Earth Club of North South University (NSU) operates with the motto of performing activities for the betterment of the environment, with greater emphasis on making the youth realize the importance of nature while incorporating them into environment-friendly activities.

"Since its formation in 1996, Earth Club's main interest has been to encourage the youth to acquire eco-friendly practices and prohibit any activity that triggers environmental degradation," said Mohammad Adeeb Sharif, President of Earth Club. He also added that “A Tree for Free” (ATFF) is an annual event where 1000 plants are distributed amongst the students, faculty and staff members of NSU to encourage indoor gardening to mitigate and battle the air pollution of Dhaka.

Dhaka being one of the most polluted cities in the world, is in a dire vulnerable state, with air pollution being a major cause of suffering for the people. As there is no near end to the rate of rising concretes so indoor or rooftop gardening is currently accepted as the best possible option to filter out the pollutants from the air. From this thought the idea for the event was born.

This year the event lasted two days, held on December 12-13, 2017. Five hundred plants were distributed each day; teachers and students alike queued up to receive a potted plant that came with an instruction manual stating how to take care of the plant. The type of plant that was distributed requires minimal care and has great beneficial properties in absorbing indoor toxins and pollutants from air.

Nashita Behroz, a second year student of Economics, spoke happily of how she collected a plant from ATFF last year and why she likes to own one ever year. “I have a hectic life with very less time to spend behind nurturing a pet so I prefer this plant. It grows in your room with least attendance, and also because I'm an environment enthusiast who wants to take part in befriending the nature.”

“Activities like ATFF will sure to leave a positive impact in someone's life. I can be as much proud as I can be with my members from the club”, said Nushrat Nazia, faculty advisor of Earth Club, who is in charge of guiding the club in the most righteous way.

At the end we can all agree that a small green act of greatness can be compared with the ripples in an ocean, leading to the formation of big impactful waves. Similarly, through such meaningful activities we hope to see a greater good in the environmental sector. After all, our very existence is intertwined with the presence and preservation of nature.

The event was sponsored by Yamaha and the radio partner for the event was Radio Foorti. SHOUT was the Youth Engagement Partner of ATFF.