climate action

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Do individual efforts matter? Here are my two cents

Do individual efforts matter?

When it comes to climate change, do individual efforts matter? This is something I ponder upon every time I do something positive for our planet. And every time, I come to the same conclusion – yes, they do!

There is a school of thought that believes in entirely blaming big oil and fossil fuel giants for climate change. This thought is valid, but only to a certain extent. We tend to demand systemic change but let’s not forget that the system is made up of individuals like you and me. Thus, behavioural change at both levels becomes vital.

If we look at it, we do share 50% of the blame. I say this because we have been, and continue consuming more than we need. We fall prey to the marketing gimmicks and end up buying stuff we can totally do without. Guilty as charged!

Excess of anything results in its overuse. We overconsume food, fashion, electricity, water, private vehicles, and whatnot! To sustain our lifestyles, we now need about 1.8 earths. It this habit to overconsume one of the culprits ruining the balance of our planet. Don’t you agree?

How disturbing is this image?

We have been taught through our formal education why we must protect the sanctity of our natural world and the environment. Yet, we haven’t learned anything and continue to exploit. Not to be cynical but every human being plays a villainous part in some or the other way. From an unbothered politician, a careless brand, an ignorant contractor, a banking model that funds planet-destroying mining firms, to a layman refusing to give up plastic, etc. We cannot just blame our leaders and not do anything ourselves. Governments will impose countless regulations, but those won’t help unless citizens show genuine support and follow protocols.

How do individual efforts matter?

As we march towards a sustainable world, there are two possible pathways. One is to reduce our ecological footprint. This is achievable with pro-active governance on both national and international levels to put an end to further exploitation of our natural and conserve what’s left. 

The other pathway is to increase the ecological capacity of our world, which is possible with our participation. Let me give you an example. We have long endured the use-and-throw culture in our lives, which has led to a tremendous amount of waste. We have created so much trash that we have not only disturbed the ecosystem on land but also that of our water bodies. But how are we tackling this problem? By simply installing units such as ‘sewage treatment plants,’ the STPs. This is known as an end-of-pipe solution. But instead of an STP, what if we stop letting waste into our rivers and seas in the first place? Wouldn’t that help keep our water bodies healthy? Wouldn’t it reduce the spending of a tax payer’s money?

It isn’t simply about installing an STP, it is about every form of waste we create. If we’ll be mindful enough to control what we discard as waste from our homes, we can contribute in increasing the ecological capacity of our planet. The first week of Covid lockdown is an excellent example. We stopped creating pollution through our cars and factories, and boom! Air became cleaner and skies clearer. Just imagine what we can achieve if we implement deliberate and immediate measures.  

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We as citizens hold two big assets to make change happen. The first one is our ability to vote. The leader we vote for isn’t just responsible for developing our economy. We need to realise that our leader has to be conscious enough to develop a nation’s ecological capacity and quality of life for its citizen, alongside the economy. So when a government turns out to be incompetent, we share the blame. 

The second asset we hold is the ability to vote with our wallets. As more and more individuals are going green, we now have brands coming up with sustainable alternatives. We are seeing this change happen. I do not need statistics to support this (in case you’re not convinced, check out this report by the WWF). Every time you purchase an eco-friendly service/product, you are voting with your wallet. So you see, what we chose to buy, changes the market. A change in the market helps in transitioning to a more sustainable society. 

I understand that it would be complete ignorance at my end if I do not address the problem of equity in our society. Not everyone has the privilege of voting with their wallets. But this is not a problem with no solution. It is the responsibility of our authorities to provide every citizen with equitable access to resources. An equal starting point for each human makes development easier, again drawing attention to the importance of voting.

Today, multiple instances show how citizen action drives change. It was evident when the Dutch government sued Royal Dutch Shell. It is evident with the Riverfront development project in Pune kept on hold. It is evident with the price of a bamboo toothbrush coming down from once ₹150 to now ₹50! It is evident with countless options for vegans of today. It is evident with a brand like H&M, after receiving a lot of backlash, introducing “sustainable” clothing line. There are many more such instances.

So do individual efforts matter? Hell yeah! Perhaps the only differentiating factor is that the pace of change might be slow. But it is of value. The onus should not be on the government, nor should it be on individuals.  It has to be a partnership. 

Behavioural change has to be at both levels. Only a well-informed, aware, and educated person can take mindful decisions for his citizens and the planet. Similarly, only a well-informed, aware, and educated citizen will make mindful choices that support sustainability.

In conclusion, read this out loud: INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS MATTER! Never believe otherwise.

Ecopurple always intends to influence people to do more good for our planet. This opinion piece is one of those humble attempts.

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Spirit of Youth – Appreciating the Inspiring Young Environmentalists

Young Environmentalists are Leveraging their Time and Social Media to make a Difference and I'm all for it!

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Thanks to the climate crisis, environmentalism has long left the school textbooks and finally found its way into most of our lives today. A part of this progress is also due to the relentless hard work of activists all around the world, causing this much-needed push in the green direction. Delighted to witness that the younger generation is also participating in, even spearheading, the awareness campaigns in large numbers.

The young environmentalists are making sure their online presence is not merely about their food and travel adventures. Significantly, they’re also dedicating their time and effort to talk about issues that matter.

Dana Fisher, a sociologist studying activism rightfully said,

“Young people have been talking about climate change for decades. But the latest generation of protestors is louder and more coordinated than its predecessors. Young people are getting so much attention that it draws more young people into the movement.”

A global survey involving 27,000 people found that about 59% of gen-Z desire to live more environmentally-friendly. Not just gen-Z, even Millennials (55%) desire the same. 

As you can see, not only does the youth cares for the planet they are also passionate about helping others and living a healthy life. Hence, it is safe to say that we are nurturing a promising and considerate set of future generations.

In 2018, too, it was a 15-years-old activist – Greta Thunberg, who garnered global attention to the climate crisis. Her powerful voice inspired millions around the globe, leading to the foundation of the ‘Fridays For Future’ (FFF) campaigns. FFF is a youth-led grassroots movement.

Today, every country has its own FFF groups set up to engage people in taking climate action. In India alone, almost every state, every city has its own FFF team. Almost all volunteers here are young environmentalists trying to mobilize the masses to take urgent climate action.

Even before Greta, young activists such as Autumn Peltier (Canada), Ridhima Pandey (India), Leah Namugerwa (Uganda), Xiye Bastida (Mexico), and more have paved the way for people like us. 

It’s hard not to get inspired when you come across such dedicated young individuals, isn’t it?

Times are changing. More and more people are willing to make sustainable changes to their lifestyles. If you, too, are looking for some inspiration to start your eco-conscious journey, look no more.

Allow these young changemakers, who are leveraging their time and social media to push for a sustainable change, to guide you. Be sure to click that follow button for your daily dose of sustainability education and eco inspiration.

Inspiring Young Environmentalists and Sustainability Enthusiasts You Must Know

Talk Dharti To Me (TDTM)

TDTM is a team of youth educating people on pressing environmental and sustainability issues through their blogs and engaging online presence. 

Their insightful content and webinars will convince you to start important conversations that our society needs to discuss today.  

“Talk Dharti To Me emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for conversations about sustainability. We seek to inspire people and communities to act for a better self-sustainable future.”  

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Arushi Kaushik

Going by the username @green_fille, Arushi Kaushik is a student of environmental science and a passionate sustainability enthusiast. 

She creates fun, engaging, and informative content for educating her audience on environmental sustainability. 

Her posts will also keep you updated with the latest environmental issues, so that you realize why you must take action. 

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Saniya Malhotra

With @didyousaykabaad, Saniya, an architect by profession, teaches how to live an eco-friendly life without having to change much of your existing lifestyle.

She offers content full of tips and tricks while making you aware of sustainable alternatives to conventional products. 

She highlights sustainable businesses, posts easy DIY videos, and fun reels, all of which will help you live an eco-conscious life for sure!

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Tejas Talware's Nashik Ploggers

Tejas Talware’s @nashikploggers is a community that is on a mission to work for a cleaner Nashik.

While plogging is at the center of their initiative, that’s not all that they do. They also organize tree plantation drives and several other social awareness campaigns, which you, too, can be a part of.

Following up on their work and the initiatives they take up will certainly provide you a source of green inspiration. 

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Vyshnavi Gudivada

Vyshnavi’s @theindianminimalist is a one-stop profile to know all about veganism, minimalism, low-impact living, and much more!

She’s a sustainability influencer and an entrepreneur, doing her best to promote an ethical and responsible lifestyle. In addition, Vyshnavi’s expertise in skincare is a bonus that might help enhance your self-care regime as well!

Follow her to know every good thing she does for the planet. Let that be an inspiration for you.

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Urvari

Urvari is yet another youth-led organization working for a better tomorrow. 

Be it cleaning up beaches, planting trees, upcycling plastic waste, or donating food, these young changemakers have everything covered.

Know them, follow them, and join them in making a positive impact. You can also volunteer and work with the team to together make a difference. 

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These are only a few of the many young environmentalists and youth-led organizations out there who are doing their bid for our beautiful world. 

Only a responsible generation sows the seeds for a fruitful future. Considering the rise in youth participation in issues that matter, the future does look promising. 

Both Gen-Z and millennials today are increasingly showing concerns for the future of our planet. We do not need statistics to prove this, as we can witness this all around us. We are no longer afraid of demanding systemic change and holding those who are accountable. May this momentum keep going and growing with each passing day. It’s about time we stand up for our future. 

If you know some more young changemakers then do comment down below. Let’s acknowledge their efforts and empower them. 

Also, to know more about such eco-conscious people and stories, click here.