Ways of teenager to create a cleaner and greener environment

What are some of the ways a teenager can contribute to creating a cleaner and greener environment?
We as a teenager will be the next world leaders and our enthusiasm and energy will make a real difference in preserving Mother Earth. Young people, especially, are generally more vibrant and proactive than older generation. As such, it is the time for us to take on responsibility that accompanies our environmental ideals. Environmentally friendly habits that begin in our teen years can become patterns that will last for a lifetime.

To better build a cleaner and greener environment, it starts with oneself-our attitude and discipline. As we have been living in the urban society, we, as youths, often forget about our beauty of Mother Earth and even do not acknowledge the vital role of environment in our life. Hence, simple actions such as picking up litter or even scolding someone who spit indiscriminately is something that we should strive to create a cleaner living space. Even though this may seem absurd and tiring but doing this simple actions is just one step closer to create a cleaner and greener environment for our world. Besides, these simple actions may bring a positive influence towards people around us which bring it to the next point. Nowadays, most people would tend to be oblivious to the environment and even make it worse for one’s own interest.

As such, creating awareness in our area of influence too can establish a society which will take care more about their environment. As the younger generation, we must inculcates values such as responsibility and awareness to our family and friends. The theory of diffusion of responsibility suggests that we may not take responsibility for something as we expect others to step forward and take action. For example, when we see litter on the floor, we expect someone else to pick it up and dispose it, instead of doing it ourselves. This mindset, however, needs to be thrown away and it should start from the youth. We should guide those in our area of influence such as family and friends and these acts of awareness will surely create a better, cleaner and greener environment. Volunteering in organizations is another role that young people can partake in to create a cleaner and greener environment. Most of the youths are often self-centered and do not see the benefits in sustaining environment.

True, we may not benefit from contributing our time and energy to a worthy cause, but sometimes life is not about what we can gain from it but more of what we can give to it. Young people should actively contribute to society through organizations. For example in Singapore, Green Singapore 2050 (GS2050) is a community platform for youngsters to express their concerns about environmental issues and think of the best solution for the environment. As such, young people should present to give back to the society and make a significant difference in the lives of others. In summary, we, as youths, have a prominent role in developing a more environmentally educated society. It all starts with us and a collective and concerted effort to make our environment a cleaner and greener haven will definitely improve life in a country. In addition, creating a cleaner and greener environment is essential because we will be the one who inherit and run a country in the near future. Of course, there are many more roles that young people can contribute to but these three should pave the way for a cleaner and greener environment for our Mother Earth.