5 ways students can make a difference for the environment

As future leaders and custodians of the planet, students have a crucial role to play in protecting and preserving the environment. In a country as diverse and environmentally rich as India, the actions of young learners can have a significant impact on sustainability and conservation efforts. Below are five effective ways in which you can contribute to environmental preservation. Read On.

Embrace Sustainable Habits:

One of the most impactful ways to help the environment is by adopting sustainable habits in daily life. Implement practices like conserving water by turning off taps when not in use, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient fixtures. Reduce energy consumption by switching off lights and appliances when not needed, use energy-efficient bulbs, and opt for natural lighting whenever possible. In addition to this, embrace eco-friendly transportation options like cycling or walking to school, or using public transportation. By making these small changes, you can significantly reduce carbon footprint.

Practice Waste Reduction and Recycling:

India faces a significant waste management challenge, and students can actively contribute to its solution. So, be at the forefront of practicing waste reduction by minimising the use of single-use plastics such asbags, bottles, and straws. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives.

Sharing how Apeejay School, Faridabad Sector-15 is taking active measures to promote eco-friendly practices, Ms Seema Vaidya, TGT English educator says, “As part of the Interact Club of the school, we take up several initiatives like tree plantation drives, recycling plastic bottles and teaching young minds how to re-use, reduce and recycle. Another special initiative which has been put in place this year by our Principal, Ms Anita Yadav Ma’am, is to encourage every child on his/her birthday to bring a sapling to school which will be named and nurtured after them. This idea is gaining popularity and more and more students are actively becoming part of it.” In the coming months, Ms Vaidya hopes to create a compost pit as well as a vertical garden in the school.

So, implementing recycling programmes in the neighbourhood by segregating waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories, can go a long way. Alongside, promote the concept of composting and encourage others to use compost pits or composting bins for organic waste. By reducing waste and recycling, you can definitely contribute to conserving resources and reducing the strain on landfills.

Plant Trees and Participate in Reforestation Drives:

India’s rich biodiversity is under threat. Therefore, one must contribute to its restoration by actively participating in tree plantation and reforestation initiatives. So, organise tree plantation drives in the local community and take active steps to come together and plant saplings in open spaces and parks. It is a good idea to join hands with local environmental organisations and participate in reforestation projects.

Planting trees not only helps combat climate change but also boosts the restoration of natural habitats and supports wildlife conservation efforts. As per Ms Abha KulKarni, TGT Science educator at Apeejay School, Faridabad Sector-15, “Biodiversity denotes the number and variety of life forms found at a place. It provides more options at each step of the food chain and makes the ecosystem more stable. Further, each life form has its importance and sustenance of all makes human survival possible. If the young learners understand its importance well, they must educate others and spread the message. What can they do? Host a talk show on biodiversity and climate change, create action groups/clubs to preserve biodiversity in their own locality, take initiative in planting and protecting indigenous varieties of plants, say ‘NO’ to the products that harm the environment as well as buy local foods whenever possible.”

She also mentioned how students of classes VI to VIII from Apeejay, Faridabad are involved in various eco projects like making eco-bricks, planting herbs, recycling paper, donating old books and stationary and making school campus free from single-use plastic.

Raise Awareness and Educate Others:

Students possess the power to create change and educate others. So, conduct awareness campaigns and workshops to highlight the importance of environmental conservation. Use creative mediums like art, drama, or presentations to engage others. In addition to this, share knowledge about sustainable practices, the importance of biodiversity, and the impact of pollution. Empower fellow students and community members to take action by providing practical tips and solutions they can implement in their own lives.

Engage in Community Clean-up Drives:

To make a tangible difference, participate in community clean-up drives. Organise regular clean-up events in collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, or other student groups. Tidy up littered areas in parks, beaches, or streets, and dispose of the waste responsibly. With this, encourage community involvement to create a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment.

At present, class VIII students of Apeejay School, Model Town in Jalandhar are participating in an art-integrated project which involves them planting trees across the city. The beauty of the project is to involve one’s friends, family, relatives and community to join hands in nurturing the environment.

About 200 students are working on it with the support of their educators, parents, mentors and members of the concerned authorities. Together, they are fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for everyone. According to a student, Tanish Bakshi, “I am having a great time working on this project. In about a month, I have been able to garner support for the environment and plant at least 60 saplings in my society.”

As per Ms Maninder Kaur, a Social Science educator at Apeejay School, Model Town in Jalandhar, “At present, everyone across the globe has been popularising the slogan “Go Green”. While it’s a good thing, our current circumstances require something more. As the population is quickly rising into billions, fossil fuels are speedily burning, globally we have reached alarming rates of environmental degradation. Therefore, it is important for us (parents, educators) to pass these concerns to our children.”

She continues, “To start off, we need to set an example. Planting trees is one way we can protect the environment, get cleaner and fresher air and make our surroundings pleasing to the eye. Alongside, we must educate children about their responsibility to the planet. But remember, children follow by example, so if you (adults) are not doing your part in preserving the environment, they will not follow your suggestions. I strongly believe that it is the need of the hour for us to teach young learners eco-consciousness. Lastly, I will say that in many children’s stories, the ending is “…and they lived happily ever after.” So, let us start work today to ensure that this ending ultimately persists. It is up to us (as responsible citizens) to do so.”

By adopting sustainable practices like waste reduction and recycling, planting trees, raising awareness, and engaging in community drives, students can make a significant impact on environmental preservation. Remember, your collective efforts can make a cleaner, greener, healthier and happier future. As students, embrace the responsibility to protect the environment and inspire others to join in the movement towards a more sustainable India.

Good luck!