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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Please Note -
This Email is a part of awareness campaign initiated by oikos, Pune. Write to us for your valuable feedback.
oikos have been sending ‘Desktop calendars’ since January’06 with various themes,
which can be downloaded from website.
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Spread a word !! Forward to nature lovers !
December Calendar Click on the image to enlarge
oikos for ecological services
Ph. 020-65289576

Web: www.oikos.in