Developing a Sustainable Culture Among College Students and UNEP Green Nudge

A Public Interest Litigation filed in 1991 by advocate MC Mehta made Supreme Court of India to order for creation of a six months module course on Environmental Studies. MC Mehta, being an environmental lawyer who has been involved in number of pollution cases including Ganga Pollution case, Oleum gas leak in Shriram Food and Fertilizers industries in Delhi, believed that the rising number of critical environmental challenges cannot be resolved unless the coming generations in higher education, preparing to get into their jobs are well informed about the consequences of being unmindful to the environment. UGC took two decades in conceptualizing the course on Environmental studies and it was finally implemented in prestigious universities like that of University of Delhi in 2014. UGC mandates the course for all first years, irrespective of their streams as a part of their Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC).

It is unfortunate to realize that the proper implementation of this UGC mandate is still not in place. Many colleges and universities are still underway in including the course as a part of their curriculum. The teachers teaching in most of the universities and colleges are not specialized and trained in the course and at times the post remains vacant. Moreover the course often fails to come out of curriculum and books to really instill environmental education among college students.

The current pandemic indeed makes us realize the far-sightedness of this Supreme court order as our dependencies on fossil fuels and the environmental pressure we have been putting on our surroundings through our irresponsible lifestyles have been explicitly exposed. Even the pandemic itself, like many other diseases in the past has been the result of Human Wildlife conflict. We cannot hope for a sudden transformation or revolution in the same unless the youth remains vigilant. It is important that, no matter what our disciplines or fields of expertise are, we all remain aware and educated of the the nuances and delicate balances of the natural world and at the same time keep striving to reduce our footprints as much as possible.

To realize the same goal, Change In Range is glad to announce the initiation of Project Zero Waste MH in MH Vatavaran, the environment society of Miranda House College. The Project is curated to develop a zero waste culture among college students and aims to advocate for responsible behavior from the part of the students in alignment with the reorganization and infrastructural changes it plans to bring in, in the Post-Covid World. The Project aims to connect with other colleges too, for working together on the same line in a gradual manner and thus another 'Project Zero Waste DU' is also underway! The Project is adapted to the new normal by taking the efforts of the society in saving our common environment, online. MH Vatavaran blog has been started with the joint efforts of the society and Change in Range, with the intention of engaging its volunteers in researches and studies on waste generation, management and broader issues pertinent to footprint creation in surroundings.

Change in Range has also been involved in spreading the word about 'The Green Nudge' initiative of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). UNEP has introduced "The Little Book of Green Nudges" through which every college can adopt applications of sustainability in its premises along with the relevant curriculum it might have. This initiative is to spur students to take up sustainable practices themselves so that their peer can emulate them. The survey is in place in order for the UNEP to understand what nudges every college across the world needs so as to work better. There are 8 major categories that you could choose out of those mentioned in the form and you'll be trained accordingly.

Being a pilot Campus/University requires you to attend a variety of webinars and workshops. It also gives you a chance to be a pioneer for the change in the campus by promoting sustainable practices. You can also invite your friends who are studying in different universities across the world. You can nominate your campus to be part of the pilot phase by just filling a survey form circulated by the international program. This means that you will select at least one green nudge from the book 'The Little Book of Green Nudges' and implement it on your campus- as simple as that!

The form also asks if the college has any associations with some renowned higher education networks focusing on sustainability. Students can check the same by visiting the official website of their college. Short description of some of the organizations mentioned in the form are-

AASHE (The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education): AASHE empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. It works with and for higher education to ensure that the world’s future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges. 

ARIUSA:

ARIUSA is a network of environmental university networks created in Bogota on October 26, 2007 by a group of University Networks in the Environment and Sustainability (RUAS), gathered during "IV International Congress University and Environment", organized by the Colombian Network of Environmental Education (RCFA).

ASCN ( Accelerating Systemic Change Network):

The Accelerating Systemic Change Network (ASCN) is a network of individuals and institutions, formed with the goal of more quickly advancing STEM education programs.

CGUN (China Green University Network):

A Green University Network is a functional network of higher education institutions that incorporate environment, low carbon-climate resilience development strategies and sustainability aspects in their education, training, campus operations and enhanced student engagement. 

EAUC (The Alliance for Sustainability Leadership in Education):

The EAUC is the sustainability champion for universities and colleges in the UK. Run by members, for its members, the EAUC seeks to drive sustainability to the heart of further and higher education. They have a membership of over 200 university, college and learning and skills providers in the UK. Being Member-led, they deliver Member services and resources that continually add value and offer exclusive access to information, ideas and news from many of the projects they're involved in.

The last date to fill the form is 30th October, so hurry up!

To know more about the green Nudges, download the brochure released by UNEP!

 *The world needs dreamers. And the world needs doers. Above all, it needs dreamers who do.*

Be one of these volunteers and join hands together to work for Mother Earth. These are just a small gesture of care towards nature that has always provided us all we need and can ever want!

- Write up by Ujala, Uma Sathvika and Subhanshi Chauhan