Discovering Sustainable Practices in Everyday Indian Life
What I learned after staying one month in India
My family and I recently spent a month in India, and as soon as I stepped out of the heavily air-conditioned airport, the hot, humid air enveloped me, bringing along a wave of sweat. However, the weather wasn’t the only aspect of India I underestimated.
When I walked out of the airport, I saw the expected pollution and litter common in a densely populated developing country like India. What surprised me was how environmentally friendly the daily habits of the people were. So let’s share my findings from India.
The Use of Reusable Bags Everywhere
In my one-month stay, I lived with my grandparents 99% of the time, and every time they went to the grocery store, they never failed to take reusable bags. Due to India’s ban on plastics, people are even more encouraged to carry reusable bags to places besides the grocery store as well.
India’s ban on single-use plastics, including plastic bags, has encouraged the use of reusable alternatives across the country. This legislative push is part of a broader effort to reduce plastic waste and its associated environmental impacts. The dedication to using reusable bags is a small but significant step towards sustainability that is evident in daily life.
The benefits of this practice extend beyond the obvious reduction in plastic waste. By using reusable bags, people are also contributing to decreasing the demand for the production of new plastic, which is a major source of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This simple change in habit has a ripple effect, promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness. It was heartening to see how ingrained this practice is in the daily routines of many Indians.
Differences in Hygiene Practices
Another major cultural difference between the US and India is the way most people shower. In the US, showers typically involve turning on a faucet, causing water to flow continuously from above until the shower is finished. In India, however, many people use a bucket and a small pitcher. This method means that water is only used when needed, such as for rinsing off soap, shampoo, or conditioner. When the water is not required, it remains in the bucket, conserving water. Any leftover water can be used by the next person, further reducing waste.
A bucket bath can save up to 75% of the water used in a typical shower. On average, an 8-minute shower consumes around 80 liters of water. In contrast, a typical bucket holds about 20 liters of water, and often, not all of this water is used during a single bath. This method significantly reduces water consumption and encourages more mindful usage.
Water conservation is a critical issue globally, and seeing such effective practices in action was eye-opening. The bucket bath not only conserves water but also makes individuals more aware of their water usage, fostering a deeper respect for this precious resource. In regions where water scarcity is a daily challenge, these habits are not just environmentally friendly but essential for survival.
Making Tea
Drinking tea, or chai, is a cherished daily ritual in both India and the US, but the methods of preparation differ significantly.
In the US, it is common to make tea using tea bags, which are convenient but often contain non-biodegradable plastics that contribute to environmental pollution. This method produces more waste, and the tea bags themselves are typically heavier and bulkier, increasing the environmental impact due to transportation. In contrast, in India, the traditional method involves using loose tea leaves, a strainer, and a kettle. This approach results in a richer and more authentic flavor. Additionally, it produces less waste as there are no disposable tea bags involved.
Loose tea leaves are also lighter and more compact, which means they require less fuel for transportation compared to pre-packaged tea bags. This method not only highlights a more environmentally friendly approach but also emphasizes the cultural significance of tea preparation in India. My grandparents cannot survive one day without drinking chai in the afternoon, which truly shows how much chai drinking is an integral part of Indian culture. The use of loose tea leaves and traditional utensils shows a sustainable practice that has been passed down through generations.
The process of making chai is a social activity, often involving the entire household. It fosters community and togetherness, much like coffee culture in the US. However, the added benefit of reduced waste and environmental impact makes this tradition particularly commendable. It’s a beautiful example of how cultural practices can align with sustainability goals.
Use of Public Transport
Public transport is a common form of transport in India, with many people taking the metro system, rickshaws, buses, and more. Very few people in India own cars of their own; for example, all my family members in India do not own their own car and either walk or use public transport everywhere.
Going back to the grocery store story, my grandparents walk everywhere within a 1–2 mile radius of their house, which just shows how little people even consider the use of a car. In India, more than 60% of rural and urban households use buses or trams as their main mode of public transportation. This high usage highlights the importance of public transport in daily commuting for a significant portion of the population.
In urban areas, about half of the population also utilizes auto rickshaws as a primary mode of transport. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and the development of metro systems in various cities aim to improve and expand public transportation infrastructure. The Delhi Metro, for instance, carries approximately 2.8 million passengers daily, emphasizing its crucial role in urban transit. Overall, the public transport system in India is vital to the main population’s mobility and shows another green habit many illustrate in India.
The widespread use of public transport significantly reduces the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing traffic congestion. The development of efficient metro systems and the promotion of walking and cycling as viable modes of transport further enhance this green practice. This reliance on public transport and walking also promotes a healthier lifestyle and a stronger sense of community.
Buy Locally
One habit I noticed while staying in India is that more people buy produce locally compared to the US. During my month-long stay with my grandparents, I observed that they often preferred purchasing from local produce stalls rather than big chain grocery stores. They shopped for groceries almost every other day, which minimized food waste as they bought only what they needed and planned to cook.
This practice not only supports local farmers but also reduces transport time and overall pollution associated with long-distance food transportation. By buying locally, they ensure fresher produce and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. This habit of frequent, small-scale shopping trips reduces waste and promotes a more connected community dynamic.
Buying locally sourced produce supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. It also means that consumers get fresher, more nutritious food. This practice fosters a sense of community as well, as people build relationships with local farmers and vendors.
My month-long stay in India was a profound learning experience, revealing numerous environmentally friendly practices deeply ingrained in daily life in India. These habits demonstrate a commitment to sustainability that contrasts sharply with common practices in the US. They offer valuable lessons on resource conservation and environmental responsibility that could benefit other parts of the world. My time in India has not only deepened my appreciation for these practices but also inspired me to adopt more sustainable habits in my own life.
Even though India’s environmental statistics regarding waste and pollution may not be the most favorable, the daily habits of its people offer valuable lessons in sustainability. While it is undeniable that issues like littering and waste still persist, these small, everyday actions reflect a genuine effort within the population to reduce their environmental footprint. These habits come so naturally to many in India and are practices that we in the US can learn from and incorporate into our own lives to promote a more sustainable future.
The spirit of sustainability that permeates daily life in India serves as an inspiration and a model for what can be achieved through mindful living and community-focused practices.
