Earthsmiles.net (aka The EarthSmiles Network) is an activity around the website of the same name, which seeks to create a concern for the environment, promote sustainable living, and an awareness of the need for environmental protection of our planet. We are young people and want to work with other youth in transforming the culture of destroying the Earth, to one where action for the environment i
s as natural as life itself. We want the Earth to smile – because when she does, we do too! How are we going about this?
1. EarthSmiles.net’s young team visits schools and gives presentations to students and teachers about climate change, what are the consequences and solutions, and the changes they can make, with the right choices. Student representatives for schools under the programme are invited to training workshops and activity, which includes coordinating recycling activity, organising events and writing for the EarthSmiles.net website.
2. At Colleges and other events, such as children’s summer camps, EarthSmiles.net organises speakers, initiates forums, exhibitions and fairs to promote environmental harmony. We also promote activities that bring people closer to nature, and reinforce the need for its protection such as nature walks, rock climbing and environmental tourism.
3. We have a voluntary Eco-labeling programme called PlanetPoints, which attempts to make it easy for people to identify green products, organisations and events; and encourage organisations to want to be green - or Planet-friendly, as we call it! PlanetPoints not only evaluates but also assists and guides organisations on the route to be greener.
4. Our website keeps the average person informed about the good and bad happening in the fight to save our planet’s environment - through news, de-mystifying the science of climate change, discussing the effects of pollution, the likely impacts, solutions and ways individuals and communities can reduce their carbon footprint, through responsible consumption, conservation and green alternatives.
5. We participate in environmental orientated events held around Kolkata, (Calcutta) India, for instance city cleanup campaigns organised by NGO groups. We promote these initiatives with coverage on our website and our FB page.
6. We publish a fortnightly news capsule, which goes out by email, packed with global environmental news, issues and events, which compliment the Kolkata (Calcutta) specific reporting mostly seen on our website. Visitors to the website can subscribe to this e-newscapsule, EarthUpdated! with a request at the site.
6. Environmental news is nowadays frequently in the news, but it may not always be so. By keeping the youth at the forefront of its efforts, and empowering them as key movers in working for the environment, EarthSmiles.net attempts to keep environmental issues at the top of the local, national and global agenda. How are we relevant?
1. We are locally based and focus our programs on the Kolkata (Calcutta) community where we believe we can make the difference with personal outreach, and with the strength of the students and youth behind us.
2. Given the staggering damage to the environment, it is easy for people to be awed by the immensity of the problem. EarthSmiles.net gives ordinary people the information and tools to curb their personal emissions, through awareness and action. Others become agents, through one of our programs, to spread the message and provide support and advice for other people regarding the challenges posed.
3. It is difficult to find non-technical, information on environmental matters in a single place. EarthSmiles.net brings that information to individuals, without them needing to find the information themselves. Problems, solutions, alternatives in layman’s terms, we provide examples to inspire from one’s own community.
4. We are focused on information and the solutions to Environmental issues, rather than the problem.
5. We believe in enabling people to be able to do something about climate change, because it is personal efforts which bear the most sustainable results.
6. We are inclusive, non-political and friendly – we love your involvement and respect your suggestions and assistance! YOU are the EarthSmiles.net NETWORK!
