Dr Mayur J Kapadia, former Additional General Manager, GNFC Ltd, Bharuch
Our Beloved Earth, the Ever-Generous Earth, the Mother Earth has given us everything that we have needed for our lives and our goals. Is it not our duty to repay her compassion as much as we can? The Earth Day renders us an opportunity to express our appreciation for nature through our words and deeds. If we give a thought towards the deeds which we can jointly perform to preserve our Earth, here are points that we should ponder and practice upon.
There are about 2 million single-use plastic bags across the globe every minute causing enormous plastic pollution. We must attempt to eliminate the single-use plastics by carrying our own water bottle, metal cutlery, and straws when eating outside, our own reusable bag while purchasing items or consuming biodegradable plastic items. Another thing to save the Earth is saving energy by unplugging unused appliances, use energy-efficient light bulbs, air-drying clothes, etc. The most important commodity is Water. The ever-increasing water consumption by mankind is evident today. Let us stop wasting it for future generations. Small steps like avoiding a running water tap, using broom & and mop for cleaning homes instead of a water hose, sponging the car for cleaning instead of water jet, use of drip irrigation or self-watering systems for houseplants, and many more such ideas will greatly reduce water consumption. Tree plantation is an effective way to preserve the Earth from soil erosion. Let us start planting trees today so that the benefits can accrue after 15-20 years, when the trees grow to their full potential. The present trend of consumerism, prevailing in the youth and elderly people, prompts people to throw away the old items and buy new ones. Let us understand that such impulsive shopping has been producing lots of packaging wastes – the main contributor to carbon emission. To save earth, we need to go back to the old tradition. We can get the old items repaired, reuse gift wrappers for decorations and jars for storing food and much more. Creation of ‘best from waste’ is a wonderful idea for averting unnecessary dumping on the Earth. All these habits will not only reduce wastes and thereby save earth, but also save money.
Change in lifestyle and behaviour is a long journey. But it will benefit not only us, but our future generations as well. Following these ways seem easy, however, difficult to maintain and practice. Let us be fully committed towards saving our Earth with such small steps and demonstrate our commitment to the world through social media to bring change in their life styles. Thoughtful and wise acts, if performed jointly with families and society, will definitely make a GREAT IMPACT.