My response to the @Indiaunited Contest - Theme: Tips to save the Environment
The most important thing we need to remember is, that there is no Planet B. All that we have in our known space is the only Planet Earth where Life can exist and thrive, so if we do not take care of this home, we will have no home elsewhere in the Universe. It becomes our utmost responsibility to take care of our Mother Earth. I have been working with a couple of sustainability projects with Companies, where we focus on reducing our carbon footprint. There is lots and lots that we can do in this space.
While Companies take initiatives at a bigger scale, as an individual also we can do many things to contribute towards our environment. When we talk about environment saving, the most common things people reflect on is about mindful use of water and electricity. I would want people to look a little in-depth and consider doing many other things that can help save our environment.
Usage of tissue paper - This has always been my concern and I see that with time, the usage of tissue paper is becoming more and more. In kitchen, washrooms, dining area, everywhere we want them for convenience. Some people are getting so used to it that if not there they get restless. Remember in olden days in our Indian kitchens there was no concept of tissue rolls, we used napkins. Why can't we continue with that. I keep some napkins and a sponge in my kitchen for use. Sponge also is not very eco-friendly, but I can use one for some months, so the wastage is less. If one absolutely needs it, then they can go for some eco-friendly tissue rolls, which are made out of bamboo pulp or recycled paper. This reduces the load on the trees. Also carrying napkins while travelling will avoid the use of tissues.
The other tip that I can is minimize the usage of plastic products, especially water bottles. While travelling carry a water bottle from home, so that you do not have to buy mineral water bottles on the way. While going shopping carry your own bag, so that you do not have to take an additional bad from the store, which will be most of the time plastic. Wherever there are options of avoiding plastics, do that.
Use animal cruelty free and nature friendly products as much as possible. There are many cosmetic and fashion products which fall under this category.
The other part which can be a major contributor to saving environment is sustainable transportation. These days it has become kind of a necessity to have a car, which is ok, but then now every member in the family wants to have their own car. Especially here in the Middle East that's the trend. We have only one family car and lot of people get surprised with it. I prefer taking public transport wherever it is possible. Car pooling, walking up wherever possible, using a bicycle or public transport are some ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Also regular maintenance and check of carbon emission is important for the vehicle.
There are many many ways in which we can contribute towards our environment. Our daily use of home items, we should use as much as we can, repair it and use if possible. Especially electronics, they upgrade so fast and we want to keep changing to new models. Do that less. Use your TV, refrigerators, washing machines, mobile phones and all such gadgets as much as you can. Any trash that we discard from our home, should be done responsibly and not just thrown out anywhere. It would be good to keep organic and non-organic waste separate.
There is lots more to do but as an individual these are the simpler things that we can do and contribute. Last but not the least, plant lots of trees in your surroundings to create a better surrounding. Saving our environment is just not about the Trees, but it is about protecting our entire eco-system.
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