Every year, World Environment Day is celebrated on June 5, with a new theme. Do we ever stop to think how the best things in life are free: trees that give shade and oxygen, fruits and furniture; flowers and butterflies that give beauty to life and perform the important function of re-pollination and new plant life? Also what about the very air we breathe and the life-giving rivers of planet earth?
Mother Nature is truly the most bountiful Mother on Earth: are we ill-treating her or caring for her lovingly? An Earth Anthem by poet Abhay K celebrated (on World Environment Day 2013) the glories and wonders of Planet Earth, thus: “Our cosmic oasis, cosmic blue pearl, the most beautiful planet in the Universe”, adding “all for one
and one for all, united we unfurl the flag… we are humans, the Earth is our home.” If we don’t care for our “joint family home”: who will? World Environment Day
Why do we celebrate World Environment Day?
This day is celebrated to raise global awareness about the significance of a healthy environment and solve various environmental issues. This is done by implementing various actions to protect nature and the earth, thus leading to a positive and healthy environment for all. World Environment Day, run by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is an occasion to think about how we are an intricate part of nature. And also how intimately and unequivocally we depend on it for survival.
World Environment Day 2018’s theme “Connecting People to Nature” implores us to go outdoors and appreciate nature’s beauty and importance; also enjoy life’s magnificent natural offerings in a National Park; let your children identify flowers, butterflies, and even “creepy-crawlies”; remember the future of the planet’s fragile ecology is in your hands!). Hence World Environment Day was started by the UNGA in 1972, as a principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment.
How can I contribute to World Environment Day?
Start from your home: start a garden; grow a flower in a flowerpot or plant and care for a sapling. Protect and help to fertilize public trees and gardens. Keep your roads and surroundings clean. Also say “yes” to public transport. Say “no” to plastic. Buy lovely handicrafts made from recycled products. Get your society to separate dry and wet waste. Give “kabari” (papers, cardboard, tins, plastic) directly to the sweepers. If possible, get your society/ALM to take up solar power projects or garbage composting. Encourage schools to play on ‘environment’; ‘garbage as a source of energy’; ‘how illegal trade in wildlife products erodes earth’s precious biodiversity’. Maybe you can throw a kiddie party (ages 5-10) where the little ones are asked to come in costumes (tiger, lion, butterfly, bee, tree) and have little placards explaining how important each one is! Have essay, painting and quiz competitions for older kids.
What has Eco-Pest Control got to do with it?
Apart from promoting bio-fuels, hydro-power, solar water heaters; developing new drainage systems, protecting and promoting mangroves and coral reefs, preventing deforestation: World Environment Day wants to make the common public worldwide aware that everyone is responsible for saving this environment. In this context, eco-friendly pest control solutions: using non-toxic pest control and environmentally friendly pesticides that do not harm humans and mammals, but destroy mosquitoes, house bugs, bedbugs, ants, cockroaches and other pests are essential.
There are natural insect repellents like citronella, cinnamon, chilli powder and there are very safe, approved, environmentally-friendly pesticides and processes. Furthermore they are used by companies like HiCare that will not harm the planet. While citronella, Holy Basil (Tulsi) and eucalyptus are known to be natural mosquito repellents, HiCare is India’s first mosquito control service with instant results: invaluable in case of outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases.? It is a 3 step method, also totally safe, world-class chemicals and top-of-the-line equipment. A unique, colourless, odourless spray for walls, curtains, dark corners and other hiding places kills mosquitoes instantly, on contact, 24×7. Furthermore, it is safe for pets, children and pregnant women.
5 Green DIY tips for your home
1. Put a bowl of water with a few lemon wedges in the microwave and run it for 2 minutes, to clean and deodorize.
2. Add a few drops of your favourite (tea tree or lavender) essential oil: for a customized cleaning solution.
3. Turn your old tees, towels or household linen into dusters or mops.
4. Pour a cup of vinegar in the kitchen sink. Let it stay for an hour and then unplug it and pour cold water down the drain to unclog it.
5. The juice of a lime/lemon, with a sprinkling of salt will naturally clean and disinfect it.
Celebrate Environment Day at Home with simple contributions you can do.
1. Switch off the TV Set and all unnecessary lights on the eve of World Environment Day.
2. Have bucket-bath, instead of a shower and conserve water.
3. Repair leaky taps and close the tap while shaving or brushing.
4. Reuse water you wash veggies into water for the plants.
5. Cook just enough food: avoid wastage.
6. Reuse old tees as cleaning cloth.
7. Do not overuse laptops, PCs and mobiles to idly browse.
8. Plant a tree. Gift a sapling.
9. Don’t waste and throw away food: you can always refill your plate.
10. Use green, eco-friendly products rather than harsh chemicals at home.