The rise in pollution and its effects have become a serious issue

We constantly hear news about climate changes throughout the world. The rise in pollution and its effects have become a serious issue. Kathmandu has been listed amongst one of the most polluted cities in the world. Dust clouds and vehicle fumes have become our daily reality. But as citizens of this nation, and the entire world at large, it is our duty that we act quickly on this issue.

Your effort in making a difference does not need to be global. You can begin from your own little home. One way is to always keep your house clean. Proper waste management is one of the factors that help reduce pollution. Segregate your waste collection; categorizing them as degradable, recyclable and non-recyclable. You not only get done with cleaning, but even bring in a few bucks. Recyclable wastes like PET bottles and cans can be sold easily. There are big agencies like Himalayan Climate Initiative that collects these bottles and recycle them. Degradable wastes can be turned to compost and used as fertilizers in the fields. For example, during any occasions or gatherings, instead of using disposable plastic plates, we can use plates made of leaves. These plates made of leaves decompose easily, hence reducing the wastage. These tiny efforts of segregation can have a huge overall impact.

Plastics pose another major problem. Enemies of the earth in fact, these are neither recyclable nor degradable. Even the first plastic invented back in 1907 is said to be still present in the world somewhere. So, use as less plastic as possible and help by not contributing to this plastic waste pile up. And yes, always take your own bags while shopping.

Let’s talk about water; the ever-present and timeless problem of water shortage in our nation. What we can do is not to waste water, which is also similar to saving it. Simple habits like not leaving the taps running while you brush your teeth or during a shower helps save a lot of water. In fact there are new smarter shower heads designed for the purpose of saving water that control the flow of water and uses less water when you shower, while still making you feel you took a good one. Plus there are always various methods like rainwater harvesting and greywater harvesting that help recycle water.

Electricity produced without the use of diesel, kerosene or petrol is considered clean. We all know about our country’s immense capabilities in that front. But it does not mean we are allowed to misuse and waste them. So turn off the lights when not necessary. Light sensors nowadays is a smart approach in saving electricity and it comes with a benefit of security too. An effective way of minimizing electricity consumption is by installing LED bulbs. These bulbs may cost high during installation but are always better and economical in the long run.

With the growing number of middle class families requires an improved management of electronic waste as well. Proper disposal of used batteries, old mobile phones, discarded laptops, TVs, and other electrical appliances is crucial. The lifespan of new gadgets are being squeezed down by the constantly updating technologies, whereby increasing the dumping of old ones. Unlike in foreign countries, we do not have any agencies or programs to recycle the e-waste that has been piling up. These batteries that are dumped in the landfills contain harmful chemicals that get mixed in the sand and water, contaminating them which in turn harms us as well as the environment. So until there are proper provision of their disposal in our country regarding e-waste management, it is better if you do not throw these electronic appliances away but rather store them in your house somewhere.

Changes occur from small efforts taken seriously. No one can or will ever change the world in an instance. Start from your own home first. Your locality, nation, and the entire world will follow.