“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder
June 5th is recognized worldwide as World Environment Day. Theoretically, it is intended to be a platform for encouraging action to protect the environment. This has assumed a deeper meaning in this world affected by climatic alterations – this is an urge to all to take a step back and think about the environment. This day was established by the United Nations in 1972 and is a reminder of our intrinsic connection with nature.
Rekindling the love for nature
The first step for rekindling our love for nature is to recognize that we are inseparable from it. Can we ever imagine life without trees, rivers, birds, butterflies and more? The deep love for nature manifests in the effort to conserve it…
“Where the bluebirds call,
And the sunbeams fall,
And the daisies lure,
The soul to be pure.
- Alexander Posey
Our Role
It might sound clichéd, but there are small steps that we can take in our everyday lives that can help alleviate some of the pain of mother nature. Though we may already know some of the principles, it is time that we remember them, act on them, and do our own bit to preserve our environment.
My loved ones and I follow a few simple rules in our everyday lives. Read along to see if you find them useful.
Planting as many seeds as possible
We make it a point to store the seeds from the fruits and vegetables we eat and plant them. The smaller seeds, such as tomatoes, potato tubers, bell peppers, and capsicum can be planted easily in pots in the terraces or kitchen gardens. We also preserve the tree seeds, such as mango, so that they can be planted in society.
In our and the neighbouring societies, regular tree planting events are held so that one person can plant a tree and take the responsibility of nurturing it. It is a very small step to build a cleaner and greener world for our future generations.
Saving water in our day-to-day lives
There are several ways in which we can conserve water in our day-to-day lives. We follow these:
- Using the recycled water from ROs for watering plants
- Using recycled water to use in washing machines
- Keeping the tap closed during brushing
- Lesser usage of showers and flushes
There can be several other innovative ways to save water and save the Earth.
“No” to plastic in any form
Plastic has become a menace for the environment in several ways. Plastics negatively impact the environment, wildlife, and human health. Plastic pollutants accumulate in the ecosystems – landfills, oceans, rivers – posing a threat to wild and ocean flora and fauna.
We have stopped asking for non-biodegradable carry bags in supermarkets and stores, but carry our own reusable bags for carrying back groceries, clothes, etc. A small effort on our part can help reduce the plastic footprint across the globe. The butter paper rolls have replaced the plastic films for wrapping food items in the kitchen. We have kept reusable coffee mugs in the office and stopped using paper/plastic cups.
Switching off electrical items when not in use
We make a conscious effort to reduce the usage of ACs and switch them off when not necessary. The same goes without saying for TV, fan, light, etc. This can be a basic step to follow, like pasting a post it on the switchboard reminding everyone, “Please switch this off before you leave”.
Be an advocate
Last, but not the least, we need to be an advocate and promote conservation efforts around us. Repeat, reuse, and recycle should be our motto!
By Manjusha Dutta
Manjusha Dutta is a Senior Manager with a Software Insurance organization. A movie buff and an amateur dancer, she rocks in the videos that she creates for her YouTube channel. She can be reached at manjushadutta@gmail.com.
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