The clean and tidy beach of Dongxiang Islet

Pingtan, an island off the coast of Fujian province known as the closest mainland point to the island of Taiwan and China's second international tourism island after Hainan, is gaining attention for a grassroots environmental initiative. Here, volunteer Xue Xiuyan is breathing new life into her hometown, Dongxiang Islet, by promoting green living and rallying communities to protect its pristine landscapes.

Planting Seeds of Volunteerism in Young Minds

On the courtyard, volunteer Ms. Chen (left) from out of town shares her feelings about participating in public welfare activities with Xue Xiuyan (right).

Xue, founder of the Xinhuo Coast Public Welfare Service Center—the islet's first non-profit focused on environmental protection and support for left-behind children—has dedicated years to cleaning beaches and educating youth. Her journey began over a decade ago when she joined local public welfare groups for beach cleanups and charity hikes. "We were young, but we all wanted to contribute to our hometown as Pingtan developed," she recalled.

Reward booklets

In 2020, inspired by news of "zero-waste islands," Xue returned to Dongxiang with a mission: to transform it into an ecological model. Every weekend, she leads children to collect marine debris during low tide, using a "reward booklet" to reward their efforts. Points can be exchanged for books, stationery, or craft workshops. "These activities aren't just fun—they teach kids responsibility," said 14-year-old volunteer Wu Minzhen, whose booklet tracks his many cleanups.

Turning Trash into Treasure

Xue's courtyard doubles as an "environmental lab." In a rented warehouse, she sorts recyclables—from plastic bottles to fishing nets—before sending them to a Zhejiang-based recycling plant. There, materials are melted and spun into yarn for eco-friendly textiles. "We hope more islands adopt such models," said Zheng Liangsong, the firm's director.

Xue Xiuyan talks about her idea of making cultural and creative works from this driftwood.

Organic fertilizer made from kitchen waste

Non-recyclables find new life too. Driftwood becomes handicrafts, while cotton fabrics and foam are turned into dolls. "Kids feel proud making something useful from waste," Xue noted. In her garden, sealed compost bins transform kitchen scraps—vegetable peels, tea leaves—into organic fertilizer, nurturing her thriving plants. She plans to share this method island-wide.

Winning Hearts and Minds

Initially, some villagers doubted Xue's efforts. "Why spend time on 'useless' things?" they wondered. But as they witnessed her dedication—regularly collecting waste from restaurants and homestay hostels—attitudes shifted. Now, locals voluntarily donate recyclables, and her initiative has drawn volunteers like Chen from Guangdong, who praised the "meaningful blend of island life and environmental work."

In the variety show Where to Go Today, Xue Xiuyan joins celebrities and others in picking up marine debris on the beach.

For Xue, the path is clear: "Small actions matter. By showing how to reduce waste at its source, we can bring Dongxiang closer to being a zero-waste islet." Her story highlights how one person's passion can reignite a community's love for its natural heritage.