I found fulfilment where I least expected – SustyVibes.
It all started a year ago (2017) when I saw an ad for a movie screening (The Valuable Waste) about environmental degradation. I wasn’t busy, as at then, due to my break from academic activities and was eager to be occupied with something worth doing before I would get a call to resume for work. I went for the movie screening and it was indeed an experience I can’t forget as I was more than willing to tell everyone about the movie and Sustyvibes afterwards. This is because I was ecstatic to be among young guys and ladies advocating for sustainable actions in Nigeria and passionate about the environment and the SDGs.
I later on did a little research on this group of passionate youth and fortunately for me, my friend, Eric, was a SustyViber so he encouraged me to follow updates from Sustyvibes on social media and promised to notify me once recruitment for new members was open. Eric sent the link to me as promised and after filling the form, I was excited and proud to become a Sustyviber.
The Break
Yes, I was a SustyViber and I joined the communications team (in charge of creating contents for the website and social media) but I was lost. I tried to find myself in this group of vibrant youth but the more I tried, the more I got lost and was worried about being a member because things were happening so fast that I couldn’t really place where I was. I then expressed my concern to Eric and he advised me to participate in the group chat and contribute to group activities by getting involved and going for Sustyvibes events. I adhered to his advice and started seeing positive changes as I felt more ‘among’.
SOTS Hangout
I changed my group from Communications to Susty on the Street (SOTS) and went for the hangout at Kids Beach. The event re-energized my passion and I made a promise to myself that this new found energy won’t wean down but wax stronger and stronger.
All in all, joining Sustyvibes has broadened and increased my knowledge and interest in sustainable living and action in my community. I have influenced my immediate constituency (household) to reduce plastic consumption while enlightening them on sustainability. I don’t miss the opportunity to tell people why their actions are detrimental to the environment, and long shall this continue.