Small steps to a big change

One day, around five months ago, post my morning jog, I stopped by a street vendor for coconut water. It was my third day of making a purchase from her. When I asked her for a straw, she replied, “Madam, please don’t use straws. Plastic is not good for our environment. Have it without a straw.” I tried to make the excuse of spilling the water while consuming it directly from the coconut, but she stood firm on her argument. “I make my five-year-old have it without a straw. You will also get used to it in a try or two. You have to start it one day so let that day be today.” This incident left a huge impression on me and led me to the habit of avoiding disposable straws. Thinking of this woman made me wish that everyone else could also see the need to ‘go green’ and contribute by starting with one such small step.

I have consciously incorporated such small practices in my lifestyle. With our busy lives, it is not possible for all of us to be active environmentalists. However, some simple measures like avoiding the use of plastic bags, not littering public places, walking instead of using vehicles for short distances etc. can be incorporated easily into one’s life and have a positive impact on the environment. Some people around me are appreciative of what I do and are inspired to do the same, while there are still some who are oblivious to the enormity of the situation and make fun of such practices. The price that you incur in making a little more effort to reduce your carbon footprint is negligible when you peg it against the satisfaction of having done the right thing.

(This blog was penned by Vineela Boga from our field sales team at Clear.)