One day, I was horsing around on the internet and I got caught watching The Story of Bottled Water. My counterpart told me that if I wanted, I could make a presentation to the library staff about my work back home, or my environmental expertise. “We are librarians,” she said, “we like to learn new things.” With that, a bunch of pieces of my puzzled endeavors starting fitting together, one after another.
I decided that I would combine the message against the ludicrous idea of bottled water with the noble movement against disposable plastic bags in order to create a full on campaign against plastic pollution. I utilized stuff from presentations back home and things I'd learned in my hippie days. I chose two of my favorite internet videos and painstakingly began translating their text in order to embed Bulgarian subtitles. When I was nearly complete, I wrote to the producers and asked their permission to use their videos for my project. They were both supportive of what I was doing, but one of them said, by the way, we already have Bulgarian subtitles for the video! Wish I had asked earlier...
As the presentation developed, I started seeing how much the community needed to be aware of these ideas. Water from the tap is fine to drink here, but everyone is afraid of it. Plastic bags are liberally given out at every store – even when you insist on not wanting any. So, it made tons of sense to form a campaign against these products, the biggest contributors to plastic pollution in the world's oceans.
My first presentation was to the library staff. They heard me loud and clear, but I wasn't impressed until I realized the impact I had made. I was told they felt guilty for buying bottled water and taking plastic bags from the store instead of using cotton ones that they had at home. I wasn't shooting for a guilt trip, but I certainly appreciated the motivation to be environmentally responsible. The director liked my presentation so much that she organized a 2nd grade class to come view it.
Their teacher asked if I could try to be engaging somehow. Ha! She's obviously never heard of my legend. She also asked if the kids could do some kind of arts and crafts with plastic bags. I told her absolutely not, and reiterated my message of NOT using plastic bags or water bottles!
I prepped and prepped for the presentation, as it was to be in Bulgarian and had to be on the level of 2nd graders this time – not my librarian colleagues with their mandatory master's degrees.
Despite my best efforts, as the kids sat down, they started pulling out plastic bags from their backpacks as their teacher had instructed. There were literally hundreds of them. And I was sooo pissed off!
I tried not to let it get to me as I got into presentation mode. And then I began. It was awesome! I held their attention for an hour and a half!
A big group of 7 and 8 year olds – listening to me – for 1.5 hours!!!
They loved it, and so did I!I was so happy with myself that I asked my counterpart to find me more kids. I ended up giving several more presentations in the library and even making guest appearances in some schools! It was a lot of fun and I really think I inspired some people!
Below is what I've submitted for my accomplishments during my service this time around:- Established an outline for environmental programs to be hosted by the library, including topics on climate change, alternative energy, environmental stewardship, pollution and recycling, and leading by example with green practices. Communicated with national and international NGOs who offered to be guest lecturers at the library to present on these topics to the community.
- Created a PowerPoint presentation about the environmental burdens of plastic pollution and importance of alternatives to disposable plastic bags and water bottles. He presented it to six different groups, reaching 150 people, ranging from second grade classes to adults. Speaking to his mastery of integration, three of the presentations were in Bulgarian, and three were in English. The presentation contained photos and facts that inspired discussion and learning. It also contained two short internet films that required team-building collaboration with library colleagues to translate. With permission from the films' producers, the films were uploaded to the library's website. His superior teamwork abilities were again demonstrated by creating an informational brochure, with colleagues, which contained the most important takeaway messages from the presentation. He then instructed his Bulgarian counterpart on how to give the presentation so as to continue the message of environmental stewardship and responsible practices.
- Procured a donation of water filters from BRITA, which are to be used as demonstrations in future presentations and as rewards for volunteers who help with the library's environmental actions.
- Developed a plan to increase the energy efficiency of the library by utilizing alternative energies, improving insulation, installing proper ventilation, altering work practices, and implementing a recycling program.
- Collaborated with the Head of the Energy Efficiency Department in the Silistra Municipality to solidify plans and details for installing solar panels on the library to produce energy and generate revenue for the use of an eco-heat pump. Also worked together to determine the most energy efficient way of delivering that heat to the various rooms of the library.
- Applied for award recognition from the European Union in an energy efficiency competition for accomplishments and future plans of the library.
- Organized participation by 50 students from three local schools in an international essay contest, and proctored the competition for four different groups.
- Demonstrated cultural delicacy, supreme diplomacy, and an affinity for diversity by actively participating in 12 official and unofficial, local and national cultural events.
3 comments:
great job!
Your the coolest cat Bulgaria's ever had the privilege to know... SUPER DUPER JOB Andrew =]!
So proud of you <3
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