Sustainable Dreams

The future belongs to those believe in the beauty of their dreams-Eleanor Roosevelt

After seeing depictions of "Heaven" in films, I’ve come to realize that it might not be any better than what we already have here on Earth. The idea of Heaven after this lifetime is uncertain, but what is certain is the world we live in today. I believe this Earth is our Heaven, and it's our responsibility to make it "Ecologically Sustainable." We must work towards ensuring that this planet remains a place where we can thrive during our lifetime and leave a better environment for future generations.

The well-known saying, "Little drops of water make the mighty ocean," or the story of the boy who made a difference to each starfish he saved, underscores the power of small actions. These small contributions can collectively lead to significant change. My five-point agenda for an ecologically sustainable world revolves around making use of these little actions to create a substantial impact.

1. Zero Waste Disposals Properly classifying waste and adhering to the principles of Reduce-Reuse-Recycle is crucial. Start by questioning your consumption—whether it’s electricity, electronics, or daily necessities. Do you really need them? Reducing consumption is the first step. Next, re-use items whenever possible. If you don’t need them, someone else might. For example, return polythene bags to grocery stores for re-use. Finally, recycling is key. Kitchen waste can be turned into compost, and paper waste can be recycled. Numerous vendors can assist with this.

2. Rainwater Harvesting When investing in a home, consider adding a filter to your roof's water drain system—it’s a small investment with big returns. During the monsoon, this system allows you to collect rainwater for use. Rainwater is one of the purest forms of water, and with proper filtering, it can be consumed directly. In my own experience, implementing rainwater harvesting has helped improve the water table in my area, benefiting not just me, but also my neighbours.

3. Community Tree Planting Every small contribution towards nature counts. In my community of 50 families, we plant 5-10 saplings every New Year, Republic Day, or Independence Day. Over the last seven years, we’ve successfully grown 30 fully matured trees. Imagine the impact if everyone planted a sapling on their birthday—this could lead to 50-60 more trees on Earth. We take so much from Mother Earth; it’s only fair that we give back to her in return.

4. Energy and Fuel Conservation We often use more energy and fuel than necessary. Simple steps like switching off unnecessary lights, using energy-efficient appliances, and opting for LED bulbs can make a difference. Similarly, fuel conservation can be achieved by choosing fuel-efficient vehicles, walking short distances, and embracing car-pooling. These small changes in habits can lead to significant energy and fuel savings over time.

5. Shared Responsibility Managing the environment is not just the government's job—it’s the responsibility of each one of us. If everyone takes ownership of their role in caring for the environment, the Earth will be a better place. It’s up to us to ensure that this beautiful planet remains unmatched and irreplaceable.

In conclusion, by each of us taking a pledge to contribute to retaining and enhancing the beauty of nature, we can make this dream of a sustainable Earth a reality. Let’s work together to make our world "Ecologically Sustainable" and live in harmony with nature, now and for generations to come.

If you never chase your dreams, you will never catch them.