The Green Chemistry: Green Earth project, hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences at METU and led by Chemist Sevil Erkut from the METU Central Laboratory, concluded on Friday, September 6, with the presentation of certificates to the participants. METU President Prof. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil awarded the participants their certificates.
The project, supported as part of the TÜBİTAK 4004 Nature Education and Science Schools 20023 call, included 25 seventh-grade students selected from secondary schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education and located in Çankaya, Ankara. Over the course of five days, between September 2-6, participants took part in a variety of activities and finally received their certificates of participation from METU President Prof. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil on the last day of the project.
In his speech, Prof. Yozgatlıgil said the following:
Today, we have gathered here to present the certificates for the ‘Green Chemistry: Green Earth’ project, which is supported by TÜBİTAK and conducted on behalf of METU. In this project, inspired by the Green Chemistry concept, significant emphasis has been given to raising environmental awareness, as well as fostering sensitivity and a sense of responsibility towards environmental issues.
Our goal is to first cultivate environmental awareness within our campus and then spread it to broader audiences. In addition to making the METU campus a green, eco-friendly, and animal-friendly campus, significant efforts are also being made to reduce emission levels on campus. While aiming to achieve zero emissions with the initiatives we have undertaken, we plan to implement effective and eco-friendly solutions for all our stakeholders, as well as those living on campus and visitors to our campus.
The students who will receive their certificates today have participated in experimental and observational activities within this project, focusing on topics such as the applicability of the green chemistry philosophy in daily life, waste management, and sustainable living practices. They have successfully completed a series of activities, including AR applications, use of digital content, fieldwork tasks, as well as other activities such as game, design, and drama.
I would like you to know that we are always ready for further collaboration and support for a green future, a sustainable environment, and a sustainable campus. And I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this important project.
As the program concluded, Prof. Yozgatlıgil presented certificates of appreciation to those who organized and supported the project.
