Environmental Portfolio- Tree Planting

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” – Ryunosuke Satoro

This quote was said by Japanese poet Ryunosuke Satoro, but it has been repeated differently hundreds of times all over the globe. On our own, we are weak. But together, we are strong. This strength comes from unity, but unity comes from awareness, which is exactly why the Environmental Portfolio decided to ceremonially plant a tree outside the D&T lab.

Climate change has been destroying our planet for decades, but we’ve only just started feeling its effects. Floods, droughts, hurricanes, gales, heatwaves, wildfires and summer snow are all signs that something needs to change. Or ‘unchange’. Alone, we can make a difference, but together we can make a change. So, every time you pass the little lemon tree (named Ronnie), think about what you’re doing to stop climate change. Think about how you are saving the planet, because, soon enough, there won’t be a planet left to save.

Here are few simple ways to fight climate change:

1. Walk or cycle instead of driving: if you’re going somewhere that’s less than two kilometres away, don’t drive! Walk or cycle instead of driving to reduce carbon emissions.
2. Use reusable shopping bags when shopping.
3. Bring a water bottle with you instead of buying bottled water.
4. Don’t use plastic straws.
5. If you have a preorder from the tuckshop, bring cutlery with you to avoid using plastic cutlery.
6. Pick up litter, especially on beaches and near rivers.
7. Carpool: if you know people who live near you go to the same school, share lifts. 
8. Avoid foods that contain palm oil/fruit, for example Oreo’s, Mini Cheddars, Woolworths peanut butter, Nutella, Pringles, Woolworths oven-baked minis, and more. To check if something contains palm oil/fruit, just scan over the ingredients list.
9. Switch off lights during the day and in rooms you’re not using.
10. Don’t leave taps running while you’re brushing your teeth, soaping your hands, etc. and close them securely.
11. Donate to causes that fight climate change.
12. Take part in beach/river cleanups.
13. Spread the word!

Together we can make a change!

– Environmental Portfolio team