SPCC stories ── Why we chose to protect the Earth (2) Aggie's story!

What has given us the determination to defend the earth, and cultivate environmentally-friendly habits?

---

My story 😊

I'm Aggie Kwong from class 5I and the chair of EPC this year. Being eco-friendly has transformed my life, and gave me a purpose.

As an ordinary student in St Paul’s Co-Educational College, I’ve always felt the importance of studying, making sure that my grades are up to par. At school, I am a fan of liberal studies and Geography, and I am recurrently bombarded with encyclopedic knowledge on environmental issues and sustainability. Despite the fact that I’ve learnt a lot, life feels futile if I couldn’t apply these knowledge without truly taking action. Moreover, when I started diving into books and movies about environmental issues (climate change, extinction and the meat industry), a vehement sense of responsibility emanated in me. I knew I had to be “environmentally-friendly”, this is the right thing to do. I want to be someone.

Conserving the environment is something no less important than community service, but it’s much disregarded by the public.

In the world, when we are precipitating more environmental disasters, and extreme climates and pollution than ever, many of us turn a blind eye to them. It’s hard to take action, for instance bringing our own cutlery seems so challenging. This happens to me as well. It took me more than 3 years to change. With friends, although I knew that I didn’t bring my own cup, it felt irresistible to buy bubble tea like the others. I just didn’t want to be left out. Suffering the smothering heat of summer, the trials of not turning on the air-conditioner used up all my willpower. Moreover, the attempt to boycott unsustainable fast fashion is an immense challenge to me. I had to leave the store as soon as possible before allowing a “shopaholic” compulsion to manipulate me. Still, I took my very best, step by step. When I have finally gained progress, these experiences develop into fun and satisfaction. I’ve learnt to live in simplicity and cherish things even more.

In the past, I felt inferior. But now I know that even though I'm insignificant, I’ve the individual power to do something good—for the environment. From simple actions, I realized:

Taking part in something big, striding towards the goal of 2030 climate reduction by 60%, to be a part of the eco-friendly community isn’t that distant. Every one of us can do it.

Message to everyone:

I don’t know how much has learning about the environment impacted you, maybe they’re evocative in some way, or maybe you feel nothing. But one thing to keep in mind: Every small action we take affects the world, those people living in developing countries, low-lying islands, and even us! For example, the plastic we use, our carbon footprints are influential if combined. Every year there are a swarm of climate refugees, facing the tumult and threats of forest fires, and floods. Children have to drink from contaminated water resources, and also due to food insecurity, they starve in hunger. We’re blessed to be living in an environment less prevailed by natural disasters. And we should not take the advantage of these unprivileged people, just because we don’t experience the same.

Kang You We (康有為）a Chinese politician once said, “Being able to fulfill one’s responsibility is the happiest thing on earth.”

In SPCC we’re being taught about the world, and now we have a chance to live out what we’ve learnt and carry out our obligations—let’s care for the earth.

Hope everyone can experience the joy of protecting the earth:)

---

Feel free to leave any comments and I'm free to discuss with you guys! You can find me through email: sp20165941@spcc.edu.hk