The Quran says, “Indeed, we created humans in the best form” in Surah At-Tin, verse 4. Man being the only creature with self-consciousness and ability to think makes him of the highest order. When we introspect, we need to realise that with being human there are many responsibilities we have to shoulder. The obvious ones many of us can state is respecting others, being peaceful, and helping out one another. But we tend to forget our duty towards this planet that Almighty has given us to reside in this world.
Over the time we have heard that our earth is warming up. Why wouldn’t it? When natural forests are being destroyed at a very rapid rate. Once covering more than 14 percent of the earth’s land surface, rain forests now cover no more than 6 percent. Biodiversity is decreasing. Presently, 12 percent of all bird species, 23 percent of all mammal species, 32 percent of all amphibian species and 31percent of all gymnosperm species face the threat of extinction. Soil is being abused with excess use of fertilizers and pesticides which exposes carbon in the soil to oxygen and we know CO2 causes the greenhouse effect. Industries have poisoned the water to such an extent that now chemicals like chlorine salts are being added to make it just a little safer. Cars and airplanes release a variety of pollutants that contribute to air pollution.
When we realise that the state of earth is getting to such a bad level, we can start by little contributions to make it right since this responsibility lieson our shoulders. For this we need to start from home and take simple measures.
Plastic is one of the problems. Our milk packets, processed food packaging, plastic bags, storage containers and the list goes on. Our neighbourhood grocery stores supply to us most of this plastic through their packaging. For plastic bags we can use substitutes like paper bags or jute bags for groceries every time we visit the stores;thus following the rule of the three R’s. So, we should first of all reduce the use of plastic. If not completely possible, we should reuse the plastic. And finally, the wise thing to do is recycle the plastic waste.
We should avoid using non-biodegradable products because they always stay in water and cause enormous harm to the marine life. Baking soda is an excellent alternative to the toxic dish soap used to wash the dishes. It cuts the grease serving the purpose, is inexpensive and also amazing for the environment.
Recently many companies are coming up with amazing products; let us see some of them.
Indowud NFC is a Chennai-based company that is making furniture from rice husk. First of all, they are preventing the cutting of trees which is needed for furniture and secondly, the large amounts of rice husk which are just burned every year significantly contributing to air pollution is also avoided.
Many companies are making sandals from recycling tyres and plastic.
Companies like Ecosys are creating floor cleaners, hand wash, dish soap, etc. from minimal ingredients which are biodegradable.
The government should promote and sponsor these companies so that on a largescale the conservation and protection of environment can be followed.
We don’t need to take big steps to start. Realising our responsibilities and working even just a little bit for the good cause will give immense happiness to you as well as our earth.