Shishukunj

 

 

Paryavaran Pravruti

 

Our existence in this world is entirely dependent on a healthy ecosystem around us. A clean and hygienic environment is very essential for healthy living, as it helps human beings, animals and other things to grow and develop naturally. However, the ever growing technological advancements and human activities, contributing to environmental pollution has become a cause of serious concern for our planet.

 

Much has been talked about, regarding air and water pollution, plastic pollution, their impact on life forms on earth and possible solutions. While global agencies and policy makers have been preparing and implementing policy frameworks that address the issues of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change, at individual and community levels too, there have been some brilliant initiatives that are making a positive difference towards bringing a change in this situation.

 

A strong culture of physical and outdoor pursuits would be integral to the school. Children would engage in a range of physical exercise programs and games, hikes, cycling etc. School would provide wholesome and nutritious meals. Activities like Yoga would help connect between the physical and spiritual.

 

All Shishukunj Kendras have also been putting efforts in creating awareness about environmental concerns and taking steps towards environmental conservation. Some of the activities from Kendras include:

 

• Tree Plantation – in and around the Kendras and other open spaces;
• Distribution of saplings, encouraging baalako and their parents to set up community gardens/ kitchen gardens;
• Clean up Drives in public spaces and setting up waste management systems
• Eco Buddy Clubs – where members encourage activities that focus on reducing, reusing and recycling
• Fridays for Future – mobilising communities to act upon the burning issue of climate change.
• Organic Farming– encouraging and promoting chemical free farming among communities.
• Water Conservation- facilitating communities to recharge ground water and conserve rain water.

Shishukunj truly believes in living in harmony with nature. As human beings, we are all a part of the Nature, and we have to consciously live with this awareness that we are all one; we are all united and living on this Earth. With this sense of belongingness, Shishukunj introduces its fourth pravruti – Paryavaran Pravruti – which aims to encourage undertaking activities that are in harmony with Nature.

 

WHAT CAN WE DO ?

All of us at Shishukunj can collectively and consciously bring some changes in our actions:

 

• We will refuse usage of all kinds of single use plastics, and carry our own bags/containers.
• We will try to follow the principles of R-R-R: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle; and try to minimise generating plastic waste.
• We will encourage waste segregation, compost our wet waste, and send minimum waste to the landfills
• We will plant trees on our special days and encourage our family and friends to do so too.
• We will switch to products that use minimal or no packaging.
• We will try to shop as much locally as possible.
• We will not print unless necessary, and if required, we will use both sides of the paper to print.
• We will use walking or cycling as a mode of transportation, and if we need to use a car, we will opt for car pooling.
• We will switch to renewable sources of energy wherever possible.
• We will create our own balcony or terrace garden and create a green space around ourselves.
• We will take some time out daily or weekly to spend some time with nature – hiking to watch sunrise, listening to the sounds of birds, enjoy a lovely sunset or gaze the stars – and be thankful for the bountiful Nature!