Let Us Save Our Earth's Resources and Contribute to Universal Happiness

The United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/281 of 12th July 2012, proclaimed 20th March to be celebrated as the International Day of Happiness, recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals of life for the sustenance of human beings worldwide. It also advocated for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness, and the well-being of all peoples.

To achieve this goal set by the United Nations, goods and services must be available to every member of the society. Goods are available only when you produce them. Production and manufacture of goods involve consuming raw materials and natural resources mined or drilled from our earth. 

We are well aware that resources are not unlimited; neither abundant at any given time or place. The resources available are much limited in number or quantity to satiate every need of the enormous populations of present-day world. And, the population is growing at rapid rate whereas resources are getting exhausted day by day.

So, the need arises for finding some solution to the everlasting exhaustion of resources. Controlling our consumption levels and preventing wastage is the most appropriate approach that can keep the resources available to mankind for a longer duration. Other options like finding new horizons of the universe for bringing more resources to the availability of people, or tracing the un-trekked lands of this world to find more resources are not feasible.

Distinguish between Necessities, Comforts, and Luxuries

One should try to bifurcate all his wants or desires into necessities, comforts, and luxuries.

Necessities are those without which you can't lead your life. You need a home or shelter. You need food. You need clothes to wear. These are necessities. You can't live without them even for some period.

Comforts are those which give some relief and aid you in leading your life smoothly. A dining table, mixie/grinder, motorcycle, computer, TV, etc. are examples for comforts which aid to your daily life. But, you can live even without them.

Luxuries are lavish expenses. A posh bungalow, a deluxe car, large LCD tv, expensive furniture, expensive clothes, beauty parlour visits are all examples of luxurious spending.

So, one should try to locate his own necessities and mostly stick to them along with some of those comforts and avoid indulging in luxurious spending.

Look at the realities around you

If you are sensitive enough to take a look into the real world around you, you will realise the seriousness of the problem.

There are so many poor and helpless around you that live in wretched conditions. They lack even the dire necessities of life whereas we live in a comfortable house and eat expensive food, wear good-looking dresses and move in cars. But those poor neighbors may not have enough food to eat even for a single time in a day, wear dirty torn or worn out clothes, and walk to work for hours to earn their bread, dwelling on pavements.

This is because of the neglect of those sections of people by the society. Instead of contributing to the welfare and development of such sections of the community we are indulging in satiating our desires. We never think of their desires or dreams. They are also human beings like us and have the same desires and dreams as we have. But, we do not like to realise this fact and reality. We simply ignore them to die their death.

If only we can put a harness on our wants and save some resources, the same could be spent for their well-being as well as for our future generations to come. These helpless people can be provided with some jobs and some welfare schemes so that they could fulfil some of their dire necessities.

Curtail your Spending Habits and Contribute to the Growth of Economy

What to do?

1. Save Water. Be conscious about the unnecessary wastage of water. You can fix water saving nozzles to your taps to minimize the flow of water resulting in lesser consumption. Shower baths are good for saving water. While using flush outs in the toilet also you can save water by flushing only the required quantity of water instead of emptying the tank.
2. Save Energy. Electricity consumption also needs to be saved as there is much shortage of production in this sector. Switch off the lights and fans whenever it is not necessary. Develop the habit of switching off before leaving the room into another room for more than one or two minutes. ACs and TVs should also be used only when there are people there. Whenever there is daylight available don't use lights. Fans and coolers are also not necessary when there is no heat.
3. Save Fuel. While cooking, use the pressure cookers as far as possible to cook any kind of food. Only, topping and spicing can be done in other bowls or pans. This practice saves a lot of fuel. Further, keep everything ready before lighting the stoves or burners.
4. Each month, try to keep some portion of your earnings for saving and investment. In this way, you can curtail your spending habits. Your savings are the seeds for the growth of the economy. Remember this fact always. Even if you can save 1% of your income, it makes a lot to the economy.
5. You can also indulge yourself in acts of charity contributions and donations to welfare funds that work for the social wellbeing of people around you. There are so many helpless people all around you with no sufficient food, education, medical facilities. So, your donations to such organisations can reach for the rescue of these poor classes of the society.