Middle and secondary school students in Greater Victoria have used their creativity to share ideas about how to improve communities and the planet with mayors and councillors.
Winners of the One Planet Living student challenge received a total of $1,000 during a ceremony on June 8 at Cedar Hill Golf Course.
“Thank you to the incredible students who participated in the One Planet student challenge and shared their vision for a sustainable future in our region,” Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto said in a news release. “You hold the power to shape our tomorrow, and your innovative solutions and unwavering commitment inspire us all. You have reminded us that a sustainable future is not an abstract concept, but rather a tangible reality that we must construct together. I urge you to continue to champion your ideas, raise your voices and ensure that your sustainable future becomes a living reality.”
One of the winning submissions was a video by Sapphira Skuter, where she shows some of her most loved green spaces in Saanich and how they connect us.
Emily Kingsford also won for her poetic painting portraying how climate change impacts animals.
Jayla Boudewyn was another winner, and her illustration visualized a world where bees thrive, waste is minimized and communities support each other.
“Your submissions are inspiring, and they help us see your vision for the future of our community,” Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock said in the statement. “Climate change is an urgent challenge, and we know it will take us all working together if we’re going to make a difference. That’s part of what makes the One Planet Initiative so great. It brings members of the community together to work on sustainable solutions that will have significant impacts on our lives.”
The winning submissions can be viewed at oneplanetbc.com.
“We thank the students for the ideas they have shared, including protecting and expanding our natural areas, creatively reusing waste materials, encouraging more walking and transit use, expanding urban farming, community-building and more – these are all key building blocks of a healthy and sustainable community,” Saanich Coun. and Capital Regional District chair Colin Plant said in the release.
The challenge is led by OneEarth Living, a B.C. non-profit organization, and is also supported by the Capital Regional District, the District of Saanich and the City of Victoria.
ALSO READ: Miss Earth Canada pulls weeds with Greater Victoria Green Team
