India suffers from air and other pollutions in every major city. But there are a few everyday habits that individuals can implement to help save the environment. Every little bit counts and if every individual takes up the responsibility to make sure that they don’t increase the pollution, but help to decrease it, in the end, all the little bits will make a big difference.
You don’t have to make major changes, choose a few new habits that you can easily implement and stick to them consistently to help make a change.
1. Transport options
When you buy a new car, make sure to pick one that is most efficient – lowest polluting or even consider a zero-emissions electric car. When possible, rather walk or ride a bike. Or consider taking public transportation. The excessive increase in car transport is one of the biggest causes of increased air pollution in India.
When driving around for errands, try planning your trip better to rather go to the shops only once a week. While driving, make sure that you accelerate slowly and limit unnecessary idling. Also, make sure your car is in a good road condition. If possible, try to create a lift club in your area to work and the shops.
2. Power saving
When you leave a room, turn off the lights. Replace your light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. Use a fan instead of air conditioning. Install a programmable thermostat and reduce the temperature by at least 3 degrees. Try alternative energy solutions, such as solar. Make use of a surge protector for multiple appliances- turning it off when products are not in use. When buying new appliances, look out for Energy Star products.
3. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Recycling items include paper, plastic, metals and organic materials. Buy products that make use of the recycled materials. Use durable and sustainable bags, keep them in your car so that you don’t have to purchase extra ones. Start a recycling program at work or in your neighborhood. Only print when necessary and try using both sides of the paper.
4. Go organic
Shop at farmer’s markets and buy organic products. Support restaurants that use organic products. Start organic gardening, composting and energy efficiency cooking habits. Create a compost at home for your organic matter. Grow indigenous or other low-water plants and install water-saving devices in your garden. Rather use a rake, broom, or electric leaf blower and an electric or push lawn mower than the petrol ones.
5. At work
Whenever possible, try to telework and organise teleconferences. Make sure that you turn off office equipments, computers, printers and fax machine when leaving the office. Try to bring your lunch to work or walk to a nearby restaurant.
Helping control the pollution is everyone’s responsibility. Join us to make this world a greener place. #iamNelda
