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Going Green

From birth to death, from dawn till night, man pursues fleeting pleasures by the exploitation, the despoiling, the desecration of Nature, ignoring the truth that it is the property of God the Creator, and any injury caused to it is a sacrilege, which merits dire punishment.

- Sri Sathya Sai Baba (SSS, vol. 18)

Young Adults have initiated a Go-green program team comprising of individuals who share a passion for the environment and are Divinely inspired to translate this collective energy into 'greener' practices throughout the nation, starting from an individual and grass-roots level. The team is comprised of both, individuals who have careers in environment related fields as well as those who simply feel passionate about the environment and its sustainability irrespective of their professional background.

Over the past year, the Go-Green team has initiated projects listed below.
1. Electronic waste collection.
2. Increasing awareness of the environment along with Sai ideals (Ceiling On Desires Program) by conducting study circles and making presentations at retreats.
3. Make Sai events completely green and continue this practice for all future Sai events.
4. Prepare SSE lesson plans on going green in collaboration with local SSE teachers.

The initiative strives to minimize dependence on plastic, paper and Styrofoam products when serving food. Plastic and Styrofoam products take at least 10 generations to disintegrate and hence increase the solid waste quantity. Statistics show that an estimated 30 billion plastic bottles are consumed every year approximately 1369 tons of Styrofoam goes into U.S. landfills and burning of these landfills is releasing dangerous chemical byproducts into the atmosphere. These dangerous gases contribute to global warming which is resulting in melting of snowcapped mountains and extinction of many species.

Consider the following options to achieve zero waste or minimize the use of plastic, paper and Styrofoam products.

Serve food and beverages in hard plastic/ceramic/steel plates and glasses, just like in the canteens at Puttaparthi. A team of devotees can be dedicated to wash these items and reuse them for future use. Remember to turn off the faucet in between washes! In this case you can achieve zero waste.

Serve food in containers made from biodegradable products such as sugarcane and corn which
can be disposed like their plastic and Styrofoam counterparts without any harmful impact on the
environment. Below is a cost comparison of plastic and Styrofoam with biodegradable products.
If this is does not seem cost effective then please consider the next option!

Carry a Sai Green Kit to any event, consisting of a ceramic plate, silverware, steel or BPA free
water bottle, ceramic coffee mug, and a cloth napkin. The Go-Green team has found this to be the best and most effective alternative based on the response received from groups it has helped go green. The zero waste target can be achieved if everyone brings their Sai Green Kit.

Consider using goodie bags made of 100% recycled paper.

Consider the following options when distributing vibhuti:

o Use paper packets instead of plastic ones.
o Use salt shakers that can be passed around.
o Place a bowl of vibhuti with a spoon at the entrance or exit.

Think of creative and cost effective ways to decorate and beautify Swami’s celebrations. Swami says, “I do not relish the celebration of my birthday or pompous decorations for the purpose. Such ostentation is not good for anyone” (23 Nov. 1997).

Consider using:

  • Decorative items that can be reused for another event or consider using items made from recyclable material.
  • CFL bulbs which use less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs.
  • Props and costumes for plays that can be reused