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Maja describes herself as "just an average student trying her best", but this teen's creative proposals on how to make island life better for everyone are far from "average."
Maja came to Jersey when she was very small, but has lived here all her life, while still balancing her Polish heritage.
When she's not studying for her GCSEs, eco-minded Maja can be found indulging in her love of reading, walking her pup Milo (pictured top)... and is this week honing her journalism skills and exercising her flair for writing on Trident work experience with Express.
She explained that, to those who don't know her, she may seem "quiet and indifferent", but, inside her head, there's a world full of bright ideas.
She shared five of them...
As you all may know, Jersey's beaches are only open to dogs during the winter months and in the summer, before 10:00 and after 18:00. Of course, this is very much adequate, but it’s difficult to get to the windy, wet beach when the tide is still low.
Pictured: We need a place where dogs can run free!
In addition, all parks in Jersey forbid off-leash dogs, so there are only some area where dogs can have a true run around. I believe either parks should allow off-leash dogs or Jersey should get their barking act together and decide on a few spots where dog parks can be built.
These parks would be surrounded by a tall secure fence to make sure our pooches couldn't get hurt, the parks would have lots of bins and benches for the owners. Paths for accessibility but also lots of grass, trees, bushes and nature!
Taking inspiration from countries with high rates of recycling like Japan and Austria, I believe Jersey should step up their game in the recycling world.
Recycling bins should be put in and around Jerseys most populous areas, it should also give out a set of recycling bins (compost bins too) to each household and instructions on how to recycle correctly.
Pictured: Recycling is just one more step closer to carbon neutrality.
At first, this will be quite costly, but, like with most things eco, the money will soon give itself back. We should be taking these steps towards carbon neutrality as fast as possible, as we all know that climate change is actually a real thing which doesn’t just affect ‘some country far away’ but us personally.
Garbage would be collected twice a month, similar to how it is now. Shop exchanges should be a thing again, as in the past glass bottles could be exchanged for refilled ones. Let's try to eliminate plastics from the island forever and set a good example to the rest of the world.
Taking advantage of one of the largest tides in the world, Jersey should take a look at using all that tidal power and convert it into green electricity. At the beginning, it might be a bit expensive, however, the investment will give back and even lower the prices of electricity.
Pictured: Let's make the most of our location.
This would also give Jersey a chance to become more independent by not having to rely on French nuclear power. The tidal power would be put in a place where marine life is scarce, and wouldn't affect the 'look of the landscape' or the ecosystem.
Ever think it’s ironic that we, islanders, are surrounded by the sea but still pay for water trapped in a plastic bottle?
A more sustainable option should be made available to the public. Water dispensers should be put around the island where anyone can fill their bottle up and take a drink. This would firstly lower the amount of plastic water bottles, and secondly keep islanders hydrated and healthy. We shouldn't worry about something so trivial and essential to life.
Pictured: Keeping hydrated is not only important for our physical health, but our mental health too.
Water dispensers would also reduce the need of buying large water bottles from shops, people could have their own big bottles which could be delivered for a small fee just like milk used to. After they were finished with the water, they could put their bottles outside and they would be taken away, refilled and give back. Jersey Water, take notes!
We get it - paying minimum wage clearly isn’t help you get from one harbour to another. I think we should start looking for a more reliable ferry service, which can take islanders on holiday without the fear of cancelation or breakdown. Many of us have felt frustrated when we were just about to go on a great holiday but Condor just cancelled the crossing because of an issue.
I also don’t understand the need for the 'horizon lounge' or 'club class' - all you are doing is paying an extra £10 or £30 for a special seat and a glass of champagne on your hour-long ride. What’s the point of all of this luxury? If you want luxury, get a private jet - it’s not that hard!
Pictured: Maja says she wants a service she feels she can rely on.
Also, why does an adult with a car (two-way) cost you over £200? It really shouldn’t cost so much knowing that many people in Jersey have never been anywhere on holiday. I believe crossings should cost less - for many people the ferry is just a small part of their journey either across Europe or the UK.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author, and not Bailiwick Express.
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