This Mother’s Day, 11-year-old Akansha (T35), an environmentalist from Espacia, chose to pay a tribute to our universal mother – The Earth. Appalled by the plastic dumps that lie around the city, with animals and birds feeding on them mistaking it for food, she decided to study the problem and understand where and how she could make a difference.
Espacians volunteered to support. Akansha went door to door collecting plastic waste – bottles and jars. She painted and transformed them into beautiful green planters. On Sunday, 12 May, she conducted a workshop on Plastic Pollution, its effects and how each citizen can contribute towards saving our Earth from it.
Little environment enthusiasts from Espacia and Boulevard participated in the event along with their parents. The forum deliberated on ideas and habits which can be adopted to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Plastic.
The children pledged to work for environment protection in their own ways. It was heartening to witness the energy and commitment of all participants. Key take aways were –
• Carry a cloth bag each time you go for grocery shopping – it aids in reducing the use of plastic bags.
• Stop drinking bottled water and colas – Carry your own steel bottles. This reduces plastic bottle waste while improving individual heath and protecting from sugary chemical – infused drinks.
• Stop using single use plastic cutlery and packaging material.
• Buy in bulk – it saves money and reduces packaging wastage.
The session concluded with a sale of the green planters made by Akansha. Money earned from the same will be donated to the NGO Sai Kripa. A word of appreciation for our AOA President, Ms. Sudha Sharma, for supporting the cause and facilitating the workshop.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Change begins from within”, I hope this step will revolutionize our approach towards protecting Mother Earth and motivate everyone to REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE.
