Because they Care

The alarming state of the environment has led to several public initiatives aimed at improving the state of affairs and promising “a better tomorrow”. So another youth organisation,Youth United,has introduced the project ‘Kaagazi Kaarvayi’. Under this,waste paper,which would otherwise be scarp,is collected and used to make notebooks. Saloni Bajaj,vice president of the organisation,says,“We visit homes,colleges,offices,institutes,photostat shops and cyber cafes to collect paper that is printed on one side and staple it to make notebooks. These are distributed among primary school students in Colony No 5.”

The International Youth Peace Festival — that has over 100 international students along with Chandigarh college students,meanwhile,is working towards spreading awareness about issues like water conservation,climate change and peace. “The objective is to encourage youngsters to adopt a green lifestyle and contribute to the climate change movement,” says Pramod Sharma,coordinator of Yuvsatta,an NGO that is participating in the endeavour.

The University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET),Panjab University,also organised a cycle rally as part of Efficycle event,which is their Go Green project,on October 3. This started at 8.00 am from Matka Chowk,and ended at UIET in South Campus,Sector 25.

Corporates too are doing their bit. Vodaphone is hosting ‘Gandhigiri ke 2 din’,as part of which volunteers and employees are visiting popular areas to sensitise people about civic hygiene,traffic rules and parking rules. “Those found guilty will not be punished,but will be felicitated with garlands,” says Rajiv Kohli,chief executive officer,Vodafone Essar,Punjab,Himachal Pradesh,Jammu and Kashmir. He adds,“Small steps like these can bring a sense of solidarity among people on civic issues.” Earlier this week,LG Electronics had partnered with the second edition of Cyclothon for ‘LG Green Ride’. Thousands of bikers turned up with their bicycles to support the cause of a greener and cleaner environment. Deepak Jasrotia,regional manager,Punjab,Haryana,Himachal Pradesh,Jammu and Kashmir,LG Electronics India Ltd,says,“Such initiatives will help conserve the environment.”

Samsung has also launched the ‘Samsung Takeback and Recycle Program’,to help recycle e-waste in an environment-friendly manner. “Every two minutes a mobile phone is sold around the world. The sale of television and refrigerators is also increasing. With the increasing consumption of electrical goods,it is of vital importance that we encourage consumers to recycle consumer electronics,” says Ruchika Batra,general manager,corporate communications,Samsung. Will there be a greener tomorrow? The onus is on us.