WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: Turn off the lights & Save our lives!

Saving the world can be effortless if you put your mind to it. On June 5 (World Environment Day), make your move to conserve energy, protect biodiversity, and save human lives – Yes! There’s a connection.

YOUR COMMUTE NEEDS TO BE IN PUBLIC INTEREST: World Bicycle Day is observed on June 3. Cycling trails in the cities are a growing hobby activity. While many like to enjoy their weekends by cycling to the nearest beaches and sunset points there are few others who have shifted to commuting to their workplace riding their bicycle.

Now, who does not love privacy but make reasonable changes to your commute behavior in the longer run. Car-pooling is ideal. Taking the local bus or local train or metro services as they are more energy-efficient methods to commute from home to work or for shopping etc. Make some commute friends too.

WHAT TO DO: Public transportation systems are being overhauled by the State governments across India. More and more buses are now electric vehicles and are very comfortable for commuting short and long distances. The metro or local trains are fast and well-connected. Car-pooling is another option that you can avail on routes where some others could hop in and divide the fuel cost too. 

DON’T BLINDLY FOLLOW NATURE CONSERVATION TIPS:

‘Seed balls’ are an excellent methodology to plant new trees. In a dollop of mud, a seed is embedded at the center and made into a ball. These seed balls are then thrown along the wayside of busy roads, and scanty vegetation patches during a nature trail. It is essential to pay attention to the kind of ‘seed’ that is being rolled into a ball. Avoid seeds of plants that will suck more groundwater or have less likelihood to survive high rainfall or will clash with the existing local diversity. The sapling or seed should be indigenous to the location where it is being planted.

During a vacation, wherever you can, take a walk under the open skies. Do not disturb the fragile forest environment further by vrooming in your private cars. Make a collective decision to be conscious of your surroundings even when you travel.

WHAT TO DO: The plants or trees you desire to grow should be indigenous to the area where the seed ball is thrown. Exotic tree seeds are not the right way to initiate growing a green cover, instead, choose saplings of plants that shall remain sustainable with the local environment to support – plant indigenous trees.

Nature walks are an ideal way to understand the vegetation growing around you. Research a bit to know, which trees are perfect to add some fruit-bearing bounty for the birds in your area.

STOP ENERGY WASTAGE: Energy-efficient tube lights and bulbs indeed make a difference in reducing the electricity consumption load. It’s the lethargy in switching off or plugging off your electronic devices (even after they are fully charged) that is causing ‘phantom energy’ wastage.

WHAT TO DO: Foremost, choose to pay attention when you are charging your mobile phone and laptop. Once the charging is fully done, switch off and remove the device from the contraption.