[ecis2016.org] ‘Be the change that you wish to see’… on World Environment Day, we talk to a few home owners from across the country, about simple and practical things that they do, to minimise harming the environment
“While constructing my new home, I ensured that it minimises energy consumption”
You are reading: World Environment Day: Celebrating people who made eco-friendly choices
Samir Kochhar
Actor and anchor based out of Delhi and Mumbai
“The way concrete jungles are growing, if we do not realise the importance of preserving nature, we will all soon run out of food, water and fresh air to breathe. We can and should do our bit to save the planet. While constructing my new home on the outskirts of Mumbai, I ensured that it receives ample natural sunlight during the day, to minimise energy consumption. In the washroom, waste water is reused in the toilet. All the furniture in the house and the curtains, cushions, etc., are made from natural materials. Even the colours in my house, are based on organic dyes. Everyone at home takes conscious steps, to conserve energy and water. I also make it a point to plant trees, if I see barren land anywhere around a place I frequent.”
“Our new home, is made of mud bricks”
Divya Raghunandan
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Strategic consultant, Bangalore
“In my opinion, ‘going green’ means minimising the use of natural resources, be it water, energy or materials. My family believes in leading an eco-friendly life. We recently shifted to a new home, in a community that believes in green living. Our new home, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, is made of mud bricks. We have solar panels, which take care of the energy requirements at home. We also have rainwater harvesting, waste water recycling facilities. Although the initial investment for such setups is high, it pays back in the long term. We make compost at home from kitchen waste and use tamarind powder, which is toxin-free, to wash utensils. Even the detergent used for washing clothes is made from reetha (soapnut), which is good for the fabric and is chemical-free.”
“My home is lit up with LED lights, as it saves energy”
Ganesh Somwanshi
Founder, Krescendo Communications, Thane
“Energy conservation is no more a choice but a compulsion for our society. It should start from one’s home. My home is lit up with LED lights, as it saves energy. Reducing consumption, is the best way to reduce the demand for energy. I intentionally bought a flat which faces east-west and has large glass windows, to ensure that there is ample natural light. During the night, I only use yellow LED lights, which have helped me to save 35% on energy consumption. We have no geysers installed in our society and we only use solar heated water. Waste management is also important and we segregate the wet and dry garbage and use it to make compost. Our society is planning to install solar panels, for lighting the garden and parking areas.”
“Even in my business, I use eco-friendly options”
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Mital Surendira
CEO of Sanskrriti, Chennai
“I believe in leading an eco-friendly lifestyle, as far as possible. At home, I use bags and baskets made from palm leaves and table mats made from Kora grass. For tea and coffee, I use terracotta cups. The home has LED lights and as far as possible, we all save water and recycle it. Water used for washing fruits and vegetables is recycled, by using it in the garden. We give our kitchen waste for generating compost. Also, when food is left over after a party, we donate it to NGOs. Even in my business, I have many eco-friendly gifting packaging options, like boxes made from palm leaf, recycled paper and jute.”
“It is joyful to grow one’s own vegetables”
Shaan Lalwani
Owner of Vriksha Nursery, Mumbai
“It is joyful and exciting, to grow one’s own vegetables. My wife Sarita and I, are avid urban farmers and we grow over 35 different vegetables, herbs and fruits on our terrace. We grow everything, from tomatoes and chillies, to exotic broccoli and Hungarian pepper. Our terrace is home to over 20 different fruit trees, including lemons and papayas, all grown in pots. We also have leafy vegetables, such as spinach, coriander, parsley, celery, lolo rosso lettuce and salad leaves, in flat recycled tuffs. We do not use chemical fertilisers and instead, make our own compost. We use recycled plastic pots and a drip irrigation system, to avoid water wastage. We are both working people, with 9-6 jobs. Growing our food, is our way to de-stress.”
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Source: https://ecis2016.org
Category: Lifestyle
