The Smallest Things Can Make a Great Differenceby Dharmendra Kapri | 20-10-2014 06:03 |
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 To define environmental awareness we must first understand the environmentalist movement. Environmentalism is an ideology that evokes the necessity and responsibility of humans to respect, promote, and preserve the natural world from its anthropogenic (caused or produced by humans) afflictions. Environmental awareness is an in integral part of the movement's success. By teaching our friends and family that the physical environment is fragile and indispensable we can begin fixing the problems that threaten it. If many little people In many little places Do many little deeds They can change the face of the Earth. African Proverb. That's why it is extremely important to educate our community about environment protection. Keeping this in mind, I decided to organize an awareness event for my family, Friends and Neighbors. Mission: To promote community environmental awareness through campaign, with a view to harnessing the community?s support for, and contribution to achieving desired environmental goals, thereby securing a long term solution to environmental problems through development of an improved environmental ethic within the community. So, on my first day of Diwali vacation, I went to my neighbors homes. After greeting them, I started my session and talked to them about many things like :Climate Change, Sustainable communities etc. Through this innovative talk, I highlighted the importance of environment protection. Then I told them following tips: * Instead of driving to work or school, take the bus, carpool, walk, or ride your bike to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. * Consider investing in appropriate technology like clean power (solar or wind), if not for your home maybe for a community center. This will also help wean ourselves off fossil fuels. * Buy reusable products such as glass bottles, reusable bags and cups etc. Avoid buying paper towels, plastic bottles and bags. * Start composting and recycling, which will help cut down our waste production. * Support local businesses and farmers by only buying organic food at farmers markets. Make sure the food is pesticide free. This will help your community become self-reliant. After that I gave them Tunza Eco Generation Leaflets, pens, post-its and scales. I also told them about Monthly Event of October and remind them to look at the TEG website to see wonderful work carried on by all of us. Looking Ahead: * Continue to implement territory-wide publicity programmes to promote community participation in waste reduction and energy conservation. * Continue to organise education programmes targeting schools and the property management sector with a focus on waste reduction. * Promote environmental management in schools and the business sector, especially small and medium enterprises. * Spread green messages through the mass media and community outreach programmes. * Continue to encourage green groups and non-profit-making organisations to apply for Government funding to organise community-based environmental projects. I believe this can really have a lasting effect. The Smallest things can make a great Difference.
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