Global Warming has become Climate Change now. Our world is now being pushed into the brink of extinction due to rising industrialization, deforestation and urbanization. Countless activists, individuals, scientists and environmentalist began an outcry about the tremendous hazard we are causing to the world, owing to our activities.
Even though many people are taking serious actions to reduce the impact on the earth, damage is still being done. We can even feel the effects of such damages as a result of climatic disasters, pollution, soil erosion and extinctions of several species in the flora and fauna.
Many people have switched to sustainability and veganism to reduce their carbon footprint. Apart from these steps, there are certain steps we can take to reduce the footprint. These steps are simple to follow and can be followed by anyone.
Read on the steps below-
Recycle- Most of the stuffs we buy from commercial groceries are either sold in plastic containers or packets. We can instead choose to buy the products in glass containers. They can be expensive for sure but this is the least we can do to help. Plastic is the most hazardous object for the environment so we must at least substitute plastic for other sustainable choices. Recycling plastic and other materials help to reduce waste and harmful emission from industries and reduce your footprint. It also reduces the need to use natural resources to create new products for use.
Compost- If you are able to, compost appropriate food and products. This is a process by which organic substances are decomposed and provide nutrients to the soil. Substances like fruit peels, tea bags, vegetable scraps can be easily decomposed. This is also great for the soil and it will make it fertile. It also prevents soil pests.
Buy sustainable food products- Food production for the growing population causes huge deforestation and loss of wildlife. Agricultural production of meat and dairy not only causes deforestation but also uses a large amount of energy. Try navigation away from a meat-dominated diet and buy locally sourced and produced food items. These options are more sustainable and uses less energy for transportation.
Support eco-friendly companies- As a consumer we can choose to support eco-friendly and sustainable companies. Their products are sustainably sourced. Many of these brands use a portion of their profits towards the conservation of the environment.
Stay informed- As we sit at home, we are drawn to the screens most of our time. We have all the information we ever need at our fingerprints so take time to go through them and knowledge yourself about the environment and how to save them. Expose yourself to articles like these. Knowledge is power so it is wise to be aware.
Donate to the right organization- There are many orgnizations that are tirelessly working to protect our plant. If you can, volunteer for the right organization and help to save our planet. Create as much awareness as you can.
These were some of the easy tips to help save this planet. Always do your best.
Technology has always aimed in making our lives better – be it the automatic machines or smart devices- appliances have long brought convenience to our lives.
But in the World of Climate Change and Environment preservation, we need technology to focus on Sustainability in order to save resources for the future generations.
CLEAN WASHING, LESS WATER
Washing Machines and Dish Washers have gained popularity across various parts the country due to their efficiency and convenience. But are they also water efficient?
The advertisements for various washing machines now have started to show how one can save more than two buckets of water when the clothes are washed in the machine as compared to when they are washed by hand. Dishwashers nowadays use ultrasonic technology to reduce consumption of water while making sure there is no reduction in the efficiency of cleaning. Due to technology we have been able to invent appliances that help in deeper cleaning and use less water.
DAILY ROUTINE, WATER WASTAGE
Right from brushing our teeth to taking a shower we use water that very conveniently reaches our house in pipes and showerheads
But not to worry about saving water anymore as the latest achievement in the field of technology is OPTIMIZED showerheads designed to maintain the flow pressure while drastically reducing the water consumption. One can research and purchase the one which best suits your showering needs and also saves water.
FLUSHING ACTION, SMART SOLUTION
Technologists have been continuously working towards designing a flush system to produce an alternative which is more hygienic and water-efficient in its operation.
Apart from standard improvements, there are new water treatment systems being developed which could help recycle sink water to flush toilets in Indian homes in the near future. Such a system would save gallons of water, while making the required amount available for comprehensive and hygienic flushing action.
SUSTAINABILITY BEGINS AT HOME
The simplest method for conserving water is to turn off the tap whenever possible.
Running the water when you’re brushing your teeth, for example, wastes at least a quart of water. That may not seem like much, but it can really add up over time: a family of four could save at least 60 gallons of water a month by simply turning off the faucet.
FLOWING FAUCETS
New faucets utilize several different kinds of aerators, but all conserve water without sacrificing pressure. Older faucets use three to seven gallons of water per minute, while newer ones can cut that to around two gallons per minute, or even less.
WASTING WATER FOR WASHING WASTE
New low-flow toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush. They work as well as the older types but use considerably less water. Homeowners can also consider using dual-flush toilets, which offer two settings, depending on the type of waste in the bowl.
WATER HEATER, PRESERVE DROPS
A small pump that runs on minimal electricity can be attached to your hot water system and can help keep hot water circulating when it’s not in use. This prevents waste of up to 10 gallons of water while waiting for the shower to heat up. Tank less water heaters offer the same convenience, but cost more; a recirculation system can be sometimes be installed for as little as $300.
FIX LEAKS, SAVE GALLONS
Have water leaks in your home fixed right away. Even a tiny leak can quickly add up to a huge amount of wasted water. A faucet leak of just one drip per second can waste more than 2,000 gallons of water in a year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
These are some of the latest technologies that have brought the twin objectives of more hygienic homes and water conservations to the fore. As more manufacturers innovate, such technologies are projected to become standard in all Indian homes. Helping create cleaner homes at the cost of less water is also a mission of MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, a movement dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for our water resources. You can also support such initiatives they’ve undertaken and join in to help conserve water for a healthier tomorrow.
Ideas, commerce, science, culture, productivity thrive at cities. More than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas. By 2020 two thirds of the world’s population (6.5 billion) will be urban. The increasing shift of rural to urban population because of various factors like job opportunities is called as urbanization.[1] However the development of cities comes with its own share of challenges. Cities which occupy only 2-3 % of earths land accounts for earths land account for around 60 -80 percent of energy consumption. The increasing number of slums has become a significant feature of urbanization. Over 1 billion people currently live in slums, with the number of slum dwellers only expected to grow in the coming decades. The less developed countries or developing which have grater rates of urbanization are host to majority of the slums.[2] The growth rate of urban areas in the developing countries are 2 % while it is 0.5 % in the developing countries.[3] Most of these countries however has failed to develop adequate infrastructure for these growing urban population. The number of slum dwellers is projected to increase to 2 billion by 2030 and to 3 billion by 2050 if current trends persist (UN-Habitat, 2010).[4] The presence of slums has regional and global implications, impacting areas such as education, health and child mortality, and political and social exclusion, among many other things.[5] This necessitates efficient urban planning and management and culturally inspiring cities and inclusive green cities for future. There is a need for a rapid shift to a sustainable way in the process of creation of our urban spaces. Jobs and opportunities should be created without burdening available land and resources.
The UN explains:” The challenges cities face can be overcome in ways that allow them to continue to thrive and grow, while improving resource use and reducing pollution and poverty. The future we want includes cities of opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.”
SDG 11 in Indian Context
India, which will be third largest economy just behind china and U.S.A by 2025 is one of the fastest growing economies of the world.[6] India has witnessed a very high increase in its urban population. According to 2011 census, the urban population in India is around 31 % while it was at 11% according to 1911 census. Various statistics points to the fact Indians urban population has increased by 91 million between 2001 and 2011. Most of the Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai faces the problem of congestion. Also this goals holds great importance in Indian context as Mumbai is home to one the world’s largest slum, Dharavi which expands over an area of 2.1 square kilometers and has a population of about 700,000. 17% percent of urban population in India lives in slums, Delhi being the most polluted capital of the world again this year again and more alarmingly India is home to 21 of the of the 30 cities in the world, there are repeated instances of floods in Chennai .Further there are numerous cases of repeated prosecution of Bangladeshi immigrants in Kolkata.
Migrants who come to cities from villages looking for better jobs and opportunities end up homeless due to various reasons like financial problems, unemployment, natural calamities etc. They end up living in small huts made of straws, plastic, polythene etc. Majority of them live in very deplorable conditions without even basic necessities like toilet food and clothes.[7] 13 % percent of the urban households doesn’t even have basic sanitary toilets.[8]
Efficient management of slums is essential towards this SDG as growth of slums has harmful ramifications on both humans and environment which are interlinked and not severable. Slum dwellers are vulnerable to threats like natural calamities and manmade disaster and these have direct impact on them[9].Their weak economic status makes it nearly impossible or extremely difficult for them to recover from the natural calamities. On the other hand, slum residents themselves can impact their environment due to lack of basic services, which results in contaminated soil and polluted air and waterways. This results in a perpetuated cycle of decline for both slum dwellers and the environment.[10]
This can be ascribed to the fact that the capacity of slum dwellers to recover from disasters are very low compared to formal communities.[11] Hence, increase in number of slums can be a serious challenge to sustainable development and we need efficient urban governance to combat this.
Conclusion
The challenge and responsibilities of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 11 are domineering in India. Urbanization must usher in a process of inclusive economic growth and counter the trends in inter and intra-urban inequalities that have grown at an alarming rate. It is expected that the Goal will be achieved through an urban development strategy, which allows all stakeholders, especially the currently marginalized and excluded sections to participate actively in social and economic life. Govt’s policies, programmes and schemes need to ensure that there is universal access to safe and affordable housing, basic amenities and open green spaces. The strategy must include components aimed at upgradation of slums, improvements in urban planning and management practices to make them participatory and inclusive, safeguarding the heritage and protecting the citizenry against natural disasters.
Despite the fact that India has done well on many sustainable development goals and climate goals, much is yet desired to achieve sustainable development in the real sense. First and foremost is the need for a clear road map to implement the policies to achieve with identified roles for the state governments, and a monitoring mechanism to measure progress. It also needs to draw up a quick plan to overcome the want for quality data. Public education and awareness are second to none in terms invoking agency of people in achievement of sustainable cities and communities. The goal is more complex than to be achieved by the policies and government programmes alone. We thus need to harness energy, understand and involve participation of all stakeholders including the NGOs to make sustainable development a reality.
[8] McGranahan, Gordon, and David Satterthwaite. Urbanisation Concepts and Trends. International Institute for Environment and Development, 2014, http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep01297. Accessed 7 Apr. 2020.
Eduindex News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.