13 Jul 2005

Speech to Auckland Sustainable Business Network by Caitlyn Cook

The Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum was an exceptional and wonderful week that has motivated me, developed my ideas and enthusiasm for the environment and allowed me to come away a broadened, passionate young environmentalist. My view on the environment and the realities of its conservation have certainly been given hope. Field visits to organisations such as Full Circle, illustrated the action, drive and concern for conservation. The idea of multiplying this action across New Zealand, with appropriate support is encouraging.

The recycling plant also allowed a visual realisation of personal impact on the environment. To think that perhaps three bottles out of a pile of 1000 belonged to an individual was astonishing. It allowed me to notice that one person’s perceptions and actions made a difference in conjunction with others. It certainly challenged and improved my own conservation habits.

Also, through discussions and time spent with fellow delegates at the forum and friends alike, I have learnt that concern for the environment is not limited to just upper ages, but is also evident in youth.

The talented and intelligent youth at the forum also demonstrated the determination and capabilities of young people. Devices, ideas and schemes developed and implemented in various facets of life certainly opened my eyes to youths involvement and passion for the environment.

Through the forum, I was also able to realise that the environment extends beyond nature alone, but is entwined not only into society and the economy, but our personal perceptions. It reflects our values and ideas.

Of course, information and knowledge alone, gained at the forum, broadened my view and allowed more researched and educated ideas to be developed. Approaches and actions since then, have been more successful with this helpful knowledge.

I have learnt that education is the key to unlocking conservation and environmental care; and this can be transferred onto youth. Currently, youth seem to know little about conservation schemes and can’t seem to fathom their way out of a plastics 2 bottle! Certainly, methods of education need to be explored, but coming from personal testimony, forums and events alike are a wealth of knowledge that can be impressed upon youth.

Whether or not we like it, we youth are at school for a considerable amount of time. Academic education offered to us, however, environmental education is not, or not substantial amounts at least. Simple information about conservation can be passed on at early and impressionable ages, to be continued and passed along as age creeps up.

Of course, allowing conservation and education of the environment to be extended beyond school alone, allows a beneficial reputation. By letting kids know that the conservation doesn’t range only between the hours of 9-3, but in leisure times as well, consistent action can be taken. Functions, events and programmes would accommodate this idea well.

Businesses certainly impact youth. Presently, your products and goods result in the subtraction of our money and addition in possessions. However, your impact exceeds present time, but our future also. By caring for the environment, you are caring for our future, and as youth we have certainly realised tomorrow is ours. As tomorrows leaders (and business owners) the economy, society and of course the environment, are important to us; we want it preserved and enhanced now, for future benefit.

Businesses can benefit youth by not only adhering to conservational actions to protect our future, but can help us at present. Business-employee relationships and attitudes can be improved by conservational policies. Youth are a growing part of the work force, and these attitudes and relationships are important in order to maintain happy staff and good promotion as a result. For example, I have faced frustration, disappointment and aggravation when it comes to a café I work at. I have been trying to implement simple recycling and waste reduction, only to face no support, co-operation or understanding. Unfortunately, as a result, my employee attitude and promotion of the café has diminished.

Of course it isn’t only business that can help youth, but we youth can help you as well. In my personal example, I as a young employee could cheerfully promote my café, if environmental concern was practiced. But I find it difficult to when I don’t support their actions. Also, I’m sure my performance has suffered due to the unfortunate response. Although my experience with my employer is perhaps small, if we apply this experience to the New Zealand economy, it could have a significant impact on business performance. So, as employees, we can certainly benefit business with appropriate reason.

Although we have limited finances, we are a targetable age group for businesses. Decisions on where to shop; where to take our business, are weighed perceptively and wisely, often clinched by personal factors. The environment, a common concern, proves to be a weighty factor. Businesses that are environmentally friendly and caring are far more appealing than businesses existing only for profit, careless of the environment. Decisions can certainly be swung your way.

Of course, as perceptive and wise we youngsters are, fickle forms of promotion or demotion are still in action. Names and reputations of businesses often bounce in and out of conversation, being built up, or put down; by common opinion and general chat. With youths apparent concern for our environment, environmentally friendly business reputations can be acclaimed.

Conservation and environmental care does come down to personal action, but businesses and their size, can be significant helps or hindrances. Decisions made affect not only the businesses themselves, but the community and even the nation.

I really do encourage you, if you’re not already doing so, to look at or improve sustainable environmental schemes, to protect and enhance our resources; not only to benefit you now, but to benefit us in the future. Shifting from consuming to conserving, whilst still generating profit, is good for everybody.

Thank you for your time…

Caitlyn Cook (17 years)
Delegate to 2004 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum