1. Liabilities
Population in India is increasing at an alarming rate. Approximately there are more than one hundred crores (100 crores) of people. Each one is using a plastic tooth brush. Each brush is separately packed with plastic material. Instead of the plastic brush, Neem (Vepa), Guava (Jama), Pongamia (Kanuga), A chyranthes Aspera / A bidentata (Utthareni) or Cassia (Thangedu) twigs can be used in the villages and suburbs where they are available. A mixture of charcoal and salt or Firewood ash or Paddy ash from brick kilns can be used for brushing teeth. Pollution can be decreased to save the earth by using natural brushes.
1. Assets
Regarding packing material for tooth brushes, especially in cities where brushes are inevitable, jute, hemp, cardboard, natural fibers from Roselle stems i.e., members of family ‘MALVACEAE’ can be used for packing material. Packing material can be minimized instead of unnecessary big boxes. Nowadays importance is given to packing. If plastic is used it cannot be degraded easily and recycled. Business firms to increase the cost of the brushes are packing them in unnecessary plastic boxes. Hence awareness has to be created.
2. Liabilities
There was a teacher dwelling in a basthi (a small lane in a city). I observed her daily routine - sweeping the house and pouring the dust in front of the opposite house. Till the municipality people come the opposite house people have to smell it and at the same time the opposite house man, a big vegetable shop owner used to pour all the garbage i.e., vegetables spoiled etc., in front of the same teacher’s house. Both parties have no patience to go further to pour the dust in the dust bin. Now with this we can understand the lack of civic sense causes a lot of pollution and spoils health.
2. Assets
“CLEAN” - the word has specific importance that is used even for character also. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. We like entering a house which is clean, spick and span. If a house is dirty, generally we do not find happiness and try to come out of the house even though they are prepared to spend time with us. A house with lazy people tends to be unhygienic and dirty. Every family member needs to contribute towards the cleanliness of the house by doing his own work promptly. A little decoration adds beauty to the house.
3. Liabilities
As the electric bulbs produce heat we must put off the lights when not needed. Sometimes we forget to put off lights in the house and go out in the morning to the routine work and return in the evening to find the lights are on all the day. We must have a central locking system to avoid this wastage and heat. If possible it is better to go back to the oil lamps. Generally we close the doors and windows and live in the heat of the electrical lights which is not good and healthy. We must open the doors and windows maintain mesh for the doors and windows and allow the air and sunlight enter our house. This is good for vaastu also. Vaastu is said to be a science in construction of buildings etc. Sometimes we find the street lights are on in the day time. This negligence causes loss of electricity and increases heat.
3. Assets
Sunlight is good for health, that too early morning sun rays provide us vitamin D. In my early ages my mother used to apply oil on my body and make me to stand in the sun very early in the dawn and then used to bathe me. Nowadays we find no time for the mother and the child too. Sunlight is good but not the heat of the sun at midday i.e., hot sun is dangerous. It is told in the Holy Bible in the book of Psalms 121:6 as follows “The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night”. So, even the moon light is also dangerous to health. The artificial lights i.e., electric lights provide much heat and are dangerous to the eye and body.
4. Liabilities
It is a false notion that cars are a status symbol. Using cars for a “show put up” and for status is wrong. Laziness is one of the causes to use cars. Mass conveyance avoids lot of pollution. Nowadays CNG i.e. Compressed Natural Gas is used in the city of New Delhi even for buses which avoids pollution especially in a country like India where its population has reached its peak (approximately hundred crores). Hence mass conveyance is necessary.
Research should be done to run the vehicles including aeroplanes with air only but not with petrol and diesel. The birds are travelling from continent to continent without causing pollution. How we adapt this model is the question now!
4. Assets
Walking and cycling is good for health. Even diabetic patients are advised by doctors to walk early morning or evening. We can go by walk for near distances and by bicycle for moderate distances. Cycling is a good exercise. It increases health and strength. In Denmark, Netherlands, Colombia, China and Spain, number of people go cycling or use mass transportation to save environment.
Cycling is recommended for:
Moderate distances
School going children
Young people
Villagers
Small lanes and roads
5. Liabilities
The Scientists and Environmentalists are against cutting of forests. If the greenery is cut off the polar ice caps melt and sea level increases day-by-day. So by cutting off trees we are inviting our own destiny and death. Regarding firewood, natural coal from mines should be used instead of wood.
Secondly, man is selfish by nature. Animals and birds help the nature but man spoils the nature. We are constructing huge complexes and forgetting to plant trees. I recommend that for granting permission to construct a house or a complex, the authorities must lay a condition for greenery around.
5. Assets
As mentioned in the beginning that trees provide oxygen i.e., life to the living, I once again repeat the importance of the trees.
Approximately the population in the world is nearly one thousand crores. In India we have one hundred crores of population. So one tenth of the population of the world is in India. But our landscape is not one tenth in the world. So we are thickly populated. However, each one of us in the world needs to take a decision and promise to plant a tree, to save the entire earth. We will be doing good to our future generations too. We read about the emperor Ashoka who planted trees on both sides of the roads. Why not we do the same?
6. Liabilities
We are using plastic plates for dinners in the cities, towns and villages. If we calculate the total usage of these plastic plates, we will be shocked at the figure. Before dinner the ground looks clean and beautifully decorated but after dinner when all leave the place the same ground looks dirty, ugly and unpleasant with plastic plates thrown all around. It takes a lot of time for the labour to clean this mess.
The government says it is not good to use plastic. The Government with a determination should bring out a resolution and if needed a Government Order not to allow the manufacture of plastic plates.
6. Assets
Thousands of people are attending for marriage dinners. Strictly speaking in these present days minimum number i.e. relatives and near and dear ones are sufficient but in our anxiety, happiness and status we are inviting more people than required and it is a waste. It is recommended to encourage village industries to make leaf plates and compressed plates made from paper and pads etc. There are two benefits out of this that is employment to the poor i.e., villagers and the plates made from leaves, paper and pads are degradable i.e., eco friendly.
7. Liabilities
It is uncomfortable and sweaty to wear the fiber and Terylene dresses. The above are imported from foreign countries. Nylon is an artificial polymer material i.e., a kind of plastic made from petroleum products by ring opening polymerization invented by an American Scientist “WALLIS CAROTHERS”. Nylon is a stretchable strong thread useful for dress, head of tooth brush, threads and even nets for fishing. The fiber and terylene cause more damage to our health. They may appear more colourful and shining but ultimately causes lot of loss to the health and environment. So we must educate and create awareness among the public to avoid these foreign dresses. Initially the cost might be low and profitable but in the long run it is a loss and harm.
7. Assets
In my early ages I heard that Mahatma Gandhiji has burnt the foreign dresses and encouraged Khadi and own products of our country.
Cotton and Khadi are comfortable dresses. They promote health. Our country is famous for growth of cotton. There are cotton exports from our country. If we can create awareness among the public to use cotton and khadi dresses, bed sheets, curtains, towels etc. we can save our health and environment too and provide labour to our country men.
“Bahar khaddar andar khadar” means outward dress is khaddar (cotton) and inward khadar (self-respect and dignity) should be our motto.
8. Liabilities
Hair is a kingdom for ladies and a crown to the gents. All love to have thick hair and unknowingly lose it by using chemical shampoos and chemical soaps. A soap used by a patient is not advisable to others as there are a lot of contagious diseases especially skin diseases. Secondly a person will not like a soap used by others. Shampoos are made of chemicals and they cause a heavy loss to the health.
The shampoos are packed in plastic bottles and in plastic sachets which are non-degradable and not eco friendly.
8. Assets
When Soaps and Shampoos were not invented people were using soapnuts, Acacia (seekaya or chekkapodi), flour from pulses and grain (sunnupindi). The natural products reduce the heat and helps for the growth of hair and good for health.
Hair adds beauty to the face. The feeling and suffering is known to those who lose their hair. Hence we have to take care of the hair.
9. Liabilities
We are getting rice bags made of plastic. Likewise the bags for pulses and sugar etc., Plastic is not easily degradable. Hence it causes pollution. All these are a heavy loss for environment as Lakhs and Crores of bags are manufactured and used. The thread used to pack the rice bags are very dangerous and may lead to cancer disease if they enter the stomach. In the vegetable shops, plastic threads are used to pack green leafy vegetables. It is dangerous if the threads enter the stomach along with the greens.
9. Assets
Previously we used to get rice in bags made of jute, called gunny bags. Not only rice but also pulses and sugar etc., but nowadays we are getting in plastic bags which are not good for health. Hence the recycling bags should be introduced again. Also the threads used to pack the bags should be made from cotton or jute, which are degradable.
10. Liabilities
Especially for Deepavali, Christmas and other festivals we use lot of crackers made of sulphur etc., which causes lot of pollution and spoils the health of human beings and the living. It is very dangerous and unbearable for the Asthama patients.
Secondly the dangerous crackers make children blind and handicapped in some accidents.
Thirdly in some cases the crackers burn the huts, sheds, kuteers and tents.
In addition to this spraying of colours made of chemicals during festivals like “Holi” add to chemical contamination. Further during the “Ganesh Nimajjanams”, statues made of chemicals and painted with colours made from chemicals are harmful to health.
10. Assets
Culture is the way of life. One’s own habits, traditions and usages can be utilized for the welfare of the mankind and society at large. For example fireworks for festivals is our custom. In the past, when the crackers made of sulphur were not invented, people used to make the crackers with the bark of trees. People used to mix number of barks from various trees and rotate with fire and they used to sparkle like modern crackers. The old system should be introduced. Further statues are made for some festivals like “Ganesh Nimajjanam” (Immersion of Ganesh into Tanks, lakes and water pools) is causing water pollution. These statues should be made of clay and mud. Another festival “Holi” can be newly introduced by presenting greeting cards instead of rubbing chemical colours on the faces.
11. Liabilities
Before we sit on a plastic chair we find the reaction of the hair on our body. This is electro-static force. When we sit we get goose bumps. Thus we can easily understand the loss to the health.
Nowadays it is observed in hotels and some public places and even in the houses using plastic tables, chairs, trays and stools etc., It may be because of the less cost and for space management as the chairs can be put one on the other. We know well that usage of plastic is dangerous to health and environment. Industries manufacture a lot of chairs in no time and wooden work is not like that. The carpenters are jobless. Even in the marriage functions, where a number of people gather together, we find plastic chairs.
11. Assets
In the good olden days when the pollution was not much wood only was used for making Tables, Chairs, Stools , Trays etc., and other items.
A decade ago we used to find very big tables and comfortable good chairs made of wood in the Government offices, Universities, Colleges and Schools. Nowadays the tendency is changed and plastic is occupying its place. Hence it is recommended to go back again to use wooden Tables and Chairs. After retiring from daily routine work resting in a wooden easy chair provides full rest and peace of mind. In case a large quantity of wooden chairs cannot be used metal chairs (iron and aluminum) can be used as alternative but not plastic chairs.
12. Liabilities
In the present days we are using pens made of plastic. Plastic is non degradable and harmful to the health and environment and causes pollution.
Secondly we are using use and throw pens, thus we can easily imagine how many pens are used and thrown. In this connection we should not forget that population is growing day-by-day and the use of plastic pens is growing day-by-day.
12. Assets
In the good olden days our ancestors have used pens made of wood. Wood can be degraded hence it is not harmful to the health. However the usage of pens is reducing as the computers occupied its place.
13. Liabilities
In this plastic age all bags are of plastic. We carry vegetables in plastic bags. We carry groceries in plastic bags. Regarding heavy weight like rice, sugar and pulses we are using plastic bags. And even for other food items and packaging like cement etc., we are using plastic bags. They are dangerous for health and environment.
We can just imagine how many bags are used when compared with the ratio of population in our country India which is approximately one hundred crores.
13. Assets
When I was a child, I have observed a bag made of cloth in the hands of elders who go to market. This is not a use and throw bag but washable. Generally strong cloth of Benny Company was used which was preferred for skirts and pants too.
In those days paper bags and bags made of hemp were used to carry material. But for heavy weights, bags made of jute were used especially for rice, sugar and pulses etc. These above bags are degradable and good for health and environment.
14. Liabilities
Nowadays plastic switch boards are used instead of wood. In electrical appliances plastic is essential but where we can avoid plastic and use wood, ceramic or other material which is degradable we have to encourage protecting environment.
14. Assets
In the good olden days wooden switch boards were used which is good and shock proof also.
Secondly ceramic/porcelain was used for lamp shades.
These types of lamps and wooden switches and switch boards have disappeared.
15. Liabilities
Cities are now growing as concrete jungles. In the construction field doors, windows, door frames and window frames etc., are of plastic in number of cases. It may be because of cheaper cost or fashion. What ever might be the reason it is harmful to health and environment. In addition to that it is inflammable and when melts releases toxic gases.
15. Assets
In the good olden days Doors and Windows and door frames and window frames etc., are made of good wood with artistic work of the carpenters. Wood is good for health and hygiene and protects environment. If teakwood is costly and not available we can use other cheaper wood like Azadirachta indica (Neem/Vepa), Acacia nilotica (Babul/Thumma) or iron doors and windows instead of plastic which are degradable.
16. Liabilities
In manufacturing cars plastic is used especially for the side portion of the steering. Plastic is easily inflammable. Secondly, plastic produces heat to our body, hence instead of plastic, wood may be used.
16. Assets
When cars were first invented, wood was used at particular places like handle and front portion in the car and seats etc. Likewise it may be introduced now.
17. Liabilities
Plastic wire is commonly used in making cots in the villages. We generally find in the villages a cot with country wooden frame and plastic wire. Because this cot is cheaper than other cots, durable and can resist for heat of the sun and also rain people purchase these cots. In the rainy season we can use the cot just by wiping the water on it fallen due to rain. Here we have to remember a point that we don’t sleep on the frame made of wood but we sleep or lay down on the plastic wire which is dangerous for health.
17. Assets
Sleep is essential but not the cot. Real sleep does not care for comfort. In the olden days we used to find cots made of jute, hemp (Nulaka), Cotton (Nawar) etc. The frame was made with good wood. There were two types of cots in general. One is a country cot consisting of a bamboo frame and netted with jute or hemp. These cots were used by poor people. They are of less weight and can be carried easily into the house and out side of the house. The other is generally used by the middle and upper classes. This cot is made of good wooden frame, generally teak and netted with cotton (nawar). Instead of cotton we are using wood and iron sheets in these present days. Any way it is better to use cotton, wood or even iron instead of plastic wire.
18. Liabilities
Everywhere in any house we find plastic buckets. Plastic buckets cause damage to health and are non-degradable. Plastic buckets may not stay longer i.e., they are not durable. Plastic buckets cannot resist for heat and they melt if kept near to stove or fire place. Why should we use plastic buckets which damage our health?
18. Assets
Usage of buckets is common in the house for bathing etc. We are using plastic buckets. After some years the future generation may not know that there were iron and aluminum buckets. Aluminum is light weight and good for health and degradable. Buckets made of iron and aluminum stay longer for years together. They resist heat. Hence they are recommended.
19. Liabilities
In travel, in functions and in weddings etc. we find people drinking water in plastic bottles or in plastic glasses. Water is brought in big plastic cans and is used in small plastic bottles or plastic glasses. As per the increase of population in India we can easily imagine how many bottles are used and thrown to the dust bins. As we know well that plastic is non-degradable and injurious to health, we have to avoid plastic bottles. Further, drinking water from the refrigerator is not advisable.
19. Assets
In the olden days, screw cans (marachembu) were used to carry water in journeys. Villagers used to bring water in earthen pots from wells and tanks. They used to store them in copper and brass vessels. Elders say it is good to drink water from earthen pots and copper vessels. Even at places where the pots and the vessels are not available, I have seen people drinking water with their hands joined together as a cup which is called dosili in Telugu. First they used to wash the hands and drink water. I have seen villagers drinking water in palm leaves folded as a bowl. This plastic culture of carrying water in big plastic cans and plastic bottles is developed recently. Why not we go back to the ancient culture of drinking water in earthen pots and copper vessels to save health and environment?
20. Liabilities
Accidents take place in blind corners. Due to accidents trees are damaged. It causes fire and smoke. Thus it causes pollution. Houses and haystacks are burnt in accidents which causes pollution.
20. Assets
In highways, to avoid accidents, a long way should be taken to lay roads without blind corners. That means straight roads should be laid. And if a turning is a must a long way should be taken without blind corners with minimum curvature to avoid accidents. Secondly dividers should be laid on roads where ever necessary. Water bodies (wells) should be dug by the side of the roads. They should be named as accident water camps to be useful as precautionary measures for fire accidents.
21. Liabilities
It is better to avoid artificial colours for printing especially on the cloth which is used for dress material which affects the health.
21. Assets
When we go back to the culture and civilization of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, natural colours from vegetables, fruits etc., were used for printing on cloth and dress material, which is good for health.
We need to re-introduce the same practice.
22. Liabilities
Wars kill people and damage a lot of property. Wars cause a lot of pollution i.e., air, sound and water pollution. Hiroshima and Nagasaki are the living examples. Today we are hearing of LIBYA and the damage i.e. loss of life and a lot of pollution by Mr. Gaddafi and his army and also by the NATO troops i.e. United States of America, United Kingdom and other countries.
A lot of money is allocated from the budget for the army and wars. Development or devastation which is required, is the question now?
22. Assets
Living in a peaceful atmosphere both physically and mentally is desirable. Amicable atmosphere, friendly relations, respectable talks, compassion and human love promotes human life and welfare. Bilateral talks, friendship visits, cultural and social exchange programmes etc. improve relationship between the nations.
23. Liabilities
Number of planes travel in the air and cause a lot of pollution. Air traffic is increasing day by day. Number of planes small and big like domestic planes and international planes, jumbo jets travel in the air and pollute the environment. Hence it is dangerous not only to mankind but also to all living beings and nature.
23. Assets
Number of birds in flocks travel from country to country, continent to continent for thousands of miles and cause no pollution and they are eco-friendly. Birds migrate in particular seasons. The scientists have to observe and do research on their travelling and invent aero planes that travel without petrol, gas and pollution. They have to invent planes that run just like the birds with air and wings or with some other energy like solar, wind etc., so that the pollution can be controlled.
24. Liabilities
Industrialists set up factories and in due course of time for their own selfish ends end up not treating effluents to cut down their costs. This is creating havoc in the environment. It is true that effluent treatment is costly but nothing is more precious than life. While travelling near some water bodies like Tankbund, Fever hospital, by the side of Musi river near Afzalgunj in our city Hyderabad, we are closing our noses and travelling because of bad smell and pollution. Untreated effluents released into the water bodies are the cause for this stench.
24. Assets
Industrialization is essential for development of any nation. Industries release effluents. If the effluents are treated and released there is no danger to the environment. If the governments are strict and supervise, we can save the environment. More than the rule book, a good mind is essential.
We all know how the river Ganges and other rivers in our country are polluted. We have to join hands to cleanse them.
Waters of Ganges are praised in a Sanskrit sloka
“Sareere Jarjaribhuthe Vyadhigrasthe Kalebare
Oushadham Jahnavitoyam Vaidyonarayano Hari”
It is told that the waters of river Ganges are the nectar to avoid old age and medicine to cure diseases but the waters flowing now in river Ganges are polluted and lost its power to cure. Hence we have to cleanse it.
25. Liabilities
Territory, Population, Government and Sovereignty makes a nation. Plastic spoils Territory and Population and gets a bad name to the Government and the Sovereignty is failed if we cannot control the plastic which is indirectly waging a war on us by damaging our health, welfare and environment.
25. Assets
Imagine a country without plastic on the earth. It is really a heaven on the earth. Living near to nature without plastic is good and desirable. I believe that we can live without plastic and make our country and world at large, a heaven on earth.
Avoid plastic usage which is non degradable and a threat to life and environment.
Bio degradable plastics made from PSEUDOMONAS BACTERIAL SPECIES are recommended for eco friendly use.
Usage of natural products like wood, jute, hemp, soap nuts etc. are recommended for good health and environment.
Mass Transportation is recommended to avoid pollution instead of manufacturing number of cars. Zonal systems for children to study in the same area of their residence should be introduced to avoid travel and pollution.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) must be used instead of petrol and diesel. A research should be done on Air planes to travel like birds from continent to continent without fuel and only with air.
It is recommended to make compulsory for all youth to use bicycles for good health, avoiding pollution and accidents.
It is recommended to use organic manure instead of chemicals in the agricultural fields for good health and to avoid pollution.
Each one should plant a tree and adopt it. “Vruksho Rakshati Rakshitaha”. Protect a tree and the tree protects you. Trees should be grown by the shores of the seas to protect from natural calamities like tsunami and hurricanes.
Interlink of rivers is recommended for enhancement of cultivation, so that plantation will protect environment. Soft water of rivers used for drinking purposes, cooking, bathing and washing promotes good health.
Each country is craving for peace but manufacturing ammunition. It is recommended to stop production of Nuclear weapons and ammunition. Universal peace and harmony can be established by bilateral talks.