Chat Archives

Chat on "Green Living" dated March 15, 2015 Koushik Chattopadhyay: Hi..! Susan Sharma: Welcome Kaushik Koushik Chattopadhyay: Thank you Susan Sharma: Kaushik is moderating our online chat on "Green Living". Koushik Chattopadhyay: Is it just we two..? Susan Sharma: He is is an interior designer who chooses his materials consciously to cause minimal damage to nature. He also suggests use of plants to purify air and improve oxygen levels. Susan Sharma: So far yes two of us only. Please give an introduction about yourself and your work. Koushik Chattopadhyay: Well, I have been designing interiors for some time now.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: about 25 years Koushik Chattopadhyay: and i was following the usual way.. Susan Sharma: What brought about a change in your thinking about interior designing? Koushik Chattopadhyay: oblivious of the impact on the nature Koushik Chattopadhyay: that's an interesting question Susan Koushik Chattopadhyay: though i am attached with an ngo Koushik Chattopadhyay: working on the issues of climate change and it's impact Koushik Chattopadhyay: it took me some time to realise that all of us... Koushik Chattopadhyay: can do... no, must do, our bit to make a change Koushik Chattopadhyay: not long time back i got interested in roof top veg garden Susan Sharma: Was the NGO responsible for the change in your atttitude? Koushik Chattopadhyay: and i started to read more on the issue Koushik Chattopadhyay: yes Koushik Chattopadhyay: it's the repeated mail, the news letters Koushik Chattopadhyay: that one receives Koushik Chattopadhyay: you see Susan Sharma: Welcome Sandeep Koushik Chattopadhyay: that's the catch Sandeep Ghosh.: Good evening Susan Koushik Chattopadhyay: hi Sandeep.. good evening Sandeep Ghosh.: Hi KoushikDa Koushik Chattopadhyay: hi Sandeep Ghosh.: It seems like I have been late in joining Koushik Chattopadhyay: we all know the facts and numbers Susan Sharma: You are just in time. Join in the conversation Koushik Chattopadhyay: but environment change is something that isn't always on the top of the list Sandeep Ghosh.: Is green living about creating sustainable choices to ensure a sustainable lifestyle? Koushik Chattopadhyay: it took me a long time to change my attitude Koushik Chattopadhyay: well Sandeep - Being eco friendly means not doing something that is harmful to the environment. Koushik Chattopadhyay: you may add any name before that tag Koushik Chattopadhyay: like interior design Sandeep Ghosh.: yes but does that not include your life both inside and outside the home? Koushik Chattopadhyay: sustainable life style.. whatever you call it Koushik Chattopadhyay: it does Koushik Chattopadhyay: yes Koushik Chattopadhyay: we are equally responsible or irresposible..in whatever we do Koushik Chattopadhyay: its a matter of choice Susan Sharma: For the urban people, I guess most time is spent inside houses and offices.. Sandeep Ghosh.: You say that environment change is not always on top of the list in such a situation Sandeep Ghosh.: But that change has to happen anyway Koushik Chattopadhyay: for most of us, yes, we tend to push it down the list Susan Sharma: Worse still, some of the important decisions regarding nature and environment are made by these people. Sandeep Ghosh.: if we don't seriously take the initiative ourselves, no one will take the joint responsibility Koushik Chattopadhyay: as if nothing (wrong) is going to happen in my lifetime Koushik Chattopadhyay: correct Sandeep Ghosh.: correct Koushik Chattopadhyay: but actually the situation is grave..quite alarming Sandeep Ghosh.: how Koushik Chattopadhyay: and it's in our hands Koushik Chattopadhyay: to do every bit that we can Sandeep Ghosh.: give me a few examples, Dada Koushik Chattopadhyay: education / awareness is vital Koushik Chattopadhyay: say for example Koushik Chattopadhyay: Earlier CO2 fluctuated between about 180 ppm Koushik Chattopadhyay: during ice ages and 280 ppm during interglacial warm periods... Koushik Chattopadhyay: today i say a report (NASA) that says Koushik Chattopadhyay: in Feb 2015 Koushik Chattopadhyay: we are about to touch 400 ppm Koushik Chattopadhyay: now that's phenomenal change Koushik Chattopadhyay: a major of it happened because we let it happen Sandeep Ghosh.: Does this particulate matter only emanate from various fuels only? Or are there other sources as well? Koushik Chattopadhyay: and again we are the one who can pull the chain and ring the alarm Koushik Chattopadhyay: industrial revolution ... Koushik Chattopadhyay: on of the causes.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: killing trees another... Sandeep Ghosh.: There you go again! Sustained changes in lifestyles can ensure less ppm but again I think we are speaking in very vague terms. Koushik Chattopadhyay: use, over use and dependibility on gadgets etc.. Sandeep Ghosh.: and it is only a handful of conservationists and naturalists who understand this. Koushik Chattopadhyay: we definately need to change our life style Koushik Chattopadhyay: no two ways about that Koushik Chattopadhyay: however Koushik Chattopadhyay: it wont be easy to stop using cars Koushik Chattopadhyay: or avoid a steamy bath Sandeep Ghosh.: the industrial revolution is a fast moving bullet train as of now, how do you stop the emanation of ppm now Koushik Chattopadhyay: or turn down the AC Koushik Chattopadhyay: you see Koushik Chattopadhyay: making people not to use those conveniences Koushik Chattopadhyay: that they have worked so hard for.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: is a difficult task... Sandeep Ghosh.: So what U R saying is that changing our routine lifestyle to create a more sustainable lifestyle with less of pollution and more of purity is the way forward. Koushik Chattopadhyay: again there are hope Koushik Chattopadhyay: on one hand Koushik Chattopadhyay: we need to change our lifestyle Koushik Chattopadhyay: and the crave for more Koushik Chattopadhyay: and on the other hand we have Koushik Chattopadhyay: a few scientists Koushik Chattopadhyay: who are continuosly working on this Koushik Chattopadhyay: today there was a news Koushik Chattopadhyay: that says a car that runs on Thorium Koushik Chattopadhyay: will require to be re fuelled once in 100 years Sandeep Ghosh.: As far as I C this issue, what we are doing here is just rhetoric! Can I suggest the practical and simple ways of creating a green living environment? Koushik Chattopadhyay: so there is hope Koushik Chattopadhyay: though, we belong to a subcultre Koushik Chattopadhyay: still we can possibly say the numbers are slowly increasing Koushik Chattopadhyay: we need to carry on hammering Koushik Chattopadhyay: as long as we live Sandeep Ghosh.: Susan what is your take on this? Sandeep Ghosh.: Look, I will give a few pointers to creating a green living lifestyle:- Koushik Chattopadhyay: sure Susan Sharma: I agree with Sandeep that there has been far too much rhetoric on ideas and very little action Koushik Chattopadhyay: true Koushik Chattopadhyay: even i agree on that Sandeep Ghosh.: One, walk and cycle more than drive, thereby ensuring less of fuel consumption Koushik Chattopadhyay: yes Sandeep Ghosh.: Two, eating food, which is healthy and balanced, with less or no meat as far as possible Sandeep Ghosh.: Three, using paper bags instead of plastic contraptions Koushik Chattopadhyay: we are on the same page Koushik Chattopadhyay: like add somethin here Sandeep Ghosh.: Four, Replacing old clothes with organic or fair trade clothes Koushik Chattopadhyay: ood often travels across the country ... Koushik Chattopadhyay: Food i mean.. Sandeep Ghosh.: Five, buying energy efficient gadgets from ethical companies Koushik Chattopadhyay: before it reaches our local stores, Sandeep Ghosh.: Six, using bio fuels which are extremely healthier for the entire environment Sandeep Ghosh.: Seven, increased usage of solar panelling in our homes and offices Sandeep Ghosh.: Eight, increased usage of alternative sources of outdoor camping equipment, which are eco friendly in all aspects Susan Sharma: kaushik, can you add to the list which Sandeep has made? Koushik Chattopadhyay: sure Koushik Chattopadhyay: Participate in a community garden, or grow our own fruit and vegetables... Sandeep Ghosh.: Nine, discouraging people from smoking in public Koushik Chattopadhyay: Donate clothes, Koushik Chattopadhyay: furniture or electronics you no longer use.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: participate in a trash recycling program in your community.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: carpool to work or social events.. Sandeep Ghosh.: Ten, creating potted plants which give off increased levels of oxygen inside the home or residence Koushik Chattopadhyay: cut down your time in the shower.. Sandeep Ghosh.: Yes trash recycling is very very important Koushik Chattopadhyay: turn off the tap when you brush your teeth and shave Sandeep Ghosh.: Refrain from increased wastage of food and water in all aspects Koushik Chattopadhyay: decrease the use of air conditioners and heaters Koushik Chattopadhyay: unplug appliances and chargers when not in use.. Sandeep Ghosh.: Finally, the direction of human beings thought process is extremely vital to ensure a green living environment!! Koushik Chattopadhyay: yes, Koushik Chattopadhyay: good work Sandeep.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: It would be wonderful if we can start (even in a small way) Koushik Chattopadhyay: to build awareness Koushik Chattopadhyay: educate our kids Sandeep Ghosh.: It has been extremely exhilarating to join this discussion forum for me, because I have been practising all this as a Life Member Of Kaziranga Wildlife Society! Sandeep Ghosh.: Along with Dr Indrajit Sharma, Rajeev Saikia, Jayanta Dutta, S Nalla Muthu and Belinda Wright!! Koushik Chattopadhyay: awesome.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: well Sandeep i must say, i consider myself standing on the first step.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: a long way to go.. Sandeep Ghosh.: And I wholeheartedly thank Susan Sharma for giving me the opportunity to write what I practice as KWS Susan Sharma: Thanks, Sandeep Sandeep Ghosh.: Thank U KoushikDa, Thank U Susan Sharma!! Koushik Chattopadhyay: Thank you Sandeep.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: pleasure is mine.. Sandeep Ghosh.: God Bless Both Of U KoushikDa and Susan! Warmest Regards! Sandeep Ghosh. Susan Sharma: Koushik, coming back to the urban scene, what would you advise the builder community with whom you must be having contacts in your practice? Koushik Chattopadhyay: yes.. the builder community.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: a) we need more of eco friendly products available in the market.. Susan Sharma: like.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: b) they need proper certification to authenticate that they are truely what they say say.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: like Sandeep Ghosh.: KoushikDa where are you from? Calcutta? Because if the answer is yes, then the builders and promoters community here is anything but ethical!! Koushik Chattopadhyay: i am in gurgaon Koushik Chattopadhyay: if you ask for an eco friendly paint.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: the leading companies do have something that they call zero VOC paint Koushik Chattopadhyay: that is not even near Low VOC Koushik Chattopadhyay: so, proper inspection and certification is important Sandeep Ghosh.: which means that after the paint dries up, it becomes polluting for the atmosphere! Koushik Chattopadhyay: i am yet to find a plywood Koushik Chattopadhyay: that is actually Green.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: fabrics Susan Sharma: Welcome Shashi Koushik Chattopadhyay: very few who actually do what they say Koushik Chattopadhyay: LED lights are there Susan Sharma: I think TERI has a rating system called GRIHA.. Are you using it? Sandeep Ghosh.: KoushikDa, there is a solution for that, but the journey has only just begun! There is a gent businessman who is experimenting with green fuels and green recyclable products for a more healthier environment! Only the political will is sorely missing in the form of encouragement! Koushik Chattopadhyay: the less we talk about our political leaders, the better Sandeep Ghosh.: even with the new political establishment in place! Koushik Chattopadhyay: imagine we have to fight against our government.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: in convincing that.. Shashi Kant Sharma: I believe green building practices list using bricks with significant content of dust/ash from Thermal Plants, Also ventilation, natural lighting inside buildings, water recycling, harvesting Sandeep Ghosh.: But this gent actually did manufacture GREEN BIO DIESEL AND GREEN BIO STEEL, which was a new strain of plywood!! Koushik Chattopadhyay: it must spread in a micro level Koushik Chattopadhyay: need his contact.. Koushik Chattopadhyay: any email/phone no..? Shashi Kant Sharma: Water harvesting, using solar water heaters, providing insultation inside houses are also green building practices Koushik Chattopadhyay: where is he located..? Sandeep Ghosh.: His name is Tapas Porel CEO Airbridge Greens! I can procure his other contact info! He is based in Uluberia in Howrah District!! Sandeep Ghosh.: His name is Tapas Porel CEO Airbridge Greens! I can procure his other contact info! He is based in Uluberia in Howrah District!! Shashi Kant Sharma: KOushik any idea if currently available materials/building practices which reduce consumption of Water/Energy is a good beginning Koushik Chattopadhyay: that will be great.. Shashi Kant Sharma: Will the guys who rate green buildings consider this as rating credits? Sandeep Ghosh.: How do I get in touch with you? KoushikDa are you there on Facebook? I am connected to Susan on FB! Koushik Chattopadhyay: Susan is in my friend list Shashi Kant Sharma: Also will using UPVC Doors/Windows which provide better insulation, need no mainteenance for a decade+ will possibly be a green building practice Sandeep Ghosh.: Alright, I will send you a friend request, please accept it! Koushik Chattopadhyay: Sorry Sashi Kant didn't catch your question Susan Sharma: Good Sandeep, I hope something fruitful comes out our chat! Koushik Chattopadhyay: Sandeep - sure Sandeep Ghosh.: Thank U Shashi Kant Sharma: I guess I joined too late Koushik. Some other time Koushik Chattopadhyay: Sandeep , Susan, Sashi Kant - great talking with you guys.. Sandeep Ghosh.: Pleasure is all mine! Good Night! Koushik Chattopadhyay: @ Sashi Kant - sure Koushik Chattopadhyay: Good night everyone Susan Sharma: Thank you all for a useful discussion. When I close the chat room, the unedited transcript will get uploaded automatically. Please refer the link to your friends. Koushik Chattopadhyay: Cool..

Chat Archive Dragonflies and Damsel Flies - February, 2017 Online Courses on the study of birds - July, 2015 Rewilding degraded Land- practical experiences - June, 2015 Why are vultures important for Swachh Bharat? - May, 2015 Green Living - March, 2015 Restoring degraded lands for wildlife - January, 2015 Insect Tourism - November, 2014 Use of GIS and Remote Sensing for Biodiversity Conservation - October, 2014 Why celebrate wildlife week? - September, 2014 Wildlife Film making - July, 2014 Wildlife Film making - June, 2014 Sharing of Experiences by our wilderness volunteers - May, 2014 Online Environmental Courses - March, 2014 Decreasing tolerance of backyard wildife - February, 2014 Frogs of India - January, 2014 Sustainable Development: The Right Approach - December, 2013 Tiger Cyclowalk- an Interview with Sunil Joshi - December, 2013 Tiger Cyclowalk - Highlands to Ocean - November, 2013 Volunteering at Melghat Tiger Reserve - October, 2013 Role of Citizens in Scientific Research - September, 2013 Ranthambore Adventure - January, 2013 Bats-The Night Warriors - October, 2012 Man vs Tiger-Can Science help? - July, 2012 Human Elephant Conflict - June, 2012 Saving the one horned rhino - May, 2012 "Man-Leopard Conflict - how we can deal with it" - April, 2012 Environment and Wildlife Film making - March, 2012 "Rainforest Wildlife-Unique adaptations" - February, 2012 Conserving wildlife in fragmented landscapes - January, 2012 Urban Biodiversity - September, 2011 Green Hiking in the Himalayas - August, 2011 Role of Zoos in Conservation - July, 2011 Reduce, Recycle and Reuse - June, 2011 Black Necked Cranes - symbol of the rising Green Consciousness - May, 2011 Wildlife Issues in the North -East of India - April, 2011 Trekking in the Himalaya - March, 2011 Conservation of Marine Diversity in India - February, 2011 Plant native trees this monsoon - January, 2011 Human Elephant Conflict - December, 2010 Conservation and Development in Emerging India - November, 2010 "WILL ANIMALS ADAPT TO ANOTHER HABITAT........ - October, 2010 Responsible Tourism- Way forward to conservation? - September, 2010 Vulture Conservation in India - August, 2010 Plant a tree (trees) this monsoon - June, 2010 Role of Urban Birds - April, 2008 "Role of Urban Birds" - April, 2008 GM Foods and Bio-diversity - March, 2008 Taking Responsibility for One's Carbon Emissions - February, 2008 Ecological Security - January, 2008 The Himalayan Musk Deer - November, 2007 Urban Wildlife - October, 2007 Disappearing Tigers: Taking Stock - August, 2007 Garbage littered on our Streets - July, 2007 Bear Conservation nad Protection - June, 2007 Role of Captive Elephants in wildlife conservation - May, 2007 Endangered Animals of Sikkim - April, 2007 Citizen Participation in Environmental Issues - March, 2007 Vulture crisis in India - January, 2007 City Parks and Biodiversity - December, 2006 Why is bird census important? - November, 2006 Shooting Wildlife with a Camera - October, 2006 Rain Harvesting - September, 2006 Environmental Education - July, 2006 Tribal Bill - June, 2006 Trekking in the Himalaya Region - May, 2006 Trekking in the Himalayas - May, 2006 Coastal Wildlife - April, 2006 MARINE BIOLOGY - March, 2006 Atmospheric Brown Cloud - February, 2006 Tiger Census - January, 2006 Tiger Task Force Report - December, 2005 Marine Ecosystems Chat dated 18 November 2005 - November, 2005 Coral Reefs - October, 2005 Global Warming - September, 2005 Tourism and Wildlife - August, 2005 Environment Education - July, 2005 Wild Elephants - May, 2005 Tiger Census - April, 2005 Enforcement of Wildlife Act and the Common Man - January, 2005 Crane Migration - November, 2004 Migratory birds of India - October, 2004 Offences Against Wildlife - September, 2004 Man Animal Conflict - August, 2004 Recent Amendments to the Wildlife Act - July, 2004 Is there a case for keeping large mammals in zoos? - June, 2004 Captive elephant management - May, 2004 Conservation of seaturtles - April, 2004 Asiatic Lion - March, 2004 Plight of lesser animals - February, 2004 Mangroves of India - January, 2004 DEER AND ANTELOPE - November, 2003 PHEASANTS - October, 2003 Amphibians - September, 2003 Chat on Butterflies - Our Natural Gardeners - April, 2003 Chat on Asian Elephant - January, 2003 Chat on Migratory Birds - December, 2002 Chat on Snakes - November, 2002 Chat on Rare Birds - August, 2002 Chat on Environmental Issues - July, 2002