Start young to encourage green practices

Erin Schrode, co-founder and spokeswoman of Teens Turning Green, talking to local media ahead of her appearance at the National Environment Conference. BT/Rabiatul Kamit

Rabiatul Kamit
BRUNEI-MUARA

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

ENGAGING students in environmental stewardship is key to empowering the young generation towards sustaining a healthy planet, said an environmental advocate from the United States.

Erin Schrode, co-founder and spokeswoman of Teens Turning Green, yesterday told local media that the seeds of environmental stewardship must be planted at a young age in order to produce lifelong environmental advocates.

“Make it personal. Start young and make it relevant. That is critical in getting youth involved in environmental stewardship,” she said during her first visit to Brunei.

The 23-year-old ecoRenaissance woman, who is currently in the country to attend the National Environment Conference as a speaker, said that environmental sustainability is often perceived by the youth as a “far away concept”.

To overcome the perceived gap, Schrode believes that using technology to promote environmental stewardship is imperative towards engaging the young generation.

By harnessing the power of technology through social media, she said the youth will be empowered to raise awareness about environmental causes. “We can use technology to better our world. Make environmentalism so simple that you can’t avoid it,” she said.

Touching on youth propensity towards environmental sustainability, Schrode tackles environmentalism by linking it to the “day-to-day” choices made by individuals.

“It’s about very tangible things that you and I can do that can make a difference. So it’s not this lofty, distant concept of an environment that needs protecting. It’s my life and taking responsibility for changes which you and I can make tomorrow,” she explained.

As the “face of the new green generation”, the co-founder of Teens Turning Green promotes global sustainability, youth leadership, environmental education, and conscious lifestyle choices.

Since 2005, Schrode’s youth-led non-profit has worked to raise public awareness about environmental and social responsibility for individuals, schools, and communities through education and advocacy to inspire the transition from conventional to conscious living.

At the National Environment Conference today, the “sustainability prodigy” will talk about how to leave a lasting positive impact on the environment through everyday lives.

Organised by Asia Inc Forum in collaboration with Total E&P Borneo BV and Butra Heidelberg Cement, the conference will discuss ideas for energy conservation as well as strategies for green and sustainable development.

The Brunei Times

Source: http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2014/08/13/start-young-encourage-green-practices