Members of the EEF with Lecturer Dr Angela James (far left) planting trees to raise awareness about the environment.Edgewood Contributes to Environmental Awareness Week
The Edgewood Environmental Forum (EEF) contributed to Environmental Awareness Week by hosting festivities and events around creating awareness about the environment and global eco-sustainability.
The Forum, established on the Edgewood campus in 2001, holds campaigns every year with one of its major objectives being to inform students about sustainable environmental action.
Events held during the three-day campaign included a presentation on the role of the Edgewood Environmental forum by Dr Ronicka Mudaly; Ms Dumile Nxumalo presenting on the campaign objectives, and Ms Thelma Rosenberg and Ms Colleen Deetlefs discussing recycling and upcycling.
An upcycling exhibition followed with students posing questions to the forum on how they could engage in upcycling actions.
The closing event involved EEF members supported by Biology students and Enactus UKZN members, planting trees around the Kinoull residence on the Edgewood campus.
The Heteromorpha arborescens (parsley tree), Umbangandlala (2015’s Tree of the Year) and food crops were planted. Ten indigenous trees donated by environmentalist Mrs Jean Senogles, who has been working closely with EEF, were also planted.
‘The campaign held at Edgewood was informative,’ said Nxumalo. ‘As students we learned about the importance of taking care of the environment and how man and nature are interdependent. South Africa is currently facing difficulties in curbing greenhouse gasses due to urbanisation but we can contribute to improving the situation if we work together.’
Senior Lecturer in Science Education, Dr Angela James, said: ‘Environmental awareness activities are for students but it is disappointing how few actually get involved. As leaders they really need to engage in environmental sustainable actions.’
The forum, which is gearing up for more events in the future, acknowledged the support and active participation of staff members and students including James, Nxumalo and Ms Zanele Njapha.
Melissa Mungroo and Dumile Nxumalo