The world is constantly on the look out for inspiring people – those we can emulate in all things good. And in the Green sphere, it is no different. Well-known personalities are in a unique position to draw attention to important causes – especially when it comes to sustainability. Their example, however small or great, could invite an entire generation to live Green and therefore bring out a change we so wish to see. Leading this pack are celebrities and other influential people who are using their resources and talents to pursue sustainable ambitions, whether at home, local community or at a global stage. It’s about time that the focus shifts from luxury and opulence alone but how the good life can also be Green.
Take for example, Gul Panag who desired to build a house that would be off the grid and generate power through solar panels. Panag’s home, registered under TERI’s SVAGRIHA (Small Versatile Affordable GRIHA system), sets an example for what an efficiently designed living space can achieve. Double glazed windows and an all round ventilation mechanism eliminate the need for air-conditioners. Through rainwater harvesting, the house utilises about 1lakh litres of water a year. Proud of her home, Panag even stated in an interview once, “Our home will be open to anyone curious to figure how a certified Green home is designed, and what makes it environmentally conscious.”
As a former ambassador of the climate project – founded by former US vice-president Al Gore, it is no surprise that Abhay Deol nurtures some Green aspirations himself. Taking cues from the concept Earthship (house that is made of both natural and upcycled materials), Deol built a Green vacation home in Goa that aimed to fulfil the Platinum rating under Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED). “What I will have in my home are solar panels and helix wind turbines to harness wind energy. Helix wind turbines are DNA shaped and small in size unlike traditional, wind turbines, which are huge and fanlike and make a lot of noise. I will also be harvesting rainwater,” mentioned Deol in an interview.
When Bollywood actor Imran Khan had to extend his existing house, he wanted to ensure that the resultant changes didn’t hamper the existing topography of his neighbourhood. Even though it is opulent with its manicured lawn, a huge swimming pool, a theatre, a game court and also a windmill, the actor ensured equal amount of Green measures in the project. Whether it was rainwater harvesting or using tiles made from recycled industrial waste, the renovation was environment-friendly. Imran believes, “The need of the hour is to be sensitive to the environment. We want a Green earth and each of us must take solid steps in that direction.”
Known for embracing crucial social causes with passion, Nandita Das was commissioned by the Centre for Science and Environment to put her directing prowess in creating a Green informative video. The video appeals to the human heart to see the benefits of rainwater harvesting and how it could affect lives. “It uses a lyrical approach to communicate an environmental solution, which is often inaccessible due to its technical nature. The response to the spot has been overwhelming – by both the audiences and the critics,” Das’ website explains about this endeavour.
Through such Green initiatives, celebrities could inspire the masses to adopt Green living in their homes too. It could be a trend worth leading and equally worth following.
THINK - Down to earth 