Earth Day event last Saturday was a wonderful experience for me. It gave me an insight into what plastic pollution is really doing to our environment. I was concerned to hear that plastics thrown in the ocean turn into micro plastics which is eaten by fish and poisons them and we end up eating the fish, which causes health problems. So it all starts with us and ends with us. I will encourage everyone to help eradicate plastic. Ato Adenu Mensah – Grade 9
Earth Day 2018 was an unforgettable experience. Creating an awareness for eradicating plastic is a project that is so dear to my heart, because we are the generation to inherit the remains of the earth.
The passion displayed by the members of Green Up was incredible, as they spoke confidently about the issues concerning plastic in the environment and how we plan on fixing this issues during the pre-panel discussion program.
The panel discussion was highly informative as we discussed the practical solutions to eradicating plastics in Ghana. Solutions include: enforcing penalties, educating citizens on the negative impacts that plastics have towards us and most importantly taking action now! Whether it is educating a friend, or recycling personally. The change must start with you! Abena Amo – Grade 11
Last week Saturday was my first ever hands-on experience of Earth Day. The thought of us, the youth wanting to have an impact on society really excited me, especially since I always wanted to help Ghana eradicate plastic.
The event took place at Afia Beach Hotel in Accra. Once we got there, we immediately began setting up our stand which was opposite the beach, where we had a feel of the wind and a beautiful view of the sea. After setting up, we took time to explore the various stands and purchase a few environmentally friendly products. We then joined the Beach Cleanup, which was so significant, seeing a group of children, the youth, people from all ages and nationalities coming together to clear that portion of the beach, which was filthy with plastic was really fun and meaningful. Not an easy task to do that under a hot sun, but the desire to see the place clean motivated us. The conference was educative, and seeing Stephanie represent TIS was so inspiring. We managed to sell our book marks made of fused plastic, our grocery bags made out of recycled cloth and we also received donations towards Leslie’s beautiful painting. The projects we presented attracted quiet a number of people who are concerned about our earth. They wanted to see what we had, they asked questions and those interactions were very insightful. We also met some celebrities. Earth day & March for Science 2018 was a great experience for me. Nana Yaa Obeng-Nkansah Grade 9
Earth Day 2018 was an amazing experience for the Green Up Club members. It gave us the opportunity to be hands-on and learn crucial things about the environment. It also provided me with the urge I needed to try and do more to help with the eradication of plastic in Ghana. Before this experience, I wouldn’t be one to take the extra care to properly dispose of plastics. But now I do it so much, as I’ve even taken it upon myself as a personal initiative to pick any plastic I see around the TIS community. I love the positive impact this year’s Earth Day offered and I hope more people get this opportunity next year. -Lilainie – Grade 9
The Green Up Ghana Club aims to educate our school community and beyond about the effect of plastics in our environment. Plastics, such as straws, disposables, tooth brushes, cotton wood and plastic bags take so many years to decompose and are making our Ghana filthy. Together with the Club members, we will be able to impact our community and country by finding means of eradicating plastic pollution. During Earth Day at Afia Beach Hotel, we were able to clean up the beach, sell items made of plastic and also be part of a panel discussion.
Regarding the panel discussion, I was the only student representative amongst a group of well esteemed environmentalists. I was so nervous, but my Club members, especially Ato and Lilaine really stood by me in support. Having been able to express my opinions, thoughts and solutions, we were able to add our voice and encouraged others to put into practice what we learnt from the panel. I was able to improve my public speaking skills and also see plastics in a different light. Plastic is extremely harmful to our world and Ghana’s Green Up Club is here to educate, encourage and cleanse our community of these harmful substances and we will start taking action right here in our school and its surroundings. Stephanie-Louise Agyemang – Grade 11 – Green Up Ghana Club President.
