[STORY] We can’t bring the old one back… but maybe we can plant another

Two weeks ago, I decided I was tired of just talking about climate change—I wanted to actually live a sustainable lifestyle.

No more plastic cups, no more leaving the lights on unnecessarily, no more pretending like global warming was somebody else’s problem.

So I started vlogging my journey on YouTube and TikTok—“Living Green with Me”—to inspire Gen Z folks like me to adopt eco-friendly habits, reusable products, and maybe even switch to renewable energy at home.

Honestly? I expected maybe 20 views.

But life had a different plan.

I set up my tripod in front of the only tree left in our backyard—an old mango tree that had been there before I was born.

Its branches curved like tired arms, leaves whispering in the early morning wind.

Me (to the camera):

“Day 1 of my zero waste lifestyle challenge. First rule—no plastic. Second—save energy. Third—plant three new trees today.”

My little sister, Zara, walked in wearing my hoodie.

Zara: “Is this camera live? Should I pretend to care about recycling?”

Me: “Just stand there and look supportive.”

She rolled her eyes but stayed anyway.

By Day 5, my channel unexpectedly hit 10,000 views.

I filmed myself installing solar panels, switching to renewable energy solutions, and building DIY rainwater harvesting barrels.

Mom watched me struggle with a solar inverter and said,

Mom: “If NEPA sees this, they’ll come and hire you.”

Me: “If they pay in jollof and stable electricity, I’m in.”

Every video included real keywords like “how to live sustainably,” “best eco-friendly home tips,” “solar energy for beginners,” and “green lifestyle hacks.”

People started commenting things like:

“Bro, this is the most peaceful sustainability vlog I’ve seen.”

“I convinced my parents to start composting because of you.”

I felt…proud.

Then one Friday morning, I woke up to the sound of chainsaws.

Workers in yellow helmets stood around our mango tree.

Me (running outside): “Excuse me! What are you doing?!”

Contractor: “Government order. They’re building a road extension.”

Me: “This is private property!”

Man in suit (calmly): “Environmental impact has been assessed. Compensation will be provided.”

I stood frozen. Zara grabbed my arm.

Zara (whispering): “Do something.”

I grabbed my camera and went live.

Me (to my viewers): “They’re cutting our only tree. The one I planted memories under. The one that gives us shade, oxygen, birds in the morning…”

Comments started flooding in:

“Protect the tree!”

“Call the Environmental Protection Agency!”

“Tag climate activists!”

I stood in front of it, arms spread.

Me: “If you want to destroy it, you’ll have to move me too.”

But they did.

Two men gently but firmly pulled me away. I felt useless.

And then it happened—

Chainsaw. Cracking bark. A loud, painful thud.

My mom cried quietly. Zara ran inside.

I just stood there. Not blinking.

The video got 1.5 million views in 24 hours.

Hashtags like #SaveTheMangoTree #ClimateJustice #EcoActivism started trending.

News outlets wrote: “Teen Eco-Blogger Watches Childhood Tree Fall to Urbanization.”

People sent support. Donations.

Even a solar company reached out for a sponsorship.

But I didn’t feel like a hero.

I felt like I failed the earth I was trying to save.

Last night, Zara came to me holding a tiny mango seedling in a pot.

Zara: “We can’t bring the old one back… but maybe we can plant another?”

I looked at the seedling. Small. Fragile. Hopeful.

Me (softly): “Yeah. Let’s try again.”

Because sustainability isn’t about perfection.

It’s about not giving up—even when the tree falls.