The Eco Club of St. Aloysius PU College (SAPUC) aims to promote ecological consciousness among students, encouraging them to become guardians of the environment. Eco Warriors participate in meaningful activities that help promote the conservation of natural resources and foster sustainability.
Inspired by the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference “Care for the Common Home,” the Eco Club organized “Eco Week.” Eco Week 2024 was inaugurated by Mr. Shawn Ajay D’Souza, Assistant Professor at St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru. Expounding on “e-waste and its impact,” Mr. Shawn presented the problems posed by e-waste, ways to recycle it, and its safe disposal. The Principal, Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira S. J., in his presidential address, emphasized sustainable development and conservation of resources as an effort to protect Mother Nature.
The highlights of the event were the E-waste drive, Eco Expo, and competitions such as Eco Art, Eco Quest (Quiz), Eco Snap, and Eco Theatre. The class assemblies during the week highlighted the five elements of nature. The E-waste drive was initiated by demonstrating the use of segregation bins. E-waste was collected throughout the week. Eco Art witnessed the creative use of recyclable and reusable waste materials to make greeting cards, showpieces, drawings, paper crafts, and even a model garden. Dr. Renita Dsouza, Associate Professor in Biotechnology at St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, conducted the ecology quiz – Eco Quest – which helped enhance knowledge about the environment. Eco Theatre was designed to foster critical thinking on various environmental issues. The performing teams highlighted the importance of conserving resources and also portrayed the life of Fr. Stan Swamy SJ, a Jesuit and tribal rights activist.
Eco Expo, the eco-exhibition aimed at promoting the use of eco-friendly products, was inaugurated by the Principal Rev. Fr. Clifford Sequeira SJ and the Campus Minister Rev. Fr. Anthony Derrick SJ in Loyola Hall. Various organizations, namely Parampara, Pilikula Artisan Products, Suggi Enterprises, Chethana Child Development Center, and Seva Bharathi Trust, set up stalls selling organic, natural, and traditional products like cane baskets, honey, earthenware, cold-pressed coconut oil, food and beverages, herbal products, wooden jewelry, and other household accessories. Members of the Center for Social Concern sold jewelry, bookmarks, phone charms, sweet corn, and juice as part of the charity sale. Potted plants and repainted glass bottles from Alvana were also on display. Parents, teachers, and students enthusiastically encouraged the sale.
Eco Week was a fruitful event that succeeded in inspiring Aloysians to become harbingers of a greener future. The week’s activities not only heightened awareness about environmental issues but also fostered a sense of responsibility and proactive engagement among students. Participants left with a renewed commitment to sustainable practices and a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions on the environment. The collaborative efforts of students, teachers, and various organizations demonstrated the power of community in driving meaningful change. As Eco Week came to a close, it was evident that the seeds of environmental stewardship had been sown, promising a brighter and more sustainable future for all.