The Indian government’s initiative, “Lifestyle for Environment” (Mission Life), which aimed to encourage people to make environmentally friendly choices, such as cycling instead of driving and reducing plastic use, was dropped from the latest budget announcement. This came as a surprise, given its earlier support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers.
Experts say that making large-scale changes in people’s daily lives is challenging, especially without financial incentives. Many small business owners, like Latha Girish, who owns a packaging company, are focused on keeping their businesses afloat and do not have the luxury of considering environmental impacts. Additionally, some argue that without “drastic infrastructure changes,” such as shifting from private cars to public transport, it is hard to make a significant impact.
However, some individuals, like CEO Sunil Mysore, have successfully made environmental changes, such as going off-grid and reusing waste, and believe that with the right motivation, people can make a difference. Another problem is that small businesses, like ecotourism company owner Prasad Gawade, do not receive the same incentives as larger corporations to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Energy efficiency is another key area where improvements can be made. Efficient energy systems can cut carbon pollution with minimal additional costs. However, the Indian government did not allot additional funds for energy conservation schemes or regulatory bodies in the latest budget.
While individual actions may not significantly reduce emissions, addressing both individual and corporate emissions is crucial. Changing personal habits can have an impact, even if it’s small, said Ramya Natarajan, a scientist. The initiative may have triggered thinking about environmental choices, but more needs to be done to encourage widespread adoption.
Experts suggest that making infrastructure changes, investing in energy efficiency, and addressing corporate pollution are necessary to make a significant difference. For Mysore, it’s not just about reducing emissions, but about living a “better life.”