A heightened awareness of global warming has many people today searching for various ways to protect Mother Earth. Given how the programs of different international organs and many governments across the globe provide knowledge, tools and appreciation of the challenges and opportunities we face with respect to the environment, we can say that this generation has achieved the highest environmental literacy in history.
We have asked a number of teens how they get involved in energy conservation and clean air and climate change initiatives.
Below are their day-to-day activities that lessen the harmful impact of our “improved way of living” on the environment:
“I always bring a water jug to school, as I want to refrain from buying bottled water as much as possible. This will lessen the use of plastic.” —Kenji Akinaga, 17, Saint Louis University-Baguio
“I segregate my trash and make use of things that are still useful. I also turn off the lights when I don’t need them.” —Kris Anne Sebastian, 19, Miriam College
“I recycle plastic bags that I get from grocery stores so I can reuse them the next time I go and buy some stuff.” —Nadine Isabel Garcia, 19, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
“Whenever I come across some litter, I pick them up and throw in the trash bin. This will at least lessen the clogging of our drainage system.” —Nathanael Pulido, 16, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
“I bring a reusable lunchbox whenever I plan to buy and take food out from cafeterias so that they don’t have to put my food in a disposable plastic container or styro.” —Rafael Santillan, 17, University of the Philippines-Los Baños
“I don’t patronize things that aren’t eco-friendly. It starts with the consumer. If people don’t buy things that stores sell, the latter will stop producing them.” —Viktor Cabuenas, 19, University of the Philippines-Baguio
“I iron my clothes all at once instead of doing ironing jobs frequently. In this manner, I am able to conserve energy.” —Jewel Mika Francisco, 17, University of the Philippines-Baguio
“I use a bicycle whenever I go to places that aren’t so far away from where I am. Not only do I get to enjoy my surroundings and work out my body, I also lessen air pollution brought about by gasoline-powered vehicles.” —Janine Abnasan, 19, Saint Louis University-Baguio