Leading the Scene for a Better Greener

As the newly initiated avenue for the Rotaract year 20/21, The Environmental Service avenue braced themselves to promote the concept of the greener world, and this massive task was executed by a project where the need of it was practically shown to the community, and also it was practically done to lead the scene for a better greener.

For the QUESTION of what is CARBON FOOTPRINT???

2019 was the second-warmest year on record and the end of the warmest decade ever recorded. A new UN report found that Earth is set to warm by 3.2 °C by 2100 unless efforts to cut emissions are tripled. We realized that Global warming isn’t just a concept but a threatening global issue that required immediate action.

Carbon footprint: Bigger isn’t better! Let’s replace our carbon footprint and leave a green print

This is the motto that the team of Growing Green 2.0 stood by since the day the project was launched back in October 2020 and this was what exactly inspired a group of young Rotaractors to undertake this mammoth initiative. Hence, the Rotaract Club of the University of Sri Jayewardenapura launched the project Growing Green 2.0 and our prime aim was to create national and international awareness on carbon footprint, where we focused on protecting our planet for future generations. Our mission was to analyze carbon footprints of all Rotaractors in Sri Lanka and to take the steps to neutralize those emissions in a ten years’ time frame. Growing Green 2.0 also focuses on plant health in line with UN’s International Year of Plant Health 2020.

In order to achieve these objectives in the most effective manner, Growing Green was carried out under 4 phases.

Phase 1: The Survey Analysis

In the Survey and Analysis stage we conducted a survey among all the Rotaractors in Sri Lanka to find out their carbon footprints. Thereby, examine the causes for carbon dioxide emissions, it effects, and subsequently to find effective methods to reduce our carbon footprint. The calculations summed up that the average carbon footprint of the Rotaractors is 1430. 04 Kg (CO2) / year, which can be considered as a range of MEDIUM. It was further concluded that the number of trees required to offset this carbon footprint is 978.

Phase 2: Awareness Campaign

The Growing Green 2.0 team did not stop at only educating people about their carbon footprint. We carried out an awareness campaign on social media to update individuals on how they can reduce their carbon footprint. This involved providing 30 simple lifestyle changes that people can make. It ranged from planting trees, recycling and, reducing plastic bags, to reducing phantom energy consumption, regular vehicle servicing and using LED bulbs.

After the conclusion of our awareness program, we conducted a second survey. This was to calculate the progress our participants have made with those life tips to reduce their carbon footprint since the last survey. We discovered that 30.9% of our participants were inspired to plant trees as a result of the project. 78.3% were educated on the concept of carbon footprint. 75.7% were enlightened on the steps we can take to reduce carbon footprint. This proves that Growing Green 2.0 has left its mark on the journey towards a greener tomorrow.

Phase 3: Mangrove Plantation Program

For the third phase of the project Growing Green 2.0, a mangrove plantation program was carried out on 16^th April 2021. This program was carried out with strict adherence to COVID-19 health guidelines. To offset the carbon footprint calculated from the survey, 1000 mangroves were planted in the lagoon of Puttalam. But why Mangroves? Studies have shown that Mangroves store 6-8 times more carbon per acre than rainforests. Our thoughtful and enthusiastic participants went beyond their assigned tasks to do a beach clean-up on the same day.

Phase 4: PR campaign on Plant Health

The United Nations announced 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH). The Year was extended until 1 July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This time period is dedicated to spread awareness on protecting plant health to reduce hunger, poverty, protect the environment, and increase economic growth. The air we breathe and most of the food we eat originate from plants. Climate change, and human activities are causing great damage to plants and the environment. In line with this global movement, Team Growing Green 2.0 arranged a PR campaign to encourage the community to take care of our plants and the environment by using environmentally friendly methods. We educated people on the key messages of International Year of Plant Health (IYPH).

Growing Green 2.0 was undoubtedly a massive undertaking. Amidst the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team worked tirelessly to give their maximum effort and even more. Never forgetting to follow the proper health guidelines, the entire crew certainly outdid themselves. Like one family with perfect teamwork and coordination each phase was smoothly carried out. We hope that our endeavours made a lasting impact on the community and Mother Nature.

However, the journey towards mitigating global warming is one that goes beyond our vision. Therefore, let this project be guiding light to all present and future climate activists and the public. May Growing Green 2.0 inspire a population that would make mother nature their priority.

Cheers to a Greener Future!!!

Written by Rtr. Udani Dissanayake