Dec - 2009


December - 2009
Dear Nature Lovers,
Greetings from oikos !
Last six months, we have seen few actions that can directly work towards nature conservation. This month let’s see what we can do ‘every day’ to save resources & environment. This will have indirect effects on resources. So let’s start with ME, my lifestyle, my home…  Individual ‘small’ actions can make a big change !
Regards, 
Ketaki & Manasi.
Cautious consumerism ! 
 We all know that if the resources are not conserved & used properly all living beings will have to face tough time. We are already having a tough time… 
There is a need to become aware of our own actions. With growing awareness, many people have started acting on small positive actions for environment conservation. Apart from switching off lights, there can be many other things. Just to name a few -

Yes
No
U Pin
Stapler pin
Cloth bag
Plastic carry bag
Organic food
Chemically grown food
Plant products
Chemical soap & shampoo
Cycle
Motorized vehicle
Solar cooker
LPG
Organic pesticides
Chemical pesticides
Composting
Burning leaf litter
Hanky
Tissue paper
Rechargeable Batteries
Batteries
Pen drive
CDs
Minimum use of electricity during festivals
Excessive lighting during festivals
Using Clay idols for celebrating festivals
Use of POP idols
‘आकाशकंदील’ using handmade paper/ cloth lantern during Diwali
Using Plastic / thermocol made lanterns
मातीच्या पणत्या
इलेक्ट्रीक पणत्यांचा वापर
Use of ‘one side used paper’ for printing/writing
Throwing away the paper used for one side print
Use of reusable plates, cups during functions
Using disposable plates, cups
Compost biodegradable waste
Throwing any type of waste / flowers etc in rivers/oceans
Use of kitchen water for watering plants
Throwing away kitchen water

This list is unending, its like more we think ‘Green’ we will know ‘n’ number of ways. It means that we can start judging the products by its ‘Green-ness’. It also means that we encourage cottage / small industries than mass productions & market economy. It will also mean that we will not fall prey to media & ads meant for promotions of many ‘Use & Throw’ products. Use & Throw is not our culture, but we have inherited the concept of ‘use & reuse“. This is a closed loop system in which we have producers, consumers & rag pickers who actually recycle products. Knowingly or unknowingly our elder generations were following the four very important R’s i.e. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. With our changing life style towards ‘Consumerism’, we have lost this rich culture of saving resources. The simple principle is ‘Save’, & one can get into more depths of saving.

These ‘green’ habits will reflect into following benefits -
  1. less pollution
  2. better health
  3. saves money
  4. saves resources (raw material, energy, fuel, water)
  5. saves landscape (conversion into industries)
Lets start with ‘OWN-SELF’, then talk to others, encourage them to follow the R’s. Ultimately, this is going to save our environment, our world & humans. Lets become a ‘Cautious Consumer’!
 

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Oikos for ecological services
Ph. 020-25451875
Web: www.oikos.in