“Let us pledge to incorporate the ideals of environmental sustainability in our daily life without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs”, Haroon Rashid Bhat writes
HAROON RASHID BHAT
The theme for this year’s World Environment Day 2023 is “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” The day was incorporated in 1974 by the UN to focus the attention of investors, businesses, governments, and communities on the increasingly urgent need to restore the Earth’s ecosystems. On this particular day, awareness programs are organized worldwide by the concerned governments and NGOs. On one hand, we are deteriorating the natural fabric of the environment through our odd actions, and on the other hand, we are celebrating such events for the sake of fame. The fact of the matter is that such events are losing relevance because of our irresponsible and selfish attitude, the activities of such events are restricted to photo sessions. Let me share my crude experience with you. Just a few years, I got an opportunity to attend a program organized by an NGO in a local school. The theme of the program was “Use of polyethylene and its harmful effects on the environment”. I got astonished to see that when the chief guest invited to that particular event came with a big polyethylene bag and during the break, each participant was served Lipton tea in a disposal cup made of polypropylene, the plastic water bottles were placed before the dice table and when I came out to attend my phone call during the program, the scene that shocked me more was when I saw, the same motor car which was used by chief guest for his arrival to attend the celebration was washed by his driver with tap water on the roadside without caring about the safety of the road. When that particular program concluded, the school compound was full of plastic and other waste. This is how we celebrate such events!
I am not against such events, but the matter of concern is that we preach much on any issues, but our actions contradict our theory. Let us take the lessons from the past on how our forefathers ensured the sustenance of natural resources. During my childhood days, I remember how those great people voluntarily clean the local springs and streams. Sitting on the banks of these water bodies discussing day-to-day matters, and praising nature, those God-fearing people purified their bodies in the nearby stream or canal before entering into the masjid or the temple or the Gurdwaras for prayer. During the hottest days of summer, young, and old, kids refresh themselves by taking a dip into these water bodies. We never fetch water from our houses when attending our fieldwork. Those freshwater bodies which unfortunately are not fresh right now quenched our thirst without asking about our social or religious background. Such scenes were very common in the village. Gull Kak, the boatman by profession while visiting Hazratbal Shrine on this special occasions used to give special instructions to passengers before they boarded on his boat; 1) Not to spite into the Dal- lake. 2) Not to throw any harmful, or wasteful material into the water. Those people were illiterate or semi-literate people but their love towards the natural environment was exemplary. They were sincere in their approach. They obey laws, and they acted upon the advice given by their elders but unfortunately, our society has more preachers than followers. Today the Govt. established a separate authority (LAWDA) to ensure its sustainability, beauty, and glory, but Alas! Nothing concrete has been done so far. The reason is obvious that is- we have lost our moral ground. Neither the state nor the people are sincere in their approach. Our attitude towards nature remains hostile. Even the attitude of the concerned government departments remains hostile towards the natural environment. The construction agency narrows down the width of flowing water bodies, erects concrete establishments around springs, unnecessary culverts are constructed on streams or water canals, mountains are razed unto the ground, forests are vandalized, permissions are granted in favor of industrialists or individuals for the construction of business establishments or residential houses without taking into the considerations environmental planning, etc. All these actions are continuously happing day and night in the name of development. If want to have a sustainable environment, we have to change this reckless attitude otherwise it will be too late ۔ We can contribute to the environment and make peace with nature, prevent climate catastrophe, reduce environmental pollution, and stop the loss of biodiversity. We can do the following action to avoid this plastic menace.
Switch out plastic bags for reusable bags
Do not use single-use plastic straws
Use a reusable water bottle, thermos, or mug
Use reusable non-plastic food storage container
Avoid buying fruit and veggies wrapped in plastic.
Make a habit to have a shopping bag while shopping.
Let us pledge to incorporate the ideals of environmental sustainability in our daily life without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher and columnist, can be reached at minamharoon123@gmail.com.
