Students recharge eco-batteries at conference

Students recharge eco-batteries at conference

Regional News

By: Jessica Young, Staff Writer

If Emily Chan is any indication, the youth of York Region are raring to go and ready to lead the charge to save the environment.

“I’m going to make a difference,” she said. “I learned a lot of different things about the environment and new things we can do in our schools. I want to put plants in my front yard, get more composting and use less plastic.”

Emily was one of 200 students taking part in a day-long youth conference to help better the environment in York Region. Youth Environmental Network of York Region organized the Ecological Action Conference for York Region’s elementary and high school students to take part in workshops in Markham’s Town Hall Wednesday.

Implementing eco-friendly practices in their schools and homes was the focus.

Emily was inspired by a project idea called the Environmental Lunch Box. Drinking from reusable bottles and not using as much plastic are ways Emily says the Environmental Lunch Box helps youth be more eco-friendly.  

“Students were really proactive. I feel really happy and amazed. Markham is going to be even greener,” said organizer Vino Jeyapalan after the event.

Other environmental issues discussed included garbage reduction, clean air and wildlife protection. Afternoon sessions gave a chance for participants to learn how they can tackle those issues through projects they can create and execute.

“It was very informative and eye-opening. I learned a lot of new techniques to help, overall, better the environment,” St. Augustine Catholic High School student Josh Lowe said.

One of the highlights for Josh, he said, was being able to hear politician and environmental activist Justin Trudeau.

Mr. Trudeau had the attention of attendees during the early morning and then held an informal question and answer period with students on environmental issues.

St. Justin Martyr Catholic School student Justine Keating asked Mr. Trudeau if kids as young as nine can actually make a difference.

“Nine year olds have the ability to change the world,” he answered.

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