Strengthening its youth-led environmental and health awareness movement, the Green Pencil Foundation, supported by Commutiny the youth collective and Vartaleap, organised the Campus Climate Vartaleap at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sector 8, Faridabad. The initiative focused on empowering adolescent girls to understand the climate crisis and its growing impact on public and personal health.
The session was led by Mr. Sandy Khanda, Founder of the Green Pencil Foundation, as part of his Changeloom Youth Leaders in Climate Actions journey. The Campus Climate Vartaleap encourages youth to move “from intention to action” through open dialogue and collaborative discussions on climate solutions within their schools and communities.
A total of 74 students participated in the dialogue, along with teachers and school staff. The discussion focused on air pollution, water conservation, waste segregation, and the need for sustainable lifestyle choices. Students shared their perspectives on how everyday actions—from using eco-friendly materials to conserving resources—can make a real difference.
School Principal Mr. Jaiprakash appreciated the Green Pencil Foundation for conducting such interactive and meaningful sessions. He also shared his thoughts on the current climate situation, stressing that youth awareness and behavioral change are key to combating the environmental crisis.
Adding a critical health dimension to the conversation, Green Pencil Foundation Team Member Ms. Himanshi Mehra addressed the participants on the link between climate change and adolescent health, including issues such as hormonal imbalance, PCOD, and other climate-induced health concerns among young girls. She emphasized that changing environmental conditions—rising temperatures, pollution, and poor air quality—can deeply affect women’s reproductive and overall health. Ms. Mehra urged students to adopt preventive habits like balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management while advocating for cleaner surroundings.
Faridabad’s Environmental Context
🌫️ Air Pollution: Faridabad frequently records Moderate to Poor AQI levels due to vehicular emissions and industrial activity, affecting both environmental and respiratory health.
💧 Water Stress: The city faces significant groundwater depletion, as identified by the Haryana Water Resources Authority, emphasizing the importance of conservation and rainwater harvesting.
♻️ Waste Management: Generating nearly 900 tonnes of solid waste daily, with low recycling rates, Faridabad requires urgent citizen participation in waste segregation and reduction efforts.
Vision and Way Forward
The Green Pencil Foundation aims to extend the Campus Climate Vartaleap Series to 12 schools and colleges across Faridabad and Delhi NCR, cultivating a generation of climate-conscious youth who understand the intersection between environment, health, and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Sandy Khanda said,
“When we give young minds a platform to voice their thoughts, we create a movement of responsibility and awareness. Climate action is not limited to the environment—it’s deeply connected to our health and well-being.”
Through initiatives like Campus Climate Vartaleap, the Green Pencil Foundation continues its mission of climate education, health awareness, and youth empowerment, fostering leadership for a sustainable and healthier future.
