Paper bags instead of polythene ones isn’t a big change but not many of us really care to tweak our habits that bit to suit the environment. We may feel awkward to pick up plastic covers strewn on the roads and dispose them in proper dustbins but for members of Green Army, an eco-friendly club formed by the Rose Bud School, it is a regular activity.

Formed by founder and principal Mehjabeen Rizvi in 1998, the year the school was founded, the Green Army has proved to be a role model for all environmental enthusiasts.

Students from the Montessori to the senior section (classes VIII to X) of Rose Bud School make up the Green Army and actively participate in eco-friendly activities. The school administration motivates students to join the Green Army and encourages them to try and propagate eco-friendly activities among their family members and neighbours.

Every week, members of the Green Army pick litter from the roads and sidewalks of their respective localities. They try to engage in friendly chat with their neighbours and local shopkeepers, and impress upon them the harmful effects of littering. Green Army also works towards making the environment plastic-free. The young volunteers offer the shopkeepers paper bags in exchange of polythene ones.

Rizvi, the brain behind Green Army, said: “Being an environment enthusiast, I wanted to inculcate the green spirit in my students when I opened the school in 1998. If everyone contributes a little in keeping the environment clean, it would make a world of difference. Nowadays, a lot of seminars and discussions are being held on environmental issues. But this will not help much until we become aware and take steps to save Mother Earth. I started this Green Army in my school because I knew that children could be great messengers for others. Seeing them involved in such activities will ultimately inspire other people to take up the noble cause,” said Rizvi.

On Green Army’s new activities, Rizvi said: “Stop food wastage is the Green Army’s new campaign this month. As part of this campaign, we ask students to finish the food in their tiffin box and ensure nothing is left uneaten. If they cannot finish all the food, they must dump the leftovers on a marble slab we plan to construct on the school campus for birds to eat. Many species of birds are becoming extinct because of environmental hazards. This activity is aimed at bringing the students close to nature and other living beings.”

Rizvi said the Green Army is also involved in “Save Water”, “Save Electricity” and “Save Paper” campaigns, along with other activities.

Richa Jha, a Class VIII student of Rose Bud School, feels great to be a part of the Green Army. “I am proud to be a part of Rose Bud School and the Green Army. My school has made me concerned about environmental issues. The school has not only made us aware about the environmental hazards but also encouraged us to engage in eco-friendly activities. I have planted a number of saplings at my home, neighbourhood and outside the school campus. I have never seen other schools promote such activities,” said Richa.

Tanya, a friend of Richa and a resident of Nehru Nagar, said shopkeepers reacted strangely when she approached them to hand over paper bags in lieu of plastic bags. Tanya said: “I did not expect shopkeepers to react that way. The shopkeepers did not look convinced with my idea the first day. I didn’t lose hope and tried to explain the harmful effects of polythene to them. Fortunately, a few shopkeepers understood my point. In my first attempt, I gave 15 paper-made bags in lieu of polythene bags to a shopkeeper,” said Tanya.

Pamela Chakravarty, another student and a member of Green Army, had a similar experience when she approached shopkeepers in her locality.

Amrit Raj, a Class VIII student, said: “A day before Diwali, we also took out a march against firecrackers. We did our bit to make people aware of how smog created by the firecrackers can be injurious to health.”

Ravi Raj, a resident of Saguna Mor where the school is located, said: “I have heard about the Green Army of Rose Bud School. The students are doing a noble job. I hope others will draw inspiration from these children and start doing something for Mother Earth.”

The students of Rose Bud have shown us the way to ensure green and clean surroundings. These young crusaders are on a mission to protect Mother Earth. Now, it’s our turn to ensure this campaign is a success.

Shuchismita Chakraborty

Last week’s question:

Identify this famous Hollywood actor.

The correct answer for last week’s question is:

Richard Gere

Readers who gave the correct answer:

Ajmal Rabbani
Class VII
Al-Hira Public School, Sharif Colony, Patna

Suyash Karn
Class VIII C,
DAV Public School, Samastipur

This week’s question:

Identify this famous religious leader.

Clue: He is a Tibetan Buddhist but has lived in Dharamshala, India, since 1959

Readers can send their answers to ttbihar@abp.in

Remember to mention your name, address, class, school and email id with the answers.

Please send only one answer for the question.