LiveGreen@Ashoka Initiative: A Personal Account

Environmental awareness is urgent, and we must each contribute in our own capacity. But, it can be difficult without help or when you feel like what you do does not matter. This article is about the initiatives undertaken by the LiveGreen@Ashoka Initiative at Ashoka University, which has raised my awareness and motivation to adopt environment-friendly practices.

The initiative has encouraged me to integrate small eco-friendly practices into my routine, even if I have not fully embraced an eco-friendly lifestyle yet. These initiatives inspire me to learn about new efforts and revive some practices I had given up on.

One of the standout initiatives was collaborating with Attero, an e-waste management company. This programme made it remarkably convenient to responsibly dispose off of electronic waste. The process involved a simple yet effective approach—Attero arranged for e-waste pick-up directly from campus. This initiative provided a seamless solution for those looking to declutter their living or workspaces from obsolete electronic devices. (Of course, this meant saying farewell to the vacuum cleaner that had no vacuum and cleaned because dust gathered on it!). Participating in this endeavour was about contributing to a cleaner environment and taking a proactive step towards responsible waste management.

Another engaging initiative was the paper recycling drive, which involved dropping off used paper for recycling and, equally importantly, upcycling waste cartons into collection bins. The creative aspect of this project added an extra layer of enjoyment and community bonding. The initiative repurposed waste materials into functional and aesthetically pleasing (Hello, weird art!) recycling bins. I had the pleasure of teaming up with Dr Simi Ghosh’s 10-year-old son, Imon, to decorate these waste cartons. It was a smart way to plant the idea of upcycling in young minds.

In addition to these hands-on experiences, the thoughtfully timed (and not excessive) LiveGreen emails have been instrumental in making me aware of the digital carbon footprint. The environmental impact of activities such as video streaming and the accumulation of trailing emails were rarely discussed but are crucial in today’s digital age. I intend to embrace changes, starting with adjustments to my television and web browsing habits, and eventually aim for lasting transformations.

Small everyday actions, when multiplied across a community, can have a significant cumulative effect on the environment. Additionally, practising sustainable habits and contributing to community initiatives can promote well-being and reduce stress. Regardless of whether we perceive the impact or can measure it, the responsibility is ours. While initiatives like LiveGreen@Ashoka serve as a stimulus, their meaning is realised only when we actively participate in them. Simple acts like bringing your own cloth bag to the tuck shop (no need for plastic bags), not offering cartons of single-use plastic water bottles in seminars (use glass bottles or offer only to the speaker), and avoiding food waste are common-sense actions. Even with our hectic schedules, a small effort can make a big difference.