Planting Our Future

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Juliette

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June 29, 2023

One of the biggest challenges I face is recollecting my childhood and its significant parts, but the fondest memories always include nature. Going on trips to North Carolina was a life-altering point in my life, because it showed me how diverse our planet is. It broadened my perspective and made me more appreciative of nature.  Even as I grew up in school, going out to recess and P.E. was the one thing I looked forward to. It was never because of the physical aspect or the social aspect-it was being able to collect leaves, flowers, and insects to later learn more about. On more of a philosophical note, I believe in the intimacy between humans and nature. Whether the intention is self-inclined or for the common good of the earth, conservation should be a higher priority for us to maintain. The sprout of my change project is derived from my personal determination for nature conservation and my desire to expand composting into growing our own food in comparison to relying on processed food. “1.28 million people get admitted to hospitals” author Bindu Modi explains “About 3000 people die due to consumption of unsafe and adultered food” (Pg.2). I think it is imperative to know how to compost and to consider it as a basic survival technique. I want to inspire children to become advocates for nature and become more cognisant of what we consume. It is important for them to utilize materials used every day in a nature-oriented way. My change project, “Planting Our Future, ” will be all about teaching the next generation about waste conservation is becoming increasingly important, particularly with the continuous deterioration of our environment. A large percentage of waste production is food waste, and simply placing gardens in small areas within my community, such as elementary schools, can create a ripple effect. The recycling of compostable materials can ultimately lead to significant positive environmental effects. Elementary education is a pivotal point in every child's life. It provides children with resources and knowledge that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, and I think it’s important that composting be a part of that. Specifically, I am targeting fifth graders in Broward County because I believe they are at the perfect stage in life where this knowledge could help them transition into higher levels of education. When a student enters middle school, classes become more important in their educational life. I want this underappreciated topic to help them with the notion that they don’t simply have to learn what is given to them but to follow their own personal interests, no matter how niche they may be.

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The modality of my change project will consist of me physically going to fifth-grade students at schools and presenting an educational slideshow and then creating compost gardens with them. It will consist of two slide shows. The other slideshow is to educate the students on how to compost, composting facts, and its impact on the environment. My club organization's name will be named “Seeds in Society”.