Our today and our future should thus be more conceivable than ever. We are human beings, after all, living in a global community. Our contribution can make all the difference. But how precisely can we contribute better to a better future? How we can, in everyday life, get involved and make a positive impact on a larger scale. Understand Our Impact
First, let us understand what we mean by a "better future." It would mean sustainability, less waste, and keeping a tab on our carbon footprint. You must know that in 2021, the average individual carbon footprint was approximately 4 tons of CO2 per year. In India it is about 1.9 tons per year—lower than the global average, though it will add up to much when the huge population is taken into consideration.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (The 3 R's)
The easiest way by which everyone can help is by using the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
- Reduce
Reduction means 'to reduce our intake'. Small actions like switching off the lights when not needed, taking public transport, or using an energy-efficient appliance shall help in a big way. As per a report of 2023, if all the houses of India are lit using LED bulbs, it shall help save about 10,000 MW of electricity annually. - Reuse
Reuse tries to see new ways in the use of old things. For instance, reutilization of plastic bags, donation of old clothes, and reusing glass jars will guarantee minimum production of waste. In the 2022 research paper, reusing will save 30% of waste. - Recycle
Recycling is the process of redeveloping waste to produce new products. Nowadays, most cities have some sort of system to recycle paper, glass, and some plastics. By 2024 worldwide, recycling will have saved up to 700 million tons annually in CO2. India too has made its contribution with the "Swachh Bharat Mission", through an emphasis on Recycling and Waste Management.
Sustainable Choices
These few sustainable choices shall go a long way in making a difference to our planet. Here are a few such examples:
Eco-Friendly Products
Use eco-friendly products. All of these would be made such that they would have less effect on the environment. For example, plastic toothbrushes could be replaced by bamboo as they are biodegradable and would reduce plastic waste to a huge extent.
Support Companies That Support Green
Support green-supporting companies. Many leading companies that earlier focused on other sources of energy have now turned towards green energies and reducing emissions; they produce sustainable products, which a few are major drivers of sustainability efforts like Tesla, Unilever, and Infosys.
Get Involved in Community Initiatives
Join or contribute to local community initiatives to amplify the effect. Community clean-ups, tree-planting drives, or local recycling programs are all good ways to contribute back. In 2023 alone, more than a million trees have been planted across India through community-driven initiatives—fighting deforestation and improving the quality of the air.
Educate and Advocate
Educate others and yourself about the environment. Pass the information on to friends and family, and act for policy change. Governments and organizations act more if there is public support.
Personal Actions
It's personal actions that count. Here are tips:
- Curb Water Use: Fix leaks, take shorter showers, and install water-efficient fixtures.
- Eat Sustainably: Use less meat as most of the GHG emissions originate from the production of meat. Ask for locally sourced and organically farmed produce as much as possible.
- Renewable Energy: Switch over to renewable sources of energy, such as solar or wind power, if possible at home.
Global-View
Even as one acts individually, one has to think globally. Every country on Earth is doing its bit in this race towards climate mitigation. For instance, this includes the Paris Agreement's goal to keep global warming at 1.5°C. In 2022, India made the commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2070—a commitment towards a sustainable future.
Conclusion
It doesn't have to be overwhelming, trying to contribute a little towards a better future. Small changes in our lives will count if we all do something consistently. Be it reducing waste, sustainable choices, or engaging in community initiatives—everything counts toward this goal. The future is in our hands, and working together we can achieve so much more for a healthier and more sustainable world for generations yet to come.