Be the Change

Have you experienced this? I am sure you all have: The air is heavy with pollution, rivers once full of life are clogged with plastic, and the earth is dry and barren. 

This isn't a distant future; it's the harsh reality we face if we don't act now.

As World Environment Day approached in June, this gruesome reality dawned upon us, the students of Ajmera Global School. We recognised the urgent need to confront climate change, echoing the clarion call of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13), which demands immediate action to combat climate change and its devastating consequences. The increasing pollution and waste surrounding us served as a stark reminder of the challenges we faced, jeopardising the health and future of our community, especially our younger fellow students.

Plastic waste had become a monstrous menace, choking our planet at an alarming rate. While our school had always promoted sustainability, we realised that a more impactful initiative was necessary. With children being particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including air pollution and environmental harm, we, the students and faculty, embarked on a mission to not just clean up, but to inspire a lasting change.

Inspiration hit during a school assembly when a teacher shared a thought-provoking documentary about urban gardening and its myriad benefits. The idea of repurposing discarded plastic bottles as planters instantly sparked our excitement. This creative solution not only addressed the pressing issue of plastic waste but also offered a hands-on opportunity to learn about sustainability and environmental responsibility first-hand. Eager to become agents of change, we embraced this task with enthusiasm.

The project kicked off with a burst of energy and creativity. We scoured our homes and neighbourhoods, collecting plastic bottles that were destined for landfills. These discarded items were then transformed into vibrant, personalised planters through a flurry of painting and decorating. Each class adopted a designated area around the school, turning it into a vibrant oasis of greenery. We planted herbs, flowers, and small shrubs, breathing life back into the campus.

As our green haven began to flourish, we took turns nurturing our creations, watering them diligently and observing their growth cycles. We learned about the delicate balance of nature, the importance of sunlight, and the vital role of healthy soil. Challenges arose, of course. Some plants struggled due to inadequate sunlight or insufficient nutrition. But these setbacks proved to be valuable lessons, prompting us to delve deeper into environmental science and refine our gardening techniques.

The culmination of our efforts arrived during the World Environment Day celebrations. We proudly showcased our work to parents and community members, presenting detailed logs of our journey, sharing our knowledge through captivating social media posts, and displaying our vibrant planters alongside informative posters on climate change and sustainable practices. The impact extended far beyond the school grounds. Inspired by our enthusiasm, many parents began adopting similar practices at home, reducing plastic waste and cultivating their own miniature gardens.

Over time, Ajmera Global School became a green paradise, showing just how much we can achieve when we all work together. This project not only made our school look better, but it also taught us a lot about taking responsibility. We realised that even small actions can make a big difference to the environment. The lessons we learned about looking after nature, thinking critically, and the power of teamwork will stay with us long after we leave school. They’ll help guide our choices and inspire us to keep pushing for a more sustainable future.

Aarav Shah

Student's Category