The Hindu Business Line : Conservation begins at home

Fast becoming a by-word nearly in every part of the US today, the term ‘conservation’ seems to announce the growing awareness of its absolute need. There is talk of ‘conservation of energy’, ‘conservation of fuel’, ‘conservation of forests and wildlife’ and ‘conservation of water resources’. Right-thinking people have been shaken by the shocking revelation that America, which contains merely 6 per cent of the wor ld’s population, uses up as much as 40 per cent of all available resources. This has made them realise the urgent need to arrest further exploitation of Nature and preserve whatever is still left undamaged.

Apparently, this development should make for a significant change in the behaviour of American society, steeped so long in a ‘throwaway culture’. Alas, old habits persist among several sections of the public and administrators, too, as can be noted for the lack of seriousness towards conservation effort even in some prime fields of everyday life. A paradox indeed — conservation ideas flaunted on one side and wilful wastage on the other.

Sparked off by oil concerns

The rapid depletion of oil and increasing concern caused by an elusive solution to the quest for an alternative fuel sparked off the idea of conservation of energy; in its quick spread, the concept has covered other necessities as well. Energy conservation actually envisaged directing its use more to the actual needs than to frivolous requirements and lavish engagements. The obvious starting point has to be the home, for the programme to move unhindered. Turning off lights wherever not wanted, opening of blinds to admit natural light, avoiding “no-load” running of electronic equipment such as computers and capacity utilisation of electrical appliances at optimum levels are a few of the practical suggestions to every family. No such advice was ever given when the recent hike in gasoline prices automatically set in motion a switchover to public transportation, pooling of cars by commuters and resorting to bicycles, where possible.

Initiatives that make a difference

Yet, amidst the impressive reception to the concept of conservation in diverse fields of daily activity, there prevails in almost every US city or town a contradictory situation, curtailing free action as if held by an inexplicable tradition or superstition that challenges the implementation of conservation plans. Perhaps, to some extent, official apathy is also to blame for the anomaly. Take, for instance, the practice of using the clothesline in the backyard to dry laundry on a sunny day. While many fear their display of shirts, jeans, undergarments or blankets could be an eyesore, the energy saved by looking to the sun is overlooked.

Another example of major wastage of energy is in building designs that compel artificial lighting in rooms, passages and staircases. Such bulk consumption arising from a closed layout is observed in multi-storeyed apartment structures and shopping complexes. Only recently, a refreshing trend has begun taking shape with architects showing an inclination to adopt ‘green home’ concepts in their projects, thereby, making Nature provide lighting for the greater part of the day. Such conservation efforts can be built into the community if everyone decided to give it a try.

(The author is a US-based freelance writer.)