What difference can you make to the society?','Are you going to change the world?' How many of us have heard these statements from people before?More often that not, it's the elders who say these to the youngsters. Nowadays, many youngsters are highly conscious of the environment and want to make a difference to the society.
Many of them even run non-profit groups to give back to the society in their own way. On the occasion of World Environment Day, Metrolife speaks to a few youngsters to find out whether they are more environmentally-conscious than their seniors.
Arihant, a young business analyst, agrees. "The kind of education we have today makes us more aware. We are all taught about global warming and over all, we are more responsible and concerned about the environment," he says. "Personally, I feel I need to be responsible. So I make sure I contribute to the environment in my own way.
For instance, I carry my own bag while going to the store to purchase something.But in case of elders, they may get impatient and say, 'It's just a matter of one buck so I might as well buy a plastic bag from the shop'," he adds.
With cycle being his main mode of transport, Mayank Runjpa, a software professional, also feels the youngsters are highly aware. "My sister-in-law always buys organic vegetables and tries to explain to my mother why she opts for organic vegetables over the normal ones.
Even my nephew asks me questions on what kind of food is good for his health and why do I cycle everywhere. He even instructs us on how we should turn off the lights when we are not using them," he notes.
"In fact, I have seen kids telling people not to use plastic. Today's generation is more aware than the previous generations thanks to the exposure it gets from television and internet," he adds.
However, some youngsters feel that they are more aware of the environment thanks to the elders around them. Bhargavi, a second year student of environmental science at St Joseph's College of Arts and Science, says, "Everything starts at home. I am highly conscious of the environment thanks to my parents. They are the ones whose steps I follow."
Citing some examples, she notes, "My parents and I avoid using plastic. Also, though we have our own vehicles, we avoid using them unnecessarily. We all either go in the same vehicle or use public transport."
The older generation has a mixed opinion in this regard. Nahida Sunil, who has a young daughter, says, "I don't think I can totally agree or disagree with this.
While youngster are more conscious of the environment thanks to the media, they damage the environment in their own way.This can be seen in the way they use vehicles, mobiles, electricity etc."
She adds, "They don't want to sacrifice their comfort or convenience. For example, they don't mind wasting food or electricity. The older generation is more careful that way." Though Nahida feels the younger generation is conscious, she sums up saying, "They may be more conscious but whether they actually practice what they believe in is another thing altogether."