We are
discarding several broken things as waste. Today rich and upper middle class
people are not thinking to reduce waste, which comes from domestic or
industrial or agricultural or commercial activities. They want to dispose waste
quickly instead of reusing the things or recycle them properly. We create tons
of waste in the name of religion and blame government for the ill effects of
pollution. Lacs of coconuts are broken and thrown on the streets. Several business
people throw thread of lemons and chillies on the roads. We can reduce waste by applying our own
rationality to save nature for the better future. I fear we will face food shortage in the near
future if we continue to dump waste in the green fields and spoil thousands of
acres every year. That land can never be
used for agriculture. I suggest
following little things can reduce waste at various sectors.
1. AT THE
DOMESTIC FRONT: We can carry some cotton
or jute bags wherever we go for shopping and keep some bags in our vehicle.
Apply 4 R’s if environment viz., Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. High class people never felt ashamed in
taking many polythene bags at free of cost with an intention to dispose their
waste in those bags. They think that
they are saving lot of money on buying waste disposal bags. They argue and quarrel with anybody who ever
suggests them that polythene bags are non-biodegradable and harmful to
environment. As a responsible citizen we
must eco friendly items made with wood, bamboo, stainless steel, brass or
copper metals in the place of plastic things.
We must keep separate bins for paper, solid things and all biodegradable
things. Our Kitchen waste can be converted into manure for kitchen garden.
2. AT THE
COMMERCIAL FRONT: Shops and Restaurants can use Jute bags for their bulk
purchases. They can use cotton bags for small quantity. They can use metal Containers for liquid
items like oil and ghee. Left out food can be given to needy people instead of
throwing it in the Municipal Van. Butcheries have to plan themselves to dispose
their waste instead of dumping it on the roadside at the night time. Many
Hospitals should dispose their waste responsibly and avoid easy method of
burning waste at night.
3. AT
THE INDUSTRIAL FRONT: Many factories are following easy methods of waste
disposal to save money and to harm others.
Liquid waste of several factories is pumped into the ground water or to
the nearby ponds and rivers instead of treating it. Many stone crushing units in our state are
dumping their waste on the roadside or at nearby forest which causes water
pollution. Thermal power plants are also
not caring while disposing their fly ash.
Very nominal portion of fly ash used to make bricks. Many factory owners
feel that it is their right to dump their waste in the rivers.
4. AT
THE AGRICULTURAL FRONT: Farmers can use organic fertilizers which leaves no
waste. We can use natural pesticides made with animal urine and neem seeds.
Chemical pesticides will enter human body and spoil mother’s milk. Package materials of chemical pesticides can
be sent for recycling instead of throwing them in the fields.
5. AT
THE FUNCTIONS AND AGITATIONS: Functions and festivals leave tons of waste. Every one of us knew that 10K Run of 2009
left huge waste. Plastic sheets, Flex Boards, Plastic glasses, cups, bottles
and plates are used in many functions. Gifts are given in plastic bag. Temples distribute
prasadam in plastic bags. We have alternatives for all these, but we go for
cheap things which will damage environment. All of us know that recent
agitations left broken glass windows of several vehicles and offices. Several
plastic chairs are broken in many meetings. Did anybody think the consequences
of all this waste? It cannot be digested
by earth easily. Many political parties use plastic flags and decorative items
did not care to remove them after their meeting is over. Municipal Workers find
it difficult to clean the roads after every function and festival. Every
educated person is interested in filling road with waste. We do not apply our mind regarding waste
reduction. Many of water tanks are giving bad smell with polluted water.
Instead of cleaning them we add pollution by immersing huge idols made with Plaster
of Paris. Many of us are ignoring important point – Mother Earth is also
goddess and we should respect her laws to avoid her anger.
Now tell me what stopped you in
avoiding plastic water bottles, polythene bags, plastic chairs, cups, glasses,
spoons and many more. Our greediness and haste will add more and more
pollution. If we are honest we can reduce waste and educate others. Your bit of
action will reduce and increase pollution.
Finally I feel – IF I WANT KINDNESS FROM NATURE, I MUST BE KIND TOWARDS
NATURE.
B.
RAMAKRISHNA REDDY
HYDERABAD