Environment Sustainability : Wonder, Ponder & Yonder (series 2 of 3)

Ponder. 

There is a lot to think about before we act on the subject of sustainability. While there are governments & countries running campaigns on being sustainable & saving the environment, in a country like India that majorly comprises average income earners, most seem to be living the life of sustainability, almost naturally. 

Not just grandmother's wisdom of reusing & recycling things at home, but a natural survival mode gets on as most people look to minimize usage & maximize utility. Whether it’s the morning newspaper used to wrap and pack things or the elder brother's used clothes & books ritually handed over to the younger ones - you’ll find every home doing its bit to be economical & Eco-friendly (realized or unrealized). From creatively reusing used-packaging boxes to making pots & containers out of used bottles - there is a sustainable story in most homes in India. And yet, there is a lot to think about before we act. 

Despite being ranked at a low 77 in the UN-backed report on sustainability index in 2020, this little paragraph quoted from the UN website (VNR 2020) suggests, India as a nation is actioning sustainability effectively & progressively: 

"India has electrified 100% of its villages, reduced 38 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually through energy-efficient appliances, provided clean cooking fuel to 80 million poor households, and set a target to install 450GW of renewable energy and restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Globally, India stands third in renewable power, fourth in wind power, and fifth in solar power."

Well, then are ‘you ‘ thinking & doing enough to ensure we better the better? 

What’s there for you & me to ponder? 

The truth is, it’s for us to collectively ensure this we fasten this progress and as individuals, groups and organisations, how our little actions are going to contribute to this movement. At QreativeQick, we are looking to do our bit. Whether it’s the creation of bio-degradable products from sustainably harvested wood or reusing resources to their best ability - call it survival or strategy - we believe our actions have repercussions, and hence through our doings, we look to minimize environmental impact & maximize utility along with the life cycle of a product. 

While we are not the only ones with this intent, we are constantly looking out for those who are already on this journey or are looking to take a leap into sustainability. Well, whether one treats it as a trend or otherwise, the truth is, it’s what makes the earth a beautiful place to live, and that’s an endeavor to commit, forever. 

And how do you begin? Well, not all knowledge is Google accessible. Some of it is right around us and all we need to do is become aware and keep our senses open to observing & gathering information about how our actions are impacting the planet: our only home. Of course, we have the potential to get to another planet, but that’s far in terms of our lifespan reality and even if it isn't, it's no reason for us to destroy our very home.

Here’s sharing a few practical tips, rather simple known reminders (we almost always know), that we can practice going beyond keeping sustainability as a word in the books and it all starts with a commitment that comes with understanding our own actions:

• I will choose to walk over using a vehicle for shorter distances. Start with a 1 km radius (takes just 12 mins to get where you want to go) and target at least a 3 km radius. Plan. Commit. 
  
  

• I will carry a reusable bag every time I step out to shop. Despite seeing this message across all stores, we often fail to. Stock 3 varying size bags for self and 3-5 for home. Mark a date on each of those bags & measure how long can you ensure you don’t part with them & also don’t end up piling more. 

  Plan. Commit. 

• I will minimize the usage of heaters & air conditioners and put in an effort to use 1 - 3 degrees more than I am comfortable with. If you like your A/C at 21, work to slowly move it to 24. Did you know: every degree up, saves approximately 6% of power. Just one degree. Do that to your refrigerator too. 

  Plan. Commit. 

• Use the bucket over the shower. Did you know a standard full bucket is 10 litres of water, enough for a one time bath. And a so-called water-efficient shower disperses 9 litres per minute, and we assume you take a quick 5 mins shower everyday, and that’s 45 litres down the pipe! Make the switch. 

  Plan. Commit.  
  

• I will reduce my food wastage. If you are cooking for the family, it’s almost impossible to judge what’s enough on a given day and yet it is possible to create an ‘eating culture’ that ensures zero wastage. The truth is everyone needs to eat sufficiently but not full. And hence the gap between sufficiency & full ensures you cook just enough, every single day. Plan. Commit.

And the list can go on and on. All you have to do is  Plan. Commit. Can you go past your comfort and action the things to ponder?