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I’ve always been fond of the “new”. May it be new things, experiences, people, places, or perspectives. Last October 1, 2016 I’ve experienced a new place and in it, new people and knowledge. Being part of the Environmental Education class this year, gave me the chance to experience this through our exposure trip. The place we went to was called “CELL” for short which meant Center for Ecozoic Living and Learning. This was the newest addition to the inventory of places I’ve been to. My brief stay in this place made me forget all distractions coming from school and focus on my time with nature. Now allow me to tell you this one of a kind experience that is filled with so much knowledge and realizations.
The moment we got there, Kuya Renato was the one who greeted us. We stayed in this giant nipa hut that was called “Brendan Hall” while he introduced to us the nature of CELL as a non-government organization or NGO which means that they have no support whatsoever coming from the government. It is also an eco-spirituality center that has a very relaxing atmosphere due to the fact that it is situated far from the city and that it is surrounded with a variety of flora and fauna. After this, we explored the vicinity with Kuya Benny. He allowed us to try different fresh herbs that each had unique tastes and when combined tastes like chewing gum. He also let us taste a fresh cacao fruit which we all know is the source of chocolate. They also did a demonstration on their biodigester which converts human waste into energy that can be used for cooking. Luckily, it had the fuel it needed to emit light and heat energy for us to see. They also use vermi composting, which is similar in concept to the biodigester in the sense that waste material is recycled into something that is useful. In this particular method, African Night Crawlers, the worms that they use, feed on dried leaves and a few plastic materials. Their waste product is then collected to become fertilizer for the plants that they have there. In addition to that, they also brought us to their waterless toilet system wherein the bowls were rectangular in shape
instead of the usual oval. This was a direct solution to the problem of water scarcity since you didn’t have to use water to flush your feces. Furthermore, they utilize the energy coming from the sun to generate electricity in certain nipa huts that had previously housed the founding Fathers of CELL. Basically, this place situated in Silang, Cavite, Philippines embodies true understanding of ecology. To have a more visual grasp of the experience, below are pictures of the experiences we had.
Group Photo:
Remembering all these, although it was fun while it lasted, it had a sad note to it. Why? Because there are only few places like CELL that dedicate a place for different plants and animals to co-exist having in itself an environment that is far from the environment we are used to. In our world today, people tend to forget the important role that our environment plays in our survival. We have replaced trees with buildings, people with gadgets, and abused the environment to suit our greed. Although we are aware that climate change is upon us, we still allow it to be so. The very definition of the word ecozoic, which means a home that is full of life in a given period of time, embodies the advocacy of CELL. They not only plan on what they’re going to do for the environment, they make it their reality, they take action. And that for me is what is lacking in our generation today. Though we are living in the age of technology and information where there are too many brains that develop and create new ideas to combat climate change we still fail to create the reality we need in order to improve our lives. The ideas exist inside our head. What we need is the courage to pursue these.
As a concerned youth in today’s time, I am challenged to apply what I’ve learned through the years to finally take a stand against the current state of our environment. No more turning a blind eye on the important issues that haunt us like pollution, improper waste management, industrialization, the ongoing increase of carbon emissions, and the scarcity of water. Incorporating what I’ve observed in the simulation about climate change, in where I got the chance to make decisions for a whole nation, I would start first and foremost at home where my family is. Being aware of the ordinance regarding plastic use in Quezon City, I promise to always bring with me an ecobag and influence my immediate family members to do the same, especially my father who is mostly in charge or our grocery items. In the event that the items would not fit into the ecobag, we would request a box to put the excess items. I would also continue the habit of putting candy wrappers and other small trash in my pocket when there is no available trash can in sight. I know that I still can’t live without using electricity coming from fossil fuels but the most that I can do is practice conserving it by turning it off when not in use whether it be at home or at school. Change starts from within and moves outward and this is the time it becomes the influence you share with the world. Making a blog is a good platform to start an awareness campaign so that it would spread to many people in a short period of time. No deed is too small if you look at the bigger picture.
With all these being said, I hope that the youth of today and the generations to come become empowered to combat the various illnesses that our Earth has, one cure at a time. Now is the time to enter the “NEW”.
