Aggies come together to promote sustainability

As Earth Day approaches in Aggieland, conversations about environmental action are growing. From planting trees to creating impactful sustainable lifestyles, Aggies continue to come together to tackle the pressing challenges facing our planet.

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, reminds us of the importance of protecting our planet. Across campus, organizations like Aggie Replant are continually addressing issues like deforestation and recognizing the need for collective action to prevent harm to future generations. Biology junior Seona Helmi said she embodies this commitment, especially through her role as co-sponsorship manager for Aggie Replant.

“Our mission is to promote environmental awareness and plant trees around the Bryan-College Station area to give back to our planet,” Helmi said. “It connects A&M students who are passionate about the Earth with local community members, fostering connections within the area aimed at helping the Earth.”

Student-led initiatives go beyond planting trees. By embracing sustainable practices in their daily lives, Helmi says these initiatives contribute to a culture of environmental responsibility.

“I try to live as sustainably as possible with minimal water consumption, recycle everything I can, reduce my plastic use as much as possible, try not to contribute to food waste and pick up waste when I come across it in green spaces,” Helmi said.

Management information systems junior Vijay Kapistalam said he is concerned about unsustainable consumer practices, especially in the fashion industry. Kapistalam is the tree team director for Aggie Replant. By advocating ethical consumption, it is crucial to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of fast fashion, Kapistalam said.

“I think fast fashion should be boycotted,” Kapistalam said. “Brands like Shein and Zara are cheap and trendy, but not good for the planet. They rely heavily on synthetic materials, which contributes to the build-up of waste in landfills, while also employing questionable manufacturing practices. They try to capitalize on trends and this leads to mass production of clothing, which is then thrown into landfills once the trend loses popularity.”

Although the effects of unsustainable practices continue to worsen, biomedical sciences junior Mayra Puga says she still finds comfort and inspiration in the beauty of nature.

“My favorite thing about nature has to be water; it’s the source of life for almost everything and how complicated nature is in general,” says Puga, who is also co-sponsorship chairman of Aggie Replant.

On Earth Day, Aggies plan to spend their day outside and enjoy what nature has to offer.

“I’m definitely going out,” Helmi said. “I don’t have any firm plans yet, but I just know that I will be with my friends who love the Earth as much as I do, and appreciate its beauty and all that it has done for us.”