Save the planet!
June 5 was World Environment Day and we Mumbaikars are far, far away from any environment consciousness. Global warming is seeing a dramatic change in climate and we urban dwellers have to do our best to save the planet and its natural resources from depletion. There are no trees and green areas in concrete jungles, this leads to radical imbalances in the atmosphere and natural resources. There is over population that leads to sewerage and garbage disposal problems. City dwellers are a sick lot. The problems are many and can be handled only by the combined efforts of all of us. So do your city and yourself a favour, go green with a vengeance. For starters, you can ensure your vehicle uses CNG, LPG and bio fuels. You can switch to CFL bulbs that are a bit expensive, but really long lasting. You can use cloth, paper and jute bags instead of plastic. I can’t believe that scientists haven’t discovered a way to degrade plastic by now! Do not dump sewage, sludge, garbage and toxic waste into water bodies. Use solar heaters. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Use public transport more than private vehicles; this ensures lesser traffic and reduced carbon emissions. Use electronic and electric equipment that carry green symbols and gradations to reduce carbon in the air.
I am with Medha Patkar on this. Not only are SEZs harmful for the environment, they also cause a great economic divide. SEZs have to be ecologically regulated at international standards. Development at the cost of the atmosphere and nature is just a sign of illiteracy and lack of exposure. As an active citizen you can take charge of the illegal activities going on around your area. Make your residents aware of the effects of good sanitation. Wash your vegetables at least 3-4 times to get rid of the pesticides. If you suspect some tampering with your food packets, get their contents tested. You can openly file a complaint against offending companies. Save water. Water is soon becoming a rare commodity and every drop counts. Get your taps and faucets checked so that there are no leakages. In UK all these steps are mandatory for citizens as they are soon realizing the importance of a natural catastrophe. In fact in the UK, energy companies are turning to wind for fuel purposes. Go vegan so that animal species don’t go extinct. This will also reduce animal spread diseases. The least we can do is keep pace with the rest of the world. We are forward in everything else but common survival sense.
Neha Singh
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