: Sustainability Experts Share 10 Simple Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect The Earth #IndiaNEWS #Climate Change This article is part of a deep dive to celebrate Environment Day by highlighting

Sustainability Experts Share 10 Simple Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect The Earth #IndiaNEWS #Climate Change
This article is part of a deep dive to celebrate Environment Day by highlighting individual and community action that leads to large scale impact on the planet. ItStartsWithMe is the second chapter of ‘Shaping Sustainability’, an exclusive series by The Better India, to give our readers an in-depth understanding of how Indians are making sustainability a priority in all walks of life. Find more stories from the series here
Some people believe that only the government and policy-makers can stop the destruction of human civilisation from climate change. I am not one of those people.

While we all suffer from a lack of time and brain space to take on such a complex challenge, our simple actions can still have a huge impact. But don’t take my word for it. Listen to these sustainability experts who have advice on we can keep the Earth livable for us.
There are almost 6 million cotton farmers in India, and using homegrown cotton can help the environment and the country.
“Next time you go shopping, ask yourself: Is this helping or hurting? A super-easy way to help: choose made in India. With almost 6 million cotton farmers in India, there is absolutely no reason to buy American cotton or Egyptian cotton or from anywhere else. For sustainability, shop from brands that use 100% Indian-grown cotton, and when you can (and you always can!), choose organic cotton. �?

– Apurva Kothari, Founder, No Nasties
Head to your nearest green area and adopt a patch as your own. As you deepen your relationship with it, youll find that youll benefit from it too.
“This Environment Day, head to your local park or nearest green area and adopt a patch as your own. Stand there and choose a section you want to build a relationship with. Engage with it every day in small ways. Remove any trash you find there. If plants are wilting in the summer heat, bring some water for them from home. Sit there, and observe the birds that visit, the insects that live under leaves and in nooks and crannies. Take photos, and share them with friends and family on social media and WhatsApp.
Each time you take a picture and make someone pause and appreciate nature and sustainability, youre helping protect our natural world and making this planet a more sustainable place. As you care for your patch in small ways and deepen your relationship with it, youll find like all relationships that youll benefit from it too. Earth doesnt want grand gestures. It just wants love and respect, each day, in small ways. �?

– Neha Dara, Writer & Head, RoundGlass Sustain

Carry a dabba or tiffin box with you for leftovers at eateries to avoid food wastage and plastic takeaway packaging.