I can still recall the simplicity of my childhood, where sustainability wasn’t a word we used, but a way of life. At community gatherings in the local temple, it was customary for everyone to bring their own plates from home. We ate, we cleaned, and took them back, leaving no burden of waste behind. Today, I often wonder if such traditions will ever return as we grapple with the environmental threats of modern convenience.
We live in a throwaway culture, where disposable items — bags, cutlery, plates, bottles, packaging — dominate our daily lives. Yet, this convenience comes at an unimaginable cost. According to Charles Moore, who discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, humanity’s plastic footprint is probably more dangerous than its carbon footprint. Every piece of plastic we discard doesn’t just vanish; it lingers, often for hundreds of years, wreaking havoc on the environment.
Over the years, I’ve made a conscious effort to reduce my plastic footprint. Like many of us, I used to rely on disposable items for the sake of convenience. But the more I learned about the devastating effects of single-use plastics, the more I realized I needed to change. Now, when I leave the house, I make sure to carry a reusable water bottle, cutlery, and container. There have been moments when I’ve found myself without them and faced the temptation of using a disposable item. In those instances, I improvise!
I believe in the power of individual action. When we begin changing our own habits, we initiate a chain reaction, inspiring those around us to change. It’s not just about reducing waste but about shifting mindsets. Every refusal of a single-use bag, every reusable bottle filled, is a step towards healing our planet!
The saying goes, “We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” It’s our responsibility to protect and preserve the Earth’s beauty for us and those who come after us. As we enter 2025, let’s resolve to make this a year of change—cherishing the planet we’ve been given and fighting to preserve it, one choice at a time!
Sunita Razdan
Shrewsbury