Encounter with a Sustainable City
I saw a dream, where I was wandering through a city changed due to the power of sustainability.
The air was free from pollution and it makes me breath freely. I heard the sound of bicycles and
the soft rustling of trees instead of roar of traffic. Perhaps this dream felt more real than anything
else, because it was rooted in our present possibilities
In the middle of this green city, I went to a community garden where neighbors gathered. They
were not only planting but sharing stories and eco-tips. They spoke of their successes: there was
a family who had reduced their plastic waste by switching to reusable containers and bags.
Another café in this city, composted all its organic waste and a school in this city had integrated
sustainable practices into its curriculum, teaching children the importance of protecting this
planet. There was a young woman named Maya started to share her story. She had turned her
small apartment into a house of sustainability. She had installed energy-efficient lighting, planted
herbs on her windowsill, and used a balcony compost bin for her kitchen scraps. She had even
started a blog to share her journey. It drives more people in the society to go for sustainability.
Her efforts not only reduced her carbon footprint but also helped her neighbors to make small,
impactful changes in their own lives. Another neighbor described how they harvested rainwater
for their garden and household use, while a local bakery proudly displayed their switch to
biodegradable packaging and support for zero-waste initiatives.
While walking through this dream city, I understood that the main idea of the existence of people
is in togetherness and knowledge. It is about acknowledging the little achievements and sharing
knowledge. I woke up with a new spirit and wanted to apply all those things that I saw in the
dream into my real life. We can all be like Maya, changing little things that collectively create a
big difference. It is the small things such as beginning a compost bin, using a bicycle instead of a
car for a short trip, or buying from local stores that are environmentally friendly. Let’s make the
world a better place together and bring the visions of the sustainable future to life. Be the change,
you want.
Name – K.H. Kaveesha Thathsarani
Faculty – Faculty of Management Studies
Department – Department of Tourism Management
Year – 3 rd Year
Contact – khkthathsarani@std.mgt.sab.ac.lk or 0784176796 (Whatsapp