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How about rewarding eco-friendly behaviour?

Students for the Earth, a student group, seeks reward system and more initiatives to boost eco-friendly behaviour

A community group, Students for the Earth, which has been organising environmental and charitable activities across the country, suggested that governments should introduce a reward system to encourage eco-friendly behaviour.
Arushi Madan, the group's president and regional environment ambassador to the Middle East, said resource over exploitation causes pollution.
"Underestimating individual roles towards the environment is a dangerous thing," said 17-year-old Madan.
"Truth is, everything we do impacts the environment. So before taking an action, ask yourself three questions: is it necessary? What will its impact be on the environment? And is there any eco-friendlier alternative?"
"Dubai's Car Free Day saw a huge participation because of free Nol cards. If such initiatives are carried out more often, people will develop an eco-friendly behaviour with time."
She urged sharing rides in Dubai to curb carbon emissions and pollution. She also stressed on planting trees.
"Trees are the lungs of the earth. If everyone planted a tree, we can help mitigate global warming and clear air pollution."
"There's no planet B." she said, "Earth can live without us, but we cannot live without earth."
Raj Mohan said the solution lies in creating daily sustainable habits.
"Avoid overusing water, don't litter on the streets and switch off your lights on time. Think of saving electricity as saving money."
He stated that contributing selflessly to the environment is what matters. While many campaigns can be held, it is people's willingness to benefit is what changes their behavior.
"Treat earth like you treat your mother. Give without expecting in return," he said, stressing that parents and schools play a big role in being role models for children.
Maathangi Anirudh, former Expo 2020 youth ambassador, said deforestation is a big factor to global warming given the carbon dioxide released in the absence of trees.
She also urged saving critically endangered animals to save the ecosystem and achieve balance.
"Population explosion with limited resources puts pressure on earth."
She said: "Planting more forests, keeping earth clean and taking care of nature is very important."
Neola Castelino highlighted the challenge that comes with eco-friendly work, saying that not enough support is offered.
"We have to work hand in hand. It is an individual duty to keep the environment clean."
She stated that campaigns that call for less vehicle usage and littering should be organised more frequently.
"Parents are role models to their children. If we spread knowledge, we can make a difference," said Castelino.
 sherouk@khaleejtimes.com