Hello, my name is Ellie, I am 16 years old and doing work experience here at Good Place Ideas. I have been tasked with writing a blog about sustainability and whether children really care about the future of the planet.
Personally, I care deeply about the planet and nature. I don’t view earth as something we can trade or abuse and exploit for our benefit. Furthermore, I recognize that we share the earth with the living world. The planet and our stability have wavered, its biodiversity declining. We must rewild, not continue more damage. We must live symbiotically with nature, not against it. Because we are part of it.
We have known about climate change since the early 19th century, but we have for generations denied it. Until now.
Thankfully, millions of young, fantastic and inspiring individuals have spoken out for our planet by protesting about climate change all over the world. It all began with the schoolgirl who went on strike from school one Friday to save the planet.
Greta Thunberg, the mouthpiece of our planet, science and its people.
She has brought climate change into the public agenda and has an incredible influence on young people, including myself. She actively encourages people to adapt their way of life to exist in harmony with the environment, not against it.
Greta’s demonstrations began with the 'Fridays for Future' movements (she is the founder) which millions of young people have joined all over the world. She has spoken at COP24 and has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. She and many other young people have the immense determination and are willing to fight against the indifference of the powerful, for a better, greener, healthier future. By casting light on how modern lifestyles are having a detrimental effect on our planet and, if we don’t change our ways, we will have a very dark future.
My generation and our children will ultimately inherit the Earth in the way that our ancestors have left it. If we, the children of the future, are faced with the prospect of; global dimming, an astronomical amount of pollution, a public health crisis, water shortage and an increased number of natural disasters, we cannot simply do nothing. Like so many other young people, I am truly terrified about the future of the planet. I feel overwhelmed by the size of the problem, and although we have all the facts and the solutions to solve climate change, I feel that only real change can happen once everyone unites behind science. Morally, we cannot be complacent, we must act and change the world for the future. Should children dance, sing and look forward to the prospect of an exciting future, or snarl and break into a flame of anger at the news of our inheritance?
I recognize that businesses and corporations are under immense pressure from; ecologists and eco-conscious consumers and those who feel morally obliged to do what they can to save the planet. In the research stage of curating this blog, I looked into the LEGO group primarily.
I found out more about LEGO’s eco promise and vision for the future. I am a huge enthusiast of LEGO, and I love being able to rebuild the world and delve into my imagination. In recent years, after being influenced by the opinions of climate activists and educating myself about climate change. I am despondent about consuming as much LEGO as I did in the past.
Unfortunately, the LEGO group continues to use plastic packaging to wrap and separate the parts to make it easier for the consumer to build their product, however, they are single-use plastic and cannot be recycled. Increasing, the threat of global warming and damages vital ecosystems as plastic pollution harms biodiversity. LEGO has a strong ethos aimed at; rebuilding the world with a focus on sustainability, the environment, connection with people, and helping children reach their full potential. They are committed to phasing out all single-use plastic across the group by 2025, nevertheless, for many eco-conscious consumers, this isn’t sufficient.
I understand the practicalities and reality of implementing ideas about improving the world from an ecological perspective, because, at times, these ideas can sound gospel, idealistic and visionary. Sometimes, these perspectives can come from those who have a lack of business acumen and basic know-how about socioeconomics. Ultimately, we are all working towards the same goal of a bright and prosperous future without compromising our planet.
Undeniably, it is infinitely possible to change the world and deliver young people a sense of hope to those who currently feel extreme anxiety about their future, and feel powerless to enact real change! For positive change to happen, young people need to know that businesses and corporations are working to improve the future for everyone.
Imagine this - A world where all children have a deep symbiotic connection with nature; where businesses are working together to combat climate change; where planet Earth is no longer a commodity that we can all take advantage of; where the future is no longer scary, dismal and unsustainable for our children but exiting and hopeful. This vision could become our reality.
