Protecting the environment should be a goal for all human beings so that we leave a better, less polluted and greener environment for our future generations. Worldwide, 110,000 acres of forest are cleared every day! Habitats are disappearing, the clearing land becomes eroded, soil fertility is consumed and water tables are falling. The world’s climate is changing. The ozone layer is thinning, the world temperatures are rising, the sea level is rising, and the world , glaciers are melting. The rich web of life is being affected and entire species are becoming extinct! Never to return again.

The conservation of the environment is considered an essential duty according to the Vedic scriptures. Evidence is found in the ancient Vedic verses:
“Do not cut trees, because they remove pollution.> (Rig Veda, 6-48-17)
“Do not disturb the sky and do not pollute the atmosphere.” (Yajur Veda, 5-43)

In our culture and heritage, plants and animals are given the status of mother. Bhoot Yajna is prescribed, which is performed by looking after the health and welfare of farm and domestic animals.

Our heritage does recognize the need for humans to consume natural resources to fulfill our basic needs. However, it also prescribes us to use them correctly and efficiently. The first stanza of Isha Upanishad states “Resources are given to mankind for their living. Knowledge (Isha) of using them is necessary.”

Our heritage promotes the respect for all living beings. We have no right to destroy other living beings to fulfill our desires. For our basic need to survive, we should eat the lowest form of life and do not create too much negative karma in the process. Trees are so useful for our welfare. They purify the atmosphere. Every part of the tree is useful. Some leaves and fruits of many trees have healing/medicinal power. Some have fragrance & clean the auras around our homes. Our heritage says that if you want to create positive karma, then plant more and more trees!! In many parts of India, we still worship plants and trees (eg. Tulsi, peepal, neem). In fact we have prayers, which promotes peace in our environment, including herbs, plants, trees and vegetation.

“Om Dwang Shantir Antariksha Gwang, Shanti Prithvi, Shanti Rapaha, Shanti Rokshadhayah, Shantih Vanaspatayah, Shanti Viswadeva, Shanti Brahma, Shanti Sarwagwang, Shanti Rewah, Shanti Sama, Shanti Redhi, Om Shanti Shanti!”

For many of us who live in the western societies, we can do a lot to help the environment. What can we do in our everyday lives to do so? Some common things:
(a) Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
(b) Recycle yard waste.
(c) Leave grass clippings on your lawn to retain misture and act as a natural fertiliser.
(d) Recycle paper, plastic bottles and cans.
(e) Do not throw the unused chemicals, paints, etc in the ground. Take them to hazardous waste sites.
(f) Plant more and more trees in your yard. (Sponsor more and more trees around the world.)
(g) Install low-flow shower heads.
(h) Car-pool or use public transportation.
(I) Reduce junk-mail.

Let us be conservation-minded, and teach our children to be so too.

Jai Sri Hanuman!