National Exhibition and LiFE Programme Encourages Youth to Embrace Environment-Friendly Lifestyles

New Delhi:  A national exhibition and programme dedicated to promoting environment-friendly activities under the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) themes took place today at India Gate, Delhi. Ms Leena Nandan, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), inaugurated the event in the presence of Ms Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEF&CC, Ravi Singh, Secretary General of WWF India, and other esteemed dignitaries. The initiative primarily targets school children and the youth.

In her inaugural address, Ms Nandan stressed the importance of sensitizing the youth to environmentally conscious behavior, citing their energy as a catalyst for promoting India’s focus on both economic development and ecological balance in the future.

The day commenced with an eco-friendly bicycle rally, emphasizing the benefits of cycling for local and short commutes. A vibrant cultural show featuring school children and youth followed, incorporating thought-provoking street plays that conveyed the simplicity of adopting environmentally responsible behavior. An ‘eco-fashion show’ showcasing environmentally conscious clothing demonstrated that style and sustainability can coexist.

The activities culminated in LiFE-related quizzes and word searches, with winning participants receiving prizes. The event underscored the potential of youth in inspiring behavioral change, leading to individual and collective actions towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

The exhibition featured eco-friendly products from Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building, and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) centers under MoEF&CC, as well as various business establishments. Products ranged from millet-based and forestry items to portable solar energy harnessing systems.

The event continues on February 10, offering on-the-spot face painting and poster-making competitions, workshops on waste segregation, Mission LiFE theme-based quizzes, and more.

LiFE, an India-led global movement, encourages individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. It adopts and promotes climate-friendly social norms, beliefs, and daily household practices globally. The LiFE themes include conserving energy and water, reducing waste and e-waste, adopting sustainable food systems and healthy lifestyles, and saying no to single-use plastic. LiFE actions have multiple co-benefits, such as mitigating air pollution, saving costs for households, and improving overall well-being and health. These actions are specific, measurable, easy to practice, and non-disruptive to ongoing economic activities, thereby promoting sustainable living for the foreseeable future.