How to celebrate Independence Day in an eco-friendly way?
Independence Day is one of the most significant occasions for us as a nation to rejoice the freedom of our distinct individuality. The day is celebrated in all parts of India with great pomp and show by people of all religions, caste and creed. With the changing times, the mode of celebration has also undergone a massive change. Embedding some small changes in our celebrations can help us do our bit for the environment by celebrating in an eco friendly manner that can be more satisfying and no less enjoyable. Let us take a look at some ways apartment community members can celebrate Independence Day in an eco friendly manner.
Avoid Plastic Flags: Avoiding the use of plastic flags can be one of the best tributes to our nation on Independence Day. While paper flags are made out of trees that reduce the forest cover of our planet, plastic flags are non biodegradable harming the atmosphere with its toxic fumes. Instead of using symbolic flags to showcase one’s patriotism, it is essential to spread awareness amongst fellow residents especially children to carry the nation in one’s heart and not in any symbolic flag.
Conduct a Composite Flag hoisting ceremony: Most people think of Independence Day as just another regular holiday. Residents of an apartment community can bring awareness by conduction a common flag hoisting ceremony and declaring the agenda for the year for its residents. A pledge to conserve water and energy or to keep the society and city clean can be conducted by the management committee in order to spread a social awareness message that can help the environment much after the Independence Day celebrations.
Replace Balloons with Birds: There are a large number of balloons that are released all over the country on the Independence Day. While balloon release signifies the eternal flight of a free nation into the endless sky, balloons cause damage to the environment in the long run. The thread tied to keep the balloon bunch together can be fatal for birds as well. Since Independence Day is all about celebrating the free spirit of independence, releasing birds from captivity or cages is much more beneficial than symbolic release of a few balloons. Even though caging birds is not allowed in India, a large number of birds are trapped in their prisons and sold for personal amusement. Release of white pigeons is also considered to be a good symbolic gesture in order to relive the spirit of freedom and joy.
Say No to Loud Speakers: Instead of churning out loud patriotic songs on the loudspeakers that cause noise pollution and discomfort to the kids and elderly, Community members can get together and arrange a singing podium. Noise pollution is one of the most ignored forms of pollution especially in India. Spreading awareness about the challenges facing the country by organizing debates and thought exchange programs within the housing society can be much more useful and constructive than blasting out loud music.
Make Sure to Clean up the Litter: It is noticed that people are quite eager to celebrate the function associated with Independence Day but leave a mess behind after completion. It is important for housing societies or apartment complex prefects to make sure there is no inconvenience caused to the sick and elderly during the celebration ceremony and no litter is left behind. Cleaning as charity begins from home and what better way to start with by cleaning up the housing complex that too on the Independence Day of the nation.
