At 90 years old, Kao Ah-Yeh has been a long-time volunteer at the Tzu Chi Environmental Education Station in Neihu, Taipei. Though illiterate, she is known as a “living dictionary” when it comes to plastic bag sorting. With dedication and care, she created a “Plastic Classification Sample Book” to teach others how to sort materials by type—making environmental protection more systematic and accessible for newcomers. “One less piece of trash means one less source of pollution,” she says.

Rain or shine, Grandma Kao shows up every day, proving through her actions that “Environmental protection is not a burden—it’s a lifelong mission.” Her handmade sample book not only educates fellow volunteers but has also inspired international visitors, spreading Taiwan’s love and wisdom across the globe.