Eco-Friendly Planet

Respect your planet and do your bit for nature. Here's how you can help save Mother Earth.

At the office Are you buying a new printer for the office? There are numerous printers now that have the option of printing on both sides of the paper. It makes sense in investing in these printers for the office, where print volumes are so high.

How many of us turn off our computer monitors when we leave for a meeting, or when we go to lunch? Don't shut down the computer if you don't want to, but at the very least, switch off the monitor. Get your child into the habit of switching off the monitor of the computer every time he steps out of the room, if he's going to be gone for more than ten minutes.


When travelling

Make it a point to turn off all the lights before leaving your hotel room. Many of us don't really bother doing this, since we feel "We're paying for staying in the room, right? So lets run up the electricity bill really high!" No one will benefit from your leaving on the lights when you're not in the room, and the greatest harm will be born by the planet!

If you are planning to travel to a relatively untouched destination, try to avoid carrying things that you will throw away a few days after reaching. Although the temptation to carry disposable items on holiday is always there, it is far better if you bring all your rubbish back with you, and dispose it off in your own home. Many travel destinations may not have adequate recycling facilities, and they soon start sinking under the load of excessive tourism. And if you must dispose off some rubbish, do so responsibly. Throw any rubbish you may have, in a bin. Don't litter, and be especially careful about disposing rubbish when you are on the beach, in the forest, or in some other natural habitat.

Tourism as an activity can cause a lot of harm to the environment, the culture and the eco-system of a place, so bear this in mind. Respect the sensibilities of the people that dwell in the villages you may be visiting.


Personal habits

Someone's birthday coming up? Instead of purchasing a paper card, simply send an e-greeting, and follow up with a telephone call. Never forget the adage - save paper, save a tree. With the millions of people engaged worldwide in conservation activities, it seems a shame if we don't do our little bit to help the environment in whatever small way we can.

Avoid buying fruits and vegetables that are not in season, or that are not produced locally. If you make it a rule to purchase only locally made food items, it will save on immense transportation costs and fuel. In addition, local economy will see a boost.

Avoid the temptation of buying little plastic Ziplocs or plastic containers to store food in. Instead, store food in ceramic containers. Also, when preparing your child's tiffin, don't wrap his chapatti or sandwiches in tinfoil. If you must, use a thin muslin cloth instead.