In these unprecedented times of COVID-19 Why Waste? has started an initiative called Hopeschooling. We had the pilot session webinar on the theme of climate hope. Four wonderful panelists at the session comprised of Sanjana K – Climate hope-timist and lawyer by profession, Gayathri KR – Founder of KReate Foundation, Sahar Mansoor – Founder and CEO at Bare Necessities (BN) and Richa – Chief Marketing Officer at Why Waste? The panelists focused on how the pandemic has affected and will affect the problem of climate change, as the world seems to face several problems, thus tending to put the one of the environment on the backseat.
Due to the lockdown and less human activity, the earth is reviving itself. The lakes in Bangalore are cleaner now. The change in the consumption pattern has helped to reduce the carbon footprint. The panelists also discussed the need for green laws and energy standards in India. With these positive externalities, we see the inequalities surfacing in the country. They shared the next steps to a sustainablefuture. Each person must contribute to achieving sustainability in society. Somesteps such as corporate appointing teams in companies for M&E of sustainable solutions, households can use composite pits, community rainwater harvesting and menstrual cups. The increase in biomedical waste is also a growing concern for the country.
With the growing cases and mounting economic pressure, mental health issues have become common amongst the people. The panelists suggested measures such as reading, spending time with loved ones, reducing screen time, meditation, and helping the needy. The remote work culture has impacted the lives of professionals in various ways and it is important that we listen to our bodies and not burn out.
Summarizing the major lessons from this crisis, they focused on healthy eating, me time, conscious consumption, empathy, resilience, and hope. Global connectivity and unity will sail us through these tough times. Therefore, collaborations for climate action are necessary now. A decentralized approach towards action against COVID-19, policy changes, and empowering people with easy DIYs, online courses, and effective communication are the strategies we require. A youthful country can only win this battle when the youth stand tall and united against the invisible enemy.
Hopeschooling, is an initiative by Why Waste? where we try to spread hope and motivation through online webinars where we get a bunch of speakers to talk about various topics. Do contact us for more information and if you would like to participate in Hopeschooling!
Our pilot session of Hopeschooling was conducted in collaboration with Global Shapers Bangalore.
A recording of this pilot session can be found on our YouTube channel.
This article was written for Why Waste? by Ishita Aggarwal, a post-graduate economics student. Ishita actively promotes the Sustainable Development Goals and is a former UNDP intern. She is also a development enthusiast, who belives in the infinite human potential to better the world!
