An Indignant Indian: THE GLOBAL WAR'N'ING.

 

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

THE GLOBAL WAR'N'ING.

Mahatma Gandhi once famously said: “the Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of people, but will never have enough to serve their greed”. The human gluttony has now put us in a situation where we are being confronted by Mother Nature. Rapid climate change, global warming, rising sea levels; the tipping point to disaster is fast approaching and the time to act is now. Or it would be too late.

Wondering how can you contribute to the greening of India and the world?

Here’s a guide to tackle climate change:

My Green Valley
The childhood thought taught in school: forests are the lungs of a city. Yes indeed, they are. Do your bit, plant a tree in your garden or somewhere in your locale.

Electrifying Idea
Wanna buy a new car? Wanna keep the air clean? Wanna escape the rising petrol and diesel prices? Well this is it! The chance to hit bull’s eye in one shot. Buy an electric car. With the savings in the fuel, you can easily recover the cost of the car along with some mental satisfaction.

A better idea: Catch the bus…and the train…
The principle option for reducing energy use in our cities is to ensure that mass transportation is efficient, comfortable and reasonable (hello! Is the government readying this???) more in the bus, will ensure fewer people using cars or other transports.

Yet another one: Walk, don’t drive
With petrol prices galloping, it’s time to abandon those leisurely and romantic long drives. Walking a Km or more would not only save you money but also help you cut the flab around the waist….why not plan for a hour long walk with you loved one??

In a New Light
If you haven’t yet switched to compact fluorescent lamps(CFLs) that use one third of the power than conventional bulbs, you are living in environmental darkness.

Bore Well?
Not really. Borewells that form a major source of india’s water supply are now beginning to run dry. The dig for them is getting even deeper and costlier. There is a need for mandated water harvesting and recharge zones in urban areas.

Green Shopping
Companies making electrical appliances have been asked to stick energy efficiency labels to help discerning customers. Be on the look for green label when you go shopping next – it could mean plenty of saving for you.

Home Audits
So you thought you had green home? Best to get a home energy audit done by experts who tell you just where you can save power, how efficient you electrical appliances are. Internet sites offer to guide for free of charge in case you don’t want to fork out money.

Lungi is in
In a bid to save on air conditioning, Japanese executives no longer wear ties and suits to formal meetings. With india’s climate being described as hot, hotter and hottest, it’s probably time to ban western wear for men. One option for south Indian men is the traditional lungi that our own finance minister adorns.

Tele-commuting
Instead of burning gallons of fuel either driving a car or flying a plane, companies are increasingly encouraging their employees to use the phone to transact business. With web-conferencing, things have become all the simpler.

Computers off
Most people think that allowing your computer to hibernate or go into screensaver mode means they are saving energy. But you would be surprised to know it does consume power and also increase carbon emissions. It is best to switch it off if you do not plan to use it for few hours.

Save paper, Use G-mail
Ok –ok …no pun (un)intended! Instead of penning down your thoughts and letters on paper made from killing trees, try G (green) mail instead. People all over the world even in corporate offices are cutting down on printing or faxing messages and instead using e-mail.

Ban the Bag
Well with the regularity with which we use plastic bags, after say 3000 years if the ruins we leave behind are excavated, chances are only plastic bags would be dug up. Sounds like an exaggeration? Take precautions so that it remains an exaggeration. Don’t choke up Mother Nature. Be kind to her and the next time you go shopping for groceries, remember to carry your cloth bag.

Our & D
Technology today holds the key to combating climate changes. The search is on for breakthrough technology in all sectors that cause major emissions. The scientists and technologists should come up with their own innovative solutions to save our planet Earth.

An Indignant Indian: THE GLOBAL WAR'N'ING.