June 01, 2022
Anusha Agrawal
Class 10, Indus International School, Hyderabad
Human activities have heavily impacted the environment and all living organisms. When I visited a lake in Hyderabad, I saw that it was being used as a dump yard for industrial waste and oils. The place stunk of dead fish and had become a breeding place for mosquitoes. At that moment, I knew I had to do something to protect the environment. I started an initiative called Carbon Neutral Warriors that helps people reach a carbon-neutral lifestyle at an individual level. As part of this campaign, we conducted a few plantation drives near residential societies. We also organised a panel discussion with organ-isations working on environmental issues in order to spread awareness about climate change. Additionally, we provided an online platform for school students to exchange used textbooks within their school communities. Reusing textbooks reduces the load on recycling centres, but more importantly, it saves trees. Even though I faced many challenges, I was determined to make a difference. I believe everyone can do their bit in small ways—carrying your own water bottle wherever you go and your own carry bags while shopping are two small ways to help the environment heal.
To know more about Anusha’s initiative, log on to www.CarbonNeutralWarriors.com
Diya Premkumar
Class 6, The Indian Public School, Salem
To make space to build homes for our ever-increasing population, forests are being chopped off. With no forests to live in and a polluted environment, many animals and birds are at the risk of becoming extinct. Animals choke on plastic bags while grazing. We have to do our bit to change this situation. To stop air pollution, we have to avoid burning fuel. We should stop using plastic and think about the effect it has on animals. I try my best to make a difference in small ways. I use paper or cloth bags instead of plastic bags. I recycle plastic items. I have replaced plastic bottles with steel and aluminium bottles. I grow plants at home. I make sure the lights and fans are switched off when not in use. I am an animal lover. I feed stray animals and care for them.
Lavanya Loyalka
Class 5, Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur
Humans are overusing the Earth’s resources, like fuel, and are wasting water. As everything in nature is interdependent, our planet will be in great danger if we continue using the Earth’s resources at this pace. I believe all of us can make small contributions towards saving our planet. As for me, my house is filled with greenery. We have plants in every corner of the house. Not only do we make use of solar energy, but we also harvest rainwater. I wrap gifts with newspaper instead of using wrapping paper. I reuse old plastic bottles to grow plants. I also make posters to spread awareness about the environment and hang them outside for passers-by to see. I travel by bicycle very often and my family carpools whenever possible. I make sure I close all the taps and switch electrical gadgets off when not in use.
Samaara Anirudh
Class 2, Sri Vani International School, Bengaluru
Our once-upon-a-time green Earth is in need of help. Global warming, deforestation and drastic climate change are affecting us all. Innumerable health issues are being caused. The depletion of resources is driving many species to the brink of extinction. I do my best to save Mother Earth. I try to minimise the consumption of water and electricity. I follow the three golden R’s—reduce, reuse and recycle; and try not to waste paper. I also advocate cycling short distances and carpooling to school. I always remind my father to turn the car engine off at the signal to save fuel. I use social media to create awareness on how to cherish mother Earth. It is everyone’s duty to care for her.
Sasha Anirudh
Class 2, Orchids International School, Bengaluru
Mother Earth is crying because of our greed! We are cutting trees, removing the green carpet of our planet and eroding its soil. There isn’t enough space for farming either. Due to air pollution, respiratory diseases are very common nowadays. Clean drinking water is scarce as a result of water pollution. We need to take efforts to save Mother Earth. I try to use less paper and minimise taking print-outs. This helps save trees. I turn off water taps when I don’t need flowing water, especially while brushing my teeth. My father uses a bucket of water to wash his car instead of the hose. I like to walk as much as I can to reach shorter distances in order to save fuel. I use jute bags instead of plastic bags while shopping. My friends and I planted a few saplings in my neighbourhood too. Every small effort helps create the larger picture.
REFLECTION: One Step at a Time
What steps are you taking to make the world a better place? List 5.
