Chitra Iyer Article

Here is an article by Chitra Iyer, Earth Lover (Also attached is a pic)

5 tips for sustainable living no matter who or where you are

My family I moved from the city to live on a farm about ten years ago, and that started our journey towards sustainability. Over the years, we have learned to grow our own food, work with local farmers for barter exchanges, and most importantly, buy mindfully for minimal waste disposal - there is no government system of waste disposal.

You may think living at a farm necessitates this sort of 'eco-friendliness' but trust me, it's possible for each of us, no matter where we live or what we do, to practice a few basic tenets of earth-friendly living. Here are 5 ideas:

1. WAIT before you buy. Avoid impulse buying. Every time you want to buy something, force yourself to wait a day or two and ask if you really need it. Use sites such as https://www.storyofstuff.org/ to find out the origins and how much it impacts the planet. If the answer is still 'yes, I need it!' then try and find a reusable or a refill version of the pack rather than adding another plastic bottle to your collection. When possible - reuse, reduce, recycle, upcycle and donate. Give stuff you don't need away (read: haven't used in over a year) to someone who does.

2. Leverage the barter economy and reused economy: not everything has to be purchased or purchased brand new. Try to find stuff on reselling sites in your city, and if possible, also try barter sites to exchange what you have for what someone else needs and vice-versa. Sites such as https://www.barterindia.in, www.olx.com, etc. all are good options to start.

3. Car pool, co-work, and co-shop: at Aarohi, we already know the power of community. So why not extend it to travel, work, and shopping as well! Use those Whatsapp groups for more than forwards by asking around if people wish to collaborate on shopping and travel to save gas and even money.

4. Dispose mindfully: electronic waste is a huge problem, in addition to the plastic disposal problem! Burning them releases too many toxins in the air and burying them releases too many toxins into the ground. Did you know there are e-waste collection companies in larger cities that can be handed over your old phones and equipment? Even Amazon has a page on how to dispose of eWaste purchased from them. GoI has a page about responsible e-waste disposal initiatives around India – try to start one in your community! 

5. Be creative! In every facet of mindful living, there is an opportunity to be creative. For example, start a Sunday tradition of eating a meal on fresh banana leaves! Fun and eco-friendly, with less washing up to do. The joy of DIY is unimaginable, and you will be amazed at how many simple things we end up buying when we could just be making them! Napkin holders, spoon stands, simple toys, clothes, jewelry and hairbands, decorative items, etc! Start with one thing - say, this month do not buy any snacks - make them instead. Slowly expand to other aspects of your home – make bags with old newspapers, coasters, and trivets with old CDs, and anything with courier packaging - anything to stop them ending up in a landfill!

Remember, even the mighty ocean is made of tiny drops, so never underestimate the impact your simple actions can have!