Thursday Brief

Today, I am not writing about Corona, as the situation in the country is getting bad  with each passing day.

Friends, you must be hearing terms like global warming, climate changes, carbon footprint etc. While each of this is related to climate and ecological imbalances, they are also pointing to the lifestyles that we have adapted across the generations. In the quest for ease and comforts, we have more machines, more industries, more pollution, deforestation, lot of non recyclable waste, which are compounding problems. In our country, we are bit better as we have yet let go of all our traditional methods, many of which are eco friendly and sustainable. As more than 60% of our population still live in rural area, practices like consumption on need basis, organic farming, home made products, thus protecting nature around is part of life. So here are few tips for people living in cities, to do to acquire and maintain Eco Friendly lifestyle.

Food– Fresh fruits and vegetables are part of every family’s  daily needs. There are two ways in which family can sustain this. One is to grow at least part of fresh vegetables that are needed. Doing terrace or balcony farming with even less space is possible, and if you have more space and yard, then you could consider doing a full vegetable and fruit garden. This is also lead to another eco friendly way of disposing of waste as you may need compost for garden and recycle your wet waste that way. Second option is to find some organic vendors from the local area, who supply such foods. Also used the knowledge of natural food preservation techniques like sun drying, salt and pickled vegetables etc. Grain storage can be done in indigenous, natural ways using Neem leaves and other such natural disinfectants.

Travel– Try not to use your vehicles for short distances and instead learn to  walk or even cycle. This will have added benefit of health and ensure that that pollution is reduced. Wherever possible, try to use public transport rather than using own vehicles.

Electricity– Avoid using ACs to the extent possible and use coolers if that helps. Clothes should be sun dried rather than using dryer and use earthen matkas for storing water during summer. Dishes should be hand washed instead of using dish washer, this helps in saving electricity as well as water, and reducing carbon footprints. Use home made or traditional appliances, when and where possible, especially in the kitchen, say for blending etc. There is also option of using solar power and solar water heaters. The govt also provide subsidies on such schemes as they want to promote eco friendly and sustainable practices.

Water– Water consumption should be of utmost importance in any home. Use water sparsely, making that it is a precious natural resource, that a day might come, when we may not find water any more. Where ever possible, rainwater harvesting should be done. Bathe using buckets instead of showers, and use only such washing machines that use less water. These may be higher in cost but will serve big purpose in the end.

Waste management– Ensure recycling of wet waste to the extent possible by making compost for gardening, or dispose  of it with such vendors who will ensure that it is recycled. Also, recycle old things by providing it to the needy, rather than disposing or throwing them for a meagre amount.

Plant trees– Planting trees and creating awareness about greenery and importance of preserving nature for the generations to follow is very important. It is our duty to leave this world at least, the way we found it, if not better. So plant more trees. We owe it to ourselves and our future generations.

So friends, these are few tips for eco friendly life style. Hope this information will be useful.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

16^th July 2020