Amidst the global challenge of climate change and environmental deterioration, there is a notable shift in recognizing the important role of the youth, as specifically highlighted in Agenda 21 of the United Nations's action plan with regard to sustainable development. 


The imperative to address pressing environmental issues has refocused attention on the potential of youth to lead sustainability efforts, where student and youth organizations have emerged as dynamic forces, rallying communities, advocating for policy adjustments, and pioneering innovative solutions to environmental crises  (Salvatore and Wolbring, 2021). Research underscores the significance of youth-driven endeavors in cultivating environmental consciousness, fostering participation, and instigating policy reform across various scales, be it local, national, or global. Whether through community conservation endeavors or advocacy initiatives spearheaded by young activists, student and youth groups are pivotal in mobilizing support, elevating consciousness, and igniting action in favor of environmental conservation (Borojević et al., 2023).


As Lasallian learners, there emerges a call for active engagement in shaping the trajectory of our collective future.


Case Study: ChildFund Philippines's Project Greenlight

ChildFund Philippines initiates youth engagement in Infanta, Quezon through Project Greenlight, a climate action endeavor. Collaborating with the municipal government and ReINa Federations of Parents Associations, Inc., the project integrates Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) into the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) program. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of climate change, Project Greenlight adopts a holistic approach, intertwining education, community involvement, and sustainable livelihood development to empower local youth as eco-leaders. The project aims for national scalability to bolster youth-led climate action. Employing a classroom-to-forest methodology immerses students in natural environments, fostering understanding of environmental concepts and nurturing proactive environmental stewards (ChildFund Philippines, 2024). 


DLSU SHS Initiatives (A.Y. 2023 - 2024)

DLSU Senior High School is committed to environmental stewardship and recognizes the importance of sustainability and the need for proactive measures to address environmental challenges. Over the years, DLSU Senior High School and its students have implemented various initiatives to promote eco-consciousness among the community.


For A.Y. 2023 - 2024, Ria Manalo, serving as the Environmental Concerns Officer of the DLSU SHS Student Council, proposed the Green Action Alliance. This initiative presents a social media information campaign aimed at fostering sustainability within our campus community, reflecting the university's dedication to environmental activism and sustainability principles. The initiative represents the university's commitment to instill a heightened sense of responsibility, thereby facilitating the development of a more environmentally conscious campus community. Furthermore, it serves as a precursor project culminating in the event: EnviroSpeak: Echoing Nature’s Call. This is geared towards equipping senior high school students, especially those in leadership roles, to address pressing environmental concerns through interactive sessions and presentations of sustainable leadership principles and creative solutions to environmental issues.


It is crucial not to lose sight of the broader context in which these efforts unfold. In grappling with the urgent need for environmental preservation, our own campus embodies sustainable living ideals and serves as a ground for their implementation. Within the DLSU SHS community, students are not passive participants but active catalysts of change, driving initiatives to minimize waste, conserve resources, and foster a culture of eco-consciousness.


Recycling on Campus

Lasallians have a pivotal role to play in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship on our university campus. One of the most impactful ways we can contribute is by adopting responsible recycling practices. By taking simple yet effective steps to reduce waste and recycle properly, we can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations. Here are five practical tips for students to recycle on campus and foster sustainability:


Understand recyclable materials by checking the university guidelines. Being informed helps make proper disposal choices. Common items include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminum cans (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2023). 

Place recyclables in designated bins across campus. By properly disposing of recyclables in designated bins throughout the campus, we actively participate in the reduction of landfill waste, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for all

Reduce consumption and opt for reusable items like reusable water bottles and bags to minimize waste. Prioritizing reduction and reuse lessens the need for recycling (Reusable Packaging Association, 2020). 

You may join student-led sustainability groups like One Earth Collective to participate in advocacy efforts. Collaborating with peers amplifies impact and encourages campus-wide sustainability (Sari and Oner-Ozkan, 2023). 

Lead by example and encourage peers to adopt recycling habits. Share information and spark conversation to foster a culture of sustainability on campus.


Fun DIY Projects Using Recycled Materials

The practice of repurposing and recycling materials offer an avenue for students to express creativity while simultaneously contributing to sustainability efforts by giving new life to discarded items (Nallapaneni et al., 2023). From commonplace household objects to packaging materials, any material can be repurposed into aesthetically pleasing and functional items. To name a few informative examples of DIY projects that utilize recycled materials:


Repurpose old T-shirts into reusable tote bags for various purposes like grocery shopping and carrying books, by removing the sleeves and neckline, then stitching the bottom seam.

Glass jars offer versatile possibilities for reuse and decorating them with paint, ribbon, or labels can enhance their aesthetic appeal. These jars offer practical solutions as they can be used as candle holders, or as storage containers that can be used for organizing spices or craft supplies.

Create indoor planters from plastic bottles by cutting off the top, adding drainage holes, and filling them with soil. Hanging these planters from windowsills or balcony railings adds a decorative element to any space.


More Ways to Minimize Waste in Daily Life

Even beyond the confines of campus, the global movement for sustainability is propelled by a sense of urgency and a collective dedication to preserving and caring for our planet. Through amplifying student voices and the recognition of their accomplishments, there is a call for action and collaboration to instigate a transformative wave of change.


Discourse on sustainability highlights the importance of innovative strategies in shaping a more environmentally conscious future, such as upcycling, composting, and zero-waste living offer effective means of waste reduction (Ministry of Information, 2023). Upcycling transforms discarded items into new products of higher value (Plastic Reimagined, 2022), while composting diverts organic waste from landfills (Sheppard, 2023). Embracing a zero-waste lifestyle involves minimizing consumption, reusing items, and recycling diligently (Green Cloud Nine, 2024). Additionally, thrifting (Breneman, 2024), and community initiatives such as clothing swaps, package-free stores, and farmers' markets promote resourcefulness and foster a culture of waste reduction (GGI Insights, 2024). 


The Filipino youth are called to stand at the forefront of a movement towards sustainability. The collective responsibility to care for the planet is clear. With this, efforts must be amplified and innovative strategies must be championed to promote environmental stewardship. Embracing a zero-waste lifestyle, fostering a culture of resourcefulness, and advocating for sustainable practices both on and off the DLSU campus can inspire meaningful change and pave the way for a more environmentally conscious future. Unity prevails as the youth remain dedicated to nurturing the planet and creating a lasting legacy of stewardship for future generations.



References

Borojevic, T., Petrovic, N., Radakovic, J. A., Glomazic, H., Radojicic, M., Milenkovic, N., Maletic, D., & Maletic, M. (2023). Youth participation for sustainable value creation: The role and prioritization of SDGs. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/23/16456


Breneman, J. (2024). 5 ways thrift shopping helps the environment. Fort Bend Women’s Center. https://www.fbwc.org/blog/5-environmental-impacts-of-thrift-shopping


ChildFund Philippines. (2024). Youth participation key to addressing climate change issues: ChildFund Philippines. Eco-Business. https://www.eco-business.com/press-releases/youth-participation-key-to-addressing-climate-change-issues-childfund-philippines/


Craving Some Creativity. (2023). Recycled plastic bottle planters craft. https://www.cravingsomecreativity.com/soda-bottle-animal-planters/


GGI Insights. (2024). Zero waste lifestyle: Practical tips and sustainable lifestyle ideas. Gray Group International. https://www.graygroupintl.com/blog/zero-waste-lifestyle


Green Cloud Nine. (2024). How zero waste day is changing the world: A closer look at its impact. https://greencloudnine.com/blogs/news/how-zero-waste-day-is-changing-the-world-a-closer-look-at-its-impact


Hanula, D. (2024). How to reuse glass bottles and jars. Budget Dumpster. https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/reusing-glass-bottles-and-jars


Happiest Camper. (2019). How to make a no-sew T-shirt bag. https://happiestcamper.com/how-to-make-a-no-sew-t-shirt-bag/


Ministry of Information. (2023). Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management. https://www.moi.gov.mm/moi%3Aeng/article/10997


Nallapaneni, M. K., Hait, S., Priya, A., & Bohra, V. (2023). From trash to treasure: Unlocking the power of resource conservation, recycling, and waste management practices. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/18/13863


Plastic Reimagined. (2022). Upcycling defined: A creative approach to sustainable living. https://www.plasticreimagined.org/articles/upcycling-explained-4-ways-it-can-help-the-planet#:~:text=Upcycling%20involves%20creatively%20elevating%20the,treasure%20in%20each%20trash%20pile


Reusable Packaging Association. (2020). Spending more and getting less: Prioritizing recycling over reuse misses the bigger opportunity. https://reusables.org/spending-more-and-getting-less-prioritizing-recycling-over-reuse-misses-the-bigger-opportunity/


Salvatore, C., & Wolbring, G. (2021). Children and youth environmental action: The case of children and youth with disabilities. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/17/9950#B50-sustainability-13-09950


Sari, E., & Oner-Ozkan, B. (2023). Encouraging Environmental Sustainability in University Campuses: Evidence from Türkiye. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376853256_Encouraging_Environmental_Sustainability_in_University_Campuses_Evidence_from_Turkiye


Sheppard, K. (2023). The benefits of diverting organic waste from landfills. Solana Center. https://solanacenter.org/2023/05/12/the-benefits-of-diverting-organic-waste-from-landfills/


UNCED. (2022). Agenda 21. SDG Knowledge Platform. https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/outcomedocuments/agenda21


US Environmental Protection Agency. (2023). How do I recycle?: Common recyclables. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables