Some Motivational Lessons and Learnings on Sustainability

Why is everyone so interested in learning about sustainability? I know that this is not just about some environmental issues that the United Nations talks about. The world is facing an environmental crisis. There is disruption of nature where glaciers are melting, animal species like Dodo are extinct, rhinoceros are endangered, plants like coffee, cocoa can be extinct. The situation is worsening with the explosion of population and increase in pollution. Besides, there are many social, and economic challenges also.

Why do Sustainability goals top our priority list? Because ignorance can have repercussions as grave as the collapse of the ecosystem and fall of civilizations!! While writing my earlier blog on Sustainability, I understood how broad the term is! I had my share of learnings that motivate me in leading a sustainable life. Some of my motivational lessons:

Lessons from history

These history lessons can help us make informed decisions:

• Indus valley civilization used environmentally friendly and locally available materials like mud, brick, wood to create sustainable structures. They designed houses with doors and windows in north-south directions tapping the maximum sunlight.
• Persians designed narrow paths called Windcatchers. This kept the houses cool even during summers.
• The Romans used underground water in pools to evaporate. The moisture would cool the air. They also used geothermal energy while building houses and public baths for extreme winters.
• Indus valley civilization had an impressive sanitation system. They covered drains with intermittent inspection chambers.
• Jerusalem at 2500 ft used tunnels to reverse the basin water for gardening and other household chores.
• Ancient Mayans (700 CE) used an extensive cistern system to store rainwater as they had no natural water resource.

Lesson learned – Our modern houses and buildings can take some architectural tips to tap the naturally available sunlight, wind, etc. to the maximum.

Lessons from world cultures

I am really impressed by the cultural practices from around the world. These are amazing sustainability lessons:

• Some world cultures believe in the theory of minimalism and frugality. The Japanese philosophy of ‘Mottonai’ (sense of regret on wasting valuables) helps in achieving contentment, avoiding wastage of resources, even establishing socio-economic equalities.
• The Indian yogic belief of ‘Aparigraha’ is also about possessing only what is necessary and staying unattached to material objects. Simple and minimalistic living is one of the best mantras for sustainable living.
• Since my stay in Germany, I have noticed that some people are quite thrift while buying and consuming. They avoid wasting stuff.
• The Germans sort their waste excessively. The reduce-reuse-recycle mantra is ingrained very well in the social fabric.
• The hoarding culture and thriftiness in India are quite similar. It’s commendable how people (especially the elderly) keep things for generations and use the last bit. I have seen my great-grandmother making quilts and bags out of old sarees.
• Disposable cutlery is not used in routine in India. I have eaten some of the community lunches on recyclable leaf plates called ‘pattal’. This is not only eco-friendly but also a healthy alternative.
• The Chinese practice of Feng shui and the Indian ‘Vaastu Shastra’ is about living in harmony with nature and the environment. These practices tap the best of nature, creating harmonious, successful, and sustainable living.

• Sustainability includes the holistic well-being of a person, both physical and mental. In Okinawa, Japan (which has the longest life span) residents believe in ‘Ikigai’-the purpose or motivation in life. The residents have hobbies and lifestyles that they look forward to. They eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables, have close bonds with each other, and render service to society.
• French Raison d’etre or the ‘reason to live’ is a similar concept to Ikigai that helps to recognize what brings happiness.
• Non-profit organizations like ‘Art of Living’ is an educational and humanitarian organization. It is based on the philosophy that world peace can be achieved only with a stress-free and violent-free society.

Lessons from countries

Sustainability lessons from some countries:

• Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and many other European countries top the chart of Sustainable Development Goal index. It is wonderful how people sort waste in Germany, how bicycles outnumber people in the Netherlands, how the windmills generate cleaner energy.
• Japan presents an efficient waste management system to the world. The country separates and recycles almost everything. All the Tokyo 2020 Olympics medals were made of recycled stuff.
• Australia leads the world in organic food production using nearly 22 million hectares of land.
• Mexico City created a ring of parks and water by restoring three rivers. It created beautiful ecosystems consisting of wildlife and plants instead of roads.
• Seoul, South Korea made way for the Cheonggyecheon River by removing a highway.
• Indian Railways introduced trains with rooftop solar panels replacing diesel generators to run appliances in train coaches. They plan to generate about 5000 MW of solar power by 2025.
• Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) provided a mobile money solution and employment opportunities, Wing in Cambodia. People can send money outside the city in a more reliable and inexpensive manner.
• India has the highest number of female pilots (15% against the 5% world average), setting a great example of empowering women and working towards SDG 5.
• UK’s National Grid has allotted budgets to its business units to meet the goal of carbon reduction. The units are rewarded for how well they manage their carbon emission.
• UNDP in Mongolia partnered with China to certify e-waste disposal companies for safe recycling. It also partnered with Microsoft in Nepal creating an application to effectively manage reconstruction efforts. It also ensures benefits for local people monitoring their payments on time.

Lessons from companies/ industry

Several companies are making sustainable innovations and changing business models to achieve ecological, social, economic, and environmental sustainability:

• Pepsico supports science-based targets for water sustainability. The company’s goal is not just to achieve water replenishment. It aims to curb climatic changes by reducing greenhouse gases, avoiding packaging waste, and providing environmental, social, and economic benefits to communities. This is done by improving agricultural practices, technology, and the farmers’ condition. Coca-cola has a similar focus and target of water replenishment.
• Companies like Ikea and Walmart have reduced waste by venturing into sustainable retailing mainly through supply chain collaborations. The company aims of becoming circular (repairing, reusing, reselling, and recycling products) by 2030. Ikea plans to make 50% of its restaurant meals plant-based by 2025 (I always enjoy the one-euro vegetarian hot dog while my parents are shopping at Ikea 😊). It also aims for EUR 200 million investment towards renewable energy production and becoming climatic positive by 2030.
• HSBC is committed to becoming a zero-carbon business by 2030 or sooner.
• Adidas and Nike are focusing on minimizing water, plastic usage, and landfill.  It focuses on achieving water stewardship; also on empowering employees through skill training and improving their health and happiness through global health management strategies.
• Lindt & Sprungli chocolate brand aims to make their entire packaging recyclable by 2025. The company has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. It plans for a sustainable cocoa bean supply chain through its farming program of tracing and verifying beans.             
• Biogen, Novo Nordisk like companies are not only working on ecological benefits like reducing waste but also the social benefits like health and safety.
• BASF-The German chemical company emphasizes creating chemistry using the best sustainable resources. It measures the impact of their activities on all three pillars (economic, environmental, and social) of sustainability. It supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and adheres to Paris Climate Agreement. The aim is zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

What is my contribution to sustainability?

 I engage in lots of sustainable practices as part of my cultural or family beliefs, environmental conditions, and social awareness. Sharing something that’s not an exhaustive list:

• I mostly eat vegetarian food, and avoid wasting food.
• We prefer using steel and glass dishes over plastic. Also, we use copper containers and bottles supposed to have some health benefits.
• We use the dishwasher and washing machine when they are fully loaded.
• We use a hay broom and cotton cloth cleaners instead of vacuuming every day. My mum makes me do these chores when I become physically inactive 😊.
• Long showers are watched over.
• We water plants with water used for washing fruits and vegetables.
• I avoid using paper napkins generously. Using handkerchieves is encouraged.
• I use public transport to school. We also walk short distances instead of driving.
• I shop less; carry my shopping bag instead of buying new ones every time.
• We use many products from local vendors. Buying earthen lanterns ‘diyas’ from potters is a special feeling during Diwali-the festival of lights.
• We use energy-saving devices like LED lights; switch off appliances and Wi-Fi at night.
• We sort our waste, contribute to neighborhood cleaning like river cleaning as part of school activities.
• We buy clothes from companies that produce sustainable products.
• I try doing Yoga and meditation as a routine activity.

Were flourishing civilizations eradicated because we could not co-exist with nature? Or did the social and economic chaos wipe out some of the most developed areas of the world? What are your thoughts? How do you contribute to sustainability goals? Do write in the comments section.