Participants asked to reflect on own daily habits

(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Lonavla, located in Maharashtra, India, hosted 28 students and seven staff members to confront environmental challenges and turn concern into action. This is part of Don Bosco Lonavla’s Environmental Intelligence Integral Ecology initiative.

The two-day workshop, led by Father Savio Silveira, international coordinator, integral ecology-youth ministry, challenged participants to look beyond headlines and examine their own role in shaping the future of their town.

Fr. Silveira opened the program asking about environmental issues currently faced by Lonavla. Participants identified concerns affecting the town and its surroundings. He then pushed the discussion further, inviting them to reflect on how their daily habits and choices might contribute to those problems.

A Salesian noted, “The conversation revealed a powerful insight. Environmental damage is caused not only by industries and governments but also by everyday actions. Participants recognized the impact of single-use plastics, wastage of water and electricity, excessive consumption, and improper disposal of waste.”

Fr. Silveira also addressed national issues, outlining five major environmental challenges facing India. These included air pollution, water pollution, climate change, poor waste management and biodiversity loss.

On the second day, the focus shifted to solutions. Participants explored the UNESCO framework for Green Schools, which is a whole-institution approach to education for sustainable development built on school governance, facilities and operations, teaching and learning, and community engagement.

The Salesian added, “The challenge for the participants was practical. Each school identified five initiatives under each area, recorded them on charts, and explained how these actions could strengthen both the school and the wider community.”

Reflecting on the workshop, Yuga Padwal, eco-captain of Auxilium School, said, “The program gave me a clearer understanding of environmental challenges.” It also inspired her to help make Lonavla cleaner and greener. Other students expressed gratitude for the opportunity and hoped to share what they had learned with their family, friends, and fellow students.

The program concluded with a shared commitment to build Green Schools through practical action, collaboration and care for the environment.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

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