Written by Atharvva Modi, a grade 6 student.

Most neighborhoods have some problems – be it a simple one, like a broken sewage pipe, or a serious one like drugs. Regardless, it exists and needs to be stopped.

For my community, this problem is Garbage.

This problem has been plaguing us for centuries. Garbage is a growing menace across many states in developing countries such as India. There are dozens of problems caused by this – both physical and mental. They consist of various ailments, damage to the environment and even our safety. Diseases such as Malaria and Dengue are on the rise, threatening almost one in four people. Obscure, new diseases are crippling hundreds and the rise of pests is only worsening the situation.

Hundreds of tons of garbage are spread across the oceans, endangering nature herself. Traditional methods of energy such as coal and fuel are limiting our potential, seizing great swathes of the Earth and terraforming them into something from a horror movie. Politicians are promising to pass bills if they win elections merely to sway the masses, and are reluctant to even fund the smallest of organizations.

To solve this problem, we need a Super Hero. He or she must be a willing hard worker, and a genuine person striving for change. They must not be afraid to get their hands dirty and must feel strongly for the cause. They need to spread information, urging people to do their bit and organizing charity events, awareness programs, and various activities.

They must be organized people who truly care about the planet, doing more than what is expected. He or she must be a role model for everyone, a natural leader with an instinct for what is right. They must start a revolution to change the perspective of this generation. That the ultimate goal is not to be rich but to make everyone around you and yourself truly happy. This will naturally lead to generations of people actually trying their best, making radical new changes and inventions that improve the lives of everyone- animals, plants, and humans.

Who is this Super Hero?

This “Super Hero” is none other than the ordinary citizen themselves. We ourselves must work towards this goal, or else it will vanish like a mirage. Like ants, united we can accomplish miraculous things impossible by the individual. This group of people, us citizens must work like a well-oiled machine to rip off the veil of ignorance that blinds us and shadows the truth.

We must pressure politicians for true change, to actually make a difference. No longer must we mind our own business, and believe that our job is not to start the change. Instead of making excuses to do the right thing, we must push not just ourselves but everyone around us. Gone is the time to relax. We must take action, and we must do it now. Then, perhaps, we can finally get rid the Earth of garbage and its multitude of problems.

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