Uncovering the Importance of Small-Scale Sustainability in India - Academic

At first glance India does not appear to be a country mindful of sustainability. Among the commotion of every day life there are vast amounts of cars, motorbikes, and roadside litter. Once I was able to see past the surface, however, I saw that India is widely sustainable on small-scale levels. Though they take a while to discover, there are examples of small-scale of sustainability all over India.

            The most unique example of sustainable living we experienced along our trip had to have been the Dune’s Eco-Resort. The hotel was able to blend local culture, hospitality, and sustainability. This experience was directly related to a lecture delivered by Dr. J. Wilson at MCC (November 1, 2011). Environmentally friendly accommodations include: individual bikes, organic meals, and solar energy. Small-scale establishments like this will encourage businesses to grow while being mindful of sustainability. This will help build India’s tourism while alleviating the impact on the environment.

            Other examples of small-scale sustainability projects include: organic farms at MCC and the Dune’s Eco-Resort, compressed natural gas (CNG) rickshaws in New Delhi, water-free urinals in multiple McDonalds, the Earth Institute in Auroville, battery powered shuttles in Agra, along with many others.

The Importance of Community Level 

            During our class talks on sustainability in India, we have thoroughly discussed the importance of local, grassroots projects. Any project that wishes to have an ongoing and substantial impact in the community must be designed, implemented, and carried out with community members’ involvement.

Furman alum Virginia Batts visited our group while we were in Goa. She is currently working at the Watershed Organization Trust in Pune. During her visit, she took the time to explain to us her job and the project she has undertaken. She is working on mapping areas within a community that may be vulnerable during droughts. She assists the community in working together to gather data and set up a system of water management. With funding from the Compton Fellowship, a Furman alum has been able to contribute first-hand to community level projects in India.

Having a Voice

Another Furman alum associated with the Compton Fellowship (whom we did not meet) founded the Indian Youth Climate Network. We visited the IYCN on December 2^nd in New Delhi but were unable to meet with a representative from the organization (they were all in attendance at a climate summit in South Africa). We did, however, have a brief talk with an employee from the neighboring non-profit organization (they actually share an office). That short talk, in combination with the organization’s website (http://www.iycn.in/), provided evidence of another community focused organization. They do no operate sustainable projects a local level. Rather, they empower and provide a voice for the younger generation of India.  

            All these operations and projects will shape the future of environmental policy in India. The local projects will shape local policy. In turn, these policies will eventually reverberate on the state and national level. As demonstrated though local projects and involvement in international climate conferences, India has a clear passion for sustainability – especially compared to the United States who has yet to sign the Kyoto Protocol). Small-scale projects insure that projects will meet the specific needs of communities (Watershed Organization Trust). Additionally, there are also organizations that insure the younger generation’s concerns regarding the environment and sustainability will be heard (Indian Youth Climate Network). This combination provides a positive outlook for future environmental policy in India.