Write to Win: If you could start a trend in 2024, what would it be and why? (Round 5)

It comes as no surprise that we are in a serious climate crisis, yet not many are taking action. This trend aims to encourage individuals and communities to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their daily lives. It is important to address the urgent need for global action and the significance of environmental degradation.

Popularising sustainable living can raise awareness about the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, conserving resources, and protecting the planet for future generations. Ultimately, the collective impact of individual efforts can contribute to a more sustainable planet.

Marigold: The end of the year brings a great sense of festivity, from sending letters to wrapping presents and baking sweets. Carols are once again dusted off and replayed, bearing a siren-like magnetism. Streets are lined with rich bulbs: red, green, and gold. Even the air glows thickly, with overbundled crowds spilling warmth. This season of celebration unwraps a particular kindness largely buried in the months prior; however, such compassion does not need to – and should not – exist in December alone.

As such, if I could start a trend in 2024, I would start a movement of year-round kindness, where intentional acts of service are performed every week, where sharing meals and sending letters are standard, and where the spirit of giving – whether that be time, effort or thoughtfulness – saturates all twelve months of the year. After all, life has abundant opportunities to give, encourage, and smile.

Jasmine: I would start a trend of identifying emotions concerning a song, character or quote. Enlivened by the coming of a new year, let’s unravel societal taboos tangled around mental health and navigate our emotions with candid self-validation.

To promote the trend, you can update your Instagram story, start a journal or talk about it with your friends. Review the day, and choose something that specifically encapsulates how you felt.

Normalising naming emotions prevents us from accumulating negativity and utilises social media’s widespread influence to cultivate an affirming and accepting community with a sense of camaraderie.

For instance, today I feel like “Merry Christmas” by Ed Sheeran and Elton John: “There’s been pain this year but it’s time to let it go/ next year you never know”. Here’s to 2024!

Lily: Embrace positivity. Throughout 2023, there was a concerning rise in suicide cases among teenagers due to various factors, including academic pressure and family issues. Therefore, we must embrace the power of positivity in the upcoming year, enabling us to overcome challenges with strength, perseverance and a positive mindset.

Let’s introduce the hashtag #SpreadPositivity on social media to kick-start this trend. This initiative encourages teenagers to explore and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them while incorporating this hashtag into their posts.

It reminds teenagers that the world is abundant with magnificence and reignites their awareness of the splendour around them. It also fosters a profound sense of gratitude within their souls.

Rose: Recently, the world has witnessed a remarkable shift in the perception of beauty, but people rarely regard kindness and uniqueness as beauty.

People adhere to a single standard of aesthetics as presented through ubiquitous plastic surgery templates and make-up references. It is why “appearance anxiety” arises, but little do they know it weakens their characteristics.

We should pursue aesthetic diversity rather than homogeneity. Aesthetics should not have limitations. It is not about skin colour, body shape or facial features. Beauty comes in all shapes and forms without comparison. The fact that everyone is distinct from others in their own way is what makes each of us unique.

My “aesthetic kaleidoscope” campaign invites everyone to embrace their individuality. People will understand that aesthetics is subjective and respect it more. It will also make the world more harmonious and inclusive.

Lavender: I want to create a trend that encourages people to post their raw pictures on social media to show the world their real selves.

Nowadays, “appearance anxiety” is a prevalent phenomenon as people often compare themselves with attractive celebrities online, which causes them to lose their confidence.

Therefore, an inspiring and positive trend is required to maintain a healthy online environment that brings entertainment and constructive influence to people. This trend encourages people to recognise that appearance is not the definition of beauty; inner beauty is vital.