Environmental Consciousness Should Be Cultivated Among Students

The ever increasing environmental issues in Malaysia are getting more attention from all parties. Open burning, illegal dumping of waste in restricted areas and even into the rivers are only a few problems that are still happening in our country. These problems really affect our environment badly. Thus, necessary actions must be taken and we should start with our younger generation. Environmental consciousness should be cultivated among students by educating them about preserving the environment, involving them in environmental projects and organizing environmental programmes. The first step is to educate students through environmental education. This can be done by organizing campaigns in schools throughout the country. Schools should introduce the importance of environmentalism and the 5S concept that comprises of sort, straighten, shine, systemize and sustain among students (Nurjehan, n.d.). All students must be informed of the dire need to protect the environment. They will realize the consequences if these environmental problems are constantly neglected. Furthermore, schools can promote environmental awareness by educating students through environmental talks and seminars (Nurture for Nature, n.d.). These approaches can encourage them to focus about the conservation of the environment. After attending the talks and seminars, students can think of ideas and the necessary steps to play their part in conserving the environment. Other than that, involving students in environmental projects may attract most students attention. Attractive artwork can be made using discarded household materials (Nurjehan, n.d.). Statues made from aluminium cans, paper arts made from old newspapers and other creative form of artwork can be created by the students. Students can also sell their artworks to people who are interested. Besides that, schools can initiate projects which help students care for the environment (Nurture for Nature, n.d.). These projects definitely need creative and innovative students because they have many fresh ideas to be shared and developed further. They might have the solutions to find alternative ways to generate electricity or to process recycled items. Furthermore, some clubs and societies in certain schools focused on community projects related to the environment (Nurjehan, n.d.). This is proven by students from the

Nature Society of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (P) Methodist, Kuala Lumpur when they took part in the Malaysian Nature Societys (MNS) Raptor Watch in Negeri Sembilan according to Nurjehan (n.d.). Other than that, there were also other community projects such as Secondary School Energy Efficiency Action Project (SSEEAP) competition. Lastly, various environmental programmes can be organized to attract students. Programmes such as Cash for recycled item can be conducted in schools (Nurjehan, n.d.). By this, students are encouraged to participate by bringing their recyclable items to schools to be exchanged for cash. This will be very beneficial to students. Students will continuously hand in their recyclable items because they are motivated by the reward that they will earn later. Schools can organize this kind of programme with the help of other organizations or on their own. In conclusion, environmental consciousness should be cultivated among students by educating them about the environment, involving them in environmental projects and organizing environmental programmes. Cooperation from everyone in society is much needed for these things to happen. This is for the good of the younger generations because they will inherit the Earth later in time.

References: 1. Nurjehan, M. (n.d.). Environment: Think Green. Retrieved from http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/article 2. Nurture for Nature. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/article