As inhabitants of this Earth, the responsibility to take care of it naturally falls on our shoulders. Like so, as inhabitants of our country Pakistan, the responsibility to take measures towards a better environment is ours to uphold. And what better way to start caring for the environment than to make little adjustments in our life to start living green? Little measures that could slowly but surely lead to permanent betterments. As such, here are some small steps that we Pakistanis can incorporate into our daily lives to ensure long term benefits for the environment.

Awareness

There is no doubt that any effort for change will start with awareness. Until one is conscious of the effects that they have on the environment, knowingly or unknowingly, they are unlikely to see the need to make any changes in their lifestyle. So the most important thing to do is to educate yourself, as well as your family members and friends on the importance of living green and the benefits it will bring. Not only will this induce change, but also help in remaining steadfast on their green journey.

Efficient Energy Sources

A key step in reducing negative impact on the environment is to switch to energy sources that are efficient. Appliances like LED bulbs are a game changer for energy conservation, as compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, which waste most of their energy as heat instead of light. You could also consider installing solar panels and using solar powered devices. Also make sure to turn off fans, lights, and other appliances when they are not being used.

Recycling

It is no wonder why the Pakistani government has been taking steps to promote the recycling of waste materials, what with the great amount of benefits it brings. Make sure too separate reusable materials like paper, glass, and plastic and put them in recycling bins rather than the trash. Dispose of compost separately, or even use it as fertilizer if you do gardening.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Avoid using heavy heating or cooling systems like gas/electric heaters or air conditioners. In the summers, opt for wearing light and maintaining adequate ventilation throughout your home. In the winters, opt for layering your clothes and utilize socks, gloves, caps, mufflers, and other items that can help protect against the cold.

Transportation

One of the main sources of pollution that lead to the heaviest impact on the quality of air as well as the environment in general are exhaust fumes from fuel-run cars. In population dense areas such as Lahore, not being mindful of vehicle use can lead to effects such as the heavy smog that Lahoris are suffering through right now. Thus opt for public transportation where possible, avoid using fuel-driven vehicles until necessary, or even opt for options like ride sharing instead!

Water Waste Reduction

According to a survey, around 10 trillion gallons of water are wasted in Pakistan every single year. This astronomical amount of water wastage is a necessity to address not only if one is to work towards a greener Pakistan, but also to help towards the water shortage crises that many parts of Pakistan face. Make sure to turn off any running water that is not in use. Fix any damaged pipes or leaky faucets, along with being mindful of how much water you are using daily.

Sustainable Items

Hopping on trends may be the norm, but oftentimes the things we purchase as part of a passing fad lead to quite an increase in the wastage produced. Instead, try going for items that are much more sustainable and can last you longer, or that you can use repeatedly. You can also opt for sustainable fashion items, or even pre-loved clothing, to help reduce the overall impact on the environment. 

The responsibility to care for our environment is a shared commitment for all Pakistanis. It extends to each of us, and so we should all try our best to play our parts. By taking these small steps and adopting these practices to make changes that can positively impact the environment, we can certainly contribute to a greener future in Pakistan!