‘One’ can make a difference

Parambir Kaur

THE worsening condition of environment, the fast depleting natural resources and ongoing talks about these gets overwhelming sometimes. And come to think of it, the greatest threat to it is from humanity itself — the most intelligent of all beings! So many suggestions are floated to improve it, or at least check its further deterioration. Of course, it’s a massive project and needs collective efforts on the part of governments and the people. 

Reflecting over these issues, unfailingly makes me sad. One day, I was in the thick of such deliberations when a thought crossed my mind: ‘Each drops counts. Don’t expect only others to take restorative measures; just what are you doing to remedy and protect the environment?’ That did it! Before I knew it, I was making an assessment of my own little endeavours to save this planet. 

I was happy to note that we had not burnt a single cracker on any occasion for the past many decades. I had sensitised my children about it while they were still very young. I invariably bury the organic waste of the house in our garden which also helps the plants thrive. I refuse polythene bags; carrying my own cloth bag to the market and the grocery. 

Conservative use of water is another of my priorities. I use it judiciously and reuse it whenever possible. I have made the maid conscious about it. Gardening is my passion and there are many plants, shrubs and tree-like bushes in our house which are a haven for birds. The winged visitors feel quite at home, having the facility of water and grains on a daily basis. 

I am aware about saving paper and thus conserving trees. I even store handbills that accompany newspapers in a separate paper bag to recycle them. I believe in the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ maxim. Donella Meadows, a pioneering US environmental writer and author of Limits to Growth, has said, ‘Scientists worldwide agree that the reduction needed to stabilise the climate is actually more like 80 per cent.’

Electricity saved is electricity generated, so I make sure to never waste it. I do not use air-conditioners and have switched over to the eco-friendly LED lights. India is the fourth largest emitter of greenhouse gases,  mainly on account of being an agricultural state. Being a vegetarian, I am contributing to the reduction in the production of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

Instead of using a vehicle, I try to walk to nearby places to run errands and do my bit to keep the air clean. I do not litter my surroundings in any way. 

This exercise boosted my confidence, but I reckon that there is a lot of scope for improvement yet!