Written By Neelakshi Malik
In today’s world, many of us often question how consciously we are living when it comes to
protecting our environment. But when I reflect on the past, I realise that sustainability was deeply ingrained in the way our ancestors lived. They naturally adopted principles of reusing, recycling, and restoring. Our grandparents often shared clever tips and remedies, passed down through generations, that served both practical and sustainable purposes. Even today, in some villages, this age-old way of life continues seamlessly.
The growing dependence on modern facilities and systems has undeniably led to some complacency, making us more reliant on machines and less mindful of our actions. We frequently direct our frustration at the government, systems, or leaders, forgetting that real change begins with our actions and responsibility. It is easy to demand change from others, but harder to recognise the need for personal accountability.
This brings me to a personal story, one that serves as a reflection of how deeply sustainability can be ingrained in us, even from a young age. As a child, I would often get frustrated when I saw people carelessly throwing waste on the ground. I would ask them, “This Earth is our home, how can you throw trash in your own house?” I now wonder where this sense of responsibility came from. Looking back, it seems as though the universe had been nudging me toward a path of environmental consciousness from a young age. At that time, no one even considered the term ‘environmentalist’, but as the saying goes, ‘Poot ke plans paalne me dikh jaate hain’, which means signs of a person’s future are visible from their early years. Little did I know that this would become my life’s work – something no one could have predicted at that time.
As I grew older, destiny and karma led me further down the path of sustainability. Through my research and personal exploration, I came to realise a simple but profound truth: we must return to our roots. The old practices, though simple, are timeless, and when combined with modern technology, they can provide a perfect balance – making our lives easier and more comfortable without overindulgence. Excessive use of conveniences, however, leads to unforeseen consequences, such as the rise of unknown diseases.
I once had a conversation with a friend in which we discussed the two most essential qualities needed in today’s world: sensitivity and consciousness. These qualities are not only needed for the environment but also for our well-being. When we talk about climate consciousness, it is essentially about being conscious of our bodies. This means maintaining a healthy body weight, regulating our eating habits, and being kind to ourselves – nurturing our body, mind, and soul. Since our bodies are made up of the five elements of nature, being conscious of how we treat them can significantly impact our overall health and well-being.
Through my journey of practising this consciousness, I realised that actions speak louder than words. Rather than preaching about sustainability, I decided to start practising it in my everyday life. One of the first changes I made was carrying my spoon, glass, and even containers (bartan) wherever I went. This simple practice helped me eliminate the use of disposable items, which often end up as waste in our environment.
This journey also led me to watch a film about a man who, as part of an experiment, carried all the waste he generated from eating and drinking for a month. By tying it to his body, he ended up carrying the burden of 100 kg of waste. His smell was unbearable, and the discomfort was overwhelming. It was a powerful visual reminder of how much waste the Earth must bear because of our daily habits. It made me realise that every piece of waste we produce has an impact on the planet.
After four years of practising the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bartan) movement, I felt compelled to share this practice with others. And so, ‘ सबconscious’ was born – a brand and initiative aimed at raising awareness and inspiring others to be conscious of their environmental impact. Through BYOB events, zero-waste food walks, and campaigns that encourage people to bring their containers, we have seen many individuals inspired to act. People have adopted the practice of carrying their bartan, significantly reducing waste and promoting sustainable living. We also celebrate conscious birthdays and organise healing activities to bring people of all age groups together and much more.
Through these efforts, we have sparked a movement. What started as a personal commitment to environmental consciousness has turned into a larger community-driven initiative. By returning to our roots and making conscious choices, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future. Let us not wait for the system or others to change; the real change starts with each of us, in our everyday choices, habits, and actions.