I have been working in the area of environment for over 15 years now. Barring a couple of years where I was an activist, most of my career,I have been on the field designing and executing water conservation and solar energy projects.
In the course of the last 15 years, I have met thousands of people and had hundreds of discussions on the environment. I have also attended countless seminars and workshops (Most of them merely talk shows with very little or no real outcomes).
One of my observations over the last decade has been on how people are reacting to issues like climate change or sustainability. Over the years, there has been a remarkably better response or at least a better acknowledgment of the issue of climate change. People have become more proactive and action-driven. Most people really want to do their bit towards a better environment. (Ironically the climate crisis is also increasing exponentially)
One of the riding feedback that I receive from people particularly from the younger folks is; what is that they can do. In other words, how one can contribute towards a better environment. All of them want to be a part of the solution but are not sure how they can achieve it.
The idea of this blog is to come up with the most basic "doable" toolkit for a starter wanting to be a part of a positive change. I have made an attempt to list a few basic and easy things that one can start practicing right away. One can build on the baby steps and take bigger actions as they move in the journey being a part of the solution.
No doubt we can talk big and come with a long list of "to-do" things from installing solar panels, leading a frugal lifestyle, installing RWH units, Using EV, etc. (signing petitions, doing roadshows ?).
But the idea of this post is not to talk big but to help with the first step. I plan to write 2 more blogs on the next steps that an individual can take. (By the way; my personal initiatives towards sustainability are in this post).
So here is a list of few things that one can start at this very moment;
The same argument holds good for plastic bags as well. This action is simple and is very doable with very very least effort. It not only reduces pollution but also helps one improve his or her health.
2. Compost your Organic waste: This is slightly more difficult but one of the greatest ways to combat climate change.
Organic waste (Food and agriculture) is the single largest contributor to methane gas in the world. Locally composting organic waste will significantly reduce the build-up of harmful gases in the earth's atmosphere. Composting also improves soil health and as the popular adage goes "Country's health is directly proportional to Soil Health"
3. Say "NO" to Flower bouquet: Giving and receiving a Flower bouquet wrapped in plastic or paper is a crime on the environment. It just adds up to mixed waste. A flower bouquet has unfortunately become a symbol of love. A better gift or a token of respect would be a flowering plant or a tree sapling. A live growing plant that gives oxygen is any day better than a dead flower. I will not elaborate on the carbon footprint of the flowers and their transportation. One must note that the flowers come over large distances with related energy and carbon footprint.
In my opinion, this change in behavior just does not take any effort at all.
4. Measure your water: Water Carries an enormous carbon footprint. Sourcing, pumping, filtering, and delivering the water is a hugely energy-guzzling process. For political reasons, the true cost of water is never levied on the end-user leaving the latter with no incentive to save. One of the first acts of an environmentally conscious individual or an organization is to put a water meter at his or her house and limit the water usage. Cutting water consumption by 25 % will reduce exponentially more carbon emissions.
One can also install water-saving fixtures and faucets to be more water-wise.
5. Have a plant at home: I have heard the common argument from many people that they do not have space at home for a plant or a tree. While I do understand the space constraints in an urban setting, there are many plants that one can keep inside the home that requires very little or no sunlight.
One can keep plants like areca palm, snake plant, money plant, etc which not only adds oxygen inside the house but also adds to the beauty of the house. Maintaining one plant per person in the house is very doable and practical.
6. A small contribution for the future: I can go on by saying it is better to invest in a forest than an FD or mutual fund. But the idea of this post is something much simpler. We spend a lot of money on may unnecessary stuff. While keeping one's lifestyle intact; One can commit a small part of their earnings for the sake of the environment. Like a yearly contribution of 1% or 0.5% of their earnings to a well-meaning NGO working towards afforestation or water conservation.
7. Walk your way: Walking or cycling to the local store is good for the health and the environment.
8. Avoid packaged food particularly imported food: Packaged food has a huge carbon footprint and is very very unhealthy. In particular, imported chocolates and drinks have a heavy amount of preservatives and an enormous carbon footprint because of the transportation involved.
9. Reduce Consumption: This does not need explanation and strictly does not feature in this basic toolkit. However, one must feel that every time he or she buys something (Most often something that he or she does not need), they are adding harmful carbon into the atmosphere.
I feel the above are very simple and can be adopted into our lifestyle right away.
In the next post, I will dwell on version 2 of the toolkit with things that needs a little effort, little maintenance, and little investment.
Sunil,short and sweet article! These steps are easy to follow for everyone.
ReplyDeleteVery nice
ReplyDelete