Starchild: Why Malaysian kids dream of a greener Earth

Erica Sophia, 12

Every year on April 22, people all over the world celebrate Earth Day, a special day to show love and care for our planet.

This year’s Earth Day theme is “Our power, Our planet”, which focuses on renewable energy.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12Renewable energy comes from natural sources like the sun, wind and water. These sources don’t run out and are much cleaner than burning coal or oil, which can pollute the air and harm the planet.

By using renewable energy, we can reduce global warming and create a healthier Earth for future generations.

In Malaysia, we have plenty of sunshine and rain, which means we can use solar panels and hydropower to create clean energy.

Even though students may not build solar panels, you can still support this theme in small but meaningful ways.

Our Earth gives us so much – fresh air, clean water, tasty food and beautiful places like jungles, beaches and waterfalls.

But sometimes, humans pollute the land, air and oceans by throwing away plastic, cutting down too many trees and wasting water and electricity.

So, how can children help the Earth? The answers are are easier than you think.

You can start by cultivating good habits like recycling, planting trees and not littering. Students can help by keeping their schools clean and using less plastic.

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9You can bring your own water bottles to school instead of buying bottled water. You can also say “no” to plastic straws and bags.

Try to recycle paper, cans and bottles at home. Don’t forget to switch off all lights and fans when you leave a room. Even small actions can make a big difference when many people work together.

Here are letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Earth Day.

“Earth Day is special because it reminds us to take care of our planet. Earth is our only home and we must protect it. I love our planet because it gives us everything we need, clean air, fresh water, trees and animals. When I see rubbish on the ground or people wasting water, I feel sad. I think we can do better.

“I try to help in small ways. I pick up litter at the park, turn off lights when I leave a room and remind my family to recycle. I also enjoy helping in our school garden. Recently, we organised a book drive to collect and reuse storybooks while promoting reading at our school. We can make a difference! My wish is for everyone to treat the Earth with care and love. Let’s keep our planet happy, not just on Earth Day, but every day,” says Lyu Liang Fu, 10.

Lyu Liang Fu, 10Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, “There are many easy ways we can help make our planet a better place to live. For example, we can remind people not to litter in our neighbourhood. We can also use reusable bags and water bottles instead of throwing away plastic ones. Planting a tree, some herbs or even a small houseplant is another great way to care for the Earth. We should also take part in recycling or clean-up campaigns to reduce waste and spread awareness in our communities. Let’s work together to make Earth better again whether through small personal habits, community involvement or simply taking a moment to appreciate nature.”

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, nine, writes, “I think we should reduce rubbish and make use of waste by upcycling. We can recycle paper, plastic bottles and aluminum cans. There are many other ways too, such as switching off unnecessary lights and using solar energy.”

Erica Sophia, 12, thinks it is important to work together to keep the planet clean and green. “If we don’t look after our planet, we might not have clean air to breathe or animals to see in the future. At home, I help by turning off lights when I don’t need them and bringing my own bag when we go shopping. I also reuse paper for drawing and crafts.”

ITEM: Teachers Day is celebrated on May 16. It is a special time to say thank you to the amazing teachers who help us learn, grow, and reach for our dreams. Do you have a favourite teacher? How has your teacher made learning fun for you?

Write us a letter and tell us all about it! Don’t forget to send in your drawing too.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by May 9. Please put “STARCHILD: Teachers Day” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.