“The future will either be green or not at all”
– Bob Brown
Celebrated every year on 5th June, World Environment Day was established by the United Nations to encourage worldwide awareness and to tackle emerging environmental issues like global warming, overpopulation, pollution, and wildlife crime.
One of the biggest annual events run by the United Nations, the primary aim of this day is to raise awareness among the masses to protect nature and curb environmental issues. The very first World Environment Day was held in 1974 and ever since each year the day is organised around a particular theme to combat a particular crisis. While the very first theme was “Only One Earth”, last year i.e 2018’s theme was “Beat Plastic Pollution” and was hosted in New Delhi, India. The theme for 2019 is “Beat Air Pollution” which was chosen by this year’s host, China.
This year’s theme invites all to consider how modifications can be made to everyone’s life to reduce the increasing amount of air pollution that furthers global warming. With the ambient air pollution levels dangerously high in most parts of the world, it has become imperative to take steps to curb it. The air pollution level in India has been taking a toll on not just the environment but also on people’s health. Delhi’s air pollution levels had hit their worst in 2018. The city’s air quality rose from ‘severe’ to ‘emergency’ and deemed the air hazardous for not only citizens with existing respiratory issues but also for ‘healthy’ people.
To combat the alarming situation, several measures had been taken. For example – the odd-even rule for cars, shutting down factories and construction sites in the worst polluted areas, ban of firecrackers etc. All these measures are at a macro level but at a micro level, every individual can do their part to make the environment better. For instance, we at SaffronStays as a hospitality group are trying to incorporate eco-friendly fundamentals too.
SaffronStays Fragrant Sun is a good example of the same. Located in a biodiversity spot, Mulshi, this home is built using natural materials and is furnished with organic textures and upcycled furniture. The homeowners have given nature its due respect by keeping the disruption at a bare minimum. Another such home is SaffronStays L’Attitude in Kamshet which has been built using reclaimed wood.
Going the organic route is one of the most effective ways of helping the environment. It not only makes you healthy but also ensures in ceasing harmful farming practices. By refraining to use chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other harmful products, this natural way of farming is a good sustainable practice, which can be found at SaffronStays Thenkani Organic Farms in Denkanikottai. As the name suggests, this estate grows turmeric, papaya, banana, passionfruit, and more on the farm that surrounds the wooden chalet. One can learn the tricks and trades of organic farming as they take a tour of the plantations too.
The passion of running an eco-friendly farm and not increasing one’s carbon footprint can be easily seen in SaffronStays Arwa Farms in Dahanu. The homeowner has created this organic haven after an arduous process. Right from the home to the farms surrounding it, SaffronStays Arwa Farms pays homage to Mother Nature. Arwa means pure and staying true to its name, this eco-friendly home is a perfect example of staying organic. More than 740 types of trees can be found on this 7-acre organic haven. Everything that is pure, right from the unpolluted air to the lush green fields to the clear blue sky can be experienced at this au naturale haven.
Partaking in green initiatives and even small practices like saving electricity, saving water, carpooling, etc go a long way in helping preserve the environment. So, this World Environment Day, let us all help save the planet in any way.
As Margaret Mead has correctly said, “We don’t have a society if we destroy the environment.”
