“As long as you are green, you are growing;
when you turn ripe, you actually begin to rot!”

Nature has the power to heal and is therapeutic as it is our first home. That’s good enough reason for us to make it our responsibility to take care of it and protect it too. A clean, thriving and breathing environment is a healthy growing planet which is represented by the colour green.  Green is a prominent colour of Nature and can represent growth, healing, and renewal. To most people, green also represents well-being and tranquillity. We make these associations primarily because of the role it plays in nature. So, going green starts with the intention and then translates to environmentally friendly practices.  Let us ignite a reconnection with nature and inspire green living by growing more plants, recycling, cutting down on pollution, making people aware of climate change through programs, etc. If we wish to protect the environment, we must stop using natural resources for our own benefit. To save the environment, it is very important to use these things carefully. Our government has made it illegal to kill animals and cut down trees. People who do these “types of crime” have to pay fines. We have also participated wholeheartedly in the “Swatchh Bharat Abhiyaan” rolled out by the Indian Government but do we practice it as a habit?

To protect our environment, we need to support the complete ecosystem in such a way that the planet becomes supportive of life. With a balanced ecosystem, life flourishes, and species expand. Each one of us need to adopt simple practices that support the environment.

Rain Water Harvesting: Water, either surface or underground water, is an essential resource that impacts the overall health of the environment. Rainwater harvesting is a good option to save water and the environment as well.

Controlling Waste: Improper disposal of waste is the main problem that threatens the environment today. The waste just spreads into the environment, getting into the soil, water, air and polluting them. Proper waste disposal techniques must be employed to reduce environmental damage.

Eco-Friendly: It would be in the best interest of the environment, for us to become environment savvy. We can do that by using bio-degradable carry bags instead of plastic, using paper bags, planting trees, taking part in cleanliness campaigns, and a lot more.

Walk More Drive Less: Vehicles today have become the main source of environmental pollution. The exhaust emits poisonous and harmful gases into the environment. If we chose to use vehicles only when it is unavoidable and travel in public vehicles, then we would be helping the environment become clean and healthy.

Stay Away from Chemicals: Avoid the use of chemicals as far as possible, primarily in the agriculture sector. If it cannot be avoided then at least make sure that no chemical reaches the environment and is neutralized after use.

A green environment full of open green fields or a forests is a natural haven and makes us feel safe and serene. Due to its apparent connection with nature, we often use the term “going green” when discussing environmentally friendly practices. Let us give back to the environment what is gives us – life support!

Barnali Sen,
HOD (English)