It is generally acknowledged that environment plays a crucial role in the evolution and development of societies. Indeed experience all over the world has shown that human societies every where must face ecological problems which are peculiar to their own setting. The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies (IEES), of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife was established in July 1982, as an autonomous multidisciplinary institute to tackle ecological problems of development.

IEES and ECOMSA during her week long program presented a merit award to Adenike Akinsemolu, the Founder of Green Campus Initiative, GCI. The ADVOCATE OF GREEN ENVIRONMENT Merit Award was presented to the Adenike Akinsemolu in recognition of her immense contribution to the promotion of environmental health and environmental sustainability in Nigeria through her renowned Initiative, the Green Campus Initiative.

ADENIKE AKINSEMOLU RECEIVING THE ADVOCATE OF GREEN ENVIRONMENT MERIT AWARD

Held annually, the ECOMSA week entails series of events and activities that highlights environmental health, celebrates the environment, and discusses issues bordering around sustainable development. The Merit Award was presented to GCI's Founder, on February the 25th, 2016, at the Progressive Hall, OAU.

The theme of the event, The Modern Environmentalism, a Platform for Enviro-Preneurship, was rightly selected, with the aim of introducing traditional but yet key ideas and topics.

Adenike Akinsémolu, also a speaker at the the event discussed 'People, Planet, and Profit' : the idea of going green with emphasis on social entrepreneurship.

ADENIKE AKINSEMOLU DISCUSSING 'PEOPLE, PLANET AND PROFIT', THE IDEA OF GOING GREEN

The Green Campus Initiative is influencing Nigerian Universities to take on ways that would ensure environmental sustainability. The outcome of these activities by GCI is remarkable and visible.

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS EXHIBITING WHAT THEY RECYCLED

Congratulations Adenike Akinsémolu! Thank you IEES and ECOMSA.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christopher Oghenekevwe Oghenechovwen , a B.Tech student of Meteorology and Climate Science (FUTA), is a decolonized African, environmentalist and ready volunteer. He is 2013 Citizenship and Leadership Certified by CLTC, Nigerian Federal Ministry of Youth Development, a 2015 UNESCO & Athabasca University student on Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue, 2015 Senior Category Gold Winner of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, and youth correspondent at yourcommonwealth.org . His growing passions lie within the circle of Climate Action, Media and Information, IT, Youth Education and Leadership. Apart from volunteering with Earthplus, The Green Campus Initiative, and doing creative writing, Oghenekevwe loves to connect with people. Invite him for a healthy conversation via chrischovwen@gmail.com

We are at a critical juncture in shaping the future of this planet in terms of how we interact with its limited resources. Future generations will look back and either laud us for what we did, or chastise us for what we failed to do. Climate change is real. More importantly, we are increasingly more responsible for it. It’s not all gloom and doom though. There are things that we can still do to curb the debilitating effects of climate change. I fully recognize that we are limited in initiating a macro-level change in how we interact with our environment (that would have to come from the top of the pyramid), but there are little things that we can do to impact our local environments and hopefully inspire others in the community to do the same.

The Three R’s are often evoked in environmentalism. By doing our minimal best to follow these three principles, we can in some capacity impact our environment for the betterment of future generations.

REDUCE:

You’ve probably heard the phrase “man is an insatiable animal” in your economics class. It’s true and often, that insatiable nature leads to waste. Most people have no clue how much food and other resources they waste every day (really, check your local landfills to fully grasp this!). The problem then is that when these resources break down, they turn into harmful gases which then contribute to climate change. By buying less food and having a strict regimen for your menu, you can make a big difference to the environment. Be resourceful. Don’t immediately throw food products away simple based on the expiration label. Most of those dates are guesstimates and most products are still viable long after that. Also, donate foods you plan not to eat, freeze your vegetables and fruits, and when you do go the supermarket, try walking or riding a bicycle if you can.

REUSE

Reusing resources makes economic sense. It also has a lot of environmental benefits. Instead of throwing away your old materials, simply pass it on. Remember “one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure”. Do your best to reuse disposable cups and dishes after parties as opposed to throwing them away. Donate your clothes to charity or hand them down to your younger siblings and relatives (granted, they are sure to hate this idea). Again, be resourceful. Try finding new ways to use old products. And lastly, engage the community. You could try to collectively host a communal yard sale. Not only would this create a market for used products, you have the added benefit of bringing the community together for a justifiable cause.

RECYCLE

Recycle, recycle, and recycle. Don’t throw everything you use in the trash. Most products can usually be remade into the same thing or a similar product. In fact, most companies would even appreciate this as it reduces the cost of production. Do your best to buy products made from recycled materials. That sends a message to manufacturers that there is a market for such goods. Try to engage the community in a recycling drive to stress the importance of recycling. Label trash cans and recycling bins to make people more aware. You’ll be surprised how big these little efforts make. Materials that can be recycled include aluminum cans, cardboard papers, electronic equipment, glass, magazines, metal, newspapers, etc. Try to find resources with a comprehensive list of recyclable materials; you’ll be surprised at how much materials are needlessly wasted.

Notice how all these three distinct principle share a common theme. They all include efforts by YOU. Choosing to be a more responsible and environmentally conscious citizen solely relies on you acting- on you changing your habits. Curbing climate change is a communal effort. Try to involve your friends and relatives. Build a community out of it and be a force for change in your community. In the meantime, please follow the Green Institute on Facebook and check back regularly to keep up to date on the ever evolving world of Greening.