Air is the Guru, Water the father, Earth the great mother.
Day and night, Male and female nurses, In whose lap the whole world plays.”
JAPJI SAHIB, Guru Granth Sahib (p.8)
We as a community can do an enormous part in contributing to the preservation of our planet. Our Gurus were environmentalists, and looking at the values they gave us, we can see that we should be ahead of the game.
Some of us might be doing our small part each day: Maybe you recycle your newspaper after reading it or even better, subscribe to the news online; maybe you drink free-trade coffee and tea; or maybe you eat organic cereal and drink a healthy shake of organic fruits; or maybe you turn off the tap while you brush your teeth to save some water? These are all great steps! But there are some additional steps we can take as a community.
Our Gurdwaras are not the most environmentally friendly places, but that is due to our own responsibilities. That can change! If we start taking even one of the following steps, we can look forward to a greener Gurdwara in our future, and additionally teach the next generation about preservation and the importance of Seva.
- Recycling
By providing onsite placement of recycling bins we can do our part by recycling materials such as plastic, paper products, glass and cans. Unfortunately there are not many programs established yet to recycle Styrofoam, which happens to be the largest part of the waste in Gurdwara due to plates and cups.
In order to involve everyone, there should be signs on the recycle bins in English and Punjabi, so everyone can do their part and understand the importance of recycling. A brochure explaining the importance of recycling would be good to display so the Sangat can feel inspired to continue this act when they are at home also.
As we earnestly embark on this journey towards a greener Gurdwara and community, it’s worth considering additional measures that align with our waste reduction goals. One such avenue is the utilization of skip bins. These spacious containers, conveniently available through services like Skip bins cairns, could prove instrumental in managing waste, especially during events or congregations. By integrating the use of skip bins, we could efficiently sort and manage various types of waste, including the Styrofoam predicament. This would not only simplify the recycling process but also contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally conscious atmosphere.
- Install energy efficient lighting
There are many online resources that can provide information on how to efficiently install lighting so you use less energy and also save money. Contact your local Green Energy representative and have them come out to do a free assessment to improve energy efficiency and save a lot of money on your energy bill. The insulation around the Gurdwara that is COMPARED: Fiberglass vs. Cellulose vs Spray Foam Insulation for Austin, will also be assessed as this can sometimes decrease the effect of keeping heat inside a room, thus using more energy, and consequently costing you more. Once lighting is installed, it is important to close lights when not in use, and also to turn off electrical appliances not in use. To get them repaired, Baltimore appliance repair specialist here need to be contacted.
- Install air driers.
Paper towels are constantly wasted and found on the floor around the gurdwara. Instead of one napkin, many people will grab a few and end up throwing them away. By installing air driers and sinks outside where Sangat can wash their hands before/after Langar, we can decrease the use of napkins and paper towels. This is better for the environment, and would cost less money.
- Bring back the Thaali
Gurdwaras in India and around the rest of the globe use steel thaalia to serve langar. In Australia we use these as well, however on some occasions, plastic trays, or Styrofoam are used as well. This can be an initiative a Gurdwara works towards, by implementing a small number of thaalia and eventually not having plastic trays. Convenience will be lost, but long-term, we would be doing something very positive for the environment. This would also allow for some seva from the Sangat to be able to wash the thaalis langar. Just imagine how many thaalis are washed daily at the Harmandar Sahib! We could even incorporate some organic, chemical-free washing liquids, to make it that much greener.
- Carpool
Families that live close-by to one another could be smart by carpooling to the Gurdwara. Reduce your carbon footprint, and save from polluting the air. People can build relationships this way too and are ultimately helping the environment.
- Plant a tree
Have children from your local Punjabi school plant a tree. By planting a tree, you are combating the deforestation that is occurring on a daily basis. Put something back in the earth and teach future generations about positive giving. Incorporate Earth Day into a Punjabi class, and teach children that giving back is part of our Sikhi values.
Please feel free to share any additional ways you feel we can make a positive change!
Source: The Langar Hall Blog