Go Green – 2

Some suggestions that can make a positive difference to the environment:

The first thing I do when I pick up the morning newspaper (Gulf News) everyday is to throw away the supplementary publications – properties, freehold & classifieds section. This is a practise with many of my acquaintances. All these publications put together must be weighing at least 2kilograms. What are the contents? 95% of these publications cover property (rent, sale) & automobile (used cars for sale). If these were sold separately, for a few dirhams, I don’t think people would object. Since, if somebody is interested in buying or renting a property or buying a vehicle worth thousands of dirhams, they would not mind spending a couple of dirhams to buy these publications. Gulf News, who is taking a lead on the ‘Go Green’ campaign, could have saved a number of trees & not to forget the ink.

Another publication that could help save trees & chemicals is the annual report of the companies listed on the stock market. I am a micro-micro-micro share holder in some leading companies. Though I have only a few (<200) shares, I still get the annual report by mail every year without fail. These detailed reports are over 200-300 pages & definitely weigh a lot. It is mandatory, by the regulatory authorities that these reports be sent no matter how big or small the shareholder is, which is good. The companies/ authorities should allow the shareholder to choose between – an e-version (pdf) to be emailed or downloaded and a detailed printed version for the serious shareholder. They could even explore at a mini report (<10page) as another alternative. These actions can show allegiance to CSR.

Go Green

Recently, there are numerous initiatives & actions, taken globally, on protecting the environment. The underlying ulterior motive, eventually, is to protect ourselves. The list of initiatives are long… from organic food to organic software!, from using bicycles to hybrid & electric vehicles, from carbon foot print to green buildings, from “think of the environment before you print” to “say no to plastic”, from biodegrable plastic to edible cutlery.

It is indeed interesting to observe that – first man, indulge in activities in harming the environment, without thinking, without using the intellect. Later, after causing much damage engages in remedial actions, only to realise that some of those damages that has been caused are irreversible.

It is mans action without thinking, excessive greed for wealth & his constant relentless pursuit of materialistic wants (hyperconsumerism) is the cause of the situation today, which will have a severe & detrimental effect on the future generations.