On Feb 18th, I joined an awareness workshop led by Ms.Kanchana Weerakoon. She was an ornithologist before learning to become a conservationist, which I thought was really cool！I was able to gain lots of insight into the sustainable improvements on campus, and was also encouraged to think critically and creatively as an environmental activist. (LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.)

The session started with us each picking an item out of the pile which she collected from the campus. I picked a leaf because it was the closest to me, but I’ve heard greater reasons from some of my peers and maintenance staff.

She then introduced several human disruptions on the environment. It was new to me the fact that our lives are infiltrated by microplastic, especially in salt and breastmilk. We were also shown with pictures of suffering animals, such as turtle that was rescued from having a plastic fork in its nostril.

Another new but important idea she discussed was the 10 Rs. On top of the conventional 3Rs （Reuse, Reduce, Recycle）, we were also introduced with words like Reject, Refuse, Repeat, etc. With the 10 Rs in mind, we could reduce our ecological footprint more comprehensively.

Her following presentation on her career and life hacks was also very informative. She introduced her alternative detergent, and suggested several for our houses. For instance, we could mix baking soda and lemon grass to clean the floor, and use soap nuts to wash clothes. Thus we could mitigate the damage caused by chemicals. (Lo7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions.)

I was also able to make connections with my knowledge from the curriculum in ESS, such as eco-centric value systems, food web disruptions, invasive species, etc. Such extensions broadened my perspective on how I could potentially apply my academic knowledge into practice.

It was a really good opportunity to enhance my knowledge of the environment. Many thanks to Ms. and Mr.Lockwood for making it happen！I will try to incorporate these new ideas into my service and future activism path (IO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.)(LO1:Identify your own strengths and develop areas for personal growth.)