Three environmentalists speak about how they try to conserve nature in their daily lives, and share their tips with fellow citizens.
Exactly four years ago, on Dec 26, 2004, more than 12,000 people were killed in the deadly tsunami that devastated parts of Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite the destruction it left in its wake, environmental awareness is at its nadir in our country, and global warming is staring us in the face the world over. Three environmentalists speak about how they try to conserve nature in their daily lives, and share their tips with fellow citizens to follow suit
Bittu Sahgal
Editor, Sanctuary Magazine
There are so many small things I do, but I would never claim I am doing enough. I have never bought any share in a company that harms the environment. I never keep the tap running needlessly. I never use disposable thermocol products. I am pathological about switching off lights and fans. Perhaps the most important thing I do is invest over half my time in children, to help them understand how vital it is that they take charge of their lives, consume and waste less and support those fighting to save our planet. For families, I suggest cutting down on energy consumption, using solar water heaters and lighting, using public transport, or car pool, or buying an electric car. Never use toxic chemicals to keep your home “pest-free”. Also, use unleaded paint on your walls and check whether the products you buy have toxic components. In the coming year, I will redouble my efforts to save the tiger. The struggle to cut my personal carbon impact will continue. I will work with the young Sanctuary team we have created to reach out to one million Indian children and help them reduce their own personal carbon footprint.
Anuradha Sawhney
Chief functionary, PETA
I gave up meat before marriage. My husband and I are very environment conscious, and do not drink milk or use leather. We make it a point to save electricity by using CFL bulbs. I avoid wasting water and do not use plastic, and carry a cloth bag when shopping. If I forget to carry the bag, I carry my groceries in my hand. I reuse plastic bags and segregate dry and wet garbage. The wet garbage is used for making manure. I advise people to go vegetarian and stop using leather. I don’t use cosmetics tested on animals. I buy fruits and vegetables from smaller farms so that there are no pesticides and it supports their livelihood.
Sunjoy Monga
Naturalist writer, Member, Board of Directors, BNHS
I believe in interaction and spreading the word of environmental consciousness among people. I make it a point to save water and I get annoyed if I see anyone wasting water. Every person can try and save at least 10 to 20 litres of water per day by many little acts. There should be minimal use of plastic and we must avoid unwise use of electricity. Watering plants in excess too leads to water wastage. One can also save water by washing cars in minimal water. I often use public transport and advise everyone to do so. Everyday should be treated as a World Environment Day. We should teach our kids “green thoughts” by taking them out on nature trails rather than always taking them to malls.
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