World Environment Day — Why do I Care

Because “change” always starts with “me”!! If “We” take a pledge to do our part, and act as multiplier by adopting “Each One Teach One” philosophy, am sure we can be a force multiplier to this effect.

We are witness to rapid degradation of our environment in last few decades owing to rapid industrialization, mass urbanization, changing food and living habits of human being. They say “Nature has enough for everyone’s need but not for everyone’s greed”. Unfortunately in the mad rush for worldly comforts, urban living, and corporates driven by profits quarter after quarter, have led to this alarming situation of climate change.

The basic elements for human existence like air, water and land are being polluted at an alarming pace. Water and land is getting scarce by the day. This destruction, if not managed fast enough, and left unchecked, can create existential threat to life on this planet. Just to put things in perspective, every year millions of people die due to polluted air and water, which is multifold of deaths caused by any other single cause. Environmental damage is permanent and ongoing, while pandemics and diseases will come and go.

But all is not dark and gloomy. We still have hope. There is lot of effort to stabilize and reverse the damage done by countries and governments all over the world. Awareness towards deteriorating environment and its effect on human race is growing and there is a sense of purpose and urgency to fix the issue.

Some of the major global initiatives which will help this cause are:

• The Paris Agreement of 2016, aims to stabilize and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases, stop the increase in temperature, and promote sustainable development.
• ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) is now an accepted standard with most businesses.

Some of the mega initiatives in this direction have already grown big and have started showing results.

• Focus on 3 R — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — Societies are being made aware of reducing consumption, avoiding use of non-degradable and harmful material, try to reuse thing as much as possible and to recycle things rather than throwing it away. This can go a long way in reducing waste generation, waste going to landfills and also prolong the life of things we need.
• Renewable energy — Solar, Wind, tide — We have seen more and more societies and govt.’s promoting use of renewable energy, and investment in these areas is growing each year
• Electric Vehicles — There is a global push towards replacing conventional vehicles with rechargeable battery powered electric vehicles, and hope is that by 2030 a major chunk of new production of vehicles would be electric.
• Afforestation — Many countries are taking afforestation at mass scale, and also considering this while planning any new turnkey projects.

Technology, if used wisely can enable and help humans in this endeavor. There are some great examples of how technological break-throughs have helped make a huge difference to preserve and conserve nature. Technology has made energy production efficient, agriculture more productive with energy efficient methods and tools, provided efficient solution for water recycling, and helped industries with recycling and minimizing wastes etc.

While the Govt. and business are doing their part, each one of us too can support this cause and make a difference

• Consume responsibly — select more and more recyclable products (avoid single use plastic), reduce waste (support your need and not greed) and recyle as much as possible.
• Start composting at home. Reduce / avoid sending waste to landfills
• Use energy efficient gadgets like LED bulbs, star rated appliances. Switch off things when not in use.
• Conserve water. Avoid Waste. No leaking taps and faucet. No Running taps. Use RO waste water for cleaning and washing.
• Avoid bike/car for short trips — Go Walking, use cycles. This not only save fuel, avoid pollution but also help us to stay fit.
• Plant trees, encourage others to do same. Create communities for tree plantation and cleanliness drives.
• Adopt and promote shared transport. Use car pooling, take public transport wherever possible.
• Each one teach one: Spread awareness — Educate children and our staff / helps on all of the above
• Don’t litter on roads or pollute water bodies
• List goes on….

You might be wondering, why I am telling these small things which probably everyone knows. This is akin to knowing that junk food is bad for health still we have fast food chains growing at breakneck speed due to growing unhealthy consumption. Knowing the fact that it so crucial to do these small things for a sustainable planet, Idea is to move from knowing to doing. Educate and motivate others to do the same.

I am doing my bit. Are you? Lets all be responsible and take a pledge to treat nature and our planet with utmost care. Lets leave a legacy for our future generations.