The Earth is the only place we have to live. It is our home. Astronauts universally when they look back at the planet, are struck by the realisation that Earth is all we have. The fact that this realisation is made by people at the forefront of exploring the universe and what’s out there, makes the realisation even more powerful.
Sadly, people have forgotten or ignored the damage they are doing to the planet. Mankind lacks empathy and understanding for the environment and this is to the Earth’s, and our detriment. Manifested issues which have placed immense strain on the environment are resource depletion, air pollution, the ‘throw-away culture’, and most notably, the growth of our consumeristic nature. The general notion is that someone else is going to save our planet, or that the little we do does not really make a difference. False! It is up to each and every one of us to fight for the Earth.
At Southern Cross Schools, we understand that just like the human body, the environment works better when everything is in balance. We found it ironic that not much was being done to preserve the very thing that preserves us. So we took initiative by putting measures in place that would help the Earth thrive. We realised that because we knew better, we had to do better. And we have!
Our main aim was to incorporate the three R’s into our daily lives: Recycle, Re-use and Reduce. For some time, the Southern Cross Schools boarding house has been an enthusiastic participant in the elimination of waste and non-recyclable packing materials i.e. polystyrene and all vegetable off-cuts and peels, fruit peels and egg shells are binned separately and sent to local pig farms. As of 2021, all packaging containers will be 100% biodegradable and made from plant materials. Along with this initiative, the next step is the use of eco-friendly cleaning products.
Another initiative and task set up by the Environmental committee was the planting of Spekboom in and around the school in an effort to counter our CO2 footprint. This is to be followed with bee hives being erected to assist the bee-depletion problem, and the incorporation of indigenous water lilies in the school dam will simultaneously clean the dam water and encourage biodiversity.
As mundane as our efforts may seem, we are making a small contribution to the preservation of our home. We are being proactive and hope that others will not doubt the contribution they can make, no matter how big or small. It is important for all of us to play our part.
