The Urgent Need to be Responsible

In a world driven by technological advancements, the rapid evolution of electronic and electrical devices has brought about unprecedented convenience in our lives. In fact, it’s impossible for us today to think of a life without such devices lighting up or connecting our lives to the world at the press of a button. This convenience would have been no hindrance to nature had we been living a sustainable and responsible life. It’s only when this comfort-seeking behaviour translates into a materialistic pattern of ‘use and throw‘ or continuous upgradation culture that the problem of e-waste surges to the level it’s at today.

The humongous amount of e-waste generated by the aspirational lifestyle translates into two major environmental issues. One, the excessive use of natural resources to replace the discarded devices. Two, the toxicity it causes in the landfills and in the water bodies around it through seepage, then ultimately affects us humans. I find that the solution available for all of us to adopt comes coded in a simple mantra- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and most of all, Refuse. Then, why, despite knowing these basics, are many of us not able to adopt this approach? It’s my observation that most individuals have noble intentions to do so, but the effort involved in doing so is a hindrance. Psychologists call it a case of intention to action dilemma. Trying to bridge this very gap became my inspiration. Providing a solution to this issue, which pricks every eco-conscious citizen’s conscience, is the starting point. My experience is that if environmental challenges exist as theory in our textbooks, their practicality is available for us to try our hand at as volunteers. The student community can truly make a difference to the way environmental issues are being handled at the family level and at the community level.

Climate change or extreme climate change is upon us. There is an urgent need for us to do our bit as individuals and also work collectively to bring about a mindset change in society. Corrective actions like responsible disposal of waste and e-waste in individual households are the first step in this direction. Creating awareness about this mindset by example is another. Let’s begin.