Sustainability: Myth and reality
A textbook definition of sustainability may imply that we humans should live in a way that our present needs are met without our future generations having to compromise their needs. But let’s face it, we live in the 21st century. We have already done so much damage to the resources that we can’t actually say what the future holds anymore. As per the climate clock, we have a little more than 7 years until climate change becomes irreversible and we reach the tipping point of climate catastrophe.
In such times, we need to look at sustainability at a local level. Yes, glocal, which means that we keep our thinking at a global level but keep our efforts highly localized. It is to keep up with this line of thought that EXTRA! INSIGHTS, with its founder Anuj Agarwal, took the responsibility of repairing local taps to save water under the “Tap a Tap” initiative.
The Initiative
In a few Indian cities, both developed and underdeveloped, a few water pipes can be seen, just spewing water all day, unchecked.
EXTRA! INSIGHTS founder Anuj was in a similar situation, a couple of months back. On his way to work, he used to cross paths with a community water pipe without any tap to stop the water coming out of it. He took it upon himself to repair that pipe into a tap so that it can be closed when not in use.
That tap was just the beginning of what became a viral initiative with over 19 taps repaired and fixed in Kolkata, capital city of West Bengal, saving almost 1,00,000 litres of water, EVERY DAY! Yes, you read it right. He and his team took it upon themselves to get the local plumbers to fix the water pipes which are now only turned on for use instead of wasting water by operating 24X7 without a tap.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly- Are they Same? Lets hear it from Anuj Agarwal
In the words of Anuj Agarwal, “People usually have a misconception about sustainability. They think that sustainability and eco-friendly are the same thing. It is important to understand that what is eco-friendly may not always be sustainable in the long run. Let us take an example. If we start using bamboo instead of plastic for everything, it doesn’t solve the issue of waste management. It will instead create new issues like disposal of bamboo, cultivation of bamboo and it can also affect other ecosystems as well.
He says “Sustainability according to me shouldn’t lead to an excess of anything and should involve a comprehensive plan to make a truly circular process where none of the steps can lead to a drastic change in any other ecosystems. We need to be mindful of what we classify as sustainable and eco-friendly.”
Vision for India’s sustainability
On a macro-level, it may seem like a start, but on a micro-level, this initiative is what can be translated as the vision of Anuj and his team. Small, baby steps inspiring action in the local communities. In addition to being a founder & CEO of an Online Journalism Aggregator & Curator, EXTRA! INSIGHTS, Anuj and his team chose to display their love for nature and the city they call home by playing his part in exemplifying their love through action.
Founder & CEO Extra! Insights
In the future, they plan to create a webpage marking all the pipes around the city and open the initiative for all residents of Kolkata and beyond. They not only aim to save their city’s resources but also help local plumbers better their lives as a gift for helping the city with their skills and initiative.
There are various local issues that need the attention of the community. And while addressing those issues, the community itself can benefit and grow, socially as well as economically. All that is needed is intention. The vision of EXTRA! INSIGHTS and Anuj, for India’s sustainability, lies in such local endeavours where every entrepreneur, businessman, working professional, or anyone else, can be more aware of their surroundings and do their bit for the community that they are a part of.
He added, “While not all of us can turn into global level activists like Greta Thunberg, what we can do is surely approach sustainability with action. After all, like a famous quotation goes, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste (or any other sustainability efforts) perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly. So instead of thinking about making your lives more sustainable, get aware, and get started.”
As per the experts, countries like Africa, Bangladesh and many others around the world see these running taps 24*7 and need someone to take the initiative similar to Anuj.
Read more Global initiatives with a vision for better tomorrow here.
