Climate change is here.What do you plan to do about it?From what we've seen, it's not enough to complain and blame others every time disaster strikes--instead of being reactive to these situations, we should be proactive, we should engage ourselves in saving our environment.
These are are keywords:
Climate Change Adaptation, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Intergenerational Global Justice. In the coming weeks we'll elaborate on these concepts, and we'll look at these in the light of our being in the University of Santo Tomas--the steps we can take in-campus, and the values that we'll learn that we'll bring with us even as we go home.
A few (personal) thoughts:I was able to attend a forum on Climate Change Adaptation (hence the big words) before 'Ondoy' came. During Ondoy's aftermath, people started blaming the government, the informal settlers, the subdivision developers, the dam authorities--pretty much everyone else--for the disaster. Did it solve anything? Well, it did open our eyes to the environment, and how powerful the forces of nature are. For me it was a validation that what we have started in the University is right, and the little step that we are taking--that of making UST styro-free--should be followed by a bigger, more firmer, step.
After the climate change forum, Ate Abby and I attended a short lecture on Disaster Risk Reduction and we realized that now more than ever, we must plan and implement sustainable community development programs that include disaster risk reduction projects in every partner community--our partner communities are the most vulnerable to disasters, especially those living in the coastal areas and landslide-prone communities.
We've received numerous feedback from students about the state of styro use (or non-use, which is very, very good) in the campus, and through this blog, we've also received comments (see the shoutbox) about what we can do. Admittedly, our powers in information dissemination are still lacking, and that is why we are asking for the help of local student councils with the support of the administration in making UST Styro-free. Yes we can put up posters. You can too! Yes we can talk to the different departments and colleges. Of course, you can do that too. We would like to congratulate the colleges, offices, and student organizations who have taken steps in reducing waste and who are actively campaigning for a 'green' UST.
The Office for Community Development is stepping up to the task of being the main 'busybody' in UST's transformation into a green community, and we need all the help we can get. From suggestions, initiatives, ideas, and best practices, we know that with everyone's (pro)active participation, we can make this work. Let's do this
now.- Ate Orya
*Concessionaires at the Multi-Deck Parking are now 'converting' into green establishments, styro-free, care of their management. Hurray!
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CONCERNS AND IDEAS FROM THE SHOUTBOX:
- "Green Architecture" -- it's a must-learn for Arki students, but is their college doing anything about their own waste? It's not only the structures that have to be eco-friendly but more importantly, how people maintain the integrity of the structures' "green-ness"--through proper management of waste, and by doing the 3R's. We think the concern is the same for CFAD students, with the amount of (paper, cardboard, etc.) materials that they use and eventually discard.
- There is still a need for food establishments to use alternative packaging, especially for take-out orders.
- The use of personal food keepers ("baunan") should be promoted and encouraged. Likewise, facilities and dining areas should be appropriated to accommodate those who would be eating from their baunans. These facilities should include dishwashing areas.
- More info and promotional materials about the campaign are needed.
- Saving the environment starts from ourselves.
Do you have something to share? Post a comment or write us at
ust_ocd@yahoo.com! :)
