Two students prove that not all human beings are threat to Mother Nature. For young Earth defenders Kristopher Peralta and Jennifer Pangilinan, the love for Mother Nature starts with loving one’s self.

"Taking care of the environment is second only to taking care of yourself," says environment advocate Kristopher Peralta.

Twenty one–year–old Kristopher’s interest in animals and nature inspired him to join an environmental organization in his school. He is currently the president of the Environmental Advocates Reaching Towards Humanity of the University of Sto. Tomas (EARTH–UST).

"I have always been inclined to this type of advocacy. In EARTH–UST, we believe everything is connected to everything. It means my interest with animals and nature is connected to how I deal with the environment," he explains.

A Fine Arts student, Kristopher’s primary source of inspiration for his green advocacy was the late environmentalist/TV host Steve Irwin.

"He helped me appreciate nature and the environment. The habit of people throwing plastic cups and candy wrappers in the streets make me ask ‘why do they lack discipline?’ Then I realized it is not entirely their fault as they were not educated well on the topic. These wrong acts made me more passionate not only in taking care of the environment but also in educating people about the importance of protecting Mother Earth," he adds.

EARTH–UST opened Kristopher’s eyes on the Earth’s alarming condition and exposed him to pressing environmental issues.

"Before, I thought that disposing of trash properly is enough to be considered as an environmentalist. Hindi pala," notes Kristopher.

EARTH–UST is the premier environmental organization in UST. Formerly called the Haribon-UST, the organization holds forums and symposia on different environmental issues for the entire Thomasian community. These include solid waste management and anti-commercial mining, among others.

"Our main objective is to educate the Thomasian community on environmental issues and concerns by making them more aware of the current situation and teaching them different ways on how they can be part of the advocacy," Kristopher relates.

To make their efforts more compelling, EARTH–UST invites staunch environmentalists to speak in forums. The organization also holds nature appreciation trips for members to better understand their cause.

This coming school year, EARTH–UST members plan to team up with other colleges.

"For this advocacy, we need everyone’s support. Let’s all fight for our right to clean air, water and a better environment," Kristopher stresses.

There’s another kind of environmental advocacy that gets the young Earth defenders up on their feet: They act, sing and dance for nature!

Seventeen-year-old Jennifer Pangilinan is a member of the Malayang Anak Ng Sining Community Theater (MASCOMTHEA), a theater group that does not only entertain but also educates.

An incoming sophomore student at City College of Manila, Jennifer’s deep concern for the environment compels her to do more.

"I want to impart knowledge and environmental awareness to others through our per-formances," relates Jennifer, who is also a member of the Sagip Pasig Movement (SPM).

SPM, she adds, made her realize that the various environmental problems are taking its toll on Mother Earth.

"Mom’s right. We should learn how to conserve water and energy before it’s too late. It’s time we appreciate the things around us. These are the things we want to impart to our audience," she says.

The world is a stage but the stage can be a venue to save the world. Well, that’s what MASCOMTHEA does.

"We try to make everybody understand the sad plight of Mother Earth through arts. MASCOMTHEA sends the message through its performances," Jennifer explains.

With the support it gets from the students and the community, MASCOMTHEA is able to produce performances every three months. As part of their tradition, members perform annually during Earth Day celebrations.

The youth is aware about the ill effects of global warming but proper action still has to be done. For Kristopher and Jennifer, it’s not about how aware the youth is, but how they act on it.

"We can say that the environment is a hot topic now. Everybody wants to be part of campaigns to protect the environment," Kristopher says.

Sadly, the government doesn’t prioritize environmental issues such as the proper implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act or RA 9003.

"It has been eight years since it was implemented but the same problems remain. Our garbage is still not collected properly and the proposed closure of dumpsites and landfills still has to be seen," laments Kristopher.

According to Jennifer, awareness should start early.

"The younger the better. We should all act now to save Mother Earth," she adds.