Now, officials in Hualien were touched by an anonymous citizen who made amends after breaking environmental rules. The individual sent back a pebble they had removed from Qixingtan beach. Officials think the stone may have been sent back by a high school student, who regretted taking the stone. If even kids can take responsibility that way, there’s plenty of hope for the future.
An official grasps a pebble in his hand. It’s from Qixingtan beach. In his other hand, a handwritten letter of apology, from the person who almost stole the stone.
Wu Ching-chan
Hualien City cleanup team
In this brief letter, they mention how they came here to enjoy Hualien’s beaches, and thought this pebble was beautiful so they took it home. Only later did they realize it was illegal, so they sent the stone back straight away.
Officials guess the letter-writer is a high school student, from the quality of their handwriting. The note says the pebble was picked up off Qixingtan Beach on a whim. But taking pebbles damages the environment and breaks the law. So they sent the stone back to Hualien Cleanup Team in the hope they’d return it to its home.
Wu Ching-chan
Hualien City cleanup team
When I picked it up, my first thought was maybe there was another stone in it. And so it was – when I opened it, wrapped in layers and layers of paper, there was indeed a stone.
The team’s leader, Wu Ching-chan knew intuitively that the package contained a pebble. He’s received a dozen such pebble-parcels before. Each one touched him deeply, inspiring him to believe that the next generation truly cares for the natural world. Locals also praised the gesture.
Member of public
The correct teaching is don’t just take pebbles home. If you do, the natural pebbles will gradually get fewer and fewer.
Wu Ching-chan
Hualien City cleanup team
Environmental education has to grow roots. This action by a high school student makes me think we should be proud of Taiwan’s education. There is still hope.
Signs at Qixingtan beach inform visitors that stones are not to be removed. Baskets give you somewhere to put back any that tempted you. But if you somehow get the goods all the way home before realizing your mistake, it’s okay. Just follow this student’s example. It’s never too late to make amends.