A green challenge for lockdown days

Thiruvananthapuram: As 2020 marks the golden jubilee of earth day observation, the Earth Day Network (EDN), a global environmental NGO responsible for worldwide celebration of Earth Day, was planning elaborate measures on April 22.
In co-ordination with city-based C 5 (change can change climate change) Foundation, it had planned activities such as plogging and cleaning of beaches.With lockdown due to the spread of Covid-19 in force, the nature of campaign has changed.
EDN and C5 together have launched a #LockdownforFuture challenge. The challenge urges participants to post photos or videos of a green initiative they did during the lockdown period. C5 was flooded with more than 200 activities. Interestingly,
Shashi Tharoor, MP, too took up the challenge where he showcased his vegetable garden grown on the premises of his house in Delhi during the lockdown.
Vegetable gardens, crafts using environment-friendly products, microgreens, sustainable living options were some the entries they received as part of the challenge. Some of the interesting entries include, a knitted mat made from used plastic bags by Subin Varghese, a terrace garden by Sreelatha G Pillai, soap-free shampoo by Prajna Cauvery and paper bag by Varsha H.
Selected 10 entries would be featured on the social media handles and media platforms of EDN on Earth Day which falls on Wednesday.
Vishnu P R, CEO of C5, said they never expected such as huge response while announcing the challenge. "We received more than 200 entries from various parts of the globe, of which around 150 met our criteria. We wanted the participants to follow the lockdown restrictions. It should be showcasing of sustainable mode of living during the lockdown," he said.
Vishnu said they were delighted when Tharoor joined the campaign. "A vegetarian himself, the MP shared visuals of his vegetable garden at his house where he is staying during lockdown. Such a move from a dignitary like Shashi Tharoor would be encouragement to many," he said.
C5 Foundation was started under the mentorship of former district collector K Vasuki to propagate environment-friendly initiatives with the support of business communities and voluntary organisations in the city. Now being an independent legal entity, C5 acts as a social incubator for young entrepreneurs who are working in climate change sector.