GREEN GOOD DEEDS

हरे-भरे पर्यावरण के लिए ज़रूरी कदम

Working Document

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Government of India

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GREEN GOOD

DEEDS/GREEN GOOD

BEHAVIOUR © Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, 2017

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry

nor does citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute an endorsement.

For further details, please contact:

Dr J.R. Bhatt Scientist-G, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Government of India, New Delhi - 110003 Tele-Fax: 011-24695293 Email:

jrbhatt@nic.in

Acknowledgement

GREEN GOOD DEEDS, a bilingual working document in English and Hindi has

been made possible by the contributions of many organisations and individuals.

Conscious of the long list and the fact that in such an exercise we may miss some

names, we express our gratitude to all who are directly and indirectly associated with

this publication.

The guidance of the Honourable Minister has played a vital role in ideating this book.

The document has been compiled and collated by Dr Hardik Shah in the office of

Minister with inputs from Environment Education Division, under the overall

guidance of Dr Amita Prasad, Additional Secretary, MoEF&CC. Inputs were also

provided by Dr Sujata Arora, Mr Jigmet Takpa, Mr P. J. Michael, Dr Amit Love, Mr

Ajay Raghava, Mr Lokesh Chandra Dube, Ms AbhaTewary, Dr Himangana Gupta,

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Mr Shantanu Goel and Dr A. K. Bhatnagar.

Overall editing, review and re-writing carried out by Dr J. R. Bhatt.

INSIDE BACK COVER

आ नो भद्रय: क्रतवो र्नु्त लवश्वत:I

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side. ऋगे्वद, 1/89/1

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MAAN KI BAAT

My dear countrymen, 5th of June is the first Monday of the month. Everything is

otherwise normal. 5th of June is a special day as this is observed as “World

Environment Day”. This year the United Nations have chosen the theme ‘Connecting

People to Nature’. In other words, we may say “back to basics”. And what’s the

meaning of connecting with nature? In my view, it means getting connected with

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one’s own self. Connecting with nature means nurturing a better planet. And, who

can explain this in a better way than Mahatma Gandhi? Mahatma Gandhi often used

to say, “One must care about a world one will not see”. The latter means that it is our

duty to be concerned about the world which we shall not see and to care for that.

Nature possesses a special power.

You might have also observed that whenever we feel tired and exhausted, splashing

a glass of water on our face has a wonderful rejuvenating effect. If you return after a

tiring day’s work, just open the windows and doors of the room and take a deep

breath of fresh air – this will fill you with fresh energy. Our body is made up of five

basic elements, and whenever we come in contact with these elements, we get fresh

energy. All of us have experienced this, but we do not register this, we do not

connect this in a single thread of sequence.

Now on, kindly make it a point to notice that whenever you come in contact with a

natural condition, a new spirit emerges from within you. So, the global campaign of

connecting with nature on 5th June should become our campaign as well. And we are

reaping the benefits of the efforts made by our ancestors to save the environment.

And if we shall protect the environment, our future generations will reap the benefits.

The four Vedas describe the Earth and the Environment as the basic sources of

energy. And, Atharva Veda, written thousands of years ago, is the most authentic

guiding Scripture about nature and environment. In India, it has been said – “Earth is

the mother, and I am her son”. According to Vedas, the purity within us is because of

the Earth. The Earth is our mother, and we all are her children. If we recall Lord

Buddha, a fact comes to light that his birth, his enlightenment and his

Mahaparinirvana, all three happened under a tree.

We have many festivals, and religious rituals which are based on worshipping nature

and affection towards nature is a part of our everyday life. It is true in the case of all

sections of society whether lettered or unlettered, rural or urban and even tribal

communities. But we need to present this in modern language and integrate with

modern arguments.

Narendra Modi

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Prime Minister of India

MAY 2017

My Dear Friends,

I firmly believe that all of us desire to do something good for our children,

for society, and for humanity. There is hardly anybody who would not be

motivated towards the betterment of society, but many a time we need to be

reminded of what we can do and how our small deeds can change society as a

whole and make the world a better place for our children.

Environmental protection, conservation, and development is one such area

for which we as individuals or as communities can achieve a lot if we start

working with what I label as small good deeds – I call these ‘Green Good Deeds’.

Through the compilation of ‘Green Good Deeds’ in this working document,

I invite and urge everyone as an individual and collectively as communities to

adopt the measures spelt out therein and voluntarily join the noble cause of

preserving and protecting the environment. I am reminded of the famous

statement that “We haven’t inherited the earth from ancestors, we have

borrowed it from our successors”, and thus, are trustees of nature, not its

masters. Passing on a better earth to our children would be our most precious

gift to them.

Further, we all are aware that our dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra

Modiji has been providing international leadership for the Climate Change and

Global Warming issues. He has reminded the whole world of the need for

environmental protection and adopting the climate resilient lifestyles which have

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been our DNA from generations. It is our solemn duty to strengthen his resolve at

the grassroots level further.

If we start taking up at least one good deed a day at the individual level,

there will be a billion good deeds performed daily in India. A single person may

not be able to change society on his own, but if all of us undertake one good deed

every day, I’m sure that society and the environment will change radically for the

better. To achieve our objectives, what we need is the active participation of all

individuals and communities.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has drawn up an

‘Environmental Calendar’ to remind one and all about the importance of various

environmental attributes - biodiversity, forests, wildlife, etc., to maximise efforts

to protect, preserve and conserve the environment. The Ministry has taken up

the program for larger public outreach, as the Government by itself can only

draw up policy and initiate implementation efforts. The success of

implementation at the ground level, however, depends heavily on mass-scale

participation by one and all.

This working document embodies some basic ‘Green Good Deeds’ for

individuals and communities. Many of these are known to us, but I am not sure

how many of us put these into practice. Hence, this compilation is meant to

motivate one and all to do his or her little bit to protect and improve the

environment.

You will agree that by practising these simple deeds, one can help protect

the environment, save money and live a happier, healthier and greener life not

only for ourselves but also for our children and their children. So, let us all join

hands in protecting the environment through a truly mass-based movement. We

can achieve big things through these small ‘Green Good Deeds’.

My humble request to each one of you is to facilitate this noble cause

through your actions and make protection of the environment a mass movement

so that we leave the planet a better place than the one we inherited.

I am glad that we have been able to develop this compilation as an initial

effort to generate a mass movement. I would like to express my sincere

appreciation for the efforts of Shri A. N. Jha, Secretary, Ministry of Environment,

Forest and Climate Change, as well as all other officers of the Ministry for their

contribution and zeal in working enthusiastically with me.

With green regards,

Very sincerely,

Dr Harsh Vardhan

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Green Good Deeds: For Environment Protection, Conservation and

Development

1. Save Energy, Save Environment .................................................................................................... 13

2. Use Environmental Friendly Transport: Less fuel, fresh air, healthier environment .................... 16

3. Clean Air, Breath Clean ................................................................................................................. 19

4. Minimize Noise Pollution (at Home and Outside) ........................................................................ 22

5. Reduce Pollution While on Wheels ............................................................................................... 24

6. Save Water, Save Life .................................................................................................................... 27

7. Be a Friend of River and Other Aquatic Bodies ............................................................................ 30

8. Cook and Eat Smart ....................................................................................................................... 32

9. Food and other Waste Reduction: Restaurant/Office .................................................................. 35

10. Forestry, Biodiversity, Eco-tourism ........................................................................................... 38

11. Wildlife Sanctuaries – Protect to Preserve ............................................................................... 43

12. Waste Management ................................................................................................................. 46

13. Planners and Architects – Where it all Starts ........................................................................... 50

14. Builders – Implement the Plan on the Ground ......................................................................... 53

15. Construction and Demolition .................................................................................................... 56

16. Green Activist in our Daily Life .................................................................................................. 58

17. Our Home and Backyard: for a Healthy and Happy Family ...................................................... 62

18. Corporate Responsibility: Investing in Environment ................................................................ 66

19. Creating Awareness .................................................................................................................. 68

20. Initiatives by Civil Society Organisations ................................................................................... 70

21. On the farm front ...................................................................................................................... 73

22. Professionals: to Apply and Impact .......................................................................................... 75

23. Keeping Hospitals Healthy ........................................................................................................ 76

24. Market Association – Traders’ Responsibility ........................................................................... 79

25. Eminent persons including Community Leaders, Sports and Cinema Personalities to lead .... 81

26. Last but not the Least - Role of Schools and Students .............................................................. 83

Environment Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 86

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एतदे्दशप्रसूतस्य सकयशयदग्रजन्मनः ।

सं्व सं्व चररतं्र लशके्षरनृ्पलिव्यं सवामयनवयः ।।

All the people living on the earth should perform their

duties and conduct propagated by the scholars born in

this country.

Manusmriti 2/20

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Introduction

Green Good Deeds

India’s culture abounds with environment-friendly and low-resource use practices.

Traditionally Indians follow frugal lifestyles which are in harmony with nature and the

local conditions. These practices need to be encouraged for minimising the adverse

impact on the environment. The current working document is all but an attempt to

compile some simple actions which we can practice on a routine basis and which

would have a positive impact on the environment.

The attempt is not to have an exhaustive compilation of actions which are

considered as good or green but to have an organic synthesis which has a potential

to be scaled up through the active participation of all stakeholders. In that sense,

this booklet is a working document. It is an initiative to remind us the importance of

individual actions that have wider ramification for the cause of protection of the

environment.

The good green deeds are simple, practical steps that every person may perform in

day-to-day life that can make a visible difference to the environment. We can

practise the actions listed at the individual level, community level, and corporate

level, for the overall protection of the environment. The current document is meant to

act as a catalyst to motivate us all to do our bit to protect and improve the

environment through simple individual and collective actions. It is neither prescriptive

nor directive. It attempts to make people at ground level, aware of the environmental

issues in a simplified manner.

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तयमस्य रीलतं परशोररव प्रत्यनीकमखं्य भुजे अस्य वपासः | सचय र्लद लपतुमन्तलमव क्षरं् रतं्न दधयलत भरहूतरे् लवशे ||

The beautiful form of heat of the sun, like the sharp

fire which pierces like an axe, is to give the human

glory if we harness that solar energy.

Rigveda 5.48.4 1.

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1. Save Energy, Save Environment

We all need energy – for cooking, comfort, transport, farming, and industry. This energy

should preferable come form renewable sources such as sun and wind and not from

exploitation from non-renewable resources such coal and petroleum. All energy utilities,

including nuclear plants, impose some environmental costs since electricity is perennially in

short supply. Green house gases from burning fossil fuel also contribute to global warming

and climate change. Thus, there is an urgent need to conserve energy through judicious use

and adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Saving energy also results in saving money be

it whether at home or in office or industry.

Our ancestors lived a simple life and were conscious about avoiding any wasteful use of

energy. They cooked each meal, hygienically and used solar heat for drying clothes. By

properly designing houses using natural ventilation and appropriate clothing protecting

them under extreme weather condition. Adoption of their basic philosophy and respect for

all energy sources in modern life, which increasingly depends on artificial lighting, air

conditioning, refrigeration and other electric conveniences can help in saving energy and

making it equitably available for all humans, at present or in future. This philosophy can

come handy for today's society which has a growing appetite for energy for heating clothing

or other purposes.

• Use electricity wisely.

• Switch off all electrical and electronic appliances such as fans, lights, air conditioners at

plug point when not in use home, office, school, college or club.

• Use energy-efficient products.

• Replace domestic electrical equipment with approved energy efficient models. Buy 5-

star label products recommended by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

• Shut down your computer rather than just logging off during intervals at work.

• install energy efficient fans in homes, in offices and public places.

• Install a solar inverter/power home through solar energy.

• Use solar cookers.

• Install Rooftop Solar panels on residential, industrial, commercial, institutional, and

government buildings.

• Use solar equipment for domestic use, including lighting.

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• Use traditional earthen pots for cold water during summer.

• Use LED lighting system instead of tube lights and bulbs.

• Wash clothes in water at room temperature whenever possible. Spread the concept of

‘Energy Soldiers’ in the schools. The soldiers are to monitor avoidable waste of energy

and at the same time educate others about saving energy.

• Use traditional knowledge of architectural design for building construction.

• Apply Green Building practices in new constructions.

• Inform colleagues about energy conservation practices and spread awareness.

• Whenever available use green power generated by the wind, the sun etc.

• Reduce your battery consumption by using an AC adapter whenever an outlet is

available.

• Clean the condenser coils of your refrigerator at least once a year.

• When going away from home, for a long duration, set the refrigerator regulator to a

minimum.

• Collect items near the refrigerator and put them inside in one go, rather than opening

the door repeatedly.

• While using a radiator room heater use a reflector sheet behind to keep the heat from

being absorbed by the wall.

• Let fresh air in from open windows to reduce the use of air conditioner.

• Spread “No to AC” campaign in schools and colleges.

• Promote the use of natural light for day-to-day tasks.

• Watch TV with family rather than watching alone in different rooms.

• Spend evenings with family members in parks, gardens or open areas for good health,

close bonding and saving energy.

• Service your car, electrical appliances/equipment on time to save energy and money.

• Reduce temperature setting of the geyser.

• Understand difference between consuming energy and wasting energy.

• Inspect and repair gasket of refrigerators, air conditioners, and pressure cookers – this

will avoid loss of energy. Energy saved is energy generated.

• Spread awareness about how valuable electrical energy is and encourage all users to be

prudent in conserving electrical energy.

• Dry your clothes in the sun instead of using a machine dryer. Using solar energy to dry

clothes is an efficient, economical and eco-friendly process.

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How do you explain the environment influencing us? Many

causes produce single effect. The environment is one of the

modifying factor. We make our environment.

Swami Vivekananda

(A study of the Sankhya philosophy;

The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

Volume 2, Practical Vedanta and other lectures)

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2. Use Environmental Friendly Transport: Less fuel, fresh air,

healthier environment

When you commute to your school, college or workplace, or move out for shopping and

recreation, transport is required. The grocery and utility goods that we buy also reach us

through a chain of ground and air transportation. This requires energy, which is more often

non-renewable and of fossil fuel origin, such as petrol, diesel or coal. Greater reliance is now

being placed on electricity-run vehicles and trains, but the generation of electricity by

thermal power plants or nuclear installation is associated with environmental costs and

pollution.

In India, traditionally much reliance was placed on bicycles, rickshaws and animal-driven

carts that did not require energy. In modern society, use of vehicles, trains and aircraft can

be cut down, and pollution reduced by ingenious town planning, efficient public transport

and even walking and cycling for short distances.

• Modern vehicles do not require “warming up” even in winter, so there is no need to

turn the engine on until you are ready to drive.

• Adopt ‘one family one car’ policy

• Use information technology like GPS navigation for avoiding traffic congestion.

• Do not keep the engine running while the car is in the parking lot or waiting on red

light.

• Take public transport to work or cycle/walk rather than use car, Share car with

colleagues. Adopt car-pooling with neighbours and colleagues.

• Use public transport to reduce traffic congestion and to save on fuel consumption.

• Try using School Bus instead of using personal cars to ferry children to school.

• Drive smoothly – go easy on the accelerator and brakes.

• Plan to make most of your trips. Have a “trip chain” of nearby locations.

• Prefer cleaner fuels such as biodiesel, CNG or electric vehicles over Petrol or Diesel.

• Never use low quality fuel in vehicles.

• Ensure that air pressure in vehicle tyres is as per the specifications.

• Do not forget to replace your old battery with a new battery when required.

• Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work, or you need to visit many

places in connection with your work.

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• While commuting take longer route, and avoid shorter and congested route.

• Leave early for destination to avoid speeding and optimal use of fuel.

• Take feeder service from the Bus Terminals or Metro stations saving on fuel and

parking fee for personal vehicle.

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'वयत आ वयतु भेषजं शंभु मर्ोभु नो हृदे, प्रण आरंू्लष

तयररषत'

Pure fresh air is an invaluable drug, which is useful for

our heart as a medicine, is enjoyable. The heart gets it

and increases our age.

ऋगे्वद 10/186/01

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3. Clean Air, Breath Clean

Most urban households use Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking, and occasionally

for heating water. Rural households may use biomass/ coal/ kerosene as domestic

fuel.

Biomass is carbon-neutral fuel but its burning in unventilated areas results in

emissions comprising particulate matter, which is hazardous to human health. There

are programs underway for promoting fuel-efficient biomass cook stoves with more

efficient energy use.

Pradhanmantri Ujjwala Yojana, an ambitious programme of Government of India is

providing LPG connection to household Below Poverty Line. When efficiently used,

LPG create less environmental impact compared with wood burning cook-stoves.

Improper combustion of LPG can release hazardous emission. In urban homes, people

indulge in wasteful use of LPG without ever realising it.

Households and industries use electricity for various operations and activities. Faulty

maintenance of various machine, equipment, air conditioners, refrigerators and

generators leads to wastage of energy and causes pollution. Maintenance of

appliances and machines should receive propriety. Plantation can help in reducing air

and noise pollution to an extent.

• Plant a tree that absorbs carbon dioxide.

• Cigarette smoking harms environment and health. Give up smoking.

• Greener the city, cleaner the air.

• Industry should prevent release of hazardous emission by installing ESP.

• Use a latex based paint. Oil-based paints release hydrocarbon vapours which are

hazardous.

• Properly maintained vehicles have better fuel efficiency and emit lesser pollutants.

• Stop the practice of burning of waste.

• Provide adequate stack height and space for diesel generators.

• Keep garbage in covered bins so that it is not blown and spread by the wind.

• Do provide adequate emission control system in the kitchen area.

• Avoid burning of wood during festivals.

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• Make use of electric cremation or improved wood crematoria.

• Try growing indoor plants to filter toxins from the air in your home or office.

• Drive less: Walk, bike, or take the bus or train instead of driving solo whenever you

can.

• Use less toxic products for household cleaning, painting, washing clothes.

• When possible, conduct meetings by conference calls instead of travelling to meet in-

person, off-site.

• Follow manufacturers' recommendations for use and properly seal cleaners, paints,

and other chemicals to prevent evaporation into the air.

• Get timely Pollution Under Control Certificate for vehicles.

• Get regular servicing and cleaning done of electrical appliances, including refrigerator

and Air conditioners.

• Minimize use of diesel and kerosene generators.

• Vegetation may be used where existing means of pollution control have proved

inadequate.

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मधु वाता ऋतायते मधुुं क्षरन्ति सिन्धवः ।

माध्वीर्नः िन्त्वोषधीः ।।

May the winds blow sweetly,

May the rivers flow sweetly,

May plants and herbs be sweet to us.

ऋगे्वद, 1/90/6

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4. Curb Noise Pollution (at Home and Outside)

Noise pollution has become a serious issue for the society. The World Health Organization

(WHO) recognised noise as one of the key pollutants affecting public health. Major sources

of noise pollution are transportation, trains and building construction, Industry, loudspeaker

use, and community processions. Traffic related noise has been identified as major source of

noise pollution world over. Noise from generators and music system can be equally

hazardous.

Rising vehicular population and traffic has let to high level of noise in community. Noise

barriers help reducing intensity and exposure of noise to acceptable levels, especially in

sensitive areas like hospitals, educational institutions, old-age homes and religious

institutions.

Simple precautions like playing music at low volume, avoiding needless honking,

discouraging use of loudspeakers during weddings and festivities and maintenance of

vehicle engines can reduce the unpleasant sound reaching our ears.

• Don't use your TV, radio and music system at high volume.

• Always maintain your motor vehicle in proper condition.

• Don’t install Diesel Generator sets without prior approval of the competent authority.

• Use Diesel Generator having an acoustic enclosure which gives a reduction of a

minimum of 25dBA.

• Avoid use of multi tune/power horns in your vehicle.

• Use horn sparingly.

• Do not honk near schools, hospitals or where The ‘No Horn’ sign is displayed.

• Silencers for vehicles should be as per the manufacturing standards. No alterations may

be permitted.

• Minimize noise pollution during religious or festive occasions during marriage

ceremonies and other domestic functions.

• Religious processions should adhere to local Rules, with prior permissions respecting

prescribed timings and volume.

• Noise barriers maybe installed to protect people against noise pollution, especially in

residential areas, educational institutions, hospitals and government buildings like

courts.

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• Loud speakers and loud music should not be used between 10 pm and 6 am.

• Possible sources of noise must be handled in accordance with the requirements of the

law.

• Plant trees - Green belts and employ landscaping and all effective means to control

noise pollution.

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5. Reduce Pollution While on Wheels

Globally, transport accounts for approximately 23 percent of CO2 emissions, with road

transport accounting for as much as 17-18 percent. In urban setting, mobility is

compromised due to increasing number of passenger cars. Even with wider roads and

advance cars; we take longer to cover same distance than a couple of decades back.

A compact urban design combined with efficient public transport is central to achieving

a low-carbon goal. Affluent societies, prefer cars for commuting even short distances.

The majority of the western urban areas are designed with high footprints and ground

coverage. It results in higher Green House Gases (GHG) emissions in transportation and

urban service (water, electricity, sewerage, etc.) delivery.

In India, man driven rickshaws, bicycles and walking are the norms for short distance

commute. Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) dominates many Indian cities. Even in

megacities, with a population of over eight million, the modal share of NMT ranges

from 40–50 percent (walking and bicycling). It is attributed to the congested design and

mix land use of Indian cities, resulting in shorter trips. NMT is the only accessible mode

of transport for low-income households. The NMT use needs to be promoted for

achieving sustainability goals of the transport sector. E-rickshaws are also getting

popular for short-distance commute. Public transport helps curb road congestion and

pollution.

• Practice car pooling.

• Get a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate from authorised testing centres

and ensure its timely renewal.

• Maintain your vehicle in proper condition – follow service schedule. Keep

automobile fuel filters clean and save fuel.

• Clean the air filter, oil filter and fuel filter regularly.

• Maintain recommended tyre pressure.

• For short commute-use walking.

• Avoid peak office hours to reduce traffic congestion.

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• Promote use of electric/hybrid/ CNG or LPG based vehicles.

• Maintain optimum speed for higher fuel mileage/efficiency.

• Avoid rash driving for safety and better fuel efficiency.

• Switch off the engine on traffic signals and in parking lots.

• Avoid unnecessary use of brakes.

• Never overload your vehicle.

• Don’t park in ‘No Parking’ area.

• Use reusable (glass or food grade recyclable products) bottle for drinking water.

• Don’t spit or throw trash from your car window.

• Use a bucket to wash the car in place of hose pipe.

• Carry cloth bags to collect trash/waste during commute

• Dispose of trash/waste in proper disposal bins.

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आपो लह ष्ठय मर्ो भुवस्तयनSऊजे दधयतन । महे रणयर् चक्षसे ।।

र्ो व: लशवतमो रसस्तस्य भयजर्तेह न: । उशतीररव मयतर: ।।

तस्मयSअरं गमयम वो र्स्य क्षर्यर् लजन्वि । आपो जनर्िय च न: ।।

O water body, you are the source of happiness. So, make sure

you conform to the finest scenic work that is mighty, O Water

Group! Your welfare juice will be available to us in sufficient

quantity which satisfies the entire world by which you are

responsible for our origin. Such public utility can endow us with

its qualities.

- Yajurveda11/50-52, 36/15

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6. Save Water, Save Life

Water is inextricably linked to energy and climate change. Energy is required for pumping

and treating water that we get at home. Pumping and treating wastewater is energy

intensive. Conservation of water indirectly conserves therefore, conserve energy and reduce

greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change will also impact freshwater supply. Global warming is resulting in shifting

rainfall patterns, an increase in the number of dry days, torrential rainfall over short periods

of time, and extreme weather events, all of which increase the likelihood of droughts and

floods. It, in turn, will affect food supplies and human health. Water is expected to be a

major source of conflict in future because demand is soaring and freshwater reserves are

severely stressed. Plummeting groundwater resources in many regions and inefficient use of

water is a matter of serious concern.

Despite adequate rains, we face a shortage of water for drinking, agriculture, industry and

sanitation. It even leads to conflicts among neighbours – people and provinces. Wastage of

water can be avoided through various ways. Rainwater harvesting can recharge our lakes

and ground aquifers. Farmers can avoid excessive flooding of fields. In our houses, we have

plenty of scope for reducing consumption. Pollution of water by the discharge of wastes is

itself a serious problem, as cleaning it for reuse by humans requires lot of efforts and

energy.

• Take shorter showers to reduce water consumption.

• Check your water bill to see how much water you are using.

• Check all faucets, pipes, and toilets for leaks.

• Use mug instead of running the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.

• Use a toilet flush which consumes less water.

• Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss due to

evaporation.

• While watering plants, use watering-can instead of a running hose.

• For watering plants, use waste water that comes off washing of food items.

• Use water efficient sprinkler and drip irrigation for your garden.

• Promote drip irrigation and other water conservation methods in agriculture. Practice

rainwater harvesting. RWAs should adopt this in every public park of their locality.

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• Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances

conserve water, keeping water pressure high.

• Make rooftop rain water harvesting and recharging wells/tanks mandatory.

• Utilize kitchen waste water for home gardening.

• Take advantage of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY), Integrated Water

Management Programme (IWMP) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment

Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the conservation of water and agriculture

development.

• Establish community nursery by using waste water and distribute saplings in the

neighbourhood.

• Wash utensils using collected water in a bucket instead of washing directly under the

running tap.

• Instead of washing mop the floor

• Select village level volunteers to check whether all the public taps and pipes are leak

free.

• Promote Eco-san toilets: a closed water-less system

• Skip rinsing dishes before using your dishwasher and save water in each load.

• Don't allow water overflow from the overhead tank.

• Don’t wash the clothes and kitchen utensils in the water bodies.

• Don’t throw waste in water bodies.

• Run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer only when you have full loads. Dry

clothes in sun light

• Make water saving devices in taps mandatory. Use rejects of your RO for toilet flushing.

• Make percolation pits appropriately in backyards and parking.

• Avoid concrete pavements inside the compounds. Keep of 5-10 percent of your

residence ground unpaved for water percolation.

• Use less fertiliser on your lawn – better use compost than chemical fertilisers.

• Set your sprinkler to keep the water on the lawn.

• Mulch around your landscaped area. A three-inch layer of mulch holds moisture and

prevents evaporation, and conserves soil moisture thus reducing the need to water.

• Sweep your driveway and sidewalk instead of cleaning with water.

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शं ते आपो हैमेवतीः शमु ते सनू्तत्स्यय:।

शं ते सलनष्यदय आपः शमु ते सनु्तवष्यया:।।

Due to the source of snow or Himalaya, influenced by

the source, the flow of water flowing at a rapid pace

and the flow of water in the rivers from the rain, these

are all for your good, pleasant and well-being.

Atharva Veda19/2/1

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7. Be a Friend of River and Other Aquatic Bodies

Water is a finite resource and the supplies on Earth today are no more than what was there

at the beginning of the planet. We should manage and utilise our water resources wisely

simply by making small changes and making water conservation a part of our daily routine.

Saving water translate into saving energy and money.

Increasing population, rising standards of living and rapid growth of industry and

urbanisation are stressing water resources particularly our rivers that are getting polluted.

Rivers are our lifelines, and integral part of our civilisation. Many Indian rivers, including

Ganga over several stretches have become unfit even for bathing during lean season. River

catchments and banks should have plantation and should have a minimum flow even during

lean season. Practice of dumping of wastes in the river has to cease for the health of the

river.

• Do Not Litter near a water body such as a lake, river or sea.

• Plant trees in catchment areas of rivers and also on banks. Trees not only check soil

erosion but also retain soil moisture and feed rivers to keep them flowing.

• Do not block/ stop natural drains by constructing on drains or dumping wastes.

• Plant flora at Lakes or Rivers. If you live in an area where a lake or river is present, you

might want to think about planting some local plants near the water. Trees are also

helpful. Not only do they look beautiful when they grow, but they also help in protecting

the water body from pollutants. Vegetation also limits the carbon dioxide in the water,

which balances out its pH level.

• Stop Chemical Pollution. If you notice someone throwing chemicals into the river or lake,

or hear about such an incident inform your local authorities about the matter. Give them

a feed back insisting on a speedy action. Your silence may aggravate the situation.

• Industrial waste must be treated before discharge into the river.

• Industries on the banks of the rivers should be persuaded to reduce/ reuse/ recycle of

treat wastewater.

• Following religious ceremonies on the rivers bank prevent left over from sliding into the

rivers.

• Convert the river banks into pleasant and clean areas for recreation and walks. Planting

appropriate shrubs and trees on the river banks would enhance the environment.

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The earth, the air, the land and the water are not an

inheritance from our ancestors but on loan from our

children. So we have to hand over to them at least as it

was handed over to us.

Mahatma Gandhi

(Source: Gandhi Foundation)

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8. Cook and Eat Smart

Food transportation is one of the biggest and fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas

emissions worldwide. Ready to eat, packaged food is popular in developed countries as

compared to locally grown food. Packaged food and beverage consumption in Europe are

projected to grow by three percent a year to 953 billion packages by 2020. In India, locally

grown food (vegetables and fruits) produced in nearby rural areas are readily available in

local markets, which reduce transportation and packaging requirements. Fresh food is

preferred over processed, packaged and artificially preserved food.

Meat consumption leads to a higher demand for land and water. Worldwide meat

production has tripled over the last four decades and increased 20 percent in the last ten

years. Industrialized countries are consuming increasing volume of meat, nearly double that

of developing countries. Nearly 42 percent households in India are vegetarian (do not

consume fish/meat/ eggs). The remaining households are less strict vegetarian or non-

vegetarian. The per capita meat consumption in India for 2011-13 was 3.3 kg, one-tenth of

the global average.

The Indians relish locally and seasonally grown vegetables and freshly prepared food. This

avoids waste, ensuring food security and sustainable consumption and also reduces carbon

footprint. Diverse food habits exist in different parts of the country-specific to local climate

and availability of resources.

• Use fuel efficient cooking methods.

• Reduce the flame once the food starts boiling.

• Use the optimum quantity of water for cooking.

• Keep all ingredients ready at hand before turning on the gas stove.

• Soak rice, dal etc. for some time before cooking.

• Use pressure cooker for cooking.

• Use fuel efficient biomass cook stoves in rural areas to save wood and time.

• Make a kitchen garden if you have open space at home, or else a terrace/balcony garden

if you do not have land for such use. If you do not have balcony, make a small kitchen

garden in the window side or hanging garden in the sun for greenery.

• Use ‘Mathani’, a wooden hand blender for a small amount of mixing. It is a non-

mechanized tool for making buttermilk, lassi, etc.

• Don’t keep frozen foods at a lower temperature than needed.

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• Switch off kitchen appliances when not needed.

• Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables available locally rather than frozen/tinned or

artificially preserved fruits and vegetables.

• Eat seasonal vegetables and fruits with a view of reducing the environmental footprints

of transportation and storage.

• Cook the quantity of food which you can consume. Extra cooking consumes more energy

and results in wastage of food and money.

• Use smaller burner of gas stove whenever possible.

• Do not keep idle flame burning.

• Get the family to eat together. It saves effort and energy on reheating of food.

• Wait till milk or food cools down before putting it in the fridge.

• Organic foods are richer in certain nutrients. Buy organic and local food whenever

possible. Adopt use of natural/organic ingredients.

• Do not waste food. Give the leftover, but still fresh food to the needy.

• Check the date of expiry of food before buying.

• Carry a reusable bag when shopping. Refuse additional packaging and reuse bags as

possible.

• Try and buy foods with less packaging.

• Mushrooms can provide as much vitamin D as supplements.

• Convert your kitchen waste into manure using a composting unit.

• Utilize leftover dinner for breakfast, and leftover breakfast as evening snacks by slight

modification.

• Give leftover food to domestic animals like cattle and dogs.

• Do not throw away the leftover food from parties and festivals. Give it to

NGOs/organisations which feed the needy. Think of empty stomachs outside your home.

• Switch to vegetarian diet as much as possible to reduce carbon footprint.

• Use fuel efficient cooking stoves.

• Use solar cookers for cooking.

• Thaw frozen foods naturally before cooking and microwave.

अनं्न न लनन्द्ययत्। तद् व्रतम्। प्रयणो वय अन्नम्। शरीरमन्नयदम्। प्रयणे शरीरं

प्रलतलष्ठतम्। शरीरे प्रयणः प्रलतलष्ठतः। तदेतदन्नमने्न प्रलतलष्ठतम्। स र्

एतदन्नमने्न प्रलतलष्ठतं वेद प्रलतलतष्ठलत।

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अन्नवयनन्नयदो भवलत। महयन् भवलत प्रजर्य पशुलभर्ब्ाह्मवचासेन। महयन्

कीत्यया। Food should not be condemned. Food is life and life is food. Because energy comes from the soul itself and through the prana power comes the energy of life in the body. Prana only spreads the juice of food everywhere in the body. Therefore food here is established upon food.

He who knows this food that is established upon food, gets his firm base, he becomes the master of food and its eater, great in progeny, great in cattle, great in the radiance of holiness, great in glory.

Taittariyopanishad 3/7

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9. Food and other Waste Reduction: Restaurant/Office

Food production, processing, marketing, consumption, and disposal have important

environmental implications because of energy and natural resource usage and associated

GHG emissions. Wastage of food is a serious problem worldwide. Upstream wastage

volumes, including production, post-harvest handling, and storage, represent 54 percent of

total wastage, while downstream wastage volumes, including processing, distribution, and

consumption, are 46 percent.

Overall, on a per-capita basis, much more food is wasted in the industrialised world than in

developing countries. Loss or wastage of food is mostly at the retail and consumer levels.

The per capita food waste by consumers in Europe and North America is 95-115 kg/year. In

developing countries, greater focus is required on reducing post-harvest losses early in the

supply chain. However, food waste at the consumer level is limited. The per capita food

waste by consumers in South/South East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa is only 6-11 kg/year.

A general aversion to food wastage and respect for food are deeply ingrained in the Indian

psyche. Children in Indian homes are taught about respect for food at a young age. Cooking

only what is required for a meal, and sharing the surplus with the needy are key practices

that Indians inherited from their ancestors.

• Educate your restaurant staff not to waste food.

• Store fruits and vegetables properly.

• Regularly rotate the food in the fridge and warehouse. A very convenient way of storing

food in the refrigerator is the rule “right to left”. Store fresh food on the right side of the

fridge, while existing food is moved further to the left. At the time of using, practice “left

first”.

• Conduct inventory of food items in the restaurant /office canteen regularly.

• Ensure that every scrap of used paper is disposed or sold for recycling.

• Store and reuse paper and plastic bags. Prefer washable cloth bags.

• Help cut down paper waste in your workplace.

• Encourage writing, printing and photocopying on both sides of the paper.

• Use paper only when required. Request e-statements.

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• Do not use fresh paper for rough work.

• Call NGO services to take excess food, and ensure it reaches the under privileged, viz.

Feeding India, Roti Bank by Dabbawalas, Wrap It. Don’t Waste Food etc.

• Think “ingredients,” not “leftovers”.

• Store leftovers smartly: Glass storage containers are not only reusable and sustainable;

they allow you to see what’s inside.

• Promote “Zero” food wastage campaign – Put a hoarding or display a message within

the restaurant which conveys the message to the customers and the staff members.

• Use waste water generated through washing in green space after passing it through oil

and grease trap.

• Create a compost out of vegetable peels and other food wastes which can be recycled

for use as manure.

• Don’t mix food waste with municipal waste.

• Avoid using plastic bags for food storage.

• Use fuel efficient cooking methods.

• Promote local/regional cuisines.

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मय कयकम्बीरम् उद्वृहो वनस्पलतम् अशस्तीलवा लह नीनश: ।

Trees reduce pollution, do not destroy them.

Rigveda 6/48/17

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10. Forestry, Biodiversity, Eco-tourism

Forests provide multiple benefits including timber and non-timber produce such as fibre,

fodder, fuelwood, fruits, medicines, honey and essential oils. Also, forests have their

intrinsic value, supporting numerous other organisms. They act as natural regulator of

climate and are carbon sinks.

India has enormous diversity and hosts 16 types of forests that are storehouses of rich

biodiversity.

More than 20% of the country’s population is directly dependent on forests for part of their

livelihood. Forests are revered and trees worshipped. Forest and tree cover in India stands

at 24.01 per cent of the country’s geographical area and is on the ascendance. The forests of

India are a critical resource for rural and local people throughout the country, provisioning

food, fuel, and fodder. They have a role in stabilising soil and water resources. Forests

neutralise approximately 12 percent of India’s GHG emissions.

Planting of trees is seen as Punya or a ‘karmically’ rewarding activity forming the basis of

plantation drives or Van Mahotsav annually.

Visiting a protected area make people aware about the importance of conservation of

Wildlife and biodiversity. People should be encouraged to visit protected areas during their

vacations and educate the younger ones about the importance of biodiversity. But we need

to visit these areas as responsible callers. Such tourism, called ecotourism, has low impact,

educational, and conserves the environment while directly contributing to the economic

development of local communities.

• Use natural and biodegradable products like natural fibre from coconut, biodegradable

leaf plates and coir beds.

• Buy used furniture to reduce wood consumption.

• Use sustainable alternatives to wood. Use bamboo-based products.

• Support institutions and establishments such as restaurants and shops which are using

forests and biodiversity conservation practices.

• Undertake monitoring and control of invasive species in and around your home, and

planting of local plant species to prevent the spread of invasive species.

• Don't release aquarium fish, other exotic animals or ornamental plants into the wild.

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• Celebrate festivals linked to biodiversity conservation such as Magh Bihu and

Chhadakhai.

• Bring home air purifying plants such as Money Plant (Epipremnum aureumto) and

Bamboo Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) to reduce indoor air pollution.

• Planting of trees and shrubs in garden, balcony, roof top or a terrace garden provide

shelter to birds and helps in conserving urban biodiversity.

• Place a fresh water bowl or bathtub for the birds.

• Install bird feeders or place a bowl with different varieties of food such as cereals,

pulses, raw vegetables, flowers and grains at suitable locations.

• Install birdhouses and nest boxes.

• Grow fruits, vegetables and flowers in the space available around bungalows, galleries of

flats, open terraces and windows wherever the sunlight reaches the plants.

• Identify barren neighbourhoods in your community and support targeted greening in

these areas.

• Support development of an urban greening plan in your community.

• Support retrofitting with green infrastructures, such as bioswales and permeable

pavements, during street construction and repair.

• Incorporate green space into the street design, particularly in tandem with the

development of “Complete Streets” that promote walking and biking.

• Establish community nursery to collect local seeds and plants and provide stock to green

space rehabilitation programs.

• Introduce a system of rewarding community members who actively participate in

identified programs.

• Enhance the social aspect of conservation activities that involve green spaces and

biodiversity by encouraging field days, picnics and outings for interested parties.

• Support efforts to fund and build community and school gardens, parks, and initiate

community gardens.

• Develop and implement a communication strategy for green spaces, trees, and

biodiversity.

• Raise awareness about the value of forest and biodiversity among kids, youth and

professionals through celebrating forestry/wildlife week, Van Mahotsav, etc.

• Open institutional green spaces for public use.

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• Set up volunteer programs for the conservation, information, and dissemination of

green spaces and biodiversity.

• Organize 'idea contests' related to green spaces and biodiversity open to various groups.

• Corporate organizations should own up responsibilities of urban parks, plantations along

streets as part of corporate social responsibility and brand development.

• Strengthen cooperation with the network of institutions and work hand in hand with the

authorities involved.

• Organize eco-trails or trips to eco-tourism spots.

• Use summer holidays as an opportunity to engage students in forestry and biodiversity-

related activities.

• Visit wilderness areas to explore and study biodiversity.

• Do not carry plastic bags and materials like plastic plates and glasses to the natural sites.

• Bring back all waste from the forest areas to be disposed of in appropriate bins outside

the forest areas.

• Do not make noise as you drive through permitted forest areas.

• Strictly go by the guidelines and the advice of the escort during visits.

• At corporate level, initiatives could be taken up to generate funds for green spaces and

parks.

• Prepare educational material to highlight various local plant species for the region, or

specific areas, to be used as a catalyst for awareness raising and behavioural change.

• Inform wildlife authorities, if you notice any illegal activity concerning wildlife.

• Increase your awareness about wildlife laws and learn ways to conserve wildlife.

• Encourage your school and office to have talks, debates, skits, painting competition etc.

• Become a Wildlife Crime Control Bureau volunteer and help in the fight against illegal

wildlife trade.

• Treat all animals with kindness as they also have feelings.

• Spread awareness about wild animal and their stress under captivity.

• Do let our transport systems such as railways, airlines, buses and the private vehicles

become messengers of wildlife.

• Don’t buy trophies of bones, skulls, teeth, skins, feathers etc. of wild animals.

• Don’t keep wild animal such as turtles/tortoises and parakeets as pets.

• Don’t throw plastic in the wild and destroy ecology.

• Develop herbal gardens for common medicinal plants.

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• Develop a ‘Food Forest’ by growing different fruits and vegetables at different heights in

limited space.

• Develop a seed bank to conserve indigenous varieties for ensuring food security.

• Plant a tree on every birthday and water it for at least five years.

• Develop a rooftop garden for greening your neighbourhood.

• Spend at least an hour a day in a garden or a natural place.

• Gift a sapling on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

• Save an animal, help in the rescue of animals.

• Don’t feed and tease animals in Zoos, National parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries etc.

• Respect and obey rules and regulations about environment, biodiversity, and wildlife.

• Don’t buy products made of skins of endangered animals (shoes, belts, purse, handbags,

shawls etc.).

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आज्जनगन्धं सुरलभंवहन्नयमकृषीवियम् ।

प्रयहं मृगयणयं मयतरमरज्ययलनतयशंलसषम् ।।

'Van Devi Aranyani' has been described as one of the

greatest food grains and mothers of all wild animals.

Rigveda 10/146/6

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11. Wildlife Sanctuaries – Protect to Preserve

Protected Area Network is intended for the conservation of wildlife by limiting human

activities. Traditional societies in India have incorporated conservation in their religious and

cultural traditions. Wildlife is considered sacred wherein some plant and animal species are

especially revered, thus ensuring their protection.

Conservation of sacred species, groves, forests, and landscapes has been an important

aspect of the ethics of Indian culture. The Sacred Groves / Forests are important

repositories of floral and faunal diversity that have been conserved by local communities.

The sacred groves in Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and North-East not

only highlight community managed conservation efforts but also offer the potential for

carbon sequestration. In Rajasthan, a desert state of India, the Khejritree (Prosopis cineraria)

is valued for its moisture-retaining properties, and it is not axed even if it is a hindrance in

construction.

Bishnoi, a social group inhabiting the Western Thar Desert is committed to the tenets of

conserving the biodiversity of the area and ensuring a healthy eco-friendly social life for the

community. Wild animals roam freely in their rural habitat.

Most wilderness areas across India are fragile ecosystems that provide a whole host of

ecosystem services to local residents and people living downstream while serving as

important tourist attractions. However, unplanned tourism in such landscapes can destroy

the environment. Therefore, we need to visit these places in a very responsible way for

education and recreation taking care not to harm the forest or wildlife in any manner.

• Always carry adequate water in a non-plastic container and use bio-degradable

materials while visiting Protected Areas (PA).

• Keep seated in your vehicle during the visit to the wildlife parks and remain calm and

composed even when you sight wildlife. Maintain silence so as not to disturb them.

• Avoid music while in the Safari car.

• Don’t light up cigarettes in Protected Areas as it can set ablaze dry leaves causing fire.

• Don’t tease animals or offer food while in the PAs.

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• Wild animals are the actual asset of the PAs, respect and maintain a safe distance from

them.

• Try to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy the pristine environment while in the

park.

• Always follow instructions given by the Nature Guide/ Forest Guard.

• In case any unnatural event is noticed, immediately report to the Forest Guard nearest

to you.

• Appreciate the wildlife from afar and maintain a safe distance from them.

• Enjoy nature photography.

• Do not carry any plastic, firearms, crackers, flammable articles into the PA. They are

prohibited.

• Do not organise office/business meetings or social events in the protected areas.

• Do not litter, in stead place waste in litter bag provided in the vehicle.

• Do not force the driver to chase an animal or to enter a restricted zone.

• Organize wildlife club/ nature clubs to create awareness among people, especially the

children.

• Do not take vehicles in restricted zones/ routes.

• Do not blow horn and over-speed the vehicle.

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MY ETHICS not only permits me to claim but

require me to own kinship with not merely the

ape but the horse and the sheep, the lion and

the leopard, the snake and the scorpion.

Mahatma Gandhi

(Young India, 8-7-1926, p. 244)

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12. Waste Management

A major share of waste generated in the world is Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) originating

from urban centres. Waste pile-ups are not only eyesores but also cause disease and release

greenhouse gas Methane. Burning solid waste emits CO2 and pollutes the air with aerosols

and toxic chemicals. The problem is magnified when some of the waste (organic and

inorganic) is dumped in rivers and water bodies.

The rural and tribal areas in India still produce hardly much waste. However, overall the

magnitude and diversity of wastes have multiplied, with new materials such as plastics and

e-waste discarded indiscriminately. The government has now launched Swacchh Bharat

Mission to tackle the problem of littering and waste management.

The culture of repair/recycle and reuse is ingrained in Indian lifestyle. There exists a thriving

informal recycling network, with a strong door to door collection system as well as forward

linkages to the recycling industry. Newspapers, plastic, metals, woollens, cartons, batteries

and electronic products are recycled extensively.

In their day to day life, Indian households try to minimise waste generation through material

reuse. For instance, metal, plastic, and glassware used for food packaging are reused to

store food grains and other groceries in the kitchen. Also, old clothes, furniture, books, toys,

etc. are passed on within the family or to the needy. Even luxury items such as refrigerators

and cars have a good second-hand market.

• Adopt the 4Rs of solid waste management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover.

• Reduce waste generation: space for landfill could be saved

• Don’t put hazardous materials in the trash. Treat paints, pesticides, lawn chemicals, car

batteries, waste oil and similar materials as hazardous, as their improper disposal can

claim a life.

• Hazardous solid waste needs to be disposed of as per the Hazardous and Other Wastes

(Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

• Non-incinerable hazardous waste to be disposed of to Treatment, Storage, and Disposal

Facilities (TSDF).

• Reduce use of plastic bags.

• Always carry cloth or canvas bag for shopping and reuse it every time while shopping.

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• Dispose of e-waste as prescribed.

• Dispose of old refrigerators and appliances containing ozone Depleting Substances

responsibly. Refrigerants should be removed from an appliance before it is discarded.

• Old portable halon fire extinguishers that are no longer needed should be returned for

recycling.

• Stop the use of paper cups and plates.

• Carry your mug for tea/coffee instead of paper cups from the canteen, or during road/

train travel.

• Avoid using aluminium can products; instead, shift to glass bottle products/recyclable

packaging.

• Don’t litter.

• Pick up littered waste and dispose of in bins.

• Do not spit on roads, outside walls, stairs, sidewalks, building lobby area or elevators.

• Repair and reuse before discarding old furniture and electronic gadgets.

• Be a conscious citizen and buy products with environmentally-friendly packaging.

• Don’t buy more than you need. When it comes to lawn chemicals, pesticides, paints and

other hazardous materials, buy a smaller package so that you won’t have leftovers.

• Use both sides of the paper.

• Use rechargeable batteries.

• Keep a garbage bag while travelling and dispose of the same when a bin is available.

• Operate community biogas plants.

• Start aluminium can collection campaigns: these can be sent for recycling instead of

disposing of to landfill.

• Send paper for recycling instead of disposing of in the garbage.

• Organise community level auctions of old things; your waste could be useful for

someone else.

• Nominate a Green Champ Committee at School, RWA or office level to monitor waste

management.

• The packaging of products should be type and size based to reduce plastic waste.

• Develop databank of waste processing contractors (authorised collection centre) for

different types of waste like paper, plastic, e-waste, battery waste.

• Segregate waste at source and practice bio-composting. The compost can be used in the

kitchen and herbal gardens.

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• Never use open fires to dispose of wastes.

• Have a proper waste disposal system, especially for toxic wastes.

• Start composting brown leaves in your yard and green scraps from your kitchen. It will

reduce waste while improving your yard and garden soils.

• Always ensure reuse of paper, glass, and plastic.

• Encourage efficient involvement of RWAs of various localities in the collection and

segregation of garbage from houses and societies.

• Citizens can take steps to convert garbage into compost in their localities.

• One of the best ways to control pollution is to manage waste of all types properly.

• Use one less paper napkin a day. More than a billion pounds of napkins could be saved

from landfills each year.

• Recycle newspaper, by collection and periodic disposal to a scrap dealer.

• Place sufficient number of refuse bins at parks, public places, etc.

• Remove refuse on a daily basis.

• Use cloth diapers for baby at home and save disposables for daycare or travel.

• Line wastebaskets with reused shopping bags.

• Make each vinyl curtain last as long as possible by treating it with mildew remover and

using reinforcements on the holes.

• Carry your water bottle.

• Donate the possessions that you don’t need.

• Encourage use of Bio-digester.

• Recycle waste oil, lubricants, scrap metal, and tyres.

• Use a blue bin for recyclable waste and a green bin for organic waste.

• Use a compost bin for green waste.

• Maintain and Use your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.

• Donate or recycle e-waste responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains non-

biodegradable toxic materials and is a growing environmental problem.

• Stop waste burning and register complaints against the burning of garbage, plastic and

dry leaves in the open, and against polluting vehicles, industries and construction sites

causing dust pollution by using IT-based solutions like Apps developed for the purpose.

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The most important principle of the

environment is that you are not the only

element.

MAHAVIR

50

13. Planners and Architects – Where it all Starts

The diversity of building construction in different parts of India is a manifestation of the use

of locally-available eco-friendly materials, adaptation to local weather and climatic

conditions, and the resources and culture of the region. Natural lighting, ventilation, optimal

space utilisation, and efficiency of energy processes is integral to the modest shelter

construction.

India is now undergoing rapid urbanisation, and people yearn to live and work in planned

localities with well-designed road network, electricity and water supplies, communication

infrastructure, sewerage and space for schools, hospitals and recreation. Guidelines are

available for town planning and green buildings for efficient lighting, ventilation and use of

solar energy. Landscaping and trees not only provide soothing feeling but also moderate the

climatic factors.

• Build and construct as per development control regulations or building bye-laws.

• Design buildings which have integrated architecture relevant to local climate to save

energy.

• Adopt green building practices.

• Leave adequate setbacks from the boundary of plots.

• Adopt soft landscape for parking and sidewalks.

• Plan and design basements without disturbing groundwater table.

• Use locally available material for building construction.

• Design proper storm water drains and connect to rainwater harvesting wells.

• Adopt energy efficient electrical equipment – use LED bulbs and star rated equipment.

• Install rooftop solar panels and solar water heating systems on all buildings.

• Adopt proper air ventilation to minimize use of Air Conditioners.

• Adopt acoustic materials in buildings to avoid noise.

• Adopt proper plumbing system to recirculate and reuse waste water.

• Design and construct additional vertical green in the buildings.

• Adopt passive solar building design to reduce electricity consumption.

• Don’t block/construct on any natural stream even if it is seasonal and flows only during

monsoon.

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• Don’t fill low lying or natural depression areas for construction, consider these as areas

to be avoided.

• Plan green areas along natural channels, integrated with low-lying areas and natural

depression, to save the city from flooding and allow these to act as rainwater harvesting

areas.

• Design sewage and storm water network separately and ensure both don’t mix.

• Design and integrate cycle tracks and pedestrian tracks during road designing.

• Plant native trees, shrubs and creepers, maintaining multi-tier plantation while

designing green belt.

• Plant native air purifying, drought-resistant species in green areas.

• Plan and execute Sewage Treatment Plant and Waste Management Areas from design

stage itself.

• Designate and allocate separate areas for waste to be given to recyclers, and biomass

waste to be converted to manure.

• Plan and provide adequate dustbins for segregated waste collection.

• Planners may design Green Buildings observing: Health and Safety, Water Efficiency and

Recycling, Light Efficiency, Energy Saving, Reduction of CO2 emissions, Good Air

Circulation and Internal and External Environmental Balance, use of Renewable Energy,

use of low Energy Material and local materials.

• Planners may also take into account provisions of: the Energy Conservation Act,

2001;the Energy Conservation Building Code, 2017; National Mission on Sustainable

Habitat, 2010; Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA); and Indian

Green Building Council (IGBC), etc. to maximize use of natural lighting, reduce

environmental impact of building on surrounding trees, using the natural contours of the

land without much cutting and filling.

• Design buildings which minimise the demand on non-renewable resources and maximise

utilisation efficiency of the resources when in use.

• Planners may discover and use ideas from Indian Heritage buildings on the use of local

materials.

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This little globe of ours is not a

toy of yesterday.

Mahatma Gandhi

Mind of Mahatma Gandhi (Ed. Prabhu & Rao), 3rd Edn.,

1968; P.286

53

14. Builders – Implement the Plan on the Ground

Many of the modern buildings are highly energy-intensive. Producing one tonne of Portland

cement releases roughly one tonne of CO2 to the atmosphere. In 2013, cement production

accounted for roughly 9.5 percent of global CO2 emissions.

Traditionally, Indian house construction utilises local materials like bamboo, stones, and

clay. The use of traditional materials is not only suitable for local climate but also

contributes to GHG mitigation by reducing cement consumption and material transport. Use

of precious soil for brick making and sand if extracted unscientifically from river beds

degrades the environment. Dust from construction sites is also a significant source of air

pollution in cities. Building practices such as use of solar-passive orientation, thermal

insulation by using mud, jalis or chequered windows and large courtyards for natural

ventilation are examples of practices that are designed for comfort in harmony with the

natural surroundings, thus reducing energy requirements.

• Avoid earth bricks for construction purpose. Instead, use fly ash bricks.

• Preserve top soil and use it for green belt development.

• Use recycled STP water for construction.

• Don’t use groundwater for construction purposes.

• Plan and construct basements without disturbing groundwater table.

• Avoid water wastage water in curing.

• Avoid clearing of old trees existing on the site.

• Plant local species and fruit bearing trees within and outside the plots

• Recycle and reuse construction waste.

• Insist on the use of PUC certified vehicles for transport of construction materials.

• Use covered trucks for transport of sand, bajari and grit.

• Specify speed limits of material transport vehicles.

• Misting system and sprinklers may be used for effective dust management

• Use solar power for illuminating construction site.

• Use energy efficient electric wiring and devices.

• Adopt dual plumbing system and use treated grey water for flushing of toilets.

• Provide adequate sanitation facilities to construction workers.

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• Adopt water harvesting measures for harvesting and recharging groundwater during

rainy season.

• Adopt green building concepts for construction.

55

असंबयधं बध्यतो मयनवयनयं र्स्यय उद्वतः प्रवतः समं बहु ।

नयनयवीर्या ओषधीर्या लबभलता पृलिवी नः प्रितयं रयध्यतयं नः ॥

(Salutations to Mother Earth) Who extends Unimpeded

Freedom (both outer and inner) to Human Beings through

Her Mountains, Slopes and Plains.She bears many Plants

and Medicinal Herbs of various Potencies; May She extend

Her Riches to us (and make us healthy).

Bhoomi Sookt (Atharva Veda) 12/1/2

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15. Construction and Demolition

Construction and demolition waste is generated whenever any construction/demolition

activity takes place, for example for building roads, bridges, flyovers, subways and railway

tracks. The waste consists mostly of inert and non-biodegradable material such as concrete,

plaster, bricks, metal, timber and plastics. A part of this waste comes to the municipal

stream; little is recycled or reused.

These wastes are heavy, having high density, often bulky and occupy considerable space

either on the road or in community waste bins/containers. Huge piles of such waste can be

seen stacked on roads resulting in traffic congestion and disruption.

Waste from petty generators like individual house construction or demolition, finds its way

into the nearby municipal collection and dumping sites, making the municipal waste heavy

and unsuitable for further treatment like composting or energy recovery. Often it finds its

way into surface drains and sewerage, choking them. It constitutes about 10-20 % of the

municipal solid waste (excluding large construction projects).

It is estimated that the construction industry in India generates about 10-12 million tonnes

of waste annually. Projections for building material requirement of the housing sector

indicate a shortage of aggregates to the extent of about 55,000 million cu.m. An additional

750 million cu.m. aggregates would be required for achieving the targets of the road sector.

Recycling construction and demolition waste may reduce the demand-supply gap in both

these sectors.

Modern construction activity has plenty of scope for environmental conservation and

improvement. Recycle and reuse of top soil and construction waste, minimising water

consumption, use of curtains to suppress dust, proper housing for workers, and

development of green belt from the beginning are some of the guidelines for green building

construction activity.

• Take care to keep all material storage adequately covered and contained.

• Rescheduling work on non-windy days is one of the less expensive dust control measure.

• Wind breakers, enclosure, and hoods may be used wherever feasible.

• Provide curtains at construction sites.

• Cover transport vehicles with tarpaulin, to reduce the dust pollution during

transportation of construction material.

• Have storage bag filters at silos for extraction of exhaust air from silos.

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लगरर्से्त पवातय लहमवन्तोऽरणं्य ते पृलिलव स्योनमसु्त ।

बभ्ुं कृष्यं रोलहणी ंलवश्वरूपयं धु्रवयं भूलमं पृलिवीलमन्द्रगुप्तयम् ।

अजीतेऽहतो अक्षतोऽध्यष्ठयं पृलिवीमहम्||

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O Mother Earth, May Your Hills and Snow-Clad Mountains (spread its

coolness within us); May Your Forests spread its delight within us,

You present a Vishwarupa with Your many colours –Babhru (Brown) (of

mountains), Krishna (Blue) (of rivers), Rohini (Red) (of flowers); (But

behind all these enchanting appearances) O Mother Earth, You are

like Dhruva Firm and Immovable; And Indra protects you,

(On Your firm foundation) Which is Unconquered, Unslayed and

Unbroken Whole, I stand firm (and whole, O Mother).

Bhoomi Sookt (Atharva Veda) ; 12/1/11

16. Green Activist in our Daily Life

Unsustainable consumption leads to pressure on natural resources and long-term impacts

on the environment. While a section of the globe and the society faces a lack of basic

59

necessities, the high consuming and unsustainable lifestyles of another section places

immense stress on the social environment.

Changing consumption patterns require a multi-pronged strategy focusing on demand and

supply, meeting the basic needs of the poor, and reducing wastage of the finite resources in

the production process. It is essential to facilitate a shift to sustainable lifestyles in favour of

reduced consumption and cleaner products and services to stay within the earth’s carrying

capacity. Interestingly, there is a conservationist in each one of us. We can contribute to

environmental protection individually and collectively by cutting down on our consumption

of water, electricity, paper and other natural resources. We can also protect the greenery

and plant trees to make our habitat more livable.

• Use soaps/detergents judiciously.

• Use environmentally-friendly detergents and shampoo.

• Don’t burn biomass.

• Try for family members to bathe in quick succession without letting the hot water in the

geyser cool. Set geysers at an optimum temperature.

• Yoga is beneficial to the mind, body, pocket and Earth. Do an hour of yoga instead of

running on a treadmill.

• In winters, wear an extra layer of clothes at home instead of turning on the heater.

• Go out and play instead of watching TV or playing on electricity operated devices.

• Practice the tradition of passing down of old clothes and books to younger siblings.

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.

• Avoid bottled water for corporate events and in the office.

• Use chlorine bleach to whiten your clothes, kill mould and mildew, and disinfect

household surfaces.

• Value your garden.

• Say no to fire crackers. Avoid using a loud speaker or any sound amplification system

above the permissible limit.

• Avoid littering.

• Avoid printing transaction slips from ATM.

• Use e-ticket instead of a paper ticket for railways, airlines and movie.

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• Prefer e-statement from the bank.

• Go paperless.

• Maximize use of natural light at home.

• Switch off fans and lights as you leave the room.

• Keep bulbs/tube lights clean; dust can decrease lighting levels.

• Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products.

• Share power tools and other appliances.

• Buy only what is most necessary – the more you buy, the more waste you generate in

the long run.

• Plant saplings on special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays and festivals.

• Segregate wastes into biodegradable and non-biodegradable.

• Spend evening and holidays with family members and friends in parks, open areas,

gardens, beaches etc. and also encourage nature walks.

• Use natural and biodegradable products like natural fibre from coconuts, jute, palm

leaves etc.

• Use herbal insecticides and mosquito repellents.

• Encourage children to undertake nature camping and environmentally and socially

productive works like paper making and soap making.

• Carry a bag to collect excreta of your pets.

• Electronic waste should be disposed of to the authorised dealers only.

• Use recyclable material such as tin, glass and aluminium.

• Use ozone friendly products. Replace old equipment with ozone depleting substances

(ODS) with non-ODS equipment

• Buy products (refrigerators, air-conditioners, fire extinguishers, etc.) that do not have

ozone depleting substances.

• Pick up littered waste and dispose of in bins.

• Buy products with environment-friendly packaging.

• Carry a garbage bag while travelling, collect litter and throw it in the bins.

• Don’t dispose of waste material emanating from religious festivities in water bodies.

• Buy religious idols made of biodegradable material.

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• Use herbal colours and avoid air pollution and noise generating crackers during

festivities.

• Never throw waste into the streets where it could fall into drains.

• Keep your workplace clean and green.

• Avoid throwing plastic bags in the open. Organise a plastic collection program from time

to time for proper disposal.

• Buy green products with certification from reputed organisations.

• Combustible materials and chemicals must be handled according to the prescribed

legislation and the conditions of the permit.

र्ते्त मधं्य पृलिलव र्च्च नभं्य र्यस्त ऊजास्तन्वः संबभूवुः ।

तयसु नो धेह्यलभ नः पवस्व मयतय भूलमः पुत्रो अहं पृलिव्यः ।

पजान्यः लपतय स उ नः लपपतुा ॥

In Your Center, O Mother Earth, is Your Navel from which the Vital

Power emanates and spreads out,

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Absorb us in that Power and Purify us, O Bhoomi Mata, I am

the Son of Mother Earth,

Parjanya (Rain God) is my Father, may he fill us (with the Vital

Power in Water)

Bhoomi Sookt (Atharva Veda) ; 12/1/12

17. Our Home and Backyard: for a Healthy and Happy Family

The Indian way of life is embodied in a coherent worldview in which all facets exist in a state

of inter-related harmony, being governed by a universal order that is reflected in all realms

of human experience. The human being is part of a well-ordered system in which all aspects

of life and nature have their place, and are not in opposition, but in harmony with each

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other. This harmony between humans and nature is integral to the Indian tradition and

ethos.

The norms and practices of living in harmony with nature need to be incorporated in our

current daily life. Yoga and a morning walk, consumption of fresh, locally produced fruits

and vegetables, sanitation and adopting traditional ways of cooking, washing and water

storage can go a long way in sustaining the environment for our good health and happiness.

• Wash vegetables and capture the used water for the kitchen garden.

• Scrapped vegetable peels can be used for making compost.

• Wash dishes with the optimum use of dishwashing soap and water.

• Use water and electricity optimally.

• Buy vegetables and milk on a daily basis for cooking them fresh and avoid the use of

refrigerator to store fresh vegetables.

• Use household material made by local service providers like “Kumhar”, basket maker.

• Use smokeless chulha for cooking.

• Avoid using wood as cooking fuel.

• Use animal waste, kitchen waste and garden waste for making manure.

• Grow your vegetables.

• Plant fruit-bearing easy growing trees such aspapaya, moringa, guava, lemon, Jamun,

mulberry and banana in homestead land.

• Summer provides fruits with the abundant presence of seeds. Utilize the seeds from

fruits by sowing them.

• Avoid discharging wastewater in open area.

• Avoid paving of open area near the homestead.

• Stick to the traditional system of washing, cooking with stored water.

• Avoid burning kerosene for lighting.

• Use neem leaves/red dry chilli/curry leaves in Grain Storage - Avoid using

chemical/preservatives in Grain Storage.

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वर्स्पसतुं वर्ुं आस्थापयधवुं

सर् षू दसधधवम् अखर्ि उत्सम्।

65

Plant trees, protect them, they protect the water source. Rigveda 10/101/11

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18. Corporate Responsibility: Investing in Environment

Corporates, in mining, manufacturing, servicing or any other sector, have the

responsibility, ability and resources for doing social good. Public sector undertakings

and private enterprises have been contributing to welfare sectors such as education,

housing, health and skill development. Their efforts are being further encouraged

and channelised as part of mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility rules. The

corporate sector can play a significant role in environmental management by

investing in green technology, innovative use of raw materials, monitoring and

reducing their emissions and effluents, organising efficient transport and housing for

workers, recycling wastes and packaging material and utilising solar energy.

Investment in environmental conservation pays back in terms of profit enhancement

sustainability and goodwill.

• Industries should use fuel with lower sulphur content.

• Industries should monitor their air emissions regularly and take measures to

ensure compliance with the prescribed emission standards.

• Supply information on the correct storage, use and disposal of products.

• Conserve natural resources by using raw materials and energy responsibly.

• Use environment-friendly technology in manufacturing productions.

• Replace use of Ozone Depleting Substances in manufacturing processes,

wherever possible.

• Avoid and reduce waste; practice recycling and environment-friendly disposal

systems.

• Use products that reduce your reliance on natural resources (e.g., rainwater

tanks, solar hot water systems).

• Use products that are made from recycled material.

• Discourage printing of e-mails.

• Companies / large office should arrange feeder bus service from nearest Metro so

that employees do not use their cars.

• Companies and large offices could, where possible, stagger working hours. It will

help reduce pressure on transport.

• Companies and large offices which provide cars to their senior executives may

plan in such a way that they are pooled and ferry two or more executives in one

car.

• Large companies that sell branded products in non-biodegradable packing

material should have a mechanism to collect the packing material back to their

factories for reuse / recycle.

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19. Creating Awareness

Both developing and developed countries are facing serious environmental

problems. While some of the issues are common due to their global nature (e.g.

global warming, depletion of the ozone layer), others are specifically regional or

local.

Mass media and educational sector both have a significant role to play in

creating environmental awareness. Public figures and celebrities can set

examples in green, sustainable living.

• Organize street plays, films on environmental issues in public areas.

• Share good practices with friends, family, colleagues, community, etc.

• Write articles, blogs in the local newspapers, the internet etc.

• Choose a green career.

• Make your work place green and clean.

• Volunteers may make door to door campaign about educating on the Blue and

Green Bins for disposal of waste.

• School children may be taken for rounds of waste management centres.

• Pamphlets may be distributed on the importance of green actions leading to

environmental protection.

• Green walks, and drawing competitions maybe arranged for school children on

environmental awareness programs.

• Celebrities may be involved to visit local parks during morning walks and explain

to local citizens the importance of Green actions and advantage of planting

saplings.

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Kshetrapati Suktam, Rigveda 4.57

70

20. Initiatives by Civil Society Organisations

In India People have a general inclination towards need-based consumption and an

ingrained sense of responsibility which resists wasteful consumption and propagates respect

for all life. Please recognise the value of forests, trees, wildlife and clean air and water.

These feelings and love for the environment can be channelised by educational institutions,

self-help groups, village panchayats and welfare societies towards positive action for better

environment.

Through team work, conscious citizens can participate in action for sanitation and

cleanliness, maintenance and beautifications of parks, handlings of municipal, waste, and

reducing any wastage of food or fuel.

• Encourage food waste composting activity in canteens or kitchen at theoffice or school

level.

• Operate community biogas plants.

• Nominate a Green Champ Committee at School, RWA or office level to monitor waste

management.

• Organize community level auctions of old things; your waste could be useful for

someone else.

• Support development of an urban greening plan for your community.

• Design and implement a program of accessible neighbourhood-run flower and vegetable

gardens.

• Set up a volunteer program for the conservation, information, dissemination and

utilisation of green spaces for senior citizen volunteer groups.

• Introduce a system of environmental awards for the community, targeting those who

actively participate in identified programs.

• Organize eco-trails or trips to eco-tourism spots.

• Support efforts to fund and build community and school gardens, parks, and initiate

community gardens.

• Corporates can take up responsibilities of urban parks, and plantations along streets as

corporate social responsibility and brand development.

• Educate citizens in managing conflicts based on coexistence with animals following

conservation criteria.

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• Open institutional green spaces for public use.

• Village level volunteers may educate the farmers/water user groups/vulnerable

stakeholder in climate change matters.

• Practice community water budgeting for optimal utilisation of water resources.

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Kshetrapati Suktam, Rigved 4.57

73

21. On the farm front

India produces 260 million tonnes of food grains, and nearly 50% of the Indian population

derives its livelihood from agriculture. Agricultural activities such as paddy cultivation,

burning of agricultural residue, use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides and reliance on

fossil fuel for field operations produce greenhouse gases and cause health problems.

While untimely and sometimes deficient monsoons often affect agricultural productivity,

changing rainfall patterns, floods, drought and the rise in temperature are likely to impact

food grain production in future.

With rising demand for food due to population increase and higher living standards, and

declining per capita land and water resources, sustainable agriculture practices are of great

importance. Pesticides are harmful to the living world. Excessive use of pesticides leads to

the killing of birds, insect pollinators, other wild lives and are even harmful to the human

beings. Judicious use of pesticides and greater reliance on bio-fertilisers and biopesticides

are needed. Use of water-saving irrigation methods,integrated pest management systems,

renewable energy based water pumps where possible, composting and green manuring

would not only improve village environment but also make farming a more profitable

occupation.

• Avoid flood irrigation. Use drip irrigation.

• Avoid deep tube well irrigation. Use shallow tube well or open well irrigation system.

• Keep at least 200-300m distance between two shallow tube wells.

• Use traditional and organic farming techniques.

• Avoid intensive and over mechanised farming.

• Use composite farming technique.

• Give preference to local seed varieties.

• Get quarterly soil health report.

• Avoid overuse of fertilisers.

• Avoid diesel pump set. Use solar power operated pumps.

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• Use mango/mahua/banana/dhak leaves as packaging material.

• Farmers may check that the pesticide being used is as per the recommended values,

to prevent wrong use / over the use of pesticide harming the environment.

• Restrict pumping of groundwater to the minimum required.

• Stop stubble burning after wheat/rice harvest.

• Use paddy straw for making animal feed, cardboard, paper and other products.

• Use organic manure for better yield.

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22. Professionals: to Apply and Impact

Business and corporate professionals lead a busy life involving a lot of travel, stay at

expensive hotels and use of electronic information and communication devices. They also

usually lay down policies and practices in their organisation for fruitful functioning. They can

play an important role in resource conservation by practising and advocating measures for

efficient use of electricity, water, food, paper and other resources. Car pooling and

organising group transport for workers can save on road congestion and fuel. Conservation

ethos can contribute to healthy environment and profitability of the organisation.

• Use car-pooling.

• Walk or cycle to market, parks and even to work for short distance travel.

• Use public transport.

• Avoid peak hours to reduce traffic congestion.

• Park the car – walk, cycle or use public transport where ever possible.

• Switch your vehicle to cleaner fuel such as CNG.

• Use natural light rather than artificial light.

• Use stairs instead of elevators.

• Use coffee mugs in place of disposable cups to reduce waste generation.

• Use only reusable materials like cups and spoons.

• Don’t waste food.

• Buy food from local vendors instead of using packaged foods.

• Plant trees, both indoor and outdoor, choose native and air purifying species.

• Choose drought resistant native plants for plantation which require less water.

• Don’t water sidewalks or concrete surfaces; itwon't grow. Sweep and mop them to

clean.

• Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening.

• Don’t water plants if the soil has moisture.

• Turn off the water while brushing or shaving.

• Check all water gadgets – ensure that they are leak proof.

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23. Keeping Hospitals Healthy

India is known for practising traditional medicinal system – Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa-

Rigpa, and Homeopathy. Indigenous systems of medicine have been prevalent since ancient

times and have found mention in the scriptures. Traditional health care systems are mainly

plant-based, safe and cost- effective natural therapies. Almost 70 per cent of the population

in India still uses traditional systems of medicine for primary health care needs. Yoga is

serving as an environmentally friendly way of keeping people fit and active.

Hospitals not only cure and heal but also play a crucial role in public health management.

They have to develop systems for total hygiene and sanitation to rule out hospital-induced

infections, safe disposal of hospital waste, and proper storage of chemicals and medicine.

• Encourage usage of reusable glass and metal ware/ equipment/ instruments to reduce

the plastic load.

• Restrict usage of plastic bags, unless necessary, in health care facilities.

• Segregate bio-medical waste from other solid wastes and provide training to employees

for the same on a regular basis.

• Avoid discharge of any contaminated water outside hospital premises.

• Avoid burning of plastic wastes, needles, etc. as it emits toxic fumes.

• Explore options of common biomedical waste treatment plant and ETPs for small health

care facilities.

• Avoid physical handling of bio-medical or other contaminated wastes without proper

personal protective equipment.

• Ensure proper covering of all disposal bins.

• Ensure proper disposal of Municipal Solid Waste duly segregated from biomedical

wastes and explore setting up of compost pit for organic wastes.

• Ensure safe storage of chemicals and medicines with limited access.

• Promote the use of non-toxic liquid disinfectant and cleaners.

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• Ensure cleaning of toilets and other common places frequently to ensure cleanliness.

• Explore all possible measures for conservation of energy by following Green Building

norms in large hospitals.

• Adopt suitable water conservation measures.

• Ensure adequate parking and green spaces.

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“. . . I do visualise electricity, shipbuilding,

machine-making and the like existing side by side

village craft . . . they should not be used as a

means of exploitation of others.”

MAHATMA GANDHI

(Harijan, 27-8-1936)

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24. Market Association – Traders’ Responsibility

A visit to any market place or shopping centre in India would usually show clean, well-

stocked shops, but dirty, littered corridors, staircases and exteriors. Shopping malls are neat

and clean but consume excessive energy for lighting, air conditioning and elevators. Traders

can attract more customers to their markets by collectively paying attention to issues of car

parking, encroachments, disposal of waste materials, cleanliness of washrooms and

wasteful use of electricity.

• Create a voluntary Green Committee to monitor activities towards environmental

conservation.

• Do not litter waste.

• Set up a volunteer program for the conservation, information, and dissemination of

green spaces and biodiversity.

• Encourage individual shop owners to use shared car to commute to the market place.

• Create awareness about cleaning campaign weekly/monthly.

• Discourage motorised traffic in the market place to the extent possible.

• Promote usage of public transport instead of individual vehicles.

• Keep the toilets and common places clean - have them cleaned daily.

• Use water conservation measures in urinals.

• Ensure that all taps are leak proof and have them checked from time to time.

• Raw vegetable wastes should be properly disposed of for making compost.

• Put adequate size and number of dustbins and run campaign to educate people to throw

their rubbish and garbage into separate bins for ease of recycling and disposal.

• Educate people to reduce the use of printing paper and use the paper on both sides to

the extent possible.

• Start voluntary funding initiative to generate funds for a green drive.

• Discourage use of plastic bags and ask members not to use thin plastic bags of less than

50 microns which is prohibited.

• Funding could be sought from businesses for running environmental campaigns through

various partnerships, sponsorships, etc.

• Do not use a high volume of your TV, radio and music system.

• Start aluminiumcan collection campaign – send them for recycling.

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• Identify proper channel of waste and e-waste disposal to maintain the area clean and

healthy.

• Plant trees in and around the area – join the neighbourhood for cleaning and greening

drives.

• Create awareness about the causes of carbon emission and reduction measures among

customers and shopkeepers.

• Place proper garbage waste bins/dustbins at regular distances along with signage

boards.

• Construct bio-toilets around the market area with signage boards.

• Take proper approvals before installing diesel generator sets and follow proper

guidelines - use acoustic DG sets.

• Introduce a system of environmental awards for the shopkeepers, industrial workers,

and community to encourage people to actively participate in all programs.

• Send paper and newspaper for reuse instead of disposing of as garbage.

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25. Eminent persons including Community Leaders, Sports and

Cinema Personalities to lead

People pay a lot of attention to what the public figures, athletes, film actors and

artists say and do. While most of them remain engrossed in their chosen field, a few

when they work for a cause create a noticeable impact on the society. Protection of

forests and wildlife, control of smoking and use of narcotic drugs, acceptance of

vaccines against communicable diseases, disaster relief management and cleanliness

campaigns have benefitted from endorsement and sponsorship of public leaders and

celebrities.

• Devote few minutes of your public speech on environmental awareness, global

warming, energy conservation, water conservation, water reuse, wastewater

treatment, etc.

• Avoid disturbing natural environment while preparing the venue for public

meetings/functions/shooting, else restore it back to original state with due care and

technical support.

• Use your water bottle instead of plastic bottled water.

• Avoid littering at public functions.

• Use biodegradable/recyclable plates and glasses instead of non-biodegradable plates

and glasses.

• Avoid distribution of food in plastic bags or non-biodegradable packaging material.

• Use electric or battery driven vehicle for public functions.

• Reduce cars in the cavalcade, and shun high fuel consumption vehicles.

• Perform area cleaning, tree planting and protecting trees in your area every fortnight to

set an example for others.

• Always plant native species and fruit-bearing local variety trees instead of exotic trees.

• Avoid damaging trees and plants in public areas.

• Use a bicycle to travel in the local area to the extent possible to motivate public towards

the non-motorized transport.

• Give public appreciation to people/citizens protecting or performing environment-

friendly activities.

• Show concern for environment protection in daily routine and professional activities.

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रु्वय स्ययत् सयधु रु्वयऽध्ययर्कः आलशष्ठो द्रलिष्ठो बलिष्ठः ।

तसे्यरं् पृलिवी सवया लवत्तस्य पूणया स्ययत् ॥

The youthful person who is knowledgeable, prompt in action, strong in body and has a steady mind will possess the wealth of the world. {Taittiriya Upanishad 2.8}

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26. Last but not the Least - Role of Schools and Students

There is a curious naturalist in every child. School teachers can help nurture the love for the

environment through formal and informal educational tools. School boards have to ensure

that environmental education is a significant part of the curriculum for all classes, seminars,

field trips, competitions and fairs on environmental themes help the students identify their

interest in nature and choose a related career. What a child learns early in life for

cleanliness, conservation and wise use of resources would stay with him all his life.

• Voluntary groups may be formed in each school, which can be the medium for the

message of clean air, clean water, and clean environment.

• Visit areas to help local community understand the concept of Blue and Green bins.

• Visit local parks to assist in keeping the parks clean and green.

• Organize drawing competitions and seminars to encourage students in the Green

Good Deeds.

• Students may see that the school/college areas are clean.

• Plant saplings and make the area green. Inspire others also in doing so.

• Students can join local RWAs, and identify NGOs and Nature Clubs in their area to

participate in Green Good Deeds.

• Students are not only the best medium for dissemination of information on Green

Good Deeds to others but also live their lifetime with the green good deed feelings,

thus passing it on to the future generations.

• Involving a teacher would mean reaching out to several students. Reaching out to

students would mean reaching out to future generations.

• Students have the energy, the initiative and are inquisitiveness to learn more.

• Spread awareness about protection of ozone layer, and ozone depleting substances

• Reaching out to students would mean we have initiated a mass movement in our aim

to save the environment.

• Use recyclable and reusable material.

• Ensure proper disposal of wrappers and plastic waste.

• Don’t litter in school.

• Ensure optimum use of paper.

• Don’t waste paper - use it on both sides.

• Play outdoor - appreciate nature.

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• Don’t play electronic games or watch TV all the time – connect with nature.

• Switch of all electronic devices from plug point when not in use.

• Don’t leave the room with lights, fans on.

• Maintain tradition of reuse. Don’t throw away old toys and generate waste - better

give these to the kids who need them.

• Don’t use ‘use and throw’ pens.

• Eat natural organic food.

• Save water in schools and also at home - ensure to keep the water taps off when not

in use.

• Don’t waste water - when the water bottle is to be emptied, pour the remaining

water to plants instead of draining it into sinks.

• Plant and nurture trees in schools and neighbourhood.

• Avoid cutting or damaging trees or flowers on plants.

• Pass on the acquired knowledge to parents, grandparents, house helpers, neighbours

and peer groups (friends).

• Avoid littering when in the group and stop others from doing so.

• Be a green volunteer.

• Don’t spit in public places.

• Take care of birds and animals and respect them.

• Don’t tease animals.

• Avoid unnecessary lights.

• Share used books, toys, clothes to conserve the environment and reduce carbon

footprints.

• Don’t discard used books, clothes, etc. and generate unnecessary waste, better to

give to the ones who need them.

• Don’t use thin plastic bags - develop a habit of using cloth bag while going for

shopping.

• Schools may encourage – walk to school, Cycle to School, School Bus Transport

Facilities, rather than personal motorised transport

• Schools may audit air quality, and educate students on pedestrian etiquette and

responsibility.

• Schools may promote neighbourhood residents for admissions.

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• Schools may draw attention to some of the ancient heritage buildings in India which

are the epitome of low energy architecture. Schools may create awareness about

them and motivate the students for being energy conscious.

• Schools should take initiatives to develop means of reducing energy consumption by

educational tools.

• Schools may involve the young students in the whole process of new concepts and

trend-setting requirements of the society. The idea is to go about doing this through

teachers. Once the teachers are made aware of the challenges of the future, the

knowledge is passed onto the students simply and easily.

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Environment Calendar

S. N. Date Name of the Day Story behind the celebration

1. 02 February World Wetlands Day Marks the date of the adoption of Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971

2. 18 February World Whale Day Founded in Maui, Hawaii in 1980 to honour humpback whales

3. 28 February National Science Day Celebrated to commemorate the discovery of Raman Effect on the same day in 1928 by Indian physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.

4. 03 March World Wildlife Day At its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided to proclaim 3 March, the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as World Wildlife Day.

5. 14 March International Day of Action for Rivers

A campaign by International Rivers Organisation.

6. 15 March World Consumer Rights Day

On 15 March 1983, consumer organisations observed this date as an occasion to promote basic rights of consumers.

7. 20 March World Sparrow Day International initiative by the Nature Forever Society of India in collaboration with the Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France)

8. 21 March International Day of Forests

United Nations General Assembly Resolution 67/200 on November 28, 2012

9. 22 March World Water Day The UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193 on 22 December 1992 by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993.

10. 23 March World Meteorological Day

Commemorates the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the convention establishing the WMO.

11. 24 March Earth Hour A campaign.

12. 07 April World Health Day In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day.

13. 18 April World Heritage Day In 1982, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) announced, 18 April as the "World Heritage Day", approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983.

14. 22 April Earth Day First celebrated in 1970

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S. N. Date Name of the Day Story behind the celebration

15. 21 April 2018 World Fish Migration Day

A Dutch conservationist Herman Wanningen from the World Fish Migration Foundation, reached out to various organizations worldwide to create a global celebratory day, which is today known as the World Fish Migration Day.

16. 29 April Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

Officially recognised by the United Nations (UN) and has been celebrated since 2005.

17. Second Saturday in May

World Migratory Bird Day

Initiated in 2006, it is an annual awareness-raising campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.

18. 17 May 2017 International Recycling Day

Aimed at creating awareness, 17th May is celebrated as the International Day for Recycling in many countries around the world.

19. 19 May Endangered Species Day

US Fish and Wildlife Service

20. 22 May International Day for Biological Diversity (World Biodiversity Day)

First created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December, was designated the International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992.

21. 23 May World Turtle Day Sponsored yearly since 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue.

22. 31 May World No Tobacco Day

In 1988, Resolution WHA42.19 was passed by the World Health Assembly, calling for the celebration of World No Tobacco Day, every year on May 31.

23. 05 June World Environment Day

After the first major conference on environmental issues, convened under the auspices of the United Nations from June 5-16 in Stockholm (Sweden) in 1972, the UN General Assembly, on 15 December, adopted a resolution (A/RES/2994 (XXVII) designating June 5 as World Environment Day.

24. 08 June World Oceans Day By its resolution 63/111 of 5 December 2008, the UN General Assembly designated 8 June as World Oceans Day.

25. 15 June Global Wind Day Global Wind Day is a coordinated action between Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Wind Europe and the national associations to introduce the general public to wind energy.

26. 16 June World Sea Turtle Day WWF initiative

27. 17 June World Day to Combat Desertification and

Acknowledging that desertification and drought are problems of a global dimension, the UN General Assembly declared 17 June to be "World Day to Combat

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S. N. Date Name of the Day Story behind the celebration

Drought Desertification and Drought" by its resolution A/RES/49/115 adopted in December 1994. The purpose of this World Day is to promote public awareness of land degradation and to draw attention to the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

28. 21 June International Yoga Day Recognizing Yoga’s universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

29. July (Onset to Monsoon)

Van Mahotsava It is an annual tree-planting movement in India, which began in 1950. It was started by K.M. Munshi.

30. 11 July World Population Day The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989.

31. 26 July International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

Adopted on 6 November 2015 by the General Conference of UNESCO, underlining the importance of mangrove ecosystems.

32. 28 July World Nature Conservation Day

Aimed at increasing awareness about and protecting the natural resources.

33. 29 July International Tiger Day

It was created in 2010 at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit.

34. 31 July International Ranger Day

Celebrated by the International Ranger Federation’s member Associations, Thin Green Line Foundation, and by other organisations who support the work of Rangers and the IRF worldwide.

35. 10 August International Biodiesel Day

Celebrated every year to create awareness about non fossil-fuels (Green Fuels). The day also honours the research experiments by Sir Rudolf Diesel who ran an engine with peanut oil in the year of 1893.

36. 10 August World Lion Day An independent campaign that aims to raise awareness for the decreasing lion populations and to save them.

37. 12 August World Elephant Day Officially founded, supported and launched by Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation on August 12, 2012.

38. 9 August International Day of the World Indigenous People

By resolution 49/214 of 23 December 1994, the UN General Assembly decided that the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples shall be observed on 9 August every year.

39. 19 August World Orangutan Day Meant to recognize the most iconic victim of the palm oil industry.

40. 20 August Akshay Urja Divas An awareness campaign about the developments of renewable energy in India, celebrated on August 20 every year since 2004. Ministry for New & Renewable

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S. N. Date Name of the Day Story behind the celebration

Energy Sources initiated the event in 2004.

41. 08 September World Cleanup Day 2018

Global campaign initiated by civil societies.

42. 16 September International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (resolution 49/114).

43. 16-18 September

Clean Up the world A campaign

44. 18 September World Water Monitoring Day

Was established in 2003 by America's Clean Water Foundation as a global educational outreach program

45. 21 September Zero Emissions Day A campaign. Global 24 hour moratorium on the use of fossil fuels.

46. 22 September

World Rhino Day WWF initiative. First announced in 2010.

47. 2 August in 2017

Ecological Debt Day (Earth Overshoot Day)

Earth Overshoot Day is calculated by Global Footprint Network and is a campaign supported by many other nonprofit organizations.

48. 26 September World Environmental Health Day

International Federation of Environmental Health declared 26th September as World Environmental Health Day to be celebrated each year since 2011.

49. Last Sunday in September

World Rivers Day In 2005, the United Nations launched the Water for Life Decade. The establishment of World Rivers Day was in response to a proposal initiated by internationally renowned river advocate, Mark Angelo. First event was in 2005.

50. First Monday in October

World Habitat Day World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986.

51. 04 October World Animal Day Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer organized the first World Animal Day on 24 March 1925 and in subsequent years thereafter. Finally, in May 1931 at a congress of the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence Italy, his proposal to make 4 October World Animal Day universal, was unanimously accepted and adopted as a resolution.

52. 13 October International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction

By resolution 64/200 of 21 December 2009 the UN General Assembly decided to designate 13 October as the date to commemorate the Day.

53. 16 October World Food Day FAO celebrates World Food Day each year on 16 October to commemorate the founding of the

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S. N. Date Name of the Day Story behind the celebration

Organization in 1945.

54. 22 October World Planting Day A campaign

55. 24 October International Day of Climate Action

A global campaign

56. 24 October United Nation Day UN Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter.

57. 01 November World Vegan Day Established in 1994 by Louise Wallis, then Chair of the Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organisation.

58. 05 November World Tsunami Awareness Day

In December 2015, the UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day.

59. 06 November International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict

On 5 November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared 6 November of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict (A/RES/56/4).

60. 02 December Bhopal Tragedy Day (national Pollution Prevention Day)

Observed in the memory of people who lost their lives in Bhopal gas calamity

61. 03 December Bhopal Gas Tragedy Day

Bhopal tragedy in 1984.

62. 05 December World Soil Day The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), in 2002, adopted a resolution proposing the 5th of December as World Soil Day to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system. FAO supported the call and in June 2013, it unanimously endorsed World Soil Day and requested its official adoption by the UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the 68th UN General Assembly declared 5th of December as the World Soil Day.

63. 11 December International Mountain Day

The increasing attention to the importance of mountains led the UN General Assembly to declare 2002 the UN International Year of Mountains. On the occasion, the UN General Assembly designated 11 December, from 2003 onwards, as “International Mountain Day”. FAO is the coordinating agency.

64. 14 December Energy Conservation Day

Celebrated in India every year.

65. 23 December Kisan Divas Kisan Diwas (Farmer's Day) is observed every year on 23 December to celebrate the birth anniversary of the fifth

91

S. N. Date Name of the Day Story behind the celebration

prime minister and kisan leader, late Chaudhary Charan Singh.

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Photo Credits

Apte, Deepak page 54, 85

CRIDA page 34

Das, Kadambini page 3

Dholakia, Manoj page 45

GEER Foundation page 44

Muralidharan page 36

MNRE page 11

Nayar, T.S. page 58, 80, 82

Pandit, Rohan page 23

Patel, Kartik page 42

Pomal, Ashwin page 78

Quadros, Goldin page 49, 62

Rawat, V.R.S page 15

SACON page 25

Subramanian page 20

Sukumar, R. page 41

Suresh, S. page 17, 18, 21, 31, 37, 52, 55, 67

Vaidya, Rupal page 9

Vyas, Pradeep page 26, 61, 64, 65