‘Activism has no age,’ a cry to Sydney and Illawarra high school students as they gather at this year’s ecological symposium.
Waverley College hosted the event, which focused on the effects of plastics and microplastics in the waterways.
Guest Speaker Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP stated that she has a particular passion for environmental issues, that it ‘runs in her veins.’
“We are all responsible for the state of the future,” Dr O’Neill said
“Activism and seeking change have no age limit; we are all responsible for making a change.”
Dr O’Neill said that the email writing workshops were a valuable tool for the students to realise that they have the power to protect their environments and stand up for what they believe in.
A Bellambi student representative presented their mock letter to the Wollongong Council and spoke about why this symposium is important to her.
“This is the world that we are going to inherit; we are the next generation,” Dr O’Neill said
“We feel we deserve to live in a cleaner and safer environment that will not negatively impact our bodies.”
She said that her main concern is the ingestion of microplastic in food and water.
NSW generates 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year. Microplastics are everywhere, and research suggests that the chemicals inside of them are harmful to our health.
“The biggest issues that we face today are not going to be solved by one person,” Dr O’Neill said
“Which is why coming together and speaking about these issues is so incredibly important, is why educating these young people, the next advocates is so important.”
Waverley College hosted other speakers at this event, such as Costa Georgiadis, Allegra Spender, the member of Wentworth, and more.