World Environment Day 2023

The National Service Scheme (NSS) Society of Loreto College, Kolkata organized a series of activities to celebrate World Environment Day 2023.

The first segment involved a ‘Campus and Canteen Clean Up’ activity conducted on May 27, 2023 within the college campus in keeping with the World Environment Day theme #BeatPlasticPollution. Two groups of NSS volunteers were delegated to clean the canteen and the rest of the campus respectively and to ensure the proper disposal of plastic waste. This drive helped the students to appreciate the daily efforts of the facility staff in keeping the college clean.

The second segment included an ‘Oath Taking Ceremony’ organized on June 3, 2023. The college Principal Sr. Dr. Christine Coutinho, the society Staff Advisors, the Student Council, and other students came together to recite a pledge prepared by the members of the NSS Society. The pledge advocated the goals and aims of Mission LiFE and focused on the reduction of single-use plastic usage, the judicious utilization of natural resources, and the conscious minimization of carbon emissions and wastage.

The third segment was a ‘No Plastic Day’ campaign that was conducted within the college campus on the same day. The college canteen used paper plates to serve food. Processed food items packed in plastic such as chips, biscuits, and soft drinks were made unavailable. Students were also encouraged to bring their own steel cutlery from home as the canteen did not provide plastic cutlery. Some students even carried metal water bottles to promote the message of sustainability.

The final segment was held in collaboration with the Department of B.Ed. and the W. E. Nature Society. A documentary screening was organised on June 17, 2023 in the college hall. The documentary showcased the problem of plastic pollution in oceans as well as various possible solutions. Around 80 volunteers along with the society Staff Advisors attended the screening and gained valuable insights into this pressing environmental issue. At the end of the activity, okra seeds were distributed among the students.

All four activities instilled in the students a sense of responsible citizenship and commitment to the Mission LiFE movement under India’s G-20 Presidency.