Every year on World Environment Day, social media feeds everywhere are filled with beautiful photos of trees and flowers, #iloveearths and lots and lots of reels that talk about how much we people care for the earth. But do we?
For just one day, the world seems to care. Schools hosting programs, communities hosting “Tree Plantation Program’ and influencers posting countless photos with a #reconnectwithnature but what about the other 364 days? You see, Environment Day comes once a year, but environmental problems are faced, daily. Problems like pollution everywhere, animals losing their homes, wildfires spreading and the world getting too warm doesn’t stop because it’s June 5th.
Nepal is known for having a serious pollution problem year-round. Our rivers, especially Bagmati river, which is so holy, is known to be one of the most polluted rivers in Nepal. Our forests are getting cut down and wildlife habitats are slowly decreasing bit by bit. Now, I know what you all are thinking, “What can I as an individual do to stop a nation-wide problem ?”
Small actions make big differences. Instead of using those plastic bags and bottles, buy a re-usable one. It saves your money, and the planet. Secondly, avoid using single use plastics. Bring your own toothbrush to a hotel, stop using gel-pens, if you will, recycle them. Next, plant trees. Spend some time with nature, studies show that spending time with nature helps reduce stress, improves your mood and makes your physical health better. Next up, conserve water. It’s not a crime to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your face. Or is it?
Use public transport, use a bicycle or walk on your way to school or work if possible. And trust me, no matter how many hash tags you post, animals are still dying, children are still derived of food and mountains are still melting. Caring for the environment is not a trend or a hashtag, it is a solid responsibility. The earth’s voice can be heard with disasters going on. Floods, droughts and wildfires are not something we should ignore. They are warnings, and if they get out of control people are losing their families, animals are losing their homes and we are slowly killing the earth. The World Environment Day is a gentle reminder that protecting the earth is important, and that change happens through small things. We should live in a way and sustain ourselves in a way that protects our planet, not just post about it once a year.
So, on this World Environment Day, I’ve got a challenge for you: Do more than post. Actually protect.
Because let’s be honest posting a tree emoji doesn’t plant a tree and wearing a green t-shirt doesn’t make you “eco-friendly.” Real change isn’t cute. It’s consistent. Carry that same energy on June 6th, 7th… and the other 362 days. Use less plastic, maybe turn off the lights. The earth is not asking for you to save the world, it is asking for a bit of effort. Because Earth doesn’t need another influencer. It needs an actual difference, no matter how big or small.
Purnima Baral is a grade VIII student at Triyog High School, Kathmandu.
Comment