Starchild: Malaysian children share tips on caring for Mother Earth

Erica Lee Shi Wan, 7

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 to increase awareness about problems facing our environment.

This year’s theme is Restore Our Earth, which focuses on green technologies, and innovative thinking to restore the world’s ecosystems.

We must all do our part to care for Mother Earth. We can start with the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recycle. Small things matter, such as using a recycling bag when shopping, turning off the lights when not in use, taking shorter showers or turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth.

Recently, we asked readers to submit letters on the topic, Earth Day. Let’s read what they had to say.

Ayza Arina Abdul Majid, 10

“There are many things that children can do to keep the environment clean. We can reuse used bottles. We should avoid littering on the street, ” says Ayza Arina Abdul Majid, 10.

Marcus Bek-Nielsen, 6

“Remind everybody to throw rubbish into the dustbin. Do not litter and do not cut down many trees, ” says Marcus Bek-Nielsen, six.

“My teachers and parents have taught me the importance of recycling and reducing wastage since young. I hope everyone can do their part to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible, ” says Erica Lee Shi Wan, seven.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 5

Five-year-old Claire Yap Jyn Wei thinks everyone can do their part to protect Mother Earth. “Children should not use plastic bags and instead we should bring our own bags when we go shopping. We should tell our parents and friends to not use plastic bags because they may end up in the sea. If the turtles see it, they may eat it because they think that it is a jellyfish and the turtles could die.”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight, “Earth Day is a day to remind us to protect our planet. The earth is the only planet that we can live on so far. That’s why we must protect it. All over the world, there is pollution, litter, deforestation, forest fires, and industrial fishing. You can save the planet by pracitising the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle). Plant more trees to fight global warming. If we don’t protect the planet, who will be the one to step up to say “I will”?”

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

“Whenever possible, we must practise 3R - to reduce waste, reuse resources and recycle items. This can help conserve natural resources, landfill space and energy. All these will be for the good of our planet, ” says Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six.

Asher Wang Qi Chuen,3

Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, three, writes: “My sister and I love to swim in our little pool. After our swim, we will reuse the pool water to help our dad wash the car, water house plants and clean the porch. This is one way children can protect the environment - by saving and reusing water in practical ways.”

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 11, says it is important to teach children the importance of natural resources. “Follow the 3Rs. Buy recyclable or second-hand items. The more we recycle, the more we protect Mother Earth!”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 8

Younger sibling Jayden Tan Li Sheng, eight, says “It’s our responsibility to take care of Mother Earth. We can start by planting a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air and prevent climate change. If you want a happy life, look after our planet.”. – Compiled by Sheela Chandran

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: This Mother’s Day, tell Mummy how much she means to you. You can tell us about her likes and dislikes or anything about her that you love and appreciate. Write about the things she does for you, the sacrifices she makes and the pampering she deserves.

To make it special, you can draw a picture of her or a scene where you and Mum to do things together – baking, shopping, gardening, doing household chores or going to fun places. Or you can make her a card or write her a special poem or message in conjunction with Mother’s Day on May 9.

E-mail your contributions to [e-mail] by April 30. Please put “STARCHILD: Burgers” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi.

Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address.