Save Water, Save Holi!!!

As we eagerly await the Indian Festival of Colors - Holi, we would like to share a bad news and a good news with you.

Bad News: Our very beloved festival also stands threatened from us the humans.

How???
Indiscriminate exploitation of the natural resources and an unending interference with natural systems have left our human evolved systems threatened by our own actions. Nature is the common element threading the diverse beads of cultures and traditions across societies. However, today this natural element stands disrupted by our modification. Today we stand amidst a water crisis which threatens existence of life. Over 1.1 billion people in this world live without clean drinking water. And yes our very own festival Holi, an occasion which marks the turn of seasons stands threatened of losing its existence.

Though colors form the attraction of the festival but water adds the element of wit in the festival. All the fun and energy of this festival is now at stake of our own actions. If we continue to be ignorant about our usage of water and don't use it judiously then we may be responsible for depriving our future generations from the culture and fun we inherited from our ancestors.

Ignorance today can lead to an endless guilt and dis-satisfaction. Choice is ours and need to be made today.

Good News: We can still make a difference

'You' can Save Holi and have all the fun by simply making a green choice of using edible/ herbal colors over the commonplace chemical colors.

3 ways in which edible colors help you save water:

1. Preparation of these colors involve minimal direct usage of water and often rely on physical processes of mechanical powdering and mixing of ingredients like dried flowers, arrowroot, turmeric etc.
2. Unlike the chemical colors which demand use of water, these colors can be used in the dry form to leave you with colorful and natural impressions of Holi
3. Buckets of water which you drain in the bathroom struggling to get rid of the chemical colors can be saved by using these natural colors which are fun while playing and even after Holi is over.

Hence, to relive the fun of Holi year after year, make a difference by playing a water neutral holi. It doesn't costs you much but draws you an endless satisfaction of doing your bit for your fellow beings and your own planet.

Story of Environmental Crisis Part I- Human Malfunction

Earth is home to over 1.5 million species. These diverse species are webbed together intricately within the laws of nature to sustain the cycle of life. Waste of one kingdom is food for another, resources of nature a positioned in a manner to sustain and satiate the distinct and vital needs of each species. Today this innate balance of life has been disrupted by single most powerful species on this earth – The Humans. Resources which were once abundant and sufficient for sustaining all forms of life are now delimited by increasing human demand. Consequently, humanity today is faced by serious water crisis, ever growing air pollution, massive deforestation, an overall ecosystem disruption and encompassing issues like climate change.

Not only this, the human created systems which form yardsticks of development also stand vulnerable as a consequence of disruption of natural systems and limiting resources.

Though we may not acknowledge, the impact of these disruptions on our daily living but certainly each of us is at the receiving end of these environmental disruptions. However, a linkage more vital than this is, the causal influence of human action that has lead humanity to this day. Humans have shared a close relationship with nature since time immemorial, sometimes, getting influenced by nature and at the same time influencing it in turn. Over the years this relationship has underwent a dramatic change from a symbiotic to that of an exploitative, consequence being the fading harmony and balance between human systems and natural systems.

The systems which we have evolved and the development which we take pride in are built upon the extensive services drawn from natural ecosystems. The questions which we have reached in this ignorant process of resource consumption, find answers in our actions. Self – centered and consumerist approach of man has led to an unprecedented resource crunch which can lead to complete devastation of life. We have proven our ability to change the face of earth, though in a negative sense, in the past and today again we need to bring a change in our own attitude and actions to see a conducive, sustainable change.

The human malfunction and its consequences can only reach a positive end if we the humans awaken to our responsibility to take care of our very own planet.

Only we can make a difference!