GREEN-SPIRATION

GREEN-SPIRATION

- Creating a selfless, Eco-modern attitude for a cleaner environment.

As kids, we might have heard of an interesting fable about the man who dreamt of sweeping off evil and changing the world, but failed, simply because he forgot to clean up his own backyard. Change like charity begins at home. The environment furnishes all the essentials for life and so there has been a close link between the environment and human beings Numerous International charters on environmental laws are documented and drafted every year, besides the many Ecological summits that are held to discuss preservation and conservation. But the initiative to change and inspire has to be consummated at a micro level –the individual.

Formerly, the Constitution did not show any concern towards the need for providing environmental strategies in the fundamental law of the country. The word ‘environment’ couldn’t be found in even one of the 395 articles and schedules. The Parliament was probably sensitized by the Stockholm declaration, adopted by the International Conference on Human Environment in 1972. It emphasizes that man bears a solemn responsibility to protect and improve the environment for the present and future generations. 

Preservation of environment and keeping the ecological balance unaffected is a task which not only Government but also every citizen must undertake. The Indian Constitution has imposed a joint responsibility upon the state; and every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment. It is a social obligation to remind every citizen- as enshrined in Article 51-A (g) of the Constitution- that, “it shall be the duty of every citizen of India-to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.”

THE CITIZEN:

As mentioned earlier, the attitude of ‘cleanliness’ has to spring from within an individual. Spitting on the roads, throwing waste out of moving vehicles, defecating and urinating in public recreational areas, scattering plastic and paper on the streets are all characteristic of the disgraceful ‘chalta-hai’ Indian attitude. We have been nurtured in an environment where you can do anything you want and get away with it. This confidence of ‘getting away’ is being conditioned into our system.  

All is not lost; we can either sit back and lament on our cursed generation or stand up and live the change I propose. The philosophy of ‘Green-spiration’: Initiate-Inspire-Instigate; metaphorically relates to our root source - the individual. It simply means initiating a change, inspiring others to do so and if they act stubborn then instigate them to change. 

A practical situation of throwing away a plastic bag: Firstly, I will make sure I act responsibly; initiating the change by holding on to the bag, until I find a dustbin. Secondly, if I see someone callously throw away the scrap, I would suggest him not to do so and find a dustbin. 

The third and final level is the toughest as it requires the highest degree of humility. Citing the above illustration, if the ‘other’ person acts stubborn and flings the bag on the street, I must go to him pick up the bag and dispose it in a dustbin. Nothing pricks a human heart more than a silent, non-violent humiliation. There is a healthy chance that the person would be learning from the embarrassment caused and thus be instigated to change his attitude in the future. 

THE LAW

The above illustration - which psychology would term as Classical Conditioning, where in, an individual can be gradually trained to respond to a particular situation (using the dust-bin), without the presence of the stimuli (‘the instigator’) - can be tried on those who have a conscience, but for the cold hearted, I suggest we have Environment Cops or ‘Green Squad’. 

Article 48-A, of the Constitution, rightly emphasizes the fact that the state should try not only to protect but to improve the environment. The Green Squad would have their task cut out. Suited in a distinct uniform and authorized to impose fines, similar to the RTO, shall patrol the state and book anyone found littering or defecating in public. The Squad that could be led by an environmentalist or an NGO would serve as a form of community policing and help keep the environment clean and peaceful. Previously we used the technique of classical conditioning, now through the Green Squad, we would be using the technique of operant conditioning to make people change their attitude and behaviour towards the environment. 

Due to the lack of self restraint and rationale, we have scattered our ‘care-less’ attitude and stained the environment. Nevertheless, we can voluntarily change and bring about a ‘Green-spired’ revolution. Consider it an obligation to make a difference; since we do not have the time to help clean up the mess, let’s not add to it.