Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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Students from the RUDN University Institute of Ecology received several awards at the international "Ecology is Everyone's Business" prize, established by Rosprirodnadzor. Projects by Alexander Lezhenko, Anton Egorov, and Omar Khubiev won the Special Jury Prize. Rosprirodnadzor Director Svetlana Radionova presented the awards to the winners. Omar and Alexander shared details of their projects with us.
Not trash, but art
Omar, a Master's student at the Institute of Ecology, presented his art project "The Second Life of Plastic" to the jury. It clearly demonstrates creative solutions to the problem of plastic pollution. His work demonstrates how waste can be transformed into aesthetic and functional objects, raising public awareness of responsible consumption and recycling.
"The idea for the project arose from a desire to make the problem of plastic pollution more tangible and understandable to a wider audience. We don't simply collect and recycle plastic—we give it new value by transforming it into artistic installations and works of art. Each work tells a story that makes us think about the life cycle of things and our impact on the planet," says Omar Khubiev.
The project includes not only the creation of art objects but also workshops where anyone can learn the basics of sorting and recycling, as well as try their hand at creating works from recycled materials. According to Omar, this interactive approach helps more effectively communicate environmental messages, especially to the younger generation.
Buses and clean air
Alexander Lezhenko prepared a project on the environmental impact of Moscow's ground-based public transport.
"In the capital, the main ground public transport is buses, trams, and electric buses. In my project, I analyzed their environmental impact. Based on the data obtained, diesel-powered buses pollute the most. Buses running on natural gas (methane) are more environmentally friendly. And logically, electric buses produce the least carbon dioxide," says Alexander Lezhenko.
According to Alexander, electric buses reduce air pollution and improve the environmental situation in Moscow, but the disposal of the batteries they use must be taken into account. This poses a far more serious environmental problem. Current electric bus batteries are causing an e-waste crisis. Existing technologies and infrastructure may not be able to handle their recycling. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and develop technologies for battery disposal, recycling, and reuse.
Furthermore, there's the problem of Moscow's low winter temperatures, which means electric buses use diesel fuel to operate their interior heaters. This increases carbon dioxide emissions.
"When considering the environmental impact of public transportation, it's also important to consider that vehicle disposal also impacts the environment. I've personally observed the process of bus disposal and the waste generated. Each vehicle has its own advantages and disadvantages during operation and disposal. The integrated use of different modes of transport optimizes the city's environmental situation," says Alexander Lezhenko.
About the award
The "Ecology is Everyone's Business" award was held for the fifth time. According to Svetlana Radionova, head of Rosprirodnadzor, this year saw a record number of applications—110,000. She also noted that the level of participants' work has improved significantly, and the award's geography has expanded to 95 countries.
Winning the competition grants participants additional points for admission to 150 Russian universities, as well as educational grants and targeted spots. RUDN University has allocated 12 such spots for the winners, including two in the master's program in Ecology and Nature Management.
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