Saving the environment

Today, on World Environment Day (WED) the entire world is focusing attention on the global environment. With issues such as climate change taking centre stage, there has never been a better time to focus on saving the environment.

The theme for this year's WED - 'Forests: Nature at Your Service' is highly appropriate in the context of 2011 being the International Year of Forests. This is an ideal opportunity to re-connect with forests, which now cover only around 30 per cent of the total land area in this country. Sri Lanka has the world-renowned Sinharaja Forest, not to mention a number of other forest sanctuaries. This year, we should strive to visit these forest areas to learn more about how forests literally help the world to go green.

That way, we will be in a better position to realize the gravity of the crime of deforestation. The largely illicit felling of timber coupled with the clearing of forest lands for human settlements and agriculture will impact the remaining forests adversely. Stern action must be taken against illicit timber felling, which is widespread in some areas.

The authorities must popularize the concept of sustainable forests, whereby forests are managed in a balanced way for commercial purposes without destroying them. There are some timber species which can be grown and cut successfully while ensuring the sustainability of the whole operation.

Reforestation is even more important. This sounds like a major undertaking and in some cases, it is. But everyone can plant a tree. If we plant say, three trees for every one that is cut down, that is another form of reforestation. Adults must show the way to the younger generation in this regard. If children take this up as a habit, half the battle would have been won. Regular tree planting programs must also be organised countrywide.

Apart from planting trees, there are many other steps that we can take at individual and family level to save the environment and reduce the carbon footprint. Minimising the use of polythene and re-using polythene bags are two of the most important measures that can be taken by families. Polythenes and plastics, which do not biologically degrade over time, clog garbage dumps, block drainage holes and harm animals that ingest them. Minimising their usage will help save the environment. Instead of dumping garbage everywhere, why not consider composting as a beneficial solution ? This benefits the soil and hence, the environment.

Another positive step is reducing energy usage. Turning off unnecessary bulbs, fans and airconditioners will help save power and reduce the energy bill. This is especially important in a country such as Sri Lanka which generates most of its power through thermal plants. These plants use fossil fuels, whose emissions harm the environment. So turning off even one light bulb makes a difference. Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFL and LED bulbs and replacing CRT TVs with LCD TVs can also reduce power consumption and bills. Installing solar lights especially in the garden can cut down your power bills drastically. Also, do not keep your TVs and Video Recorders on standby for long periods.

There is another way to save fossil fuels - walking or cycling instead of motoring, at least for short distances. If you have to buy the morning paper from the junction, walk instead of taking the car. If there is a slightly longer journey, consider using public transport. You will not only save fuel and money, but also avoid the hassle of parking at your destination. You can also give a telephone call before travelling to check whether your requirements can be fulfilled. That could save time and energy.

If you must use hot water for bathing, consider installing a solar hot water system. Although the installation cost is somewhat high, there is no cost thereafter. Some of these systems allow for powering up a few bulbs as well. If you use an electric kettle, boil only the amount of water you need at any given time. Consider buying one of the latest energy efficient induction cookers instead of conventional hot plates or electric cookers. Ironing your clothes for the entire week in one 'go' also saves power. And if there is plenty of sunshine, there is no need to power up your dryer to dry washed clothes. Conserving water is equally important - use your washer when you have a big load. Collect rainwater when possible for such tasks as watering the plants.

Recycling has still not caught on here in a big way, although it is not an alien concept to Sri Lankans. Remember the days when you had to hand over a used bottle to get a new bottle of soft drinks ? That is what recycling is all about. Even this habit has died a natural death since the introduction of PET 'No Deposit No Return' Plastic bottles for soft drinks. It is time that recycling is encouraged in a big way. We have seen 'recycling centres' in several towns, but it is not clear whether they are still functioning. If they are not, they should be revived.

We are still coming to grip with electronic waste - everything from used cell phones to CRT monitors to motherboards. Most people throw away their phones when they buy a new one. This is a burden on the environment. The Government has introduced an e-waste management system which should be strengthened.

We must also ensure that all electronic/electric products imported to the country (or manufactured here) do not contain substances such as lead and mercury and are built for disassembly and recycling at the end of their working life.

As these examples illustrate, environmental conservation is not a task for governments alone. They do have a major role to play in the implementation of environmental policies, but it is up to the public to do their bit.

Yes, the environment can be saved bit by bit, if we all take it to heart. It must be a priority for all if we are to save Planet Earth.