Tag: eco friendly

Environmental Studies as a subject in school curriculum

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National Curriculum Framework (School Education) 2023 has strongly recommended the inclusion of environmental education as an inter-disciplinary area of study in the school education. Accordingly, Environmental Education has been an integral component of school education, which is evident from the existing curriculum for school education. Concepts and concerns related to environment have been infused appropriately in different subject disciplines at all stages of school education.

Topics related to Environmental Education in the existing science textbooks for classes VI to XII are provided in the following table:

Sl. No.Class & SubjectName of Chapter
1Curiosity Textbook of Science, Grade 6Diversity in the living world, Nature’s Treasures
2VII ScienceForests: Our Lifeline
3VII ScienceWastewater Story
4VIII ScienceCoal and Petroleum
5VIII ScienceConservation of Plants and Animals
6X ScienceOur Environment
7XII BiologyOrganisms and Populations
8XII BiologyEcosystem
9XII BiologyBiodiversity and Conservation

NCERT has also prepared supplementary materials for students and teachers related to environmental education. Some of the resource materials are provided below:

Sl. No.Title of Resource Material
1Project Books in Environmental Education for Classes VI to X (Hindi, English and Urdu version)
2Water: Every Drop Counts (Activity book for Primary, Upper Primary and Secondary Stages) (Hindi and English)
3Teachers’ Handbook in Environmental Education for the Higher Secondary Sage

The Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), NCERT organizes National Science Exhibition every year wherein the theme or sub-theme invariably includes environment component. This event provides opportunity to students to provide solutions for environmental problems—present and future in the form of exhibits/ models such as on waste management, conservation of resources, green technologies, etc. The DESM also organizes the Rashtriya Avishkar Saptah every year during which students in middle and secondary stages in different parts of the country participate in the event and perform experiments/ activities on the theme assigned for the year such as testing of water quality, soil quality, conservation of water, tree plantation etc. Such experiments/ activities promote learning-by-doing and at the same time develop environmental awareness amongst students.

 The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the critical importance of integrating environmental awareness and sustainability principles into school curricula. The Policy aims to sensitize students to environmental / climate change concerns and inculcate among students the values, attitudes, behaviour and skills essential to address environmental challenges, thus preparing them to contribute to a sustainable future.

In alignment with this vision, Eco Clubs serve as a critical platform within schools, providing students with the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge for the responsible use of natural resources. Through participation in activities such as optimizing water usage, minimizing waste generation, recycling, and conducting plantation drives, students learn sustainable practices that they can implement both within and beyond the school environment. Eco Clubs empower students to act as environmental ambassadors, extending their impact to their families and communities by promoting sound environmental behaviour, such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving water, and participating in eco-friendly initiatives. Through these engagements, students gain a profound understanding of the shared responsibility to preserve and protect our planet, thereby advancing NEP 2020’s objective of nurturing environmentally conscious citizens for a sustainable India. The activities of Eco Clubs have been integrated with Mission LiFE, leading to their renaming as “Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE.” All the activities of Eco Clubs have been aligned with the seven themes of Mission LiFE (Save Energy, Save Water, Say No to Single Use Plastic, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, Reduce Waste, Adopt Healthy Lifestyles and Reduce E-waste).

Recycled & Secondary Materials in the Construction of Roads

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By Kavita Dehalwar

The use of recycled and secondary materials in road construction has emerged as an essential practice for achieving sustainability in the infrastructure sector. These materials not only reduce the demand for natural resources but also mitigate environmental impacts by repurposing waste products. Below is a detailed examination of the topic, highlighting types of materials, benefits, challenges, and future directions.

1. Types of Recycled and Secondary Materials

Several recycled and secondary materials can be used in road construction, including:

  • Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP): Milled material from existing roads, used as a cost-effective substitute for virgin asphalt.
  • Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA): Crushed concrete from demolished structures, utilized in sub-base layers or as aggregate in new concrete.
  • Steel Slag: A byproduct of steel production, known for its strength and skid resistance, suitable for aggregates in base layers.
  • Crushed Glass (Glassphalt): Recycled glass incorporated into asphalt mixtures.
  • Rubberized Asphalt: Ground rubber from waste tires mixed with asphalt binders to enhance durability and flexibility.
  • Fly Ash and Bottom Ash: Byproducts of coal combustion, often used as fillers or stabilizers in subgrade soils.
  • Plastic Waste: Melted or shredded plastics incorporated into asphalt mixes to improve durability and resistance to cracking.

2. Benefits

  • Environmental Sustainability:
    • Reduces the need for virgin materials, conserving natural resources like aggregates and bitumen.
    • Diverts waste from landfills and reduces pollution.
    • Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the extraction and transportation of raw materials.
  • Economic Advantages:
    • Cost savings from using readily available waste materials.
    • Extended lifespan of roads due to enhanced properties of recycled materials (e.g., rubberized asphalt reduces cracking and maintenance needs).
  • Performance Improvements:
    • Some materials, such as steel slag and rubberized asphalt, improve road strength, flexibility, and resistance to wear.

3. Challenges

  • Material Quality and Consistency:
    Recycled materials can vary in composition and quality, leading to potential performance issues if not properly processed and tested.
  • Technical Limitations:
    • Compatibility of recycled materials with traditional road construction processes can be challenging.
    • Limited research on long-term durability for some innovative materials (e.g., recycled plastics).
  • Regulatory and Standardization Barriers:
    • Lack of universal standards and guidelines for incorporating recycled materials into road construction.
    • Hesitation among contractors and governments due to the perceived risks associated with new materials.
  • Economic Factors:
    • Initial costs of processing and testing recycled materials can be high.
    • In some regions, the availability of virgin materials at low cost reduces the economic incentive to use alternatives.

4. Case Studies

  • Rubberized Asphalt in the United States: States like California and Arizona have successfully used rubberized asphalt in highway projects, reducing waste tires and improving road durability.
  • Plastic Roads in India: Cities like Chennai have pioneered the use of shredded plastic in road asphalt, offering a sustainable solution to plastic waste while enhancing road performance.
  • Steel Slag Roads in Europe: Countries such as the Netherlands have utilized steel slag aggregates for base layers, demonstrating improved load-bearing capacity and lifespan.

5. Future Directions

  • Innovation in Material Processing:
    Advances in processing technologies can improve the quality and consistency of recycled materials, making them more viable for widespread use.
  • Lifecycle Analysis and Circular Economy:
    Conducting comprehensive lifecycle assessments to quantify the environmental and economic benefits of recycled materials will support their adoption.
  • Policy Support and Incentives:
    Governments can promote the use of recycled materials through subsidies, tax incentives, and mandatory quotas in public infrastructure projects.
  • Research and Development:
    Continued R&D into novel materials, such as bio-based binders and composite materials, can provide sustainable alternatives to traditional road construction inputs.

Conclusion

Incorporating recycled and secondary materials in road construction is a promising pathway to sustainable infrastructure development. While challenges exist, ongoing advancements in technology, coupled with supportive policies, can pave the way for broader adoption. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also contributes to economic efficiency and enhanced road performance, making it a win-win solution for modern societies.

References

Kassim, T. A., Simoneit, B. R., & Williamson, K. J. (2005). Recycling solid wastes as road construction materials: An environmentally sustainable approach. Water Pollution: Environmental Impact Assessment of Recycled Wastes on Surface and Ground Waters, 59-181.

Marinković, M., Zavadskas, E. K., Matić, B., Jovanović, S., Das, D. K., & Sremac, S. (2022). Application of wasted and recycled materials for production of stabilized layers of road structures. Buildings, 12(5), 552.

Nunes, M. C. M., Bridges, M. G., & Dawson, A. R. (1996). Assessment of secondary materials for pavement construction: Technical and environmental aspects. Waste Management, 16(1-3), 87-96.

Petkovic, G., Engelsen, C. J., Håøya, A. O., & Breedveld, G. (2004). Environmental impact from the use of recycled materials in road construction: method for decision-making in Norway. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 42(3), 249-264.

Sharma, S. N., Prajapati, R., Jaiswal, A., & Dehalwar, K. (2024, June). A Comparative Study of the Applications and Prospects of Self-healing Concrete/Biocrete and Self-Sensing Concrete. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1326, No. 1, p. 012090). IOP Publishing.

Sharma, S. N., Lodhi, A. S., Dehalwar, K., & Jaiswal, A. (2024, June). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Recycled & Secondary Materials in the Construction of Roads. In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science (Vol. 1326, No. 1, p. 012102). IOP Publishing.

Workspace beautification initiatives at Shastri Bhavan

Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, inaugurated a series of initiatives implemented by the Department under Special Campaign 4.0 on 28.10.2024 including a revamped garden space at Shastri Bhavan. These initiatives include the installation of eco-friendly recycled plastic benches and rejuvenation of the garden area, adornment of walls with paintings etc. undertaken in collaboration with Bisleri International under its CSR Programme.

The garden area at Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi now dons a completely revamped, green and pleasant look. The entire garden patch has been uplifted by putting grass cover, placement of lights with covers made from recycled plastic, repairing and painting of tree guards and setting up of circular sitting areas around trees carved from recycled plastic.

During the event, Shri Sanjay Kumar also explored new initiatives within the building where the traditional furniture in the common sitting areas for visitors has been replaced with sustainable benches and tables crafted from recycled plastic. These benches not only providing good utility but also catching the attention of one and all with serene colour and striking message which reads, ‘Bench made from recycled plastic’. These benches also feature paintings by Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). Further enhancing the eco-friendly environment, rows of potted plants have been placed throughout corridors and common areas. It is intended that these natural additions, purify the air and provide a calming ambience at the workplace.

The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of vibrant corridors adorned with paintings by MFPA. The paintings not only enhance the ambience but also add a spirit of inclusivity.

At the Ministry’s Conference hall, beautiful artwork has been placed showcasing the Indian Institute of Science and Banaras Hindu University skilfully painted by artists from National Bal Bhavan. The conference hall also has exhibits of vibrant photographs capturing the spirit of school education from schools across the country. These inspiring images embody the Department’s mission to make quality education accessible to every child.

Aligned with the goals of Special Campaign 4.0, these initiatives highlight the importance of cleanliness, waste reduction and recycling while serving as an educational tool to promote environmental responsibility.

DoSEL is also proud to share the remarkable success of Special Campaign 4.0. So, far 32,037 cleanliness campaigns have been conducted by schools and institutions nationwide. The enthusiastic participation of these institutions is setting a strong example, furthering the message of Swachhata and inspiring others to take action.

As of 29.10.2024, the following milestones have been achieved:

  • Imparting of environmentally friendly practices to students, following the 3 R formula: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Students are also taught to create arts and craft from waste materials and design functional pieces from salvaged items.
  • 1,44,338 sq. feet of space has been freed up and put to productive alternative use.
  • Out of 61,100 physical files identified for review, all have been examined. So far, 40,106 files have been marked for weeding, with 38,997 already weeded out.

The enthusiastic participation of institutions and schools in Special Campaign 4.0 is significantly contributing to the promotion of Swachhata and environmental sustainability.

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Portable tech-traditional eco-friendly mobile cremation system

 Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar has developed a prototype of a moveable electric cremation system which claims to be using first of its kind technology that involves smokeless cremation despite using wood. It uses half of the wood otherwise required for the cremation and still is eco-friendly because of the technology that uses combustion air system.

 

It is based on wick-stove technology in which the wick when lighted glows yellow. This is converted into smokeless blue flame with the help of combustion air system installed over the wicks.

 

IIT Professor Dr Harpreet Singh, Dean, Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research and Industry Interaction (ICSR&II) who has developed the system said that the cremation system or incinerator heats up at 1044 degree Celsius which ensures complete sterilization.  

 

  

The cart-shaped incinerator has wheels and can be transported anywhere without much efforts. The cart is equipped with combustion air for primary and secondary hot air system. “The disposal of the body is completed within 12 hrs including cooling time as against 48 hours required in the normal wood-based cremation”, Prof. Harpreet added. Use of less wood can also reduce the carbon footprint by half. He said it requires less cooling time in the absence of refractory heat storage. It has stainless steel insulation on both sides of the cart for no heat loss and less wood consumption. It also has a tray beneath for easy removal of ashes.

 

 

Dummy-testing of the Prototype of electric cremation system.

 

He said that he has adopted tech-traditional model for cremation as it also uses wood. That has been done keeping in view our beliefs and traditions of cremating on wood pyre. 

 

Keeping in view the present pandemic situation “if this system can be adopted, may provide respectable cremation to the near and dear ones of those who cannot afford the financial burden of arranging wood”, said Harjinder Singh Cheema, MD, Cheema Boilers Ltd. who has made the prototype. He said that since this is portable, it can be taken to any place with the permission of the concerned authorities. This will also help people to avoid space crunch in crematoriums as is the case in present context. 

 

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Plastic Ban: An Initiative Towards Better Results!

Reducing Millions of Tons of CO2: EU Single-Use Plastic Ban

Plastic bags are a major cause of environmental pollution. Plastic as a substance is non-biodegradable and thus plastic bags remain in the environment for hundreds of years polluting it immensely. It has become very essential to ban plastic bags before they ruin our planet completely. Many countries around the globe have either put a ban on the plastic bag or imposed tax on it. However, the problem hasn’t been solved completely because the implementation of these measures hasn’t been as successful as expected.

People are more aware of the fact that plastic is harmful to the environment and if we keep increasing the use of plastic it is possible that we are creating a more harmful environment sooner than later. In this aticle on should plastic be banned it is important to understand that plastic in itself is not harmful when used, or recycled and reused, it is rather the littering of plastic on the streets, on land and water bodies, and the single-use plastic bags which are disposed in the same manner and cannot be recycled. Plastic is a non-biodegradable matter and takes lots of efforts to get decomposed so it is only natural that when such matter is only increasing then the threat to nature also rises.

Many countries like Italy, Bangladesh, China, and Kenya have taken the initiative to ban the use of plastic and are not given any to the public at any check out counter. However, there are many countries that have not adopted this, as it is also difficult to find an alternative to plastic that is easily decomposable and safer for the environment. So, rather than completely banning the use of plastic, we must find ways of recycling and reusing the plastic so that the dumping of plastic does not deteriorate the natural environment.

Important Reasons to Ban Plastic Usage:-

  1. Plastic can endure every climate and when littered travels through wind or water and reaches ocean bodies or gets stuck on lands and trees and harms these environments as it is non-biodegradable since it is made of non-renewable materials.
  2. The energy required to drive a car for 1 kilometre is used to make 9 plastic bags and this ratio is irrational as the plastic bag used is rather useful for only 11 minutes to carry materials and then discarded.
  3. An Environment Health Perspective reports that the components of plastic mimic hormones like estrogen and this causes severe damage to our health as it disrupts the natural hormonal balance in our body.
  4. It is a threat to wildlife who in negligence sometimes consume plastic which is littered along with their food. Many aquatic animals like turtles suffer a great deal as their digestive system is entangled in plastic and die.
  5. Plastic bags are not easy to recycle as the recycling rate by the recycling facilities is only 5% so it is tedious work.

Some Major Problems caused due to Plastics:-

  1. They are Non-Biodegradable–

Plastic bags are made up of elements that are extremely hard to be degraded by the microbes in the environment. They take hundreds of years to be completely decomposed, which essentially means that almost all of the plastic ever made still exists in the environment causing pollution! In fact, plastic bags are a major source of pollution of land and water presently across the world. 

2. Effect of Plastic on Human Health–

Due to the excessive use of plastics, there are a number of ways in which plastic finds its way into our food chain. Accumulation of nano plastics over a long period of time can cause organ failure, intoxication and respiratory and gastrointestinal distress. Burning of plastics also produces harmful smoke that can cause poisoning in humans. 

3. Harmful for Animals–

Animals, both terrestrial and aquatic, consume a lot of plastic wastes unknowingly. Consuming large chunks of plastic often cause blockage in their respiratory tract. This may result in respiratory failure due to choking. After consuming plastic bag, an animal is not able to digest it and it stays inside its intestine causing complications and ultimately, untimely death.

4. Clogged Sewage–

Another major problem of plastic bags is that it accumulates in waterways and clogs drains and sewages. This can result in overflowing drains which can then breed various vectors of diseases. Afterwards, from this accumulation of plastic bags oxygen supply to the water is reduced and aquatic animals die due to the lack of oxygen as well.

Conclusion:-

Although plastic is becoming a big threat for all of us, still this problem has often been overlooked and underestimated. This is because people do not look at the long term effect of these small, easy to carry bags they use in their everyday life. Besides all of these people keep using bags due to their convenience. But now everyone has to completely stop using the plastic bag to save our environment and earth.

It is safe to say that like any global problems affecting the environment and the people all over it is not easy to find a particular solution so we can only trust time to see what works and what doesn’t and in the meantime find alternatives which are biodegradable and instead of dumping reuse and recycle and spread awareness about its importance, in this way you can contribute to maintaining nature’s sanctity.

KERALA’S BIGGEST SOLAR FLOATING POWER PLANTS COMMISSIONED AT COCHIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Cochin International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Kerala which handles about 10 million passenger movements in and out the state annually, is located at Nedumbassery in the outskirts of Cochin city. With the inauguration of a dedicated solar plant in 2015, Cochin International airport won the title of world’s first fully solar-powered airport. The CIAL solar power project comprises 92,150 solar panels laid across 94 acres, generating 100,000 units of electricity on a daily basis. The airport authority has been honoured with the Champion of Earth award by the United Nations in 2018 for their excellence in the large-scale introduction of sustainable energy sources.

On 17th January 2021, CIAL crossed yet another glorious milestone with the commission of one of the biggest floating solar power plants in Kerala. The cost-effective high-density polyethylene floats, using most modern French technology, are laid over two artificial lakes in the CIAL golf course. The floats consist of 1300 photovoltaic cells and have a capacity of 452 KWh helping the airport to produce around 1.60 lakh units of power a day as against its daily consumption stands around 1.30 lakh units, the authorities said.

CIAL sets an example of Total Sustainability Management by treating the sewage water for water harvesting in its golf course with the help of 12 artificial lakes. The water from these lakes was earlier used for irrigating the lawns but now with the installation of these floating solar panels, they have taken another step forward in sustainable and environment friendly resource management.

The Managing Director of CIAL, Mr V J Kurian said, “The pre-commissioning trials showed that these panels which cost around Rs 2 crore to the company are producing power with maximum output efficiency among the eight solar power plants installed by CIAL at various locations in the airport premises. CIAL has been reinventing itself since its formative days. One of our innovations which proved that relying upon green energy is possible even for the high energy consumers like an airport has won us the champions of the earth award instituted by the United Nations. We are committed to the protection of nature and trying our best to reduce carbon footprints.” 

The installation of floating solar panels are usually very expensive when compared to the ground-mounted and rooftop ones. CIAL was able to overcome these limitations and bring down the cost using the novel technology as the  French company CIEL TERRA provided technical assistance. The solar panels are also connected to the KSEB power grid which helps them to bank the excess energy produced.

Eco-Friendly Lifestyle 101

Leading an eco-friendly (ecological/environment-friendly) lifestyle is imperative for healthy and sustainable living in the current extreme climatic conditions and environmental degradation and pollution. All this leads to life-threatening atmosphere because of poisonous air, water and soil, global warming, scarcity of resources, man-made disasters and increased intensity and risks of natural disasters.

Apart from industrial and organizational initiatives towards eco-friendly operations, individual and collective household acts and changes in personal lifestyle choices and living practices of common citizens contribute to sustainable and healthy living.

Environmental friendly living is not that difficult. It can even prove to improve mental health along with physical health and environmental health. Let’s learn about some easy eco-friendly practices.

  1. Resource management: The baby steps. The easiest and the ones which we learned when we were kids, but forget to apply.
    • Limit and manage your water, electricity and fuel usage. Do not make unnecessary usage.
    • Eliminate any kind of wastage. Do not forget to switch off lights and fans when not in use.
    • Bath in shower or use bucket and mug instead of bathtubs.
    • Reuse water. For example- Reuse the water used to wash food items for watering the plants, instead of pouring it into the sink.
    • Brush your teeth with a glass of water. Do not use the tap water.
  2. Resource conservation:
    • Practice rainwater harvesting. We can use this water for bathing and washing clothes, utensils, etc. It is easy to install rainwater harvesting system. Look at these multiple ways to do it.
    • Use solar energy and solar panels if affordable for water heating, cooking, electricity supply, etc.
    • Buy a limited amount of food. Do not depend entirely on refrigeration. Switch it off when not needed, mostly in winters, when food items do not stale for many hours even when kept outside.
  3. Buying essentials:
    • Install LED lights instead of incandescent lighting.
    • Practice biogas cooking, use solar cookers, biogas stoves, etc. You can either buy or build a biogas plant at home easily. See the benefits of biogas here.
    • Use a car fueled with CNG or use battery vehicles. Go on foot, or ride a bicycle to reach nearby places.
    • Use desert coolers or eco- friendly air coolers and do not install air conditioners.
    • Use eco-friendly paper/tree-free paper and buy refilling pens instead of single use pens.
    • Eliminate plastic materials and storage boxes. We can easily live without plastic. There are many alternatives to daily-life plastic materials. Use and carry aluminium bottles and refill them instead of buying plastic water bottles. Use glass containers for microwave and storage.
    • Buy products only from those companies which use eco-friendly methods to manufacture. There are many such alternatives out there. You just need to search the net.
  4. Materialism:
    • Decorate your home with indoor plants, beautiful mud or clay lamps, eco-friendly handicrafts, glass decorative, etc.
    • Install indoor plants which purify the air. Use loads of them.
    • Build a terrace garden or porch garden.
    • Stop the air, water and sound pollution in the name of festivities. Instead, go out on festivals to plant trees in wastelands, empty lands, barren lands, schools, boundaries of roads.
    • Donate to and plant trees and saplings with old-age homes, special schools, orphanages, etc. It will bring happiness to you and to those people too. Do not use firecrackers, river dumpings, etc.
    • Do not buy chemical based beauty, body care and healthcare products. Shift to Ayurved or organic and eo-friendly products. They are healthier, more effective, and have no side effects.

Indoor plant decorations

Image source: ipinimg.com

5. Eating habits:

  • Plant-based diet- Industries which process animal-based products, take-up thousands of more gallons of water and KW of energy for processing. It leads to water wastage, ozone depletion, global warming, etc. There are many health risks involved with an animal-based diet. If not eliminate, try reducing and limiting the intake.
  • Separate and store plastic waste and organic waste. Plastic waste includes milk packets, medicine packets, chocolate and biscuit wrappers, etc. Use the organic waste (vegetable peels, animal waste, food leftovers, etc.) as manure for plants and ingredient for biogas.
  • Shift to Ayurvedic medicine and treatment rather than allopathy.

Start small scale organic farming at home. It is very easy and does take much time and effort. It can be installed in small spaces like a balcony, roof, porch, veranda, and even in a well lit room. Know more about organic home farming here.

Vegetable, spices, and fruits grown at home.

Picture source: The Hindu, Nursery live, Gardening know how and Balcony garden web.

All this may take some amount of time and effort, but it is worth it. You will experience a positive difference in your life. You can even inspire the people around you. We can start many of these living practices within a village, colony, township or a society to improve effectiveness with collective efforts. Such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy, biogas energy, farming, etc. Take one step at a time and you will find your motivation.

Raising an ECO-FRIENDLY Generation

We as a generation were born with resources available to us at a switch of a button. But would that be the same considering our irresponsible usage?

Let’s make a few lifestyle changes and teach our kids to become eco-friendly and live in a sustainable environment and household.

  • WATER CONSERVATION:
Cropped image of woman putting toothbrush under water - Stock ...

Do not encorage your kids to take long showers. Teach them to take a bucket water bath and advice them on keeping the taps shut. If they brush their teeth with running tap water, show them how water is needed only while rinsing the mouth. Tell them the importance of water in our lives and how it is essential to survive.

  • PAPER WASTAGE:
Using Technology To Reduce Paper Waste - Food & Nutrition Magazine

Encourage your children to use both sides of the paper. Tell them how papers are made from trees and the importance of trees in our lives. Adopt paper savvy techniques like using of eco-friendly notebooks and e-newspapers instead of hardback papers.

  • PLANT TREES, INHALE FRESH:
How to start your own tree planting project — TreeSisters

Plant trees in your backyard with them. You can teach them the art of gardening and also tell them about compost pits. It is a good hobby for your kids to row up nurturing a living organism and to be compasssionate towards others.

  • BEST OUT OF WASTE:
Best Out Of Waste Ideas : Best Things Made From Car Tyres

Making interesting and useful objects at home from waste will be a good bonding activity. One can make creative items like newspaper wall hangings, old plastic bottles can be made into show pieces or pen stands,etc.Show them how to reusee than discarding and hence creating less wastage.

  • REUSE- REDUCE -RECYCLE:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Knowledge Bank - Solar Schools

Use tote bags or bins when shopping, say no to the plastic shopping bag. Select packaging that does not have a lot of excess waste. Use dinnerware that can be washed instead of paper plates and plastic ware. Only buy things that you will use in the immediate future.

Give your discards a chance at a second life by holding a yard sale or donating items to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or other charitable outlets.  Contact schools and nursery schools to find out different types of items they reuse for art projects.  Donate used books to the Library.  Several organizations take used cars and even boats.