5 Eco-Conscious Habits I Learned From My Grandfather

Recently, I read this post about a beautiful relationship between a granddaughter and her grandpa on Humans Of Bombay, and it instantly reminded me of my late aajoba (grandfather). I remember him being this super strict and disciplined person when I was a kid. As I grew up, our relationship changed, I got to know him more, and we had a newfound kinship. For me, the most wonderful takeaway from him was his conscious behavior towards the environment. They may be small, environment-friendly steps in his daily routine, but I feel had a good impact on the choices I make today.

One instance that I clearly remember was when I got the use-and-throw pens for school, and he promptly said that this is not a sustainable way of living. I couldn't understand what he was saying then, although now I do. Another good step he took was to switch to a permanent wooden makar (temple) for our Ganesha festival from the yearly thermocol decorations.

I have been meaning to write this blog for so long. Since today is #WorldEnvironmentDay, I thought it's the right time to do so. I want to share the basic things I learned from him that made me eco-conscious too. 

• The classic 5 Rs - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Re-purpose and Recycle.

• Carrying a reusable cloth bag for shopping.

• Switch off all the electric appliances and turn off running water when not in use.

• Try to commute by walking to places as much as possible. 

• Investing in more permanent, sturdy things rather than the ones that have small shelf lives or to increase the shelf life of things as much as possible, that includes careful usage and mending things rather than throwing.

These are such simple things, but they do make a difference. I learned by observing them from his daily routine. Though I have to say I don't live completely in a sustainable way, I have a strong foundation of eco-consciousness because of him.

Happy #WorldEnvironmentDay2020!

Love, 

Rashmi B.