The Green Switch Academy

The Green Switch Academy is an initiative of Plogging Nigeria, a youth-focused organization committed to a vision of fit people in cleaner cities. The virtual academy was born out of a need to give Ploggas a better understanding of Plogging Nigeria’s objective and the wider picture of environmental sustainability.

These objectives include:

Encouraging proper waste disposal practices among people,
Promoting body and mental fitness through physical exercise,
Inspiring Plogging activities in every Nigerian community,
Engaging in partnerships for environmental and health initiatives.

Our primary objective, here at the Green Switch Academy, is to help you develop new and sustainable habits that will contribute to reducing the negative impacts of anthropogenic activities on the environment. For some, it would be building on a culture they're already practicing as we have many green geeks and gurus here with us.

At the end of the day, we hope to make you a convert and preacher of the green gospel of environmental sustainability.

The following is a breakdown of all the academy cohorts held so far, their themes, and the idea behind it to date. Enjoy!

1. Green Switch Academy I (No theme)

Our first Academy had no theme.

2. Green Switch Academy II (Vigilato Viridi)

VIGILATIO VIRIDI means THE GREEN AWAKENING.

3. Green Switch Academy III (OIKOLOGIKA SYNEIDITA SPONDYLOTA)

OIKOLOGIKA SYNEIDITA SPONDYLOTA means ECO-CONSCIOUS VERTEBRATES

4. Green Switch Academy IV (Ndi Nlekota Nke Uwa)

We thought about it, why do we keep going outside to get themes when we have so many languages in Nigeria? So, we thought to bring it home and begin from one of our 3 major tribes. And Igbo just clicked on our minds. And we had the fourth Academy themed NDI NLEKOTA UKE NWA meaning GUARDIANS OF THE EARTH.

5. Green Switch Academy V (Survivors)

Our global pandemic situation made us sensitive to the time and season and made us theme the 5th Academy SURVIVORS.

6. Green Switch Academy VI (🌍NE FOR ALL)

And more than ever, we deemed it necessary to remind ourselves and everyone that we are only members that must take care of the Earth since there's no Planet, leading us to name the 6th Academy "🌍NE FOR ALL".

7. Green Switch Academy VII (ÒSÙMÀRÈ ÒGBÓNTARÌGÌ)

And for the 7th Academy, a reminder not to destroy our homes by our own hands but rather bask in the beauty of its colourfulness inspired the Yoruba theme ÒSÙMÀRÈ ÒGBÓNTARÌGÌ - THE RENOWNED RAINBOW!

8. Green Switch Academy VIII (THE ADVOCATES)

We had our 8th Academy themed THE ADVOCATES as it held around the #EndSARS protest period. We took inspiration from that and pushed for also raising voices for environmental sustainability.

9. Green Switch Academy IX (CAMPEONES LOCALES)

For the 9th ACADEMY, spanish theme CAMPEONES LOCALES meaning LOCAL CHAMPIONS...we wanted to birth champions leading local efforts that we know amount to global significance for the planet.

10. Green Switch Academy X (DECADE OF ACTION)

Our 10th Academy - DECADE OF ACTION was a milestone and we synchronised it with the 10 years left to actualise the Sustainable Development Goals. It was also a springboard for a lot of improvement of our Academy structure.

11. Green Switch Academy XI (THE 4TH SECOND)

The 11th one was themed THE 4TH SECOND...well...it's best explained in this video you should watch here.

12. Green Switch Academy XII (NAU'UKAN KORE)

We would still borrow themes from foreign languages. But we would also push our local language out. So, we decided to go with an Hausa themed Academy for cohort 12. The theme was NAU'UKAN KORE meaning SHADES OF GREEN.

It's quite simple, every shade of green is green! Their GSAGs being named after a shade of green was identifying with the essence of green...environment, nature, productivity, flourishing, and bountifulness.

And most importantly, though we may all be identifying with different shades of green, as it translates to we might all be making different efforts at varying degrees in contributing to environmental sustainability, but in the end, it is all green and it all counts in the overarching goal to keep our planet sustainable.

13. Green Switch Academy XIII (The SustaiNobles)

And for the 13th, the inspiration came to reckon with the identity of royalties around the world but with a sustainable touch...hence "The SustaiNobles. "

14. Green Switch Academy XIV (JELO WEISEUTEU)

And for the 14th Academy, we got inspired by the fact that south Korea is really heavy on waste management and recycling also many hadn't recovered from the south Korea blockbuster (Squid Game) so following the trend we came up with JELO WEISEUTEU which means Zero Wastes.

15. Green Switch Academy XV (H20)

For the 15th Academy, we were inspired by our waters, the freshwater and marine environment.

The fact that the period we held it also coincided with the World Water Day only served to prove it was time to have the "H20" Academy.

16. Green Switch Academy XVI (GENERATION BETA)

For the 16th Academy, the nonchalant attitudes from some of us about environmental problems inspired us to ask the question: How did we get here? We believes if older generations had taken better actions, maybe just maybe this could have been better avoided.

The lackadaisical attitude which has been passed down from generation to generation like an accursed family heirloom has in every way hurt nature times and times again.

Then the theme came "Generation Beta". Being the next in line, do they deserve to inherit our problems?

But in as much as we've gone so deep in the rabbit hole, there's still a light at the end of the tunnel.

It boils down to our generation to take matters into our hands and march for Mother Earth.

17. Green Switch Academy XVII (Sustainabeelity)

And for the 17th Academy, We all know that Bees are very essential for the health of people, and the planet at large. Research has it that bees and bee-related products have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Despite their significance, bees are increasingly endangered and it’s becoming difficult for them to thrive. If bees don’t continue to thrive, human well-being, sustainable agriculture, and the ecosystem will suffer.

The extinction of bees is adversely high due to human impact. Farming practices, like the use of pesticides, mono-cropping, land-use change, and urbanization are major factors in the increasing decline of bees and collective action must be taken at this point more than ever to protect these species (extinction rates are 100 to 1000 times higher due to human impact). Apart from human activities, parasites, climate change, pests and air pollution are also factors that affect the diversity of bees. On May 17, the General Court of the European Union took a step in conserving bees by upholding a ban on three kinds of insecticides called neonicotinoids, which affect the insect.

It is not farfetched to say there is no life without bees. For the ecosystem to thrive, bees must thrive too. We need to "Bee" engaged and build better back for Bees.

All of this inspired our SUSTAINABEELITY theme.

18. Green Switch Academy XVIII (Plants for the Planet)

For the 18th Academy...

Plants are a major source of planet purifiers we have. During their process of photosynthesis, they help to remove carbondioxide and other toxic substances from the atmosphere, cleansing the air in the process.

This sequestration ability underscores their importance to the ecosystem and role in keeping the balance of nature.

Hence the theme - Plants for the Planet.

19. Green Switch Academy XIX ( LoveMaking, Periods & Trash: 35 Billion Condoms | 12 Billion Pads)

For the 19th Academy, we just had to drive the way of condoms and pads when we got hold of the crazy statistics!

In 2020, more than 35 billion condoms were sold, used and thrown away globally. Over 12 billion disposable sanitary pads are generated globally every year, creating more than 6% of the sewage-related debris around rivers and beaches.

So, we aimed to create awareness through conversations on their detriment to the environment, research and encourage embracement of more sustainable alternatives, identify better disposal methods for condoms & pads, teach sustainable sex education in relation to waste management

Hence the theme - LoveMaking, Periods & Trash: 35 Billion Condoms | 12 Billion Pads

20. Green Switch Academy XX (MANIFEST.O.E.S)

For the 20th Academy, elections were around the corner and we thought we'd draw your attention to the power of politics in preaching the Green Movement. Nothing is as powerful as politics when it comes to making tangible changes.

Manifestoes happen around the election period.

We were in that period in Nigeria. The different parties have declared their manifestoes through their proposed development agenda for the country...if they win.

Hence the twist...MANIFEST.O.E.S...Manifests of Environmental Sustainability.

21. Green Switch Academy XXI (Egosystems)

After a major break in activities, we were back and drove conversations on how man is wrongfully dominating Ecosystems with Ego for Green Switch Academy XXI

22. Green Switch Academy XXII (ClimaTech)

Our activities and conversations were centered on how the use of technology and AI could help with advancing climate action and improving environmental sustainability.

23. Green Switch Academy XXIII (SUBSIDI.E.S)

For this cohort, we delved into the controversial world of SUBSIDI.E.S and jointly assessed its economic and environmental impacts on people and the planet as it happened around the time fuel subsidy was removed in 2024 in Nigeria.

The theme SUBSIDI.E.S means Subsidies Inspiring Environmental Sustainability.

24. Green Switch Academy XXIV (SUSPORTUNITIES)

The 24th Academy was themed - SUSPORTUNITIES. So, we considered how sports are intricately entwined with one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. And how the immense popularity and influence of sports provide a unique opportunity to raise awareness, drive positive change, and inspire sustainable practices that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

25. Green Switch Academy XXV (COMMANDOES)

The focus was on the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF WAR & WEAPONS OF WAR. War can heavily destroy or harm the environment. War and environmental degradation have always been intimately connected.

Unsurprisingly, warring countries often place operational requirements ahead of environmental concerns for the duration of the war. Casualties of the war are not limited to excessive blood spillage and related humanitarian disasters, but they also find expression in sundry environmental degradation which cumulatively threatens human existence.

Some international law is designed to limit this environmental harm as they prohibit using the natural environment as a weapon. This means that it forbids deliberate attacks against the natural environment, including the destruction of natural resources.

26. Green Switch Academy XXVI (NO GREE! JUST GREEN!)

Consider a scenario where a popular celebrity in Nigeria, known for publicly advocating for environmental causes, is revealed to have significant investments in companies responsible for deforestation and pollution.

Despite the celebrity's outward image as a nature lover, their behind-the-scenes actions directly contribute to environmental degradation. Pretending to be a nature lover while contributing to its degradation undermines the true essence of appreciating and protecting our planet. This distracts and discourages genuine environmental commitment, hence the fight against false solutions which have become the order of the day to our environmental problems which birthed the theme idea that was born from the year 2024 theme in Nigeria; “NO GREE FOR ANYBODY” hence we have NO GREE! Just GREEN!

27. Green Switch Academy XXVII (SHEPHERDS)

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the imperative to promote sustainability has become paramount. Recognizing the pivotal role of leadership across various domains, irrespective of the field you are in or find yourself is vital.

By harnessing the collective leadership potential across diverse sectors, we can galvanize action and drive meaningful progress towards environmental sustainability. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, leaders can become catalysts for change, steering society toward a more resilient, equitable, and thriving future for generations to come.

As it is often said, "Everything rises and falls on Leadership". Thus the theme 'SHEPHERDS' got birthed with its aim of emphasizing that irrespective of the course of study, field of career or business enterprise you are engaged in, you too can LEAD the pace and drive transformative action for environmental sustainability thereby promoting The Global Goals🌍

28. Green Switch Academy XXVIII (EcoBuzz)

Stories travel faster than birds do. Whether they are told in video, written, oral, or visual formats. A good story reaches the depths of the mind, faster than a detailed lecture. But what makes a story, talk more of a good story? Stories don’t have to be fictional. A story is as simple as the truth. The truth of what’s happening to our environment under our very nose. The truth is that our actions have effects on our environmental well-being. And the truth is that if we don’t take action soon, there’ll be no future for our kids.

The media has the power to set the agenda for climate change-related activism and intervention in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large, says this paper. The flop in progress at addressing climate change on the part of policymakers is blamed on the media, especially Western media, for not properly reporting the environmental indications of our actions in an effective manner so that the policies are properly tailored.

The key word here is effective — in that the reportage is correct, but not through. The constant use of ambiguous jargon and intentional superficial reporting has dulled progress in the dissection of climate knowledge to everyday people. What then is the solution? For people in our part of the world, there’s no better solution than telling our own stories. We must tell our stories, now, and tell it well — with a purpose. Chinua Achebe said, if you don’t like a story, write your own. So if the much-desired change and progress we seek in the Climate space of Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa at large is to come to pass, we must take back our realities and tell our stories.

Phew! We have come a long, long, long way!

But the journey continues. You too can be a graduate of the next Green Switch Academy cohort. Follow all our social media handles @ploggingnigeria to get first-hand information on when the registration begins.

Also, take some time to drop a comment down below if you have successfully graduated from one of the cohorts. We would like to hear from you and celebrate with you!

For new participants, we wish you all the best!