One fine day I was doing my least favourite thing in the world (sorting and putting away ironed clothes) which is second only to washing clothes! Sorting out pants shirts kurtis and whatnot.. I kept grumbling as I went through a big pile (had just returned from a short holiday) and had just about finished with a sigh of relief when..
DISASTER struck! My driver (and hardworking right
hand) knocked and came into the room with four (yes FOUR) bags full of clothes
that he had just picked up at the laundry.. My heart sank because that meant at
least another 45 minutes of taking the clothes out of the plastic bags.. removing
the clips that held them to the cardboard.. unfolding them carefully and
transferring them to hangers.. SO BORING!
I put my hand to it (so as to escape the wrath of Man
Friday) and was quite shocked to see HOW MUCH packing material had gone into
those four bags! I just didn’t have the heart to throw it all away.. so I
folded the plastic bags nicely.. tied the
cardboard sheets into a neat bundle and saved the plastic clips in an
envelope.. I had an errand to run this evening and stopped by the laundry and
handed the bag over and the gentleman there was gobsmacked when he looked
inside!
He said to me “Madam, nobody has ever thought of doing
this and it is so nice and good that you did it. Thank you for bringing all
this back and we will definitely reuse it! Thank you so much.” Just for
information’s sake.. it was the Spin and Press laundry at Warden Road.. and
they do a good job of getting the clothes beautifully clean!
This was a small thing but it brought home to me the
importance of making a small effort that collectively can make a big difference
to the planet! Have taken a decision today to be “greener” and not keep
additional small napkins for individual use in my guest bathroom from now on
(unless there is a party)! We all have good standards of hygiene and can easily
use the same napkin to wipe our hands.. such an unnecessary waste of water and
resources!
My car is always well stocked with shopping bags made
of cloth and fibre and plastic bags are rarely if ever used! Whatever handbag I
carry.. there’s always at least one foldable IKEA shopping bag inside which
comes out and unfolds at the drop of a hat! The car is always stocked with small
tetrapacks of Amul Masti Chaash for cops and whoever else is sweltering in the
heat! At the end of the day.. it’s nice to be nice to the people who look after
us!
I try and drink water from my thermos all through the
day so as not to generate multiple glasses to be washed.. Showers are quick
instead of long and indulgent and often it’s a bucket bath in summer (where the
water came warm from the tap but had time to cool down until I was ready to
bathe) so even less wastage of water! l know everyone does different things to
conserve resources and save the planet and would love for you to share your “green
habits” too!
As always.. thank you for reading and please share
your name along with your comment (should you choose to write one)!
Can’t agree more. Should I say “same pinch”? -Yukti
ReplyDeleteI rarely use the multiple hand napkins in someone's home, my kerchief is ok to dry my hands.
ReplyDeleteAgree one large towel should be ok for all, depending on the number of guests.
Yes, I too keep my cloth bags in all my vehicles for shopping. No plastic for sure, unless it's messy or can stain.
One drop at a time sure makes the mighty ocean.
Navaz
What a lovely little read! I, too, am extremely conscious of all the ways in which I use water. When brushing my teeth, when filling my thermos, when showering - all of it constitutes thorough consideration on my end.
ReplyDeleteI am extremely cautious of lights staying off when no one is home, and the AC usually is only on at night and days when the heat is truly unbearable.
I'm certain there is more I can do to stay "green" throughout my days, but I am very glad to have reflected on the ways I make this conscious effort and I only have you to thank for that.
Love always!
-SK
It's meaningful read.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWell written Pallavi ! Growing up we were taught not to waste water and to switch off the lights .
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of using too much of paper towels but that will stop .
Wow Pallu. Brilliantly written.. I am so proud to call you my friend and to be your friend. You know I don't need to say much about our friendship but all I will say, that it is forever. Ketan
ReplyDelete