New Years Resolution, Go Green!

by David Philips
(Chennai,Tamilnadu, India)

I recently saw the American movie "Avatar" which touched my heart and inspired me to make a New Years resolution to "go green." I began by looking on the internet for ways I could move closer to Mother Nature, clean up and replenish the world around me.

I found a touching article about a poor farmer in Kerala State, India, who created a forest from scratch. He is now 53 years old and he lives in the middle of that forest which he planted, tree by tree, 30 years ago. His story became an inspiration to me. If a small farmer can do something this large, perhaps I can contribute something good in my own way.

I made a list of things I could do differently or do better, to work toward my goal of "going green."

First, I was in the habit of taking my car for short rides when I could walk instead. My workplace is nearby my home. I have started to walk to work or take the bus.

Another easy change was to reduce the amount of electricity I use: turn off lights, unplug appliances, and just become aware of the electricity I use. These steps are reducing our household's usage of electricity from 11 units to 7.5 units of current per day. I am surprised to see that small everyday changes make such a difference in saving my pocket!

Next, I want to plant trees and other plants to "green" my neighborhood. I gave myself 3 trees as Christmas gifts: one bamboo and two banana trees. I hope to get free bananas as a bonus!

Finally, I want to share my "green" passion with friends by gifting them beautiful plants in the coming New Year.