Ecological Sensibilities: Need of the hour !

mishmi nandi 29-May-2016 Image Source

When we throw trash, our wastes away, how far do those go? There’s actually no ‘away’. All remain on our planet unless, of course, we load space shuttles to dump them into the space or into some far away planets. The first will lead to even more dangerous situation while the other is still a far-fetched one. So our best bet is to find suitable alternatives to all non-bio-degradable wastes to keep our planet sustainable and do our best to stop rapid adverse effect caused by them.

Today, in our daily life, we’re accustomed to using many indispensable plastic items for which we haven’t yet found any viable alternatives, like a tooth brush, toothpaste tube, razor, primary food packaging, various cosmetic products, mobile phones, electronic- items. All of these add to the growing pile of non-biodegradable waste that we generate as active, urban residents.

Apart from scores of other reasons causing ecological crises, the above is causing widespread phenomenon of unintended environmental consequences. We must act sensibly and act fast to make our everyday living eco-friendly so as to contribute toward making the planet earth sustainable.

The following are some simple habit-changing actions which will go a long way toward this objective.

1. Carry reusable bags in handbag/car:

Using them diligently to avoid taking plastic bags from retail stores. This will save a minimum of 300 to 500 plastic bags per year choking the planet. Imagine what would be the figure over a ten-year period from a single individual! Urging the store keepers to switch from plastic bag to biodegradable alternatives will also go a long way to bring about a change.

Image Source

2. Use and carry reusable ( ideally steel) water bottles in your bag/car

besides the huge volume of waste plastic choking our land, bottled water is a big drain to our pocket as well.

3. Walk, make the world an open Gym

Do away with the habit of taking out the car even for the nearest shopping mall/market. Instead, walk. It really saves time, at least the time and stress to find a parking lot and, in absence of it, the worry if the car is safe. Health and stamina will improve, fuel bills will reduce, making you happier and healthier.

Image Source

4. Donâ€™t use plastic bags for kitchen waste

Most of us urban residents dump kitchen waste like vegetable and fruit skins in a plastic bag and tie the bag up. After collection the bags are transported to the landfill. Biodegradable wastes remain trapped in non-biodegradable plastic bags! Wherever possible we can use compost bins to convert the kitchen waste into rich compost. Thatâ€™s actually the best way to do away with not only plastic, but also the fuel for transportation and finally choking at the landfills.

Image Source

5. Extend the life of gadgets and electronics

Resist the urge to replace mobile phones, computers, cars, appliances etc. Although, in this age of consumerism this has become more than a fashion. The benefits are only incremental, sometimes illusory. Why not repair and use unless itâ€™s beyond economical repair. It certainly takes care of the wallet but contributes to create a more sustainable world.

Image Source

6. Gift Green

Make gift cards from recycled materials. Ditch synthetic wrappers and use paper ones or colorful cloth. Show creativity, the joy of which is sure to add value to it and make the recipient even happier.

Image Source

7. Give generously and graciously

Make sure not to waste food and in case of unused remains arrange for distribution to the needy ones in the vicinity. Similarly, clothing, gadgets and other used items can be given to charitable organizations, under privileged folks. Conversely, be open to receiving from family and friends.

8. Finally, spreading the word

Will surely spread the eco-philosophy and the importance of eco-friendliness. Conviction will lead the confidence to make conscious effort to bring about a change in the face of an impending and imminent disaster.