At Natura, we believe that fostering eco-friendly habits is not just a responsibility but a way of life. I founded this club with a clear and powerful mission: to preserve and recycle resources for a sustainable future. Starting at our school, we aim to inspire others to join us in our commitment to protecting the environment through awareness, education and action. Natura was born from the idea that small, everyday actions can make a big difference.
The vision of our club is to create an environment where both sustainability and social responsibility thrive. We want to make sure that we not only look after the planet but also take care of each other, particularly when it comes to providing basic health products.
Our First Initiative: Energy Monitors and Conscious Consumption
Our very first initiative was focused on energy conservation. We set up a team of Energy Monitors who are responsible for turning off all electrical appliances every day after school at 4:30 PM. This small act of switching off unused lights, fans and other equipment contributes to reducing the school’s energy consumption.
But we didn’t stop there! We introduced a new rule: electrical appliances should remain switched off from 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM every day. This initiative encourages us all to be mindful of our energy use and to see how much we can really change when we all work together. We’re currently in the process of installing energy meters that will allow us to track our electricity usage and measure the difference these small actions make.
One of our club’s biggest achievements has been partnering with Trash to Cash, an innovative company that helps turn waste into value. Every month, on the 28th, Trash to Cash visits our school to collect waste in four main categories: plastic, paper, e-waste, and glass. The best part? For every bag of trash we collect, Trash to Cash gives us cash in return.
What do we do with this money? We use it to buy menstrual pads for the communities around our school, particularly for those who may not have access to them. This is a critical need that we are proud to address—ensuring that young girls have the necessary resources to stay healthy and attend school without disruption.
The great thing about this process is that it’s free of cost for us. Trash to Cash profits by converting the waste we provide into raw materials, which they sell to companies. By recycling trash, we help reduce waste, save energy, and support the creation of new products. It’s truly a win-win for both the environment and the community.
Additionally, Trash to Cash offers business and marketing internships for students, with one of their partners being Bisleri. These internships provide excellent opportunities for students to gain work experience while contributing to a cause they care about. It’s a great way for students to add valuable experiences to their portfolios, especially for those involved in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), DofE (Duke of Edinburgh), and Global Perspectives programs.
We believe that through education, we can inspire more people to adopt eco-friendly practices and make smarter choices that benefit the planet.
In addition to our recycling efforts, we will start to organize energy-saving campaigns and sweeping initiatives to further reduce our environmental impact. Whether it’s conducting workshops on waste management, promoting the importance of reducing consumption or leading community clean-up drives, we’re always looking for ways to engage others and spread the word about protecting our environment. Being part of our club gives you the opportunity to actively participate in hands-on projects and help create change.
As I often say, “The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth.” It is our responsibility to protect and care for our planet. We are just getting started, and the journey ahead is full of possibilities. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s take action, inspire change and protect the Earth-today and for generations to come.
