Go Green
Happy People, Healthy Planet:
Fine tune your lifestyle to practice ceiling on desires


By Surinder Sharma

 

“Almost two decades ago, the U.N. was acutely conscious of the possibility of disaster consequent on climate change through increases in sea levels. Today we know much more, which provides greater substance to that concern. ….Neglect in protecting our heritage of natural resources could prove extremely harmful for the human race and for all species that share common space on Planet Earth…It is within the reach of human society to meet these threats. The impacts of climate change can be limited by suitable adaptation measures and stringent mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions."

Excerpts from the Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech on December 10, 2007 by R. Pachauri, Chairman, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Scientists believe climate change and global warming pose a grave threat to our planet and all forms of life on it. A global problem of this magnitude calls for a committed global response. Despite our nation being a signatory to the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Agreement, Canadians produce about 700 mega-tonnes of greenhouse gases per year; much of which comes from wasteful energy use. This is about 2% of the total global emissions, coming from a country with about half of one per cent of the world’s population. In other words, the average Canadian produces about four times the global average level of emissions at 23.6 tonnes per person, per year.

All facts point to climate change being a man-made problem that inflicts pain on humanity, all animals, plants and nature in its trail, all due to our excessive greed!

To reduce its carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 Canadians need to make several lifestyle choices that are beneficial to our health as well as the health of our planet. These include using energy efficient technologies and products and bringing greater awareness about conservation at home, at work and on the road.

A good start towards a greener future would include phasing out of all coal-fired power plants in favour of cleaner sources; creating new efficiency standards for buildings and industry, introducing more efficient vehicle engine technologies; reducing our use of crude oil, growing more trees and also promoting renewable energies like: Wind Power, Solar, Hydroelectric, Geo-Thermal and Biomass.

Energy conservation requires long-term and comprehensive planning based on sustainability, efficiency and diversity that integrate all energy forms including Conservation. In fact, Conservation is the new name for an ancient lifestyle practice of ceiling on desires. Based on the philosophy of taking responsibility for our consumption, this switch in lifestyle requires realignment of our intention with a larger purpose. Each Canadian needs to recognize that he/she is a cell in a larger organism of our eco-system and each cell must remain healthy, true to its nucleus, for the larger system to be wholesome. Overindulgence by way of eating into other cells, be they botanical, or physical, will cause serious imbalances in the environment resulting in unnatural occurrences. This acute greed towards excessive exploitation must be given up if we wish to restore our green sense.  

For the past 7 decades, universal teacher and spiritual guide, Sri Sathya Sai Baba has been calling for the revival of this practice of ceiling of desires among his followers. He urges them to live their lives in a state of conscious awareness to avoid any wastage in four areas: time, money, food and energy. 

The proponents of the ceiling on desires program point out that in today’s economic slowdown “ceiling on our desires” is good for both our wallet and the planet.

This practical approach at individual, family, community and national levels can ensure a sustainable economic model. We must take positive actions to reduce emissions and preserve the Mother Earth, we must accept responsibility for the damage we are causing, demonstrate our leadership in the world community and promote innovation and energy efficiency among our own industries. Government must offer liberal incentives for energy audits and retrofit projects in old buildings. Other benefits include job creation, cleaner air, cleaner lakes and a cleaner environment.

Ontario’s 2008 Energy Conservation Annual Report says “The key element in creating a conservation culture is individuals taking action. This means embracing the values of the culture and incorporating them into our lifestyles each day. And in so doing-leading by example - others will follow and, collectively, we will be the change.” The Walk for Values is one such event to take a pledge to practice values in our daily lives.



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