Everywhere, around you-World Environment Day 2019

On the 5th of June, every year The United Nation creates awareness and action for the betterment of our own environment. This means The UN encourages to celebrate this day globally to raise awareness about the significance of a healthy environment, and to solve various environmental issues by implementing various actions.

Healthy environment matters and is important because it is the only home we all have. All the living creatures on this planet depends on everything it offers for. The Earth provides us air, water, food, shelter and all other needs. So, it is our duty to fight for a better future of our planet and protect it all costs right?

Air Pollution: Intro

We have seen many environmental issues being addressed in the previous years. World Environment Day 2019’s theme is about Air Pollution. Hosted by China, this globally critical issue is led using the slogan #BeatAirPollution initiating some eco-friendly actions.

Millions of people all across the world celebrate World Environment Day in many different ways by planting more trees, cleaning up the trash, basically doing every possible thing that contributes towards a cleaner planet.

Irrespective of the country you live in, air pollution is an issue almost everywhere. It affects and puts our lives at risk whether you realise it or not. Understanding the types of pollution, how it affects our health and environment will help us take steps towards improving the air around us.

Air pollution: Why should you care?

>The polluted air we breathe is no joke. It is creating a public health emergency and the threatening has not left even the unborn babies. It is causing serious health issues such as respiratory illness, heart diseases and many other major health problems.

>Think about your little ones before you contribute more to the already existing mess because children are affected the most. According to the World Health Organisation, every year around 7M premature deaths are happening due to air pollution. Exposure to the polluted air is hindering their brain development leading to motor and cognitive impairments putting them at a greater risk for chronic diseases later in life.

>Household(Indoor) air pollution is equally harmful, particularly amongst women and children under five years. About half of the pneumonia deaths in children are because of the indoor air pollution.

Regardless of the sources of air pollution, it differs at different places but their effects are equally deadly. WHO states that nearly 4.2M deaths every year as a result of exposure to outdoor air pollution and 3.8M deaths every year as a result of household exposure to smoke from dirty cookstoves and fuels. 91% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality exceeds WHO guideline limits. FYI, India ranks No.9 amongst the Top 10 polluted countries in the world!

Air pollution: What can you do?

Often we do want to do the right thing, but you are clueless as to where to begin with or how you can become a contributor for a healthy environment.

Remember, Clean Air Is Your Right.

Your very little effort everyday is counted. Every small step of yours for the better future is not wasted. The world will be a better place to live in based on the quality life choices you make today, everyday.

As an individual you can contribute in the simplest of ways possible. Let us point out a few easiest things you can do to reduce air pollution.
● Plant a sapling today, do it anyday. Encourage your family & friends to do it as well.
● Use public transport as much as possible, if feasible.
● Use eco-friendly vehicles such as bicycles, electric vehicles for daily commute.

● You can also offer free transport or share a ride to work.
● As you know, Prevention is better than cure! Wear mask to avoid any health ailments. Specially, the major urban city residents – make your kids wear mask.
● Avoid burning of dried leaves, trash and other materials.
● Try not to use wood stove and fireplaces to cook your meal.
● Reduce usage of harmful paints and adopt for environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.

Being said that, Everyday is Environment Day. Environment day is people’s day. We are responsible for every good or bad thing that happens to earth. Let us not forget that and try our best to work for a better today, tomorrow until the end.