collapsible wheat straw cups!”

The wheat straw cup is Tzu Chi’s effort at eliminating waste – specifically, the thousands of single-use plastic and paper cups that litter races.

Just like rice, wheat straw after harvest is considered as agricultural waste and burned – until someone discovered its many uses: from compost, animal bedding and feed to materials to make paper, biofuel and building materials.

As a drinking cup, wheat straw is safe given that it comes from nature and is chemical and toxin free. Proceeds from the charity run will help sustain the scholars under Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program.

Since its founding 30 years ago, Tzu Chi has helped over 13,000 disadvantaged elementary, high school and college youth through scholarships that cover various school expenses and allowances.