FOR THE LOVE OF OUR PLANET

Wilma Ernst

@_wilhelmina_ernstig_

 

Valentine’s Day is universally known as the day of love. On this day, thousands around the world show their affection for the people who play significant roles in their lives. Just as we express love for our friends, family, and partners on Valentine’s Day, we can extend that love to nature by appreciating and protecting it.

 

The Green Team embodies this philosophy. What started as an initiative within the North-West University’s (NWU) Education Faculty over ten years ago officially became a recognized society in 2023. This group of passionate students is dedicated to raising awareness about conservation issues that impact not only students but all of humankind.

 

Laura Kruger, Chairperson of the Green Team and a graphic design student with a deep passion for the environment, emphasizes their inclusive nature, “We are not an elite group of students studying environmental science. It doesn’t matter what you study, where you’re from, or who you are—as long as you have a passion for nature, there is a place for you here.”

 

South Africa currently faces many environmental challenges. Jess Joubert, Social Media Manager of the Green Team, describes the group as the sustainability hub on campus. “We organize clean-up initiatives and develop projects to help both the university and the community live more eco-friendly.” According to Joubert, many students are unaware of the environmental issues affecting their surroundings. “We want people who love the environment to join us and help us make an even bigger impact.”

 

Ntando Nkosi, Treasurer of the Green Team, shares how joining the society allowed her to surround herself with like-minded individuals who share her passion. She encourages others to get involved and take action to make the world a better place. One of the team’s key projects this year is tree planting. “I would love to see us plant more trees this year. Trees play an important role in the environment, and a better environment is what we’re working towards. Once we are in the ‘red-zone’ there is no going back.”

 

Kruger elaborates on the Green Team’s plans for the year. “We are collaborating with residences, including Oosterhof Ladies’ Residence, Laureus Men’s Residence, and Dinki Ladies’ Day Residence, to host small gatherings on campus where we can share our love for nature and our commitment to protecting it.”

 

In addition, as Nkosi mentioned, the team will hold fundraisers to buy and plant trees at middle schools that desperately need shade. Another major initiative involves community engagement in Ikageng, where the Green Team will establish a vegetable garden and teach local residents how to care for and sustain it. Kruger emphasizes that any student interested in participating in these projects is welcome to join the team.

 

Angelique Rossouw, a subcommittee member, highlights some of the environmental issues the Green Team aims to address. “Global warming is a real issue, and many factors contribute to either worsening or improving the situation. Pollution, overconsumption, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are some of the topics we want to raise awareness about.”

 

Kruger further expresses her vision for the Green Team’s future. “By the end of 2025, I want every student on campus to know about the Green Team. I want them to understand what we do, who we are, and what we stand for.”

 

As the famous painter Vincent van Gogh once said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” This Valentine’s Day, let us remember that love is not just about people—it extends to the world around us. By caring for the environment, we show our love not only for nature but also for future generations.

 

Let us celebrate this day by committing to protect and cherish the natural world, just as we do with our loved ones.

 

 

 

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt