Tuesday 20 June 2006

Eco-auditing my life!

I have been deliberating since long about the consequences of my life style on the overall health of our home Earth. How ecologically sound is the way I live?!

I am a vegetarian by choice. I mostly consume vegetables, food grains, milk , wine and items derived mainly from the plants. Thus I am not party to killing of any species or their extinction.
I do not own a refrigerator, a major contributor to the green house gases on the planet. Thus I do not contribute directly to the green house gas emissions to the earth’s atmosphere.
I do not own a car by choice and use Metro,mass transportation system. Besides I love walking and feel it keeps me fit.
I do not own any high power consuming electronic gazettes so that I could minimize power consumption. All I own is a Notebook, a Television, a record player, a cellphone and a Sandwich maker.
I turn off power immediately after using any equipment or room so that the least power is consumed.
I use bare minimum cosmetics ,use clothes made only of natural fibers and do not own prohibited furs or skin products of animals.
I have planted at least a dozen trees so far and led a Tree-plantation campaign while in College


I still use poly bags sometimes to carry goods from the market
I travel by airplanes that contribute to pollution
I still buy food grains that have been produced using pesticides and fertilizers
I take a taxi occasionally in extreme situations

How do you live your life?

You are free to link your self and update your blog with eco-auditing your life.

Please leave a link so that I can see eco-audit of your life.
Best wishes!

9 Comments:

Blogger Yasmin Waring said...

Thank you for exposing me to this: my personal eco-audit. At first glance, I'm afraid my circumstances are grim--especially in comparison to all the sacrifices you make for the sake of the planet.

In short, I do have a car--but prefer public transportation and only drive about twice a month (my City has excellent mass trans: Chicago); not a vegetarian; do own fridge but no microwave (a nominal cut in the planet's radiation poisoning); my complex carbs are whole grains (but then I'm also alarmed by the rate at which wheat harvesting depletes the earth and am trying to wean wheat out of my diet)...

I bring my own natural fiber bags to Trader Joes (my favorite grocery store; progressive, community centered and invests in their workers); however, I am not exemplary when it comes to recycling; my biggest appliance is a blender (make a lot of protein smoothies; a staple); haven't owned a television for over 10 years; run regularly (outdoors; and even in our Chicago winters; that's my favorite running season--winter; perhaps it is narrow-minded but it seems to me that those who are more eco-conscious are those who are also better disciplined about their physical and intellectual health) and will never join a gym as I think it is counterintuitive to the concept of "living healthy"--it's such an unnatural environment...

my volunteerism is more humanity oriented (help with the homeless, especially homeless teens in Chicago)...don't use hairdryers or hairsprays or any flourocarbons though that erode the ozone...this is a peek at my lifestyle and if the USA's IRS were conducting this audit, I would be subject to harsh penalties!

Your example though is enlightening Abhay. This has been a valuable lesson that won't go to waste.

Spasiba

20/6/06 11:07 pm  
Blogger White Square said...

Hi Scheherazade,
Thank you so much for taking this up and eco-auditing your life here. Your example is enlightening too and I am so happy that you run regularly even in winters.I find your life-style impressive and worth learning from.I completely agree with you that the most eco conscious people are most physically and intelectually healthy people. Your work for the homeless is admirable and worth emulating.
Ochean xorosho!

21/6/06 2:16 am  
Blogger Gary said...

I'll think about my eco-audit but wanted to say that you're leaving a smaller footprint than I am. And you're leaving poetry, thoughfulness and love brother!

21/6/06 5:27 am  
Blogger White Square said...

Hi Vasanta,
Beautiful lines touching the core of heart...the admission, the confession, the realization frees us all!

Hi Gary,
I am touched by your kind and encouraging words...you help me know that i am on the right path...

21/6/06 11:53 am  
Blogger ketki said...

awesome lines!!!!
keep writting!
:)

21/6/06 7:11 pm  
Blogger White Square said...

Thank you so much Ketki! Its always good to see you here...

21/6/06 7:35 pm  
Blogger rachana said...

feeling bad.. i will try to be more eco freindly no onwards......

22/6/06 12:52 pm  
Blogger White Square said...

hahaha! Please do not feel bad. My intention of writing this was not to make others feel bad but to just share my life style with all of you! As you see even my lifestyle is not perfect...

22/6/06 12:57 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm still making a Texas sized footprint even though we live much more consciously than most of our neighbors. There is so much more my family can do. Thank you for setting such a beautiful example.

28/6/06 10:50 am  

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