For Earth Day - April 2008
While ‘global warming’ has become the most debatable and trendy topic amongst thought leaders, politicians, activists and elites around the world, obvious changes in the climate, drowning of the polar bears, unprecedented pollution and epidemic increase in the number of diseases have forced a common person to think about the reasons and consider changes in lifestyle formerly taken for granted. There is a growing sense of personal responsibility for what we as average human beings can do not only individually but as a global community to make this Earth a better place. As conscious citizens of this world, Sikhs have by far the most enlightened view available to them from the teachings of the Guru(s) and the environmentally conscious lives they lived.
In the Slok, Pavan Guru Paani Pitaa, Mataa Dharat Mahat, the gurbani gives the whole environment that sustains us the status of Guru: Water the Father and, Earth the Mother. Furthermore, the Guru Sahib directs us to take care of them as they take care of us. There are numerous examples that guide our lifestyles towards green living exemplified by the institution of Langar that feeds and nurtures the hungry with simple and nutritious food in the most earth friendly way possible and by the sensitivity that the Guru (Har Rai Ji) showed towards conservation and sustenance of flora and fauna and by the un-tired efforts of Bhagat Puran Singh who lobbied for saving trees and reversing pollutions of our rivers.
Yet somehow we have become a community that takes pride in eco destructive displays that feed off of fast food places and extends the use of bottled water and sodas to Langars and Chhabils that trashes the landfills with plastic bottles and styrofoam plates without a single thought about the negative environmental effects our actions have. It’s time to look at these thoughtless behaviors and say, “enough is enough”. We have abused our planet for a long time. It’s time to stop trashing and contaminating the environment with synthetic toxic wastes that our fast and convenient lifestyle produces.
The thought of taking personal responsibility leaves us feeling challenged, doesn’t it? Yes, theoretically we all want a greener planet but what can we, as average Sikhs and consumers do on a practical level? Isn’t it easier to leave it up to the governments and the activist organizations to make a change? No, not if your name is Kaur or a Singh. You are the change agent for the future and at least you can do your part. Simply by making a few lifestyle changes for yourself and inspiring others to do so, you can bring about a revolution in the way we treat this earth!
A very effective reduction in carbon footprint can be brought about by greening our kitchens and by changing our eating habits; Changes here, need not be monumental, but the results are. Small changes that you will make will become the seed for a larger positive impact on our environment. By adapting to these changes in our kitchen, our family of two alone has reduced thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide emission per year. The prospect is unlimited if you all join us.
So open your minds, do your own assessment, and spread the seed...
VIsit : http://gurmeetkaur.blogspot.com/2008/04/taking-care-of-mother-earth-conscious.html for full the article.
