As our modern conveniences push us closer to environmental catastrophe, it becomes crucial to reflect on the small, mindful steps that can lead to lasting change
Transitions are always difficult, more so when one is asked to break away from habits formed over an entire lifetime. We are hurtling towards a certain catastrophe if we do not change and start caring for nature.
I used to leave the tap running while brushing my teeth, shaving, or even washing my hands until a few years back. We installed water aerators in our taps to conserve water. I realised that my shave with running tap water without an aerator was resulting in an additional three-fourths of a bucket going down the drain. Even with the aerator it still resulted in some wastage.
I had forgotten that my grandfather shaved with just a mug full of water. As I narrated the results of my experiment to others, I realised that a few were aware and were already into conservation, but many needed that extra push.I remember drinking tap water till much later in adulthood. I moved to Calcutta for my first railway posting. My well-wishers asked me to filter and boil water if I were to survive. The initial filters were simpler devices with candles in the container or those screwed onto the tap.
We started going up the professional ladder, and salaries increased. The devices also became more advanced, their advertising even more aggressive. We also switched to RO. We were now generating more wastewater and depleting essential minerals. We partly resolved the issue by utilising the drain water for plants and wet mopping the floor.