December 14 is observed as ‘National Energy Conservation Day’ in India to focus on promoting awareness on global warming, climate changes and how conserving energy and handling our resources responsibly can help us and our future generations in the long run. Every year, it is celebrated with several events such as workshops, discussions, conferences, debates, and competitions, that are organised by concerned departments, such as the Department of Energy, Government of India. The goal is to promote the importance of saving energy and doing it in a way that leads toward optimal use.
It takes conscious efforts and a strong commitment to preserve and protect the resources which were handed down to us by our ancestors. We need to do our part to sustain them as we hand them down to our successors. How can we take energy-efficient decisions? As every other social responsibility, energy conservation begins at home too. It should be implemented as an integral part of our lifestyle. Here are some sustainable decisions that we can possibly incorporate into our lives:
• Green buildings, also known as ‘sustainable buildings’, are designed to conserve energy resources by generating less waste and promoting safe, functional and healthy living.
• Using natural resources and renewables like solar panels to generate electricity, to run the appliances in our homes.
• Saving electricity by switching off or placing appliances on standby mode when not in use, for maximum efficiency.
• When buying new appliances, devices, vehicles- consider these questions to know if what you’ve chosen is the best option for you and your environment:
Do you need it?
Is it energy-efficient?
Does it pose a threat to the environment?
Is it quieter and less polluting?
Is it recyclable?
Even though this is an India-specific day, such observances are a good reminder for us all around the world that God has created the Earth beautifully and entrusted it into our hands, giving us the ability to be responsible stewards. We can do this by using nature and all its resources sustainably, nurturing it and preserving it so as to facilitate the flourishing of life. Today, let us, as individuals and communities, pledge to take a bold step to save and conserve energy, for a greener planet and a better tomorrow.
Pearls – 14 December 2021