ECO FRIENDLY PRACTICES
ECO FRIENDLY PRACTICES
India is a shining example of a culture that has over centuries developed optimal eco-friendly practices for everyday life. The sustainable eco-friendly practices of living have been in our country and culture since primitive era. The use of earthen pots, using cow dung as fuel, using disposable banana leaves as plates, the use of Sal Leaf plates (patall), Clay cups (kulhar) for drinks and beverages, Newspaper cones, Jute bags, Steel straws and bamboo toothbrushes, hand fans made of leaves, using Khus blinds instead of air conditioning, Using steel containers for storage, riding bicycles to travel shorter distances and creating fertilizers organically are some common examples that we all have seen in almost all houses. A lifestyle that attempted to reduce an individual’s and society’s use of earth’s natural resources and personal resources was an involuntary action in the past. There are various traditional eco-friendly solutions unique to India that all conscious individuals and businesses can use for creative inspiration. These eco- friendly practices can be listed as these categories namely energy saving, water saving, reduced use of single-use plastic, sustainable food systems, waste reduction, adopting healthy lifestyle and e-waste handling. We can call them collectively as Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle. However, with the rising economic complexities, people got so occupied in creating a better living for themselves that in this journey, they somehow abandoned the concept of an ‘eco-friendly living’. Directing complete responsibility of preserving the environment was left to local and national bodies of the country. And till date we have been limiting this super critical survival obligation in the hands of the Government alone. it is an undeniable reality that the weakest link for a sustainable development and eco-friendly living has resulted due to poor Implementation of policies and lack of enforcement by higher bodies. But if every citizen wakes up and starts practicing an eco-friendly sustainable lifestyle, we may be able to make a decent step ahead to save our future generation. Some of the daily lifestyle eco-friendly practices that can be adopted can be like decreasing the use of tissue paper by traditionally using handkerchief instead of tissues. Switching from non-biodegradable plastic toothbrushes to Biodegradable toothbrushes ,Conserving water must be inculcated as a habit, carrying your own bag and bottle whenever you step outside, avoiding the habit of buying plastic bottles, replacing meat with a plant-based alternative, ladies can switch to menstrual cup, minimize use of commercial cosmetics and cleaning products, consuming local seasonal products, donating old clothes or items instead of throwing them away, consuming organic and natural products . Walking and cycling to commute, using jute/cloth shopping bags, using public transport, Switching off light/fans in unoccupied rooms. These are extremely easy ways that can be immediately put in use by all of us. We very well are aware of these methods; however, implementing such changes is still a far-fetched goal. It is time that we get united as fellow citizens by recognising the importance of building a better eco-sustainable future not for us but for our kids and coming generation who may suffer by our inactions. Spread awareness, encourage more participation and be the change you want to see in the world.
Vijeta lal
department of Economics
