Your planet your home
by Jayashree Bose

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Nature has provided us with all the resources we require, however, we humans have an insatiable appetite. Starting today if you and I donot make a conscious effort one day nature will run out of resources. Our grandchildren may not have any fuel left, water levels may reduce and drinking water could become an expensive commodity. Your planet is your home which you share with others. A conscious effort from your side today can make your home, your planet a beautiful place to live in.

Here are a few tips to save resources on a daily basis. Always remember "use what you require".

Electricity

• Switch off all lights, air conditioners, fans if you are the last person leaving a room. Follow this in your office, your house or any room you are using.


• Switch to energy efficient bulbs and tubes. They may be more expensive than the normal bulbs and tubes but in the long run they cut down on the electric bills.


• Use energy efficient appliances.


• Switch off your computer if you are not going to use it for more than an hour.

• You can reuse the water used for washing clothes to wipe the floors.


• You can use the water used for washing vegetables and grains for gardening.


• Switch off the tap while brushing your teeth. Instead use a glass for gargling.

• Carry your own bag while shopping that way you donot need plastic carry bags.


• Carry your own water that way you don’t need to buy bottled water. You save money and you use less plastic.

• Carry garbage disposal bags.


• Wherever it is allowed you could burn the organic/bio-degradable garbage or dig a pit and put the organic garbage in it. Collect the inorganic garbage and dispose it in designated dustbins.


• Always ensure that you properly extinguish any fire lit by you.


• If possible leave the place cleaner then when you arrived.

• Switch off the engine when waiting in traffic. You save fuel and cause less pollution.


• Walk and cycle whenever possible. You will be healthy and you will save fuel.


• Avoid using air conditioner in cars, you will save on fuel and also cause less pollution.


• Lower the speed of your vehicle. Don’t drive like a maniac. You will save nearly 30% on fuel.

• Recycle. Recycle.Recycle. In your house you can reuse paper by letting your child use the clean side as colouring book or scribble paper. In office you could cut up discarded printouts and use the clean side as notebooks.

• Use cosmetics which haven’t been tested on animals.


• Use what you need, no point buying a green eye shadow which you will wear twice and throw it away. Think! Do I really need it? Will I use it regularly?