Conservation of the environment lies at the heart of World Environment Day that falls on June 5. Introduced and established by the United Nations in 1972, it was the day on which the U.N. Conference on Human Environment began in Stockholm. Since then, every year the U.N. has had a particular theme to commemorate the day. What needs to be conserved? Where do we begin? Here are a few suggestions:
Energy requirements are going out of control. It's necessary that everyone, reduce their carbon footprint. This will also help those who do not have access to energy. What are the steps to be taken? Walk or cycle for short distances. Use public transport. Avoid using cars, especially diesel ones. Switch to solar energy, if you can afford the cost. It can be produced anywhere, locally or otherwise. It does not require centralised distribution which is the main cause for unequal distribution of energy, intended or otherwise.
M.V.N. Murthy,
Professor, Theoretical Physics, Institute of Mathematical Sciences
It's better to buy products that are eco-marked, as these have been produced in an eco-friendly manner. Also, people should take advantage of the Extended Producer Responsibilities of certain companies such as Dell and Apple that take care of the disposal of their products by recycling them.
Daya Mary Subramanian,
Student
First of all, people should consume less, that would instantly save non-renewable resources. Bags are being made from cornstarch; they are incredibly wieldy and completely organic. There should be a more decentralised way of managing sewage and household garbage.
K.V. Subrahmaniam,
Mathematician, Chennai Mathematical Institute
One can try using low-flush toilets which save immense quantities of water. We can also try planting fast-growing trees on the sides of highways to control pollution and to keep the weather cool.
Sangari Reddy,
Student Madras Christian College
Going green has to occur at the individual level. Each individual is responsible for creating change — reduce your carbon foot print, recycle plastic and paper. We should try to reduce our consumption of water. We must increase awareness and become more conscious of our usage patterns and how it impacts the environment.
Usha Arunachalam,
SVP Corporate Development, Indus Pharmaceuticals
Switching off the light and electrical appliances when not in use would help conserve electricity. Fuel can be saved by turning off your vehicle while waiting at a signal. Go for CFC-free refrigerators and A/Cs, as it would help control air pollution to quite an extent.
Raghunath Sarma,
Student, Amity University, Noida
Teach a child not to waste paper. Bursting crackers is probably the worst way to express happiness. Those using the road need to be ‘educated' to stop using the roads as a permanent garbage bin. Our petrol resources are fast depleting so lets get back to using bicycles more often. Learn to gift a sapling and nurture a plant — it'll be a conscious effort to save our planet.
Srividya Ramesh
School teacher
