Argentinian Teacher Forms Conservation Group

Ten years ago, Carmen Salva noticed trash and litter had begun to clutter her beautiful Argentinian hometown. Plastic bottles and bags, recyclable goods, and other waste had become commonplace near the school where she taught, in the parks, and in the mountains surrounding the village. And ten years ago, she decided to do something about it.

Salva founded Esperanza de Vida (Hope for Life), a group of students and adults designed to promote environmental awareness and get rid of all that litter. Every Saturday the group of about 150 people hike up into the mountains and bring back 60 bags of trash to recycle.

This beautiful area of Argentina – the Jujuy province – is known for its gorgeous vistas and mountainsides, but not for environmental consciousness. Salva says there has been little education about conservation and how to care for the land. That’s what she hopes to accomplish by teaching the children in the area to respect the land while they’re young.

“It’s a great joy to know that I am preparing a new generation to respect the environment,” says Salva. “Their children’s children will have another mentality, and [our] goal will be accomplished.”

Her goal is an important one and it seems to be catching on. Other schools, and even some animals, have joined the effort. (Llamas accompany the groups into the mountains to haul the trash down on their backs.) Students enjoy the trips so much they’re often waiting by Salva’s door early on Saturday morning, ready to help.

“I believe that change begins with the youth,” says Salva. “They will teach future generations how to care for nature and everything that surrounds us.”

That’s certainly the truth. We should be teaching our children the same values here at home. When you take your family camping, teach your kids the principles of Leave No Trace. When you see a piece of litter, teach them to pick it up. It’s our responsibility as stewards of this planet. Just ask Carmen Salva.