By Office of Public Affairs
With the motive of encouraging actions for the conservation and protection of the environment, World Environment Day (WED) is marked annually on the fifth of June. Since 1973, the event has become a global platform inspiring positive changes and promoting awareness and action for the environment. This year, it was celebrated with the slogan “Only One Earth,” focusing on the need for living sustainably in harmony with nature. Three major themes were focused on: climate, nature, and chemicals and pollution.
Calling for transformative action to save the environment, a WED event was organized at AIT by the Regional Resource Center for Asia and the Pacific (RRCAP), School of Environment, Resource and Development (SERD), and Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC).
Inaugurating the event, AIT President Dr. Eden Y. Woon reaffirmed AIT’s goal of becoming a sustainable campus within the next five years. He emphasized that the institute’s foundations – climate change, energy, water, waste, food, and agriculture, are all directly related to the environment. Over the years, the institute has been working on various milestones, including forming a sustainability task force and developing and implementing various policies and actions to move towards sustainability, with a motive to look green and act green in all ways.
AIT has upheld its place as a leader in addressing sustainable development and social impact in the region by meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Enhancing its position in the last two years, AIT currently ranks 101-200 in the global THE Impact Rankings for its engagement with SDGs in terms of teaching, outreach and campus operation. “AIT will continue contributing to achieving the SDGs to build a better future,” Dr. Woon added.
Highlighting that AIT is not only undertaking research but has also been working and collaborating with various partners to promote sustainability, Prof. Vilas Nitivattananon, Dean of SERD, urged collaborative efforts in environmental protection through his remarks. “Environment and social development are directly associated, and we are moving ahead strongly. However, our actions are still insufficient, and we all need to join hands and work together to care for our environment”.
Dr. Naoya Tsukamoto, Director of AIT-RRC.AP asserted that environmental protection actions need to start with individuals. In his remarks, he urged all to talk to their families, friends, and colleagues about how they could contribute to saving the earth. “It is time we think locally and act locally. The best way is the use of a market mechanism or price mechanism. In the current context, carbon emissions and resource usage should have been more expensive than recycling; however, it is reversed and wrong.”
He asserted that non-environmental friendly or non-sustainable materials should be high-priced, and sustainable materials or products should be affordable. “This is a straightforward and simple solution; if implemented, this market mechanism will benefit the environment.”
Along with remarks from notable experts, the event saw various exhibits and workshops promoting environment-friendly living, such as reusing and upcycling, sustainable kitchen and food, and eco-friendly products. A sustainable bazaar was introduced to promote green shopping practices. Various businesses encouraging eco-friendly and sustainable living showcased their products.
SuperBee wax wraps displayed their reusable beeswax wraps that replace plastic wrap with other innovative eco products. Similarly, Ecotique promoted sustainable products for households and carry-ons to promote a sustainable lifestyle without compromising fashion choices and style. Ali exhibited various organic skincare and home care products. Every venture had the same motto: reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable products, and environmental protection.
In one of the exhibits, AriAround introduced a mobile application platform that aims to connect people in a community and encourage more sustainable living. AriCoin and various activities are used to promote waste management, circular economy, and community connection.
The event also included a workshop on reusing and upcycling old t-shirts by transforming them into reusable grocery bags. In another workshop cum exhibit, visitors learned to make vegan and organic skin and hair care products with simple homemade ingredients that are readily available.
Several information sessions were provided to the community that highlighted the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy, which are critical for addressing environmental challenges, enhancing energy security, promoting economic growth, and ensuring a sustainable and healthy future.
A stall promoting reuse, swapping, and donating clothes was also placed. Various food stalls sold food items made using organic and locally sourced produce, promoting environmentally friendly packaging, cutlery, and sustainable waste management.
Stating that a person is capable of changing the future by merely changing their attitude, Sireesha Bantu, Director of OSC, stressed that a small group of thoughtful, committed people have the power to change the world. “Every little drop makes a mighty ocean. So, let’s strive together to foster the transition towards a sustainable AIT campus.”
AIT OSC was established in March 2022 to drive the institute’s vision to foster the transition towards a sustainable campus while reflecting a balance of economic, environmental, and socially responsible sustainable values. Currently, the primary focus of OSC is
- To instill sustainability principles and behavioral change among the students and community members.
- To promote sustainable operation on campus by working with management in revising the maintenance and operational standards; and
- To study the institute level baseline and measure the sustainability work impact in terms of academic research and operations to reduce AIT’s carbon footprint, thereby contributing to saving our environment.
A photo competition was also held to showcase AIT’s bio-diversity and threats where various undesirable environmental conditions and incidents resulting in the death of or affecting multiple animal species and plants on campus were captured, raising awareness and promoting responsible behavior. Open to the entire AIT community; the photos also captured the essence of harmony with nature. The popular vote of the competition entitled “Tackling the trash in running water” was awarded to Ms. Shakthi Kalpani Gunawardana.
