Dropping air quality and increasing pollution in the metropolitan cities of the country is becoming a major concern among the environmentalists and the government. Despite several policies being devised and tested, it has not accrued to much change. The helplessness of government policies to curb the pollution probably implies that the change has to start from home. Educating people is the only way to take the first step towards curbing the pollution. We all have to contribute to it, to substantiate and complement the actions being taken by the government.
In this scenario of taking action at home, children in school or college have to take a central position. These students are the future of the country and change has to emanate from them. They may not be able to step out and become environmental activists, however they could start with small actions. Here are some ways that these students can contribute in clearing up the air
Talk to your parents about it
Since students are in the learning phase, the criticality of the environmental hazards is fresher for you than your parents who are busy with their hectic work schedules. Talk to your friends, parents, neighbours, teachers and every possible person. Talking is the first step towards spreading awareness.
Spread awareness about small changes
Your neighbourhood and your vicinity are your first ground to bring about a change. Tell people about small changes like sharing the car, stopping the engine when waiting at a red light, not firing crackers, or using and burning plastic are small changes that can be easily incorporated in daily life. As it is said, a big change comes with small steps. If you also want to go somewhere, try and walk or use a bicycle since cars are a major source of pollution. Do not let your parents take out cars for you, if it is a small distance which can be covered over foot or bicycle.
Go eco-friendly
If children inculcate the habit of using eco-friendly products early, it can help a long way. The first thing is to avoid using plastic as much as you can. Did you know one million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals die each year because of plastic pollution in our oceans? Also, plastic contain additives that can easily contaminate the air in our environment. Moreover, it is extremely hazardous when it is burned. When plastic is produced, it’s made from toxic materials such as benzene and vinyl hydrochloride. This, when burnt, can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer and asthma.
In your school or college, use stainless steel drinking bottles instead of plastic ones. Use reusable coffee cups, recycled toilet tissue and biodegradable waste bags and take a step towards keeping your environment pollution free.
Focus on organic food
If your parents are not aware of the importance of organic food, teach them and ask them to get it at home, as much as possible. Organic food doesn’t contain any kind of pesticide or use chemicals that harm the land, air or water. A research from the University of Virginia in collaboration with The Organic Center shows that organic farming can help in the reduction of nitrogen pollution on a global scale. Also, when the stubble is burnt after harvesting, the chemicals used in inorganic farming cause even more air pollution as dangerous gases.
Promote tree plantation
Students are taught since the beginning of their schools that more the trees, more the fresh oxygen and less the pollution. It is time to implement that. Get children of your building or society together and start planting one tree at every house and also in the corners of nearby roads or areas. This small step will go a long way in bringing down the pollution.
Spread awareness about quitting smoking
Smoking is critical factor when it comes to air pollution. A cigarette’s smoke causes 10 times more air pollution than a diesel car exhaust. If you see someone smoking, whether it is in your family or in your surroundings, do not hesitate from asking them to quit. Tell them about the health and environmental hazards that the habit comes with.
Air pollution should be a concern for all and curbing it should thus be the responsibility of all. We all should pledge to give every small bit to bring about a huge change.
(The author is Vineet P Yadav, a social activist and anthropologist.)