What’s your green story?

We speak to celebs on significant initiatives that they have taken to protect the environment
Heal the world, Make it a better place, For you and for me, And the entire human race…
Sang King of Pop Michael Jackson, and along with him sang the world. But if he initiated the song for a cause, did we all really follow his tune?
When we talk about initiatives on World Environment Day, it’s not just about switching off the light when not required or saving water.It’s about going that extra mile to show your support in saving the earth.
Considering the rise in the demand for petrol, post the ` 2 drop in the price, actor/model Milind Soman, who was in the city, said that he would like to encourage individuals to ride a cycle. Apart from being an important form of exercise, it is also a way of saving the environment. According to Milind, adding cycling to one’s regime can play an important role in giving back something to Mother Nature. “I should buy a cycle,” expressed Milind. He confessed that he plans to cycle to save on fuel and spread the message of clean air, clean city. He added: “Taking care of your surroundings should be encouraged in school and more and more people should take to cycling to help the environment. I hope to continue my running this time from Kargil to Kanyakumari, and plan to add cycling to the journey.”
Another star who believes that cycling can bring in some change is Marathi actor Adinath Kothare. He said, “I have a trek bicycle which my trainer has recommended. I do justice to my cycle by riding it to work and my gymnasium. This way I ensure that there is no pollution in the environment” Following suit is actor and television anchor Jitendra Joshi, who makes use of his cycle to travel short distances.
While actor Sonalee Kulkarni believes that it’s not always possible to associate oneself with something big everytime, she makes sure she follows some basic rules like banning the use of plastic and saving electricity. “Whenever I get a chance, I plant saplings in my garden at home. If every person takes charge of his/her own small area or home, it will make a collective difference in preserving our beautiful nature for years to come,” she expressed.
Planting saplings to help give our future generation a better place to live, is a good option, but keeping a check on the current situation is also the need of the hour. Actor Mukta Barve admits that she is is put off by people who spit on the road. “If I see anybody spitting, I walk up to the person and tell him not to do it. I think it is high time we start respecting our surroundings. Another thing I strictly follow is disposing litter in bins even if it takes some extra effort.” Mukta added that even though the initiative is small, the effort genuine and she is confident that her bit will definitely make a difference to the environment.
While some stick to keeping the city clean, actors like Atul Kulkarni believe in extending a helping hand in conserving nature. Atul has been involved in creating a forest across 24 acres of barren land with his cousins. The Kulkarnis hired a professional ecological management consultancy to help them build the land located in Kusawade, Satara. “The best way to preserve a forest is to own it,” says Kulkarni who wants the nearby villages to follow their techniques as well. However, Kulkarni agrees that the wait to witness a change can take ages. “It will take a decade for trees to grow. And maybe my great grandchildren can spot a wild animal in the wilderness some time,” he said.
For actress Amruta Khanvilkar, her dream is to own a tulsi vrindavan some day. Her affection towards the plant grew from the day she brought one home in Mumbai. “As I had to stay away from home, the plant wasn’t being watered properly. It was drying up. It took me a week and a half to loosen the soil and bring it back life in it. I am happy that after a year the plant is all fresh and blooming,” she shared with a smile.
It’s great when you care for nature just like you do for a loved one. According to actor-model Abhyangh Kuvalekar, he believes in ‘Gift nature to preserve nature’. He said, “For the last few years I have been gifting saplings to all my friends on their birthdays including my seven year old niece to imbibe eco friendliness an early age. I also avoid using any leather products like bags, chappals or belts.”
(Compiled by Swasti Chatterjee, Pooja Kulkarni, Akshata Shetty, Gayatri Deshmukh)