KARACHI: The Fatima Jinnah Dental College (FJDC) and hospital marked the Earth Day with the belief that it is about creating a sense of ownership of the planet among the communities and raising awareness among the individuals about their responsibility towards our common home.
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 worldwide to raise awareness about environmental issues affecting our planet, including climate change and global warming.
Pakistan is among the countries most adversely affected by global warming and climate change. Recent flooding, land erosion, and recurring heat waves are evidence of the deteriorating climate conditions. It is, therefore, high time that we all start making better choices to positively impact our environment.
Highlighting these issues, FJDC CEO Dr Hussain Askary announced taking appropriate steps to implement the principles of Green Dentistry in Pakistan. This year, FJDC celebrated Earth Day to highlight the concept of Green Dentistry.
Green dentistry is an eco-friendly approach that creates a caring ambiance for patients while being kinder to the planet. It is an innovative way of dental practice that is environmentally friendly, helping conserve money and time by reducing waste, conserving energy, and decreasing pollution through the use of the latest techniques and procedures.
Dr Askary, addressing the faculty and students, said: "We should become not only the powerful voice but also the healing human hands that the earth needs."
The faculty and students at FJDC actively participated in talks regarding minimising plastic waste. They were encouraged to make small lifestyle changes, such as using metal flasks for water, carrying a personal metal straw, and avoiding the use of plastic disposables during department lunches and parties at home. These small acts collectively have a big impact and are beneficial for the environment.
On the occasion, banners and hand-made props were designed by the students, with powerful messages highlighting the need to conserve water, plant more trees, minimize the use of plastics, and avoid littering.
All the faculty, students, and staff members dressed up in earthy tones, especially green, which hyped up everyone's spirits at the hospital. The on-duty dentists played a significant role in involving the general public in the celebration and conveying simple yet impactful messages.
FJDC engages in healthy, environmentally friendly activities such as beach cleaning, tree plantation, garbage collection, and awareness sessions in and across institutions. The students are taught that no act of kindness or responsibility goes to waste, and they must always stand up to protect their environment and the earth.
The mascot, the green turtle, is a symbolic representation of the need to protect our environment, especially the endangered land and marine wildlife.
Declaring this year the year to clean up the planet, the FJDC invited everyone to join its efforts in actively protecting our shared environment.