A world devoid of trees

[Guest guest]

A world devoid of trees

By Uppili. C

 

The earth referred to as Goddess Bhoodevi in the Vedas, is venerated

and deified. She is the provider of life and sustenance to all

creatures dwelling in this big home. Like a dutiful mother, she never

discriminates but provides the basic necessities of life to all, down

to the last insect- the junior most inhabitant of her home.

 

Let us reflect upon what she provides for an average human in a life-

time. For this purpose let us take the liberty of taking into

consideration an average Indian, as we have enough information on his

consumption pattern.

 

As per the latest figures, an average Indian lives for about 63.7

years (say, 64 years) or 23,360 days. His list of consumption during

his life-time, on a rough estimate, would run something like this

(see Table).

 

The list of investments Mother Earth makes on a human is not

exhaustive and would go on endlessly. It is yet to include the

building material, furniture, etc. that man uses, and his share of

public utilities like roads, government buildings, workplace and the

like. The list is yet to make a mention about the oxygen he consumes

or the extent of loss he inflicts on the system through pollution,

manufacture of non-biodegradable material, damage to the ozone layer

through the emission of greenhouse gases, etc.

 

When a child is born, then Mother Earth has to not only ready herself

to provide for the child's life needs, but has also to put up

patiently with the indiscretions inflicted on her by the eco-

unfriendly ways of human life. As is always the case, patience has

its limits. Before it gets too late, let us all pledge to reciprocate

the kindness of Mother Earth by turning our lives eco-friendly. Be it

in any small measure, but, make it a habit. Let us assure her by our

lives that we are not bad investments. Let us avoid, rather stop,

wasting anything-be it foodstuff, clothing or any renewable or non-

renewable material; promote greenery; gift saplings to one another on

birthdays and on similar occasions. Let us save water to the last

drop; let us not forget to save the forests.

 

Let us lessen pollution. Animals and birds are our equal partners as

cohabitants and they are as dear to Mother Earth as we are to her.

Let us be kind to them and let us learn to respect their right to

live and their right to enjoy the kindness of Mother Earth as we do.

 

The experience, besides being an emotionally enriching one, would be

scientifically appropriate too.

 

Table

 

Wheat/rice @ 400 gms per day 9,344 kg

Vegetables @ 250 gms per day 5,840 kg

Pulses @ 100 gms per day 2,336 kg

Milk @ 300 gms per day 7,008 kg

Edible oil @ 50 gms per day 1,168 kg

Sugar @ 20 gms per day 467 kg

Salt @ 10 gms per day 234 kg

Water (good grade) @ 30 litres per day 7,00,800 litres

Fuel or wood (cooking) @ 3 cylinders per year 192 cylinders

Metal/plastic (utensils/cars) @ 10 kg per year 640 kg

Cloth @ 10 metres per year 6,400 mts

Electricity @ 700 units per year 44,800 units

Petrol/diesel (either individually or on public transport) @ 60

litres per year 3,840 litres

Paper (for personal use and in reading material) @ 24 kg per year

1,536 kg