Let’s go green, brick-by-brick

In a fortnight’s time, experts from across the world will be brainstorming at Copenhagen on how to check the menacing advances of global warming. They will be working towards formulating a new climate protocol.

However, battling climate change and global warming is the job of not only these experts but also citizens of the world. Climate change is a consequence of our everyday activities. And it is we who can tilt the scales in the battle to save the planet. The challenge appears gigantic, but the way to meet it lies in the small things of our everyday existence.

In India, there has been a tradition of living in harmony with nature. Everything from the houses we live in to the way waste is deployed in revitalising the soil, there has never been any conflict with nature. It is these eco-friendly aspects of our tradition that we have to dip into, in our modern struggle to arrest global warming, experts point out.

Sathya Prakash Varanashi, architect and convenor of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, says that while traditional homes are not the ideal sustainable homes, they have their advantages.  Every small design aspect of such homes is geared towards ensuring automatic regulation of temperature.

“The walls are made of lime and sand,” he says. The thick walls along with the high ceilings and windows help regulate the temperature inside the homes.

Moreover, lime is a natural product, locally available, and lasts for as long as 1,000 years making it highly durable. Less energy is used in the overall use of lime. Cement, which is manufactured at high energy costs, can last only for about 100 years.

“We need to look at the ecological consequences of the material used in the construction industry,” Varanashi says.

Citing the example of excessive usage of glass, he says, “No doubt, glass was a miraculous invention.” It provides privacy as well as allows sunlight in. It is a great alternative for wooden doors.

But Varanashi is quick to point out the flaw: “Its excessive usage in Europe is acceptable as they need bright light and heat during winters.” In the Indian context, he says, glass is not advisable as the energy costs soar during summers when glass buildings are likely to trap heat and to maintain a pleasant temperature, a cooling system becomes necessary.

Another big service any household could do to the cause of global warming is managing its waste efficiently.  Every plastic that we use gets dumped and since there is no good waste segregation process in place, plastic and other waste get dumped at one place where it is most often burnt. Foul smell apart, huge amounts of greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere.

Generating less waste is an option, but are we ready for it? It would involve carrying a bag while we go grocery shopping and adopting a simple lifestyle which involves less waste creation. But, then this would be getting out of that comfort zone and making an extra effort.