Many people think that to protect the environment you need to do something big. But that is not the only solution. Even tiny individual steps on a small scale can really help to save our environment. You just need to bring little changes in your habits and lifestyle. Here are some ways you can be of service to the environment:
Always remember the 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Think of all the waste you can reduce if you simply follow them.
Make sure to switch off the lights and fans before leaving the classroom. If your class has enough sunlight, you don't need to turn on the lights.
Try eco-friendly and sustainable fashion. Instead of buying artificial fibers clothing, use natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, linen, hemp, etc s they degrade easily.
Always carry a waste bag with you. I have seen many students throwing their litter on playground, roads, parks, etc
Carry your own cloth bag for shopping and if possible buy from local vendors. Reducing your meat and dairy consumption will help a lot as these industries have a significant carbon footprint.
Carry your own lunch and water bottle, so you don't need to buy packets of chips and plastic bottles from the canteen.
Take public transport as much as possible. You can also walk or ride a bicycle if your school/college is nearby. If many people start doing this, there will be a reduction in air pollution and traffic congestion on roads.
Do not waste water on long hours of bathing, washing, and cleaning. Use a bucket for bathing to reduce your water consumption.
You can start an initiative or campaign with like-minded people for any cause you feel like. For instance, you can clean the garbage on roads nearby your school and segregate it, you can collect old copies, pens and send them for recycling, planting trees, cleaning nearby beaches.
Events in schools/colleges create lots of waste, especially disposable plastic waste from the food stalls. You can create awareness or convince your head of the institution to go for eco-friendly products such as edible cutlery, bamboo cups.
Instead of using party bombs and plastic decorations on your friend's birthday, you can always go for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Club activities and groups can play a major role in spreading awareness among people on crucial topics such as Solid Waste Management, Composting, and much more.
Believe it, you don't need to be all grown up to bring a change. Remember Greta Thunberg, a mere teenage girl who protested against the inactions and irresponsive attitude of the government to the threat of climate change. Any effort you put into protecting the environment will not go to waste!
