Environment protection has been enforced and practiced through various disciplines and sciences. Modern technologies have now made it possible to recycle the recyclable, use eco-friendly techniques in farming, use energy efficient CFL bulbs all paving ways for green living. But it is also equally important to know about the culture we belong and history of many cultures prevailing in various parts of the world shows that environment has always been worshipped in one way or the other.

Nepal is a country with rich culture and history. People mostly belong to religion Buddhism, Hinduism, and some belong to Christianity and Islamic religions. Unity in diversity can be easily seen among people and these people manifest common courtesy in their lifestyles that directly benefit the environment. Some of the ways of life that has benefited environment are

1.      People in Nepal prefer tulsi (sacred basil) in their garden near their homes. The sacred basil is worshipped in Nepal. Environmentally, sacred basil helps in air purification.

2.      Plantation of bar and peepal ( Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa) is an age old practice in Nepal. These trees are great source of oxygen and shade.

3.      Culture in Nepal requires use of leaves and bamboo materials for eating food during some festivals and pujas. This minimizes the use of plastic and non-degradable materials.

4.      Nepal has indigenous groups like Chepang who have the culture of planting trees in every ritual like birth and death of society members.

5.      Many places of Nepal still use earthen pots to store water. Earthen pots keep water cool through the process of evaporation and condensation. Since, no energy is required for this use of other forms of energy like electricity, green house gases is minimized.

6.      Nepal has many holy areas and monuments like monasteries and temples. Culture of keeping these sites clean and green is another environment protection step.

7.      Nepal has culture of respecting food and avoiding food waste. People regard food as the gift of god.

8.      Many places in Nepal use cow dung to paint or polish the areas near their front door. This practice has been scientifically proved to be a barrier for harmful microorganisms to enter the house.

Nepal is a country of religious beliefs. These religious beliefs and practices have linked culture with environment from ages or so. It is important to know about the reasons behind the cultural practices. If we do so then, probably we can find handful of answers and solutions to sustainable environmental practices. These practices can be implied in real lives and used to fullest.

 These age-old practices are environmentally friendly and is at times even more inspiring for modern sciences. Hope you all found it quite interesting.

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