[Abridged] How to Spoil…

…Nero’s party [Refer to the story in the box at the top].

NB 1: This page is frequently updated, so keep checking back!

NB 2: This writing is not a disguised attempt at preaching or self-praising. The aim, sincerely, is to spark a few thoughts of change. Nothing more, nothing less.

The ways to make things fairer and more sustainable are plentiful. A few of my picks:

Water:

• Always use the water tap with minimally needed flow [E.g., don't let it run wastefully while brushing, shaving, soaping hands/vessels].
• Get leaking taps/toilets/pipes fixed immediately.
• The toilet flush is a colossal consumer of water – up to 16 liters per push. Get a low-flush (e.g., dual) toilet that lets you regulate the water outflow.
• Clean your vehicles, floor, etc. with a wet cloth, NOT by pouring water.
• Choose a bucket bath instead of a shower bath.

Just use, don’t throw!:

Reduce and reuse. Replace multiple plastic bags by one cloth/jute bag, disposable (plastic & paper) cups by a mug, and paper tissues by a handkercfhdief. Employ a reusable water bottle.

Food habits:

Cut down on meat – the single largest climate change culprit (as per even the UN) [Why]. It immensely helps fight other growingly menacing issues like the food/water crisis & heart diseases [More], as well.

Curb corruption:

• No bribes taken or given. Take receipts for all govt transactions [e.g., bus tickets, traffic violations]. Even if it costs a tad extra, the money goes to the govt [which uses at least a part of its funds for development], NOT to corrupt losers.
• Pay your taxes honestly.

Electricity:

• Screen savers save nothing and burn energy. Instead, switch off the monitor every time you step away (for more than few minutes), & the whole computer for 30+ minutes.
• Take into account power consumption while picking a fridge, washing machine, etc. [Similarly, battery quality/charging frequency for a mobile].
• Curtail the AC usage – in the home/car (Better: Curtail the car usage!).
• Prefer stairs to elevators whenever possible (e.g., while coming down).

‘Lend’ a helping hand:

Save your maid/watchman from the massive interest rates charged by the private money lenders by offering a zero % loan i.e. some advance.

Transportation:

• Cars contribute more to congestion and climate change, than one’s coolness/status [A witty cartoon]! Prefer mass transport (buses)/bicycles/pooling, over individual autos/vehicles.
• Choose vehicles based on mileage more than looks/comfort.

Support NGOs, with your time and money:

Maintain a (virtual) charity account wherein you add a fixed amount monthly. Here’s a set of genuine groups I know. Donations via net-banking are feasible.

Trees:

• Set the printer default to two-sided. Utilize the blank sides of one-sided print-outs for rough work.
• Help plant trees around your home/college [Cliched, but crucial].

Shopping:

Buy local food & goods (except energy-efficient items), rather than imported stuff from malls, to avert hefty transport-tied emissions. Go for minimal/reusable packaging.

PS: Check sidebar links & old posts for deeper insights & my experiences/efforts.