The new green logo for ‘Earth Day 2009’!

As the world struggles to save Mother Earth, various authorities have devoted themselves to encourage the adoption of a ‘greener’ lifestyle. Although this is greatly emphasised by the Green Committee in NYJC, a vast majority of students are oblivious to its mission. In fact, most are not even aware that such a Committee was existent in our college. With Earth Hour passed and Earth Day approaching, NYConneXions decides to investigate further.

JC 1 Green Committee Student Representatives (from left to right),
Lim Jue Qun Simon (0922), Cui Yuxi (0924) and Siow Chee Xiang (0925)

The Green Committee is in charge of formulating and reviewing the college’s green policy and plans as well as overseeing the implementation of the college’s green plans, e.g. recycling, Economy Drive and environmental programmes. It consists of 6 teachers, and 7 student representatives from both JC 1 and JC 2. Recently, the committee has initiated the Fruit & Herb Garden to promote appreciation of nature. The garden explores the use of environmentally friendly gardening practices like using Neem oil as pesticide, and using the coffee grounds from the school canteen for fertiliser.

JC 2 Green Committee Student Representatives (from left to right):
Poh Eng Tuan (0810), Teh Hui Ping (0835), Chu Jiayi (0807)

The committee acknowledges the need to reach out to the student body. As such, it is also promoting green awareness through the TV broadcast and an exhibition at the Drum. This year, there will be the Green Challenge, comprising of a quiz during CT period in week 8, and a competition " Don't waste the waste", aimed at encouraging students to think of innovative ways to reuse "waste", and make useful items from what we would normally discard. It actively involves the staff as well through monthly email green reminders, and organising competitions and quizzes amongst them.

The new reusable cups used by the ‘Fruit Garden’ Stall.

The recent implementation of the waste reduction project in the canteen early this year saw disposable crockery and cups being replaced with reusable ones. Most of the students interviewed claimed that the change was inconvenient for them and some others simply could not care less about the new change. This was done by the Green Committee to reduce the waste of non-biodegradable items such as plastic. Some complained that this move did not make sense as the reusable plastic cups which have replaced ‘Fruit Garden’s’ disposable Cups, are a waste of water and requires labour. However, the members of NYConneXions claim that this is more environmentally friendly in the long run. The vendor of the ‘Fruit Garden’ stall says some of the students are not used to the change, but she would have to observe further before she can determine whether sales has dropped. The Green Committee suggests that students who want the convenience of being able to drink on the way to class can bring their own bottles for take-away.

Our College’s very own Recycling Corner!

A problem faced by the Green Committee is that some users are treating the recycling corner like a rubbish disposal centre. Items like Styrofoam, soft toys and old clothes have been dumped there. The recycling company that collects the recyclables from the college only accepts recyclable plastics and paper.

Putting the green committee aside, NYJC-ians generally are unbothered by green activities. When asked about their participation in the recent Earth Hour, most students wore nonchalant expressions while one, who wishes to remain anonymous, even quipped “No wonder there were no lights at Coffee Bean, I thought there was a blackout.” When asked if he would participate in green activities held by the college, the student said that he would, only on the condition that CIP hours be given. All in all, most of the students interviewed shared a common view: there is no point in doing so much since Earth is already dying.

Do your part in saving the Earth YOU live in!

This misconception is truly appalling as sustainability of measures can only be attained through the support of every individual. Small steps make huge differences. People need to realise that the ailing Earth not only affects their future generation, but impacts their own lives too. As an inhabitant of the Earth, it is our responsibility to save our Mother Earth.

This interview is brought to you by Diyanna and Eunice.