We have seen someone do it, or even done it ourselves. After we finish drinking a soda, we go ahead and toss the plastic bottle without care. When it rains, these plastic bottles accumulate – blocking drainage systems. Water then clogs attracting parasites leading to diseases and the cycle goes on. We have seen developers building structures on riparian land in complete disregard to the law or cutting down trees on wetlands and water catchment areas leading to water scarcity. Every few months, we also watch stories of poached elephants in the News.
This June, we celebrate World Environmental Day. A day set aside to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It should not be celebrated once a year, it should be a habit, a lifestyle that we practice every single day because our lives depend on it. Environmental degradation and deadly pollution threaten to destroy the home we call earth. Something has to be done and fast. As individuals, SMEs, corporates and even Chammas, we all have a role to play in reversing the harm that we have caused Mother Nature.
You can stop the cycle by playing your part. Start by disposing of trash in the trash can, pledge a donation in support of conservation initiatives, stage online campaigns to draw attention to environmental degradation and threats to the ecosystem. You can also start an on-ground initiative or join a restoration or conservation effort.
At KAPA, we’re doing our bit when it comes to wildlife conservation. When you buy Atilla, we donate Kshs.5 to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary – and elephant orphanage that’s run by the Samburu community. Orphaned elephants are cared for by the community, which represents a new wave of thinking about wildlife and the environment. This initiative demonstrates that small donations can go a long way in ensuring that opportunities are created, a community’s livelihood is made better by standing up for wildlife.
What small steps are you taking to protect the environment? Feel free to leave comments in the section below.
