As we step out of our homes, we will probably step over a plastic bag, see tin cans, and plastic bags littered around the corner of our streets, cross a drain covering our noses thanks to the stinking clogged drain. We will grumble upon the municipality not doing its “job “ properly, neighbors dumping garbage in the locality or restaurant and paying guest owners for the litter. To add to the woes, thanks to the wasted food in the plastic bags thrown all around, you will have to ward of stray dogs too, and save yourself from getting run off by a vehicle thanks to the already narrowed street.
Do we ever realize that we are a part of this cycle and actively contributing to shaping the environment around us? So what we get is what we give. An average Indian consumes around 3 kg of plastic annually, in comparison to 80 kgs of plastic consumed by an average European. Even though the difference is stark, thanks to our disposing habits, the scene is still alarming.
If we keep a tag on our personal use of plastics, the rampant use of plastics will definitely come down. Small measures make a big, big difference. We can start with carrying a water bottle with us when stepping out of home, so that we avoid the purchase of bottled water. Carrying a basket for all the shopping needs, rules out packing all the items in shopping bags. Having an ice cream in a cone instead of cups, these little measures can make our planet much litter free.
We, Indians, take pride in our ability to point fingers at everyone else. Little do we realize that even in this case, the litter doesn’t come from aliens. Let’s do our bit. To make our homes and society a better place. ;)
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