In current times, superhero movies are gaining momentum, because in this time of crisis, humankind is looking for someone to save us, and bring us out of the problems we have put our environment in. But no costume-clad, cape wearing superhuman can save us, and we need to bring us out of the deplorable state we have created for ourselves, says Meera Gandhi, founder of The Giving Back foundation, which aims to alleviate communities that has marginalized women and children.
Each year, the rising temperature shocks us, and breaks records as the hottest year, hottest month, hottest day, just to be topped by the next year.We are using up 40% more resources than we are giving back or generating for the environment. It is important to understand the need to give back. When we receive gifts from the earth in the form of resources and amenities, often we take it for granted, like a never-ending supply of goods that is completely free of cost. We do not realize that the cost of what we are using is the life of our planet, the life of our grandchildren themselves.
The resources of our planet our slowly being used up by humans, with no regard or thought for the continuation of our world, or further generations. Our children and their children will be left in a state worse than ours, with no way out. We need to call ourselves to action, so our children will act to learn that the Earth will only host us for as long as we respect it.
On this World Environment day, we speak to Philanthropist Meera Gandhi, whose main aim is to develop education, and spread positivity and peace, which has garnered the support of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, and Kerry Kennedy to name a few.
The question then arises,
What can we, as mere common citizens, do to affect the environment and its sustainability?
MG – We need to realize, that we as the public have the most power in creating real change to the world. The markets, the businesses, the governments and the environment react to our actions and protests. We can do so much to get the movement going, like the :
The 3Rs- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
What we have learned in our school textbooks is the greatest and most effective tool of all. It seems to be a small suggestion, but done in an organized way, this will create maximum change. Reduce your consumption of things that are harmful to the environment. Reuse items instead of throwing them away. Better yet, do not purchase single-use items. Recycle items to use them in a different form.
Be a Smart Consumer
The best way to affect change as a citizen is to purchase products in an informed and intelligent manner. Read up on what you’re buying, and the possible alternatives to your desired product. Support organisations that manufacture green and environment-healthy products.
#BeatPlasticPollution
Switch to products you use for greener alternatives;
CNG instead of petrol and diesel (or battery run cars!);
Steel and reusable cups instead of plastic;
Shade grown coffee, which means that the beans are grown while keeping forest habitats intact for migratory birds and other species, instead of normal coffee;
Look up creative ways to change your environment to a healthy one.
Grow Your Own Food
A lot of us like to beautify our gardens with exotic flowers, but why not grow plants that we can use to cook, and medicinal herbs we can use for different reasons. Being sustainable paves the way for self sustenance.
Water Saving
Perhaps the easiest, most talked about, and yet the most ignored way of creating a better environment is saving the water we use. Simple things like reusing the water we wash our vegetables in, making sure we don’t have leaks, and using bucket water instead of showering go a long way to create real water saving. Imagine, if all your neighbors and family would do this together, the amount of water we could save! Small steps taken by many people creates maximum impact.
Contribute and Volunteer
Most of us have our weekends free, and some time to give on weekdays as well. There are so many organizations that welcome people who wish to be a part of their movement with open arms. So get on the internet, look for the organization with your favorite cause, the one closest to you and take your friends along. This is a great way to meet new people, and be more aware of the world around us.
Saving the world is just this easy. So, spread the word, make a difference. Together we can make sure that this year will be better than the last, and not just with higher temperature levels!
