by Gunjan Nanda

Just before I sat down to write this article, I was huddled in a corner of my room, sweeping and smiling through old picture albums of a teeny-tiny me with my kind, loving and soul-brightening parents and grandparents. Things were simpler then. This was very much evident on their faces through less stressed out smiles and the never-ending joy that surrounded our wholesome lives for what seemed like all of eternity. Needs were met and wants weren’t so extravagant. Love was timeless and without bounds. Living was easy and Doomsday was the least of our worries. Fast forward to 2020- we have a pandemic to lose sleep over.

I was born and brought up in a small town in India, surrounded by hills and mountains and lush greenery. Fresh and organic produce was the best part of my hometown. My parents and grandparents (like most of ours) were born into a period of ‘waste not, want not,’ which eventually passed on to me. Their incomes and resources were limited and everything that was classified wasteful, was to be avoided. Now, when I look back and wonder all that I was reprimanded for, I realize they were lessons for future me, lessons that would one day save the world.

My grandfather was an eco-warrior. He couldn’t believe some of the everyday habits that we adopted, but he did his best to infuse my family with a sustainable way of living. When it comes to our grandparents’ generation, times have definitely changed and so have our means of living. Their approach to things should inspire us to make some real lifestyle choices that are more frugal and sustainable. So, what exactly did our grandparents do that we can learn from?

FIX WHAT’S BROKEN, DON’T THROW IT AWAY

One time I saw my granddad fixing and rewiring a table fan which I presume was very, very old. I asked him if he could get a new one instead, to which he replied, “Why would I buy another when this does the job perfectly? Just needs a little mending.” I’ve seen him fix anything and everything, making things brand new again. 

Like most families however, our behavior adapted with the times. Amazon made it fairly easy to replace broken items at a low cost and fast fashion brands took over the need for mending torn or damaged items of clothing. Air trips became cheaper and cab rides became even more conventional than bike or bus rides. Slowly and gradually, we got so used to a certain lifestyle that our expectations shifted from the simple way of living. Fix what’s broken. This way you’ll learn a new skill and give a new and longer life to something that’s been yours all this while.

A PLASTIC-FREE LIFE

Plastic has taken over our lives and the environment in the worst way possible. This wasn’t the case however,  many, many moons ago. Groceries, eateries or any product for that matter were packaged and wrapped in paper bags, newspapers and leftover fabric trimmings. We’re getting better with our plastic needs now, especially since supermarkets in many states banned their single-use options, but we’re still offered plastic bags to put our fruit and veggies in, something our grandparents say is unnecessary. 

You must have noticed all the elders in your household carrying a tote or shopping bag of their own (maybe you are too) whenever they step out for grocery shopping, and that’s one of the most convenient and effortless ways to avoid welcoming plastic into your life. Pick up litter (and not just your own). Choose Tupperware over cling film. Reusable over single-use. Bars of soap over plastic pumps. Refillable where possible. Remember, there is no Planet B.

WALK MORE, DRIVE LESS

I used to always notice my granddad, of over 75 years of age,  going to the nearby supermarket and stores on foot. If something was too far, he’d opt for public transport like buses and auto-rickshaws (3-wheeler) to reach his destination. In fact, way before the ‘taxi-cab trend’ took over, I remember walking to school and taking my bicycle for extracurricular lessons in the evening. Somehow the convenience aspect clawed its way in into the 21st century and here we are, driving our cars to work and taking cabs for what could have been a 20-minute walk in reality. Putting your foot forward will create an unimaginable impact (pun intended). We need to realize that we’re not just doing this for ourselves, this act of kindness will have massive effects for the environment and fellow humans, especially vulnerable communities.

BUY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED, CONSUME LESS

We’re living through a pandemic at the moment, and it’s a pandemic of all sorts! Our purchasing power has gone down drastically and we’re realizing that our dire want for things was more superficial than necessary. We live in an era where we’re constantly defined by new-age materialism. For instance, if we don’t have the latest iPhone model, then we’re outdated and boring and we won’t fit in with the ‘cool kids.’ Let’s face it. Do you really want to fit in a world where you aren’t defined by who you are, but through your capability to afford seriously expensive possessions?

All we need to do is buy things we really need. Shop local if you can, grow your own produce, consume all that’s on your plate and dispose/give away leftovers in a well-thought out manner. Understand minimalism, opt for plant-based products and consume less meat and dairy, think about your every purchase benefiting a small business owner, and spread the word.

LOVE LIKE IT’S YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH

Tell anyone above the age of 50 that you’re learning the new “environmentally friendly concept” of reducing waste and consumption and they’ll tell you they’ve known no other way. Our entire lives we look for a purpose so great that our existence seems justified, but the only purpose we should realize is the need to love and care fiercely for our planet. We only have one! We need to look after it even if the actions are small – that means no plastic bags, cutting back on waste, traveling mindfully, repairing and fixing things, conserving our natural resources, buying less and treating possessions with love and care, avoiding chemicals and microplastics, lowering energy use, growing fresh produce, shopping vintage, second-hand and swap with your loved ones, and most of all – educate yourself and others around you. 

Our role as an individual becomes even more important in influencing change in a demand-led economy. Current trends towards sustainable living constitute more of ‘life hacks’ and do not involve inclusive policies for change. The narrative needs to change; we need to work towards building a circular economy and in the face of such immediate threats to biodiversity and the entirety of our ecosystem – why waste time innovating new methods when there are so many age old practices we can relearn and refine till the job is done?