Environment Education
“We cannot protect something we do not love, we cannot love what we do not know and we cannot know what we cannot see, hear or sense.”
With time, we are disconnecting from nature. While we dream of the distant lands of Sher Khan, Simba, and Nemo, you will be surprised to know about the bustling biodiversity in your own backyard. Indian cities are blessed with a wealth of native plants, trees, insects, birds - you name it! All you have to do is look. Did you know that there are leopards in Delhi, flamingoes in Mumbai and turtles in Odisha? But what is happening to their home?
Our lifestyles have become too harmful to the environment and us in return. Plastic has become a menace. Not only is it polluting the environment, we are eating microplastic in our food every day. Non-segregation of garbage is leading to mounds of garbage in the city. Driving rather than public transport releases particulate matter and traffic congestion which is bad for health. Wasting food is another bad habit - imagine how much water would have been used to grow and process it. Harsh floor cleaners and detergents are another common sources of pollution. Fast fashion (mass-produced, cheap,low quality clothes) is a contemporary issue we need to tackle. Anthropogenic activities are affecting every natural resource, animals and plants are at the risk of extinction due to habitat loss and climate change and new challenges are presenting everyday.
It is common knowledge that our actions are bad and as yet we perpectuate them. Our use and throw lifestyle may seem convenient for us but have detrimental effects in reality. There is also a misconception that switching to “sustainable habits” reduces the quality of life. That is far from the truth. Simple steps like carrying your own bag for shopping, using public transport, segregating waste, avoiding straws, replacing plastic containers at home, using a bamboo toothbrush, purchasing good quality ethical clothes, having energy-efficient appliances, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables are simple everyday changes that can reduce our carbon footprint and health.
We are trying to incorporate sustainability in organizations especially. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are so diverse that they holistically cover the three pillars of environment, social and economic needs. These SDGs are therefore applauded for their interdisciplinary nature as there can be no sustainable development without thinking of people, nature and economic growth together. Environmental education sets a chain reaction leading to change in attitude and behavior. A child may start seeing value in waste, we’ll think twice before buying a new dress or t-shirt, invest in cleaner technology and restart eco-friendly practices at home.
Empowering children is one of the most powerful medium to bring behavioral changes in society. Environmental studies has become a complusory part of school and university curriculum. Specialized environmental courses are emerging in every field such as engineering, architecture, economics, corporate sustainability teams etc. Nudging and sensitizing the citizens is necessary, working with both children and adults is just as important.
The world is one big community and a single step can make a big difference.
- Rhea Varma
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