Issue-1

Dr. Ramesh Kumar Dr. Vineet Saxena

Nalam Medical Centre & Hospital 44, Arcot Road, Phase - 2, Sathuvachari, Vellore - 632 009.

JAN - 2023

Bulletin of Environment and Child Health Group of IAP

Message by Chief Editor Greetings to all the esteemed and dedicated members of ECHG. Happy new year to you all. It has been a vibrant year 2022 for our group. We were able to create our own space among our members of IAP by creating awareness on several environmental issues and also sensitised them on the need for the environment friendly conferences. The immense accolades received, itself shows the commitment of our entire pediatric fraternity to support and take up environmental issues for the benefit of future generations. Dr. Ramesh Bajania and Dr. Balachander have done an amazing work in the past 2 years. With the change of mantle I am sure that the team 2023-24 ably guided by Dr. Anandakesavan and Dr. Somashekhar will carry forward the legacy which has been shaped and guided by our seniors Drs. Paramesh, Swati Bhave, Sukumaran, Remesh Kumar, Alok Gupta and many more This issue of our newsletter features the vibrant activities done by our group. The must read are the articles on food wastage, life style diseases and environment and spiritual solution for the environmental disasters happening around us. As a guide to the upcoming environmental friendly conferences we have published the guidelines for the same which will be a easy follow for the organising team members in the future As a chief editor for these 2 years it has been a learning experience to interact with eminent contributors across the nation. The team spirit of my editorial team - Dr. Nisha, Dr. Nousheed Ani and Dr. Hari kumar made the working so smooth. Elders with a magnanimous heart to guide and support, youngsters with a passion and dedication to carry the mission, leaders with a vision to support the cause are the ideal recipe for a success of any group. This has been ideally exemplified by our ECHG and I take this as an ideal opportunity to place my sincere gratitude for embracing me in this lovely group and giving me the free hand to bring out ENRICH for the past 2 years. When I bid my goodbye to this post of Chief editor, the words of Robert Frost rings in my heart- “The woods are lovely dark and deep but I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep”. My commitment towards the group will continue in every possible way with an earnest endeavour to make efforts, however small it may be, to make this World a better place to live in. Thanks once again to all With promise of continuing commitment Yours in Academy Service Dr. Narmada Ashok

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Message by President CIAP Dear fellow IAPans, Wishing you and your family a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2023... I'm very happy and delighted to write some words of appreciation and I deeply acknowledge the great work done by the team of environment and child health chapter of IAP under the leadership of Dr Ramesh Bajania and Dr Balachandar D in 2022. My new year message was based on environment protection as I'm completely convinced about the need and urgency needed for protecting mother earth. As we begin our journey in this wonderful new year, IAP sincerely urges its members to take initiatives at individual and at branch level to reduce pollution, reduce resources consumption and eliminate wastes, so that all living things can survive and thrive in their natural habitat. By doing so we can enjoy life more fully while making sure future generations have access to clean air and water too. It is said that the journey of thousand miles begins with single step. The first step in this regard was taken when we went totally paperless in forthcoming IPA/Pedicon23 The second step is going hybrid wherever possible. So, friends we are happy to announce opening of online access registrations of our annual conference IPA/ Pedicon23. If we continue to take small doable actions, whenever and wherever possible as suggested by our environment and child health group, I'm sure that very soon all our events would be organized in the environment friendly way. My best wishes to chief editor Dr S Narmada and the entire editorial team of enrich. Go-green breathe clean Jai hind Jai IAP Dr Upendra Kinjawadekar National President 2023 Indian Academy of Pediatrics

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Message by Honarary Secretary General (HSG) of IAP Dear Friends, It gives me a sense of great pride and happiness that we have such passionate lovers and preservers of Mother Nature that they run an 'Environmental Health Group of IAP', bring out a E-Scientific Bulletin EnriCH and are now bringing out the First Edition of physical copy of it and to top it all, organizing a National Conference to discuss st

pertinent issues related to Environment the 'Pedenvicon' at Prayagraj on January 21 2023. Earth binds every citizen of this world. We all have the responsibility to preserve this blue dot in the Universe. Unfortunately we are paying a heavy price for development. So many species of flora and fauna have disappeared and many are on verge of extinction. Human need and greed has been responsible for all this and awareness needs to be created, a consciousness towards taking care of environment needs to be awakened. Each of us must remember, 'Look after the environment & the environment will look after you, destroy the environment and it will destroy you' I applaud the current Chairperson Dr Ramesh Bajania & Secretary Dr Balachandar and the incumbent Chairperson Dr AnandaKesvan , Dr Narmada, the editor of 'EnriCH' and the each and every member of this extraordinary group ECHG of CIAP who is doing his/her bit to return to Mother Nature from all the bounty we get from her. That you all are sparing so much time from your busy schedules speaks volumes about your commitment and passion for the cause of Environment. I wish you all the success in this noble endeavor. Your extraordinary efforts will definitely enhance the prestige of IAP. Jai IAP Dr Vineet Saxena HSG -2022-23

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Message by ECHG Chairperson Respected seniors and dear friends! Regards to all! Today entire globe is witnessing climate change:somewhere it is hot, somewhere it is flooding..droughts,volcano eruption, cyclones, landslides..we never experienced this much ever before in our lifetime. And moreover everywhere people are talking about global warming. As a pediatricians we are more concerned with the health of children which is going to be affected with changes in climate. And as an advocates of them our responsibility is bigger than ever before. During our busy day to day practice we must devote some time to sensitize patients, parents, school children, common people, governments, NGO etc about ill-effects of damage to environment. Am happy that our group is actively trying to work in that direction. But time is running out fast than one can imagine so let us all be proactive and dedicate some time to create awareness in whatever capacity we can. It is indeed pleasure to see that our mouthpiece ENRICH is being published so regularly! Our editorial team is so vibrant and they have made it sure that every issue is on time and covers all vital issues whole globe is facing. For this commendable job, my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Narmada Ashok, ably supported by Dr. Nousheed Ani, Dr. Hari Kumar, Dr. Nisha Narendran and all. Layouts are so impressive along with quality of articles. I thank all the authors who spared their valuable time from busy practice to prepare thought provoking write ups. While I write this, news just poured in that our group got the best chapter prize from CIAP! I dedicate this recognition to all core committee members, our mentors and vibrant group members. It would have not been possible without contribution from each and every member of our group. I thank all our mentors-Dr. Remeshkumar, Dr. H.Paramesh sir, Dr. Sukumaran sir, Swati ma'am, Alok Gupta sir, Vinod Ratageri sir, Sachi sir and all seniors.. We are blessed to have them around as and when needed. I thank outgoing President CIAP, Dr. Remeshkumar and HSG Dr. Vineet Saxena for their generous help to our group. We look forward to President Upendra Kinjwadekar for proactive role for ECHG. As it is time to give space to new office bearers, we express our gratitude to all of you for making our term a vibrant one. And am sure that new office bearers; Dr. Anand Keshavan sir and Dr. Somashekhar sir along with Dr. Sadanand will take our group to new heights. Ofcourse we will always be there to serve group and will continue our services in whatever capacity assigned. And finally I request all group members to active role for group activities and contribute in whatever capacity you can. Dr. Ramesh Bajania Chairperson ECHG CIAP 2021-23

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Message by Secretary ECHG Respected Seniors and friends of ECHG, We are extremely happy to release the third edition of our mouthpiece EnriCH in this year. Last year we could release only three and two were hard copies. In the EB it has been decided to release more soft copies of the magazine for our members so as to reduce the cost. So the second soft copy of EnRich to you. We are extremely thankful to Chief Editor Dr Narmada and her team of associate editors Dr Nisha, Dr Hari and Dr Nousheed for releasing the magazine at a short notice and releasing the five editions on time and without hassles. With the continued patronage and guidance from all senior ECHG members, the doyen Dr H Paramesh, Dr Swati Bhave, Dr TU Sukumaran, our IPP IAP Dr Remesh Kumar, the crusader Dr Alok Gupta, Dr SS Kamath, Dr Vinod Ratageri I am sure the EnRich will continue to become a regular desktop reading material for the practising paediatricians as well as the postgraduates. The CIAP office bearers team of 2022 President Dr Remesh Kumar and HSG Dr Vineet Saxena has been a good support for our all ventures and for seeking greener pastures. ECHG is thankful to them. The era where environmental issues are catching up with the learned as well as the public, it is heartening to see that our 2022 academic body led by Dr Remesh Kumar and Dr Vineet Saxena has been reaching out to whatever possible with earnest measures to sustain the environmental health. I am sure the 2023 team led by dynamic Dr Upendra Kinjuwadekar will support our group this year also. The good news we received yesterday is that our ECHG has won the best chapter award from IAP for exemplary services to the academy for children's optimum health and welfare. Congratulations and thanks to all EB and members for making it possible. It was the dream of our National Chairperson Dr Ramesh Bajania and I am very much happy for him. The term 2021-23 is ending and we have elected the new team led by Dr Anand Kesavan TM ,Dr Somasekhar AR and Dr Shivananda I with Dr Satish Agarwal, Dr Narmada and Dr Pramod Kumar supporting them. Congratulations to my colleagues as well as to the new EBM Dr Geetha Patil, Dr Nousheed Ani and Dr Kuldeep Ahalawat. I am sure the EBM Dr Minol Amin, Dr Atul Gupta and Dr Tushar will continue their good work for our group. Our membership strength increased by 305, from 270 to 575 in two years. Kerala has a membership nearing 155 (from 70), Gujarat 110 (from 35) and states like Maharashtra 50 (from 15), Chattisgarh (15), UP & Rajasthan (20), Odisha(20), WB(15) & Telangana (10) has made many members joining our green group this year. I am sure with the support of our young and vibrant members and EBM we will make it a chapter this year. I request all our active members in various parts of the country to start state level Environmental Chapter which is sure to involve more members in the group activities and convert this group into a chapter . For the first time we could audit our accounts of the last 5years since it started at Hubli. Special thanks to Dr Shivananda our Jt Treasurer.

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My sincere gratitude to doyens of Environment and child health Dr H Paramesh, Dr Swati Bhave, Dr Alok Gupta for spearheading the chapter activities for the last two decades and making the voice of ECHG to resonate it in newer spheres. Thanking you all and wishing all my friends in the Academy a Happy Healthy Greener Pasture ahead. Dr Ramesh Bajania has been a constant source of encouragement for me for the last two years and has given a free hand to carry out all activities. Even though we leave the posts of ECHG, I am fortunate to associate with him again as NEBM 2023 this year. Once again before I leave this post, my Pranams to late Major Nagaraju Sir who left us middle of 2021 and always have been supportive and in giving advice related to E&Ch. Wish you all a happy reading, Yours in academy,

Dr Balachandar D Secretary , CIAP ECHG 2021-23

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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - 05/06/2022 Theme: “One Earth- We the stewards”

World Environment Day observed on 9/5/22, by IAP AMRAVATHI, Maharashtra in association with ECHG CIAP through Zoom from 8.30pm. Inaugurated by Dr Remesh Kumar R, National President IAP 2022.Dr Upendra Kinguwadekar, National President Elect 2022 gave the key note address. Dr Chetan Shah, VP National IAP 2022 released the EnRich Magazine. The Panel discussion on the topic NET ZERO was moderated by Dr Jagdish Chinnappa. Panellists were Dr Satish Agrawal, Amravathi, Dr Tushar Jagjape, Raipur and Dr Harikumar, Kottayam. The meeting was attended by around 40 delegates

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MAHARASHTRA IAP

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KOTTAYAM IAP

World Environment Day observed on 8/5/22, by IAP KOTTAYAM in association with ECHG IAP KERALA through zoom from 8.00-9.00pm on 8/6/22. Dr TU Sukumaran, National President IAP 2011 inaugurated the webinar. The talk on the theme “One Earth- We the stewards” was given by Dr Jacob Abraham, President Green Fraternity, NGO. He was instrumental in preserving the rivers and other environmental activities. The meeting was attended by around 35 delegates

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ROURKELA IAP

WAYANAD IAP

Dr Madhusudanan D, past President IAP Wayanad planted tree saplings at Vinayaka college of nursing, Sultan Bathery on 6th June 2022 as a part of World Environment day.

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KASARAGOD IAP

KANHANGAD IAP

IAP Kanhangad observed at IAP stadium garden, Kanhangad by planting tree saplings and plants in the IAP garden at the perimeter of stadium of GHS School, Hosdurg in the presence of admiring public, parents & students. IAP Kanhangad planted tree saplings & plants in IMA house compound too on June 5th, extending the jubilation of WED.

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TRIVANDRUM IAP Dr Bennet xylem against Plastic use on World Environment Day, June 5, 2022 Wo r l d E n v i r o n m e n t d a y , J u n e 5 I A P Thiruvananthapuram Dr Bennet Xylem was the cycling captain of " NAMB" program in association with Kerala legislative assembly and Unicef on world environment day World Environment day - June 5 —-SUT Medical College Vattapara. Environment day awareness programme at SUT Academy of medical sciences, Vattappara organized by students, guided by Dr. Roy.A.S and Dr. Sreejyothi. Apart from presentations , there was poster competition for students

VILLUPURUM IAP Dr Palaniraja, planted around 20 trees inside Govt Hospital Villupuram. As part of World environment day celebration,IAP Pathanamthitta conducted painting competition at Sanjivani Multi speciality hospital for kids above 8yrs with the theme- "Only one Earth"... Interaction with AHAMA Karyattukara Trichur on World Environment Day. Dr Sarojam and others representing SAKSHAMA.

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ILPPW 2022 Theme: SAY NO TO LEAD POISONING (23.10.22 - 29.10.22) INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR on LEAD POISONING in CHILDREN by ECHG of IAP IAP Thrissur in association with ECHG IAP Kerala and CIAP ECHG hosted the 10th International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2022 observance on 28/10/2022 from 8:30 pm (IST); 3pm (GMT) on zoom platform. Theme: SAY NO TO LEAD POISONING Inaugural Message was given by Dr Upendra Kinjawadekar, National IAP President Elect 2022. Message on the week followed, by Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director,Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, Geneva. Words of Wisdom from Dr Ruth A. Etzel MD, PhD, Chair, IPA Environmental Health Strategic Advisory Group followed. Next address was by Dr Manjit Saluja, WHO SEARO. Felicitations were given by the doyen of ECHG Dr H Paramesh .Dr Swati Y Bhave enlightened the audience with her vast experience in WHO & IPA. Academic session on Global Elimination Of Lead in Paints was given for the second consecutive year by Dr Alok Gupta, Pediatrician, Counselor & Environmentalist ,Jaipur. The meeting was attended by over 35 participants. The event was registered in the WHO site for ILPPW.

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INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC BAG FREE DAY - JULY 3

3rd July is celebrated as International Plastic Bag Free Day with the aim to create awareness about the environmental harm caused by using single-use plastics(SUP).

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ALLERENVICON KERALA 2022 The State Annual Conference of IAP KERALA & ECHG IAP - (23/10/22) The state subspecialty conference of IAP KERALA PEDALLERENVICON 2022, organised by IAP VATAKARA and PARCO hospital team on 23/10/22 organised by Dr Prasanth Pavithran and Dr Nousheed Ani the OB of a small branch with 25 members organised without any flaws.

We are honoured by the presence of National Presidents, the post and present Dr TU Sukumaran and Dr Remesh Kumar and State President Dr Vijayakumar M.

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SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMS IAP TRIVANDRUM in associate with IAP Nutrition and ECHG Kerala, organised a zoom meeting on how to make “Vegetable Home garden” . Talk was given by Dr Jomy Jacob, Assistant Director Agricultural Development and Farmer’s Welfare, GoK @Nedumangad, TVM.

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SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMS ECHG Academic program on dIAP platform.. first monthly academic program ..12/07/22 Tuesday 8.30-10.00 pm. The first session was by Dr Pramod Kumar, HOD Pediatrics and Medical Director , United Institute of medical sciences and hospital, Parayagraj. He discussed a relatively new topic Environmental Enteropathy: Clinical implications. It was followed by a talk on Plastics, a real threat? by Environmentalist, Counsellor and Senior Pediatrician Dr Alok Gupta. A Panel Discussion on Conferences, high time to go Environment friendly-hurdles ? followed. It was moderated by Dr Narmada Ashok, Director Nalam Hospital, Vellore with senior academicians Dr Yagnesh Poppat, Past Chairperson ID chapter, AOP Gujarat, Dr Chetan Trivedi, President Elect Gujarat AOP 2023,Dr Suresh Babu, Org Treasurer, NCPID 2022 Consultant Pediatrician, Arcot, TN and Dr Prabhu, Banquet committee, NCPID 2022, Consultant Pediatrician, Arakonam Child Care Center, TN. It was well attended by 160+ delegates across the country.

ECHG 2nd Academic program on dIAP platform.. 06/09/22 Tuesday. Topic on Life existence is at stake in Earth-what we can do? Was discussed by Dr H Paramesh. Two more topics were discussed by Dr Atul Gupta, EBM and Dr Hiral Naik, IAP Maharashtra on Small acts can save environment and Plastic pollutions - issues and solutions. The program was well attended by 160+ members.

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ECHG 3rd Academic program on dIAP platform.. 20/11/22 Tuesday. Dr Brajendra Singh and Dr Nousheed Ani presented on Problems related to increase in AQI and it’s solutions and Fatal effects of pollution. There was lot of discussions on the topic well attended by 193 members.

ECHG 4th Academic program on dIAP platform.. 19/12/22 Tuesday. Dr Ananda Kesavan TM presented on Food Waste and it’s impact on environment. It was attended by 182 members.

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COMMUNITY ORIENTED ACTIVITIES LIKE CAMPS, REHABILITATION On July 1, Dr AHUJA VK, Senior Consultant & ECHG member was the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at a function organized by the Lions Club Greater Sangrur in connection with the Tree Plantation Drive and Plastic Free India, at Fortune Convent Senior Secondary school, Village Akoi Sahib, Sangrur. There was big poster competition covering the topics. About 40 students participated in the poster competition. The function was well attended by about 100 adolescent students, half a dozen teachers and good number of Lions Club Members On 1st July 2022, Dr VK Ahuja gave a talk on " Environment & Plastic Pollution " at Meritorious School, Ghabdan, Sangrur to mark Doctor's Day, Ist Day of the Vanmahautsav Week and first day of ban on Single Use Plastic ( SUP). It was well attended by about 60 students and half a dozen teachers. On 20/04/2022, Dr Narmada Ashok gave a talk on " Green Future Prosperous Future” at School of Management, on World Earth Day. It was well attended by about 60 students and half a dozen teachers.

EBM OF THE GROUP The second EBM of ECHG was conducted on zoom from 9.00pm-10.30pm on Tuesday 05/07/22 Friday. 14 members attended the meeting. Dr Ramesh Bajania led the agenda discussion The third EBM of ECHG was conducted on zoom from 9.00pm10.15pm on Wednesday 17/08/22. 12 members attended the meeting. Dr Ramesh Bajania led the agenda discussion. There were two sessions of 40mts each. The meeting concluded at 10.15pm with vote of thanks by the Secretary. The 4th EBM of ECHG IAP was conducted on 12/10/22, Wednesday through zoom from 9pm to 10pm. Salient points… Attended by 14 members, 3rd Virtual EBM concluded by 10.15pm

2nd Virtual EBM

4th Virtual EBM

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5th Virtual EBM 20/12/22

CIAP OB had a zoom meeting with all Subspeciality chapter OBs on 9th March, from 8.30pm to 10.00pm. ECHG Chair and Sec attended.

CONSISTENT EFFORTS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SAME TOWARDS THE MISSION OF THE GROUP The OB in ECHG 2021 had kick started the green action plan not on just words under the initiation of Dr Nisha Narendran, Asso Prof, GMC Thrissur, KERALA. There was lot of skepticism. However they launched the “ Green Kerala Challenge” and put it forwards for members to participate. The motto was to “ plant and take care of your greens”. Three things had to be done in the same. 1. Maintain what we plant- action should not be oriented just for social media 2. To generate enough oxygen needed for their families. One tree per 4 person was the minimum requirement and no higher limit set 3. Reduction of usage of private vehicles and returning to usage of public transport to conserve and preserve. The message of World environment day is spread on June 5th every year. But the goal directed activities should go on 365 days every year. Along with the above - Just a minute video contest was also observed on ECHG day and 15 second video on theme of Ecosystem restoration was taken by the members who planted the saplings in 2021. The same was reviewed in 2022 in the same day and videos were uploaded. The following were the award winners ——

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ECHG -CIAP conducted the unique and novel competition for the first time in 2021 during World Environment Day for its members . The theme of WED was the sustainability of the environment. So, taking care of the plants was a criterion. The winners of the green Kerala challenge are Dr Parvathy VK, Thrissur and Dr Yaswanth , Wayanad. Appreciation prizes. ( Dr Nisha Krishnan, Kottayam / Dr Sheela, Thrissur/ Dr Madhusoodanan , Wayanad/ Dr Ramesh Bajania & Dr Nisha N( Thrissur). The “green gifts “ would be plants and seeds Congratulations to all the winners

Activities by members of various branches of IAP Kerala to promote GREEN KERALA

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SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION MADE BY OUR SUBSPECIALTY CHAPTER FOR PROMOTION OF AIMS AND OBJECTS OF THE ECHG CIAP

WE DISTRIBUTED E-MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES TO 542 members till Oct 31 2022 We observed many days relevant to environment and child health, so that paediatricians and public will be more aware of the ill effects of environment and how we can save our children from it.

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ACHIEVEMENTS Dr H Paramesh, founder Chairperson of ECHG has been invited by COMHAD India President,W.H.O, as WHO spokesperson on Climate change on Health for COP 26 program at Glasgow in November 2021, where all global policy makers meet to strengthen the Paris accord of 2015. He attended online this year also, the COP 27 Dr Ramesh Bajania, our National Chairperson has been included as a member,Special Action Group (SAG) of Environment Health, International Pediatrics Association (IPA).

1.Plastic free green campus 2. No artificial flower decoration 3. Jute bag with stainless steel bottle 4. Seed bags and seed pens 5. Potted plants as mementos 6. Earthen lamps for inaugural function 7. Water dispensers with awareness slogans 8. Environment related awareness posters 9.No plastic in trade zone 10. Pharma gave fresh fruits 11. Ceramic plates in dining areas 12. Zero food wastage 13. No printed invitation 14. Dedicated team

Maha Pedicon followed the Initiative

NCPID organized the 24th National Annual Conference at Vellore, TN the first ever Totally Environment Friendly Conference In November 18-20, 2022. Our Chief Editor ENRICH Dr NARMADA ASHOK was the brain behind and the organising secretary, leading the way for the first conference in IAP. 24

Hello dear friends in ECHG, It is a maze to solve this time in the family page of EnriCH this time. Enjoy solving it with the” next-gen citizens” in your family! And don't forget to impart the “green “ ways of living to them too to find greener earth in real! Dr. Nisha Narendran Assoc. Editor, EnriCH 2021,'22.

Help out the “next gen” citizen to reach the greener earth !!

Solution on page No. 44

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FOOD WASTE AND IT'S IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT Dr. Ananda Kesavan.T.M., Dr.Vishnupriya S Dept. of Pediatrics, Govt. Medical College, Thrissur Email: [email protected] Food Waste is a problem in both developed and developing countries. On one end we do not have enough food and malnutrition prevails, while at another end there are problems due to overeating and food waste. Food waste has social, medical, economical, and environmental implications. Even though we use the terms “Food loss and Food waste” interchangeably, they are two different issues. Food losses : The losses that occur upstream of the food supply chain, mainly during the sowing, cultivation, harvesting, processing, preserving, and first agricultural transformation stages. Food Waste: This means the waste that takes place during industrial processing, distribution, and final consumption. According to FAO annual global food waste is about 1.3 billion tons, equivalent to about a third of the total food production (Fig 1).

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There are differences between Developing Countries and Developed Countries regarding food losses and food waste (Fig 2)

Developing countries: Greater loss at the beginning of the food chain. Due to poor storage conditions, insufficient infrastructure, and transport, poor packaging or technical equipment. Developed countries: food waste mainly affects the end recipients of food - shops and consumers, where the emphasis is on food quality and appearance In developed countries, up to 40% of food is wasted in households, which is about ten times more than in developing countries Common causes of food waste include: F F F F F

No forward planning – plan meals in advance Excess Cooking – use portion guides and calculators while cooking Limited cooking skills – get to know recipes that can be modified to use foods Left-over food is not used – be creative with leftover food to save food waste and money Food is stored incorrectly – make sure perishable food is stored at the correct temperature. Make good use of the freezer and storage places

Consequences of Food Waste: As we already mentioned food waste lead to social, economical, and environmental problems. We will discuss in detail about environmental problems. Food Waste and its impact on the environment is mainly in the form of : 1. Water pollution 2. Landfill and greenhouse emission 3. Biodiversity loss 4. Energy consumption

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1. Water pollution Food wastes water ! When you waste food, you waste water! Food production requires not only land but also water: another valuable resource squandered by wasting food. The total volume of water used each year to produce food that is lost or wasted (250km3) is equivalent to the annual flow of Russia's Volga River, or three times the volume of Lake Geneva. 1.4 billion hectares of land - 28 percent of the world's agricultural area - is used annually to produce food that is lost or wasted. Agriculture also uses excessive amounts of pesticides and fertilizers, which pollute water and increases its salinity. Intensive use of water lowers the groundwater level, also negatively affecting biodiversity. Food waste pollute precious water and our rivers

100 bucket of water is needed to produce just one loaf of bread. So if wasting one loaf of bread we can just assume how much pure water is wasted, Similarly =54 buckets of water to rear one chicken breast =Six buckets of water to grow one potato =One bucket of water to grow one tomato 70% of all freshwater is used for agriculture. One-third of the food produced is wasted. So we can imagine how much fresh water is wasted

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2. Food waste and greenhouse gas Greenhouse effect: The greenhouse effect is the way in which heat is trapped close to the earth's surface by the “greenhouse gases”.These heat-trapping gases can be thought of as a blanket wrapped around the earth, keeping the planet toastier than it would be without them. Greenhouse gases(GHG) include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, water vapor, ozone, and Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs). Greenhouse gases, trap some of the Earth's outgoing energy, thus retaining heat in the atmosphere. Human activities lead to increases in the concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere and are the primary cause of the 1-degree Celsius increase in global air surface temperature over the past 115 years.The effects of climate change on global natural systems include an increase in land, water, and air temperatures, reduced snowpack, sea level rise, and wildfires and hurricanes The major causes of the greenhouse effect, in addition to food waste, are the burning of fossil fuels, rd deforestation, and farming(nitrous oxide used in fertilizers). India - 3 Largest GHG emitter. Industrial waste and landfills Land use as regards food falls into two main categories. The land used for production, and the land used for retaining food that has been thrown out. Irresponsible use of food products has an adverse impact on the physical land itself. Both arable land (land that can grow crops) and non-arable (land that cannot) are affected. Most of the land is used to produce milk and meat, which is non-arable (meadows, fields, etc.). It is perfect for livestock, but terrible for growing crops. Most of the food wasted worldwide, regardless of the type of land, is meat. Meat and milk production accounts for food available for humans in only 11%. The imbalance is even higher if animal products are wasted rather than consumed. Certain foods, such as coffee and cocoa, require a lot of lands and can only be grown in tropical regions where biodiversity is particularly high. Wasting such foods also has a correspondingly strong negative effect. When food is thrown out, it eventually makes its way to landfills (which can be a problem for the environment). As that food begins to decompose or rot, it releases methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. “ We are trashing our land to grow food that no one eats “ – Tristram Stuart

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3. Food waste harms biodiversity Food waste changes biodiversity in many ways: Habitat destruction, over-exploitation, climate change, pollution, and agricultural intensification- all indirectly lead to biodiversity changes Living planet report estimates that we have lost 68% of all vertebrate wildlife populations since 1970. More than half of all birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish are gone in just 50 years. A German study found that flying insect populations have crashed by three-quarters since 1989. One million species are now at risk of disappearing: 41% of amphibians, 25% of mammals, 34% of conifers, 13% of birds, 31% of sharks and rays, 33% of reef-building corals, and 27% of crustaceans are threatened with extinction. Deforestation destroys natural flora and fauna in the name of creating more land for food production. To increase the production of livestock, natural land is turned into pastures, led to deforestation and impacts biodiversity Marine fisheries are a large culprit in the decimation of marine ecosystems and natural habitats, often resulting in “over-exploited” areas. Fish are caught with little thought given to how the rapid depletion of the population will impact their environments. Overfishing the oceans and the large quantities of bycatch threaten the survival of many marine organisms and sensitive ecosystems. 3. Food Waste leads to pollution and energy loss Oil, diesel, and fossil fuels are required to grow, transport, store, and cook food. Harvesting machinery that has to be powered, the vehicles taking the food from the farm to the warehouse to the store, and the further machinery that is used to sort, clean, package, or otherwise prepare the food just so it can be bought. Wasting fuel and oil both at the front (production) and the back (decomposition) end by not eating the food, which has a hidden but costly impact on the environment. Prevention We have to avoid food waste due to the aforementioned reasons. Steps may be at the International/National Level, at the level of local governing bodies, household level, and at an individual level In India… =15.2% of our population is under-nourished =194.5 million people go hungry every day =30.7% of children under five are underweight

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=58% of children stunted by two years of age =1 in 4 children malnourished =3,000 children in India die every day from poor diet-related illness =24% of under-five deaths in India =30% of neonatal deaths in India Different International /National agencies are trying their best to reduce food waste and thereby reduce environmental hazard The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP): A non-profit organization founded in 2001; it operates in Great Britain. There is a Love Food Hate Waste campaign. Every year WRAP aims to do the following: - 7 million tons less of CO2 emissions; -3 million tons less of biodegradable waste in British landfills - 3 million tons less of primary resources used - 2 million tons less of waste products Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the City Harvest, the Love Food organization, and the People's Supermarket are some of the organizations working to prevent food waste and reuse it. Redistribution of food is another method to save food. We have to reduce production, recycle the items, reuse the waste form and recover if possible. Make necessary food only. If oversupply happens, steps should be taken to redistribute the food or to divert it to people who are in need. The balance we can recycle and reuse for biogas plant and energy production (Fig 4)

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Though the UN says that food production will have to increase by more than half to meet the demands of the growing population by 2050, the actual increase would be much lesser if food waste was reduced. Reduce Food Waste at the individual level. Order fewer foods, use completely the ordered one. We have to teach our children and the young generation about the importance of “respecting” food. New food waste management technology is useful. A newer technique of food production and storage will save tons of food in the early phase. Proper use, distribution, and household management will help to save food at the other end. Summary: = Food loss and waste are major social, economical, and environmental problems both in developed and developing countries. = It will affect the environment by greenhouse gas emission, waste of water and energy resources, landfilling and damage to the biodiversity system = Preventive method must start at individual and household level = Buy food with an idea and cook it with care = Use less meat and dairy products = By local foods = Use what is left and don't waste it = Investing in plant-based technology to create a better ecosystem.

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ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER A SPIRITUAL SOLUTION Dr. Parthasarathy Lall MD Pediatrics Senior Consultant Aastha Mother and Childcare Hospital Rourkela Odisha Mail I’d- [email protected] The biggest concern today and rightly so is about our planet earth and its environmental degradation. It is as if we are hurtling at unbreakable speed to our own nemesis and despite various measures, a complete solution seems to always elude us. Like the slippery eel when one aspect has seemingly controlled another slip out. For example, we can stop using plastic bags to save the environment and use paper bags instead but this will finally end up in cutting off more trees to produce paper leading to its own disastrous consequences. Similarly, we may reduce the use of fossil fuel and thereby reduce our carbon footprint; but in replacing these with lithium batteries we may now have to start counting the “lithium” footprint as a result of the mining required for this precious metal. The planet earth has been nearly the same for eons and human habitation for millennia. So what has happened now to make life so perilous? Of course, the human population has increased by leaps and bounds, but at the same time, the population of other creatures that roam the earth has decreased. So probably the sum total of all life on earth would be the same. Yes, but now we have humans with greater thinking ability who unfortunately use the thought process to control the environment rather than live with it, unlike the other creatures. On the surface, it would seem fine – after all, we are at the apex of all creation, so we have the right to live as we want. But is this the right attitude? We have to understand that with our superior intellect also comes greater responsibility, just as a good king has towards his subjects. But how have we used our intellect- we call it the scientific revolution; however, in spiritual terms, this scientific revolution has become the selfish revolution. Take the example of unwanted heat which is rising every year. What caused it to rise in the first place? We wanted to live in comfort so we made air conditioners(ACs)- AC houses, AC offices, AC vehicles- all leading to a greater rise in external ambient temperature which in turn leads to the requirement for more ACs and hence a further rise in ambient temperature. For a desire to move more comfortably and at a greater speed, we cut more trees to make more roads destroying mother earth and leading to greater heat and pollution. So what was the common word in all of the above - 'MORE'? If we analyze, today humans are running around in circles only to get 'MORE'. So one of the most important causes of environmental destruction is 'more'- that is greed which leads to selfish behavior. This logic can be applied to any of the environmental problems we face today, the analysis of which will lead to desire and greed for 'more'.

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Our rishis of yore often talked about the five basic elements- air, water, fire, earth & ether/space. I'm sure that they were fully aware of many more elements and also had knowledge of atoms and molecules ('anu' and 'parmanu'). But they gave importance to the above five because they are elemental to our environment and all forms of life rather than elements. Probably they were fully aware of the scientific reasons for taking care of them. In order to spread it among the masses they made it into a religion whereby people were made to worship them as well as other aspects of nature. Religion has always evolved as a cloak to true scientific or spiritual truths for it is easier for the common man to follow. This helped protect the environment and made them live along with it rather than away from it. This two-way process helped in the growth of both and one could lead a life of peace and harmony. Today, most of us neither think spiritually nor follow a religion with insight leading to the present environmental chaos. The lasting solution to any problem lies in finding the root cause, the rest being merely cosmetic ventures. Once the cause has been established as human greed the solution has to be in removing or resolving this greed. This calls for a radical shift in the thinking of the present-day modern man. From the “I, Me, Myself” attitude we have to change to “We, They, and an all-encompassing” attitude. We have to take firm steps in building the eternal values of compassion and caring for all life forms. We must differentiate between needs and wants; endure a little more physical hardship so that the earth endures a little less; give ourselves more time which in turn will give a longer lifespan to the earth. In reality, there is no 'helping others' because ultimately we are going to help ourselves as interconnectedness is the way of the universe. So let us not look for short-term measures that may give rise to long-term problems. The time has come to cure the malady from the roots and not just superficially dress the wound. Let us not wait for some messiah to come and save our planet. Instead, each one of us should introspect deeply with our Godgiven intellect, challenge our present thinking and carry out the right actions before it is too late.

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ENVIRONMENT & LIFE STYLE DISEASES Dr. D.BALACHANDAR Sec ECHG CIAP 2021-23 Sr Consultant Pediatrician, General Hospital, Pathanamthitta “There is no task more important than safeguarding our environment” Air pollution has an impact from the womb to the tomb. It contributes 70% of the environmental pollution and 70% of the NCDs are from air pollution. (1)Whether it is heart diseases, respiratory illnesses, cancer, obesity, or food allergies, emerging research reveals that the rise in their incidence is due to environmental factors—rapid urbanization, air pollution & changes in diet—rather than your genes. There are crucial links between the environment & health – some of them yet unexplored, such as the connection between air pollution & mental health. Allergic airway diseases are the earliest onset non-communicable chronic respiratory diseases all over the world. The respiratory system is the main organ to take the brunt of the air pollution from suspended particles, tobacco smoke, and ozone, other systems like CVS, CNS behavioral problems, stroke, and cancer are also involved. To mitigate the problems we need scientific proof to convince the policymakers and bureaucracy. We, doctors, are the major link between scientists, technocrats, researchers, and society(1). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are four major risk factors for NCDs -alcohol, tobacco, poor diet intake & lack of physical activity. But the risk factors in India are many more than the four identified by WHO. These risk factors have multiple targets & can cause diseases that are not generally linked to them. Eg: exposure to pesticides is known to cause cancer, but new data is emerging to link it to diabetes as well. Centre for Science & Environment(CSE) says “Targeting environmental risk factors is essential if we want to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which mandates a one-third reduction in premature deaths due to lifestyle diseases by 2030.” There are major lifestyle health problems related to the environment in India according to Body urden:(2) Over 61% of all deaths in India are attributed to "lifestyle or non-communicable diseases (NCDs)" – says Body Burden, the latest state of the nation's health report released by CSE .The number of overweight & obese people in India doubled between 2005 & 2015. Among individuals aged between 15-49 years, 20.7% of women and 18.6% of men have been found to be overweight or obese. The presence of obesogenic chemicals such as DDT, bisphenol A, MSG & arsenic in the environment were found to be important triggers of obesity. Besides regulating the use of these, the marketing of processed foods too needs to be monitored. Increase in taxes on unhealthy foods, adequate labelling & building an environment conducive to physical activity will be critical in combating the epidemic.

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More than 10% of the country's population over the age of 18 suffers from various kinds of mental illnesses. The lifetime prevalence of such mental illnesses is over 13%. At least 150 million people in the country, affected by mental disorders, are in need of active medical intervention.An increase of PM2.5 in the environment by 4.34 microgram/cubic metre can increase the risk of Alzheimer's. Depression too has been found to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.Air pollution causes 30% of all premature deaths in the country; linkages with mental diseases revealed. Nearly 24% of death is due to Stroke. 12.9% of migraine type headache in children is attributed to Air pollution. More than 1.73 million new cancer cases likely to be recorded each year by 2020. It is estimated that up to 29% of cancer cases can be linked to environmental exposures of toxins - air pollution, tobacco, alcohol & diet change (rich in meat and low in vegetables) are primary triggers. Commonly used household chemicals & cosmetics contain cancer-causing compounds.But cancer screening & medication remains extremely expensive. Air pollution increases the blood pressure, Cardiovascular diseases death. 26% of all deaths in India (2.7 million) happen due to cardiovascular diseases – 52% of them below the age of 70. Lack of physical activity has been identified as one of the biggest triggers of cardiovascular diseases. The easiest way out is to increase physical education. For this, policymakers need to prioritise pedestrian & cycling tracks & promote public transport & green spaces. Our eyes and lungs along with skin and gastrointestinal systems have direct contact with environmental pollution. Lungs bear the brunt either directly or indirectly through skin - lung and gut - lung axis. A 2015 study across the country showed that 50.5% of diseases are due to respiratory symptoms in all age groups. (Sandeep Salvi, Res.Resp.Med., 2015 V 4)(3). India had an estimated 22.2 million chronic COPD patients & around 35 million chronic asthma patients in 2016. Other than air pollution from vehicles and industry, global warming also increases risk to respiratory health. Global warming has extended the duration of the pollen season & altered the timing, production & distribution of aeroallergens. Both pollen & air pollutants have risen simultaneously in the environment, leading to an enhanced airway inflammation, thereby increasing the frequency of respiratory allergy & incidences of asthma.Every third child in Delhi has impaired lungs. Traffic derived air pollution exposure of pregnant mothers has an impact on growing foetus from SPM 2.5 causing coagulopathy of placenta, still births, prematurity and SFD babies. These children are born with fixed airway obstruction . They are increasingly susceptible to wheeze , bronchiolitis and asthma. Every 12th Indian is said to be a diabetic & we rank second in the list of countries with highest diabetes patients. Small studies suggest that one in 10 adults suffer from hypothyroidism. Hormonal balance is very delicate and is easily disturbed by exposure to toxins, air pollution & even food rich in fats, sugar and salt.

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It is suggested that 25-40 million people in India could be suffering from food allergies. About 170 foods reportedly cause allergic reactions. Food labels that provide detailed information about constituents could be important in controlling this. The recommended level of sound in residential areas is 55 dB during the day time & 45 dB at night. Our cities rank high on noise pollution and has an impact on health. Nearly a quarter of global disease burden could be prevented by reducing environmental risks(4). Millions of people follow an unhealthy lifestyle. The share of NCDs has increased (31% to 55% )while communicable diseases have decreased ( 61% to 33% ) from 1990 to 2016 (Dandona et al 2017)(7) Gyms, of course, exist for a perfectly good reason. They're controlled environments—safe, enclosed and relatively clean—where we can stretch, strain and stress our bodies in the name of physical fitness. How and why our bodies are poorly suited to modern environments—and the adverse health consequences that result—is a subject of increasing study. The Agricultural revolution allowed humans to thrive in new ways, providing food surpluses, fostering population growth & promoting labor diversification. But farming also unleashed a variety of previously rare infectious diseases because of high population densities, close contact with livestock & inadequate removal of waste. The Industrial revolution profoundly altered the way we eat, work, and communicate. Because of it, more people today have better health & higher standards of living than ever before. The net effect of all these changes has been a reduction in the energy we expend, an expansion of the energy we consume & a shift in the types of foods we eat—all of which are problematic from an evolutionary perspective. The results are not surprising: the last few decades have seen an explosion of diet and lifestyle diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease & hypertension. Infectious diseases—while still important contributors to morbidity and mortality—have declined substantially over the past century. Antibiotics/vaccines & improvements in our home and food environments, improved sanitation & waste-disposal, safer drinking water, better working conditions and stronger pest control play a vital role in the decline in infectious disease mortality. Life expectancy in the U.S. has grown by an impressive 30 years since 1900, but for every 10 months of healthy life added since 1990, we've also added 2months of disease. We are living longer, yes, but not always living healthier. The question then becomes, does a longer life invariably mean more chronic disease? A growing body of evidence suggests that increasing the ability of children to walk to school, expanding access to safe outdoor areas, and restricting access to fast-food restaurants may be useful for combating youth obesity. For example, children living closer to parks and with more park area in their neighbourhood have higher levels of physical activity.

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We must recognize that we don't just pass on genes; we pass on environments. The greatest advances in 20th century life expectancy came from public health and environmental changes—mostly outside the walls of a hospital, and often outside the domain of medicine altogether (2).In one of the studies in China, it has been found that the residents of northern China have higher exposure and attributable risk proportion to six risk factors. They eat more sodium, fewer vegetables & less sea products & they are likely to be overweight. The PM2.5 is higher in northern China than in southern China.Finally, cold temperatures cause a greater number of deaths than hot temperatures owing to the fact that northern China is colder than regions in the world with the same latitude. All these factors lead to a higher CVD mortality rate in northern China.(5) The risk factors of diseases can be divided into two categories. The first category includes geographical & environmental factors, which include temperature, air quality and air pollution. Outdoor & indoor air pollution are the leading risk factors for disease burden PM2.5, NO2, SO2 & O3 can induce CVD and respiratory disease. Several studies have shown that extreme temperatures have a significant impact on mortality. An excess of deaths is observed during both winter & summer.(6) Typically, a U-shaped relationship between temperature & death is observed with mortality risk decreasing from the lowest temperature to an inflection point & then increasing with higher temperatures. The second factor includes life style issues, which includes sodium intake, vegetable & fruit intake, smoking & second-hand smoke exposure, alcohol usage, physical activity, lack of sleep, obesity & mental status. Our India, one of the biggest countries in the world covers a range of 2500km from north to south, with varying environmental & life style factors. It is observed that India's NCDs increase after 18 years & show a quantum leap when an individual crosses the age of 35 years. Hypertension, digestive diseases and diabetes are among the top three most prevalent NCDs; Cancer is the least prevalent. It is found that environmental factors are the biggest cause of NCDs, followed by inactive lifestyle & imbalanced diet; intoxication (alcohol and tobacco consumption). This (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) Assocham-TARI( Thought Arbitrage Research Institute) report found that more than two-thirds of individuals suffering from NCDs are in the most productive life age group -- between 26 & 59 years. And this is a not a good trend because 65% of the country's population are below 35yrs age.(8). 27% deaths in India were caused due to pollution, making India the country with the highest number of pollution-related deaths.India is followed by China when it comes to pollution-related death. Low and middle income groups are seeing the worse effects of pollution.In 1990, NCDs amounted for 30.5% of disease burden, which has risen to 55.4% in 2016, as per the 2017 report India,Health Of Nation's States, by the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR).(9)

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The sixth intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) report of 2021 has stressed that air pollution, global warming and climate change have great impact on our environment impacting our health and survival. The WHO-NGO committee on climate change representing 46 million health professionals globally raised concerns on health issues. They advise us to be prepared for pandemics in future, to include health in all policies of each country and to align climate and health goals for recovery. Also we should avoid investment in fossil fuel and look for renewable energy sources. They action taken was represented at the COP 26 2021 conference held in November at Glasgow, UK. We should individually take major steps to reduce the carbon footprints and also CO2 level to maintain global temperature rise at 1.5c. The High income countries should reach zero carbon by 2040. This should go along with the control of population, adoption of car free living, using of electric vehicles, avoiding unnecessary air travel and using renewable energy. Use of public transport, walking bicycles, building homes with cross ventilation and enough sunlight, adopting vegan diet can reduce carbon footprint and also improve our lifestyle diseases. End our destruction of nature by protecting and restoring Ecosystem we all depend on. Aim should be to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. Each government should safeguard the safety of the health warriors. We health professionals should practise what we preach in reducing the carbon footprint thereby reducing life style diseases due to the environment(10). Some of our work on environmental issues on health are helpful in taking action by authorities in the past few decades. 1) Lead poisoning 2)Outdoor air pollution on traffic police personnel 3) Air pollution impact on our children respiratory health 4) Banning tobacco smoking in public spaces 5) Reducing the usage of bursting fire crackers 6) Banning heavy back pack on schoolchildren to protect their spinal health. It is time we all work out for sustainability to keep the Mother Earth's smile by reducing air pollution, global warming and climate change by the end of the century. Post corona pandemic lockdown for nearly 12 months, mother earth has cleared up the anthropogenic mess on air, water, soil, sound pollution on human health(1). So to conclude, a clean environment is essential for human health and well-being. At the same time, the local environment like air pollution, noise, hazardous chemicals can also be a source of stressors, that negatively affect health. The health of the population is also adversely affected by climate change,

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through heatwaves, floods and changes in the distribution of vector-borne diseases. At a broader level, climate change, loss of biodiversity, and land degradation can also impact on human well-being by threatening the delivery of ecosystem services, such as access to freshwater and food production.

REFERENCES : 1.

Air pollution: Impact on children health: Knowledge into action by Dr Paramesh Haralappa

2.

https://www.cseindia.org/lifestyle-diseases-the-biggest-killer-in-india-today

3.

Current Science, Volume 122, Number 5 10/5/22, Editorial by H Paramesh

4.

Diseases due to unhealthy environments: an updated estimate of the global burden of disease attributable to environmental determinants of health A. Prüss-Ustün, J. Wolf, C. Corvalán, T. Neville, R. Bos, M. Neira. Journal of Public Health, Volume 39, Issue 3, September 2017, Pages 464–475, https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdw085

5.

Public Health, 16 July 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.615152

6.

Basu R, Samet JM. Relation between elevated ambient temperature and mortality: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Epidemiol Rev. (2002) 24:190–202. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxf007.

7.

Air pollution, climate change and the health sector : Linkages and situations by H Paramesh, DJ Christopher and Jyothi S Menon.

8.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/jul/24/lifestyle-disorders-growing-in-indiaprevalent-among-35-age-group-2334614.html

9.

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/lifestyle-diseases-pollutiondeaths-india-1124307-2018-01-07

10. 45th Indian Social Science Congress, March 27 to 29, 2022 , Chennai - Environment Energy and Health by Prof H.Paramesh

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HOW TO MAKE OUR CONFERENCES ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY ? Dr Ramesh Bajania : National Chairperson ECHG 2021-23 Dr Balachandar D : Secretary ECHG 2021-23 As you know at every conference, we witness so much unnecessary use & wastage of natural resources and littering of hazardous materials in the Academic, Exhibitions & Food zones. These become the point of discussion, and rightly so, during and after the event. Most of these are totally avoidable. Let us, the IAPians, take the initiative to make this a better world for our children to whose good health we are committed. Changes can be remade in every possible situation. A small change made by each of us can go a long way in conserving the environment. We request you to help the cause of the environment by taking 50 suggested measures and be a trendsetter. (I) Pre-event Information: 1. Use of paper for brochures, registration forms, and receipts can be totally done away with. 2. Everything should be made online from the very beginning. 3. Information can be sent as WhatsApp messages which will include the flyer as well as the link to the website. 4. The wall & furniture paint and decorations used at the conference centres should be lead-free. (II) Inauguration: 1.

Flowers bouquets should be avoided.

2.

Flower decoration can be done away with.

3.

Potted plants with coloured leaves can be used instead.

4.

Potted flower plants can be used.

5.

Paintings done by specially gifted children and individuals can be used as decoration. Hand made bio-degradable items made by specially gifted centres be used as gifts.

6.

Sapling plantation should be done by OB, EB, Past Presidents, and International delegates in different areas daily at a convenient time.

(III) Registration: 1. Use a green badge instead of a plastic one. 2. Use recycled paper files instead of plastic.

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3. Avoid putting pen inside portfolio as most have with them. Use a green pen if needed. Pencils made from recycled wood can be used. 4. Scientific content by organizers and trade be made available on websites that delegates can access by scanning a QR code. 5. Conference kit & gifts. (a) It should be biodegradable. (Use jute fibre and other local materials). (b) Gifts can be seeds of plants that can be grown in most places easily. 6. Delegates should be encouraged to have boarding/travel passes on their mobile. 7. Conferences should be boldly advertised as Environment Friendly. 8. Green saplings/Seeds should be given as mementos. 9. Borosil (metal) water bottle can be given as a delegate gift, which can be used as a water container and refilled at water dispenser areas (Fresh water from Aqua guard). (IV) Food: Conserving food & water waste unnecessarily during conferences will help in environmental restoration and avoid wasting precious natural resources (food is grown by farmers with great effort and adverse climate conditions, water, soil, etc). 1. Food counters be scattered so that there is no overcrowding.When easily available people tend to take as much as is needed. 2. Food should be available from the time of the event. Senior citizens and some delegates at the end of the banquet only for dinner and not the musical night. They go back dissatisfied and unhappy. Overstaying causes overeating and that too JUNCS. 3. Posters to be put that the poor will be given the let over food but not from the dustbins, so take only as much as you can eat. 4. Food should be marked as healthy & high-calorie food. JUNCS be replaced with nutritious food and fresh local fruits. 5. Coconut water, sugarcane juice, and buttermilk be made available along with drinking water, tea & coffee. 6. Energy drinks & colas be not allowed. 7. Left-over food should be distributed to the needy as soon as mealtime is over through an experienced agency. 8. Water dispensers can be installed at airports.

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9. Alcohol and loud music can be done away with. (V) Garbage: 1. Properly labeled dustbins should be in plenty so that littering is minimized, and segregation made easy. 2. Garbage should be the responsibility of authorized collectors. 3. Garbage collectors & cleaning staff be provided with Green Uniform, masks & gloves (VI) Water: 1. Don't use plastic water bottles. Instead, can keep a metal or earthen water container and a few glasses (except plastic). A borosil metal water bottle is a good gift 2. Clean Drinking water to be dispensed. 3. Avoid bottled water. 4. Biodegradable containers to be used. 5. Recycled water in the washroom for flushing & mopping. (VII) Pharma & Other Industry: 1. Convey to the Pharma industry that at stalls, not to use plastic banners. 2. Not to give paper flyers of their products. 3. Not to give any gift articles made up of plastic. 4. All wrappers and cartons should be segregated on-site & disposed of properly. 5. All products should be displayed digitally & with no use of glossy paper. 6. Green zones and signages signifying the importance of conservation can be put up. (VIII) Air Pollution: 1. Outdoor as well as indoor air pollution be taken care of. 2. No room spray or air fresheners are to be used as it releases Volatile Organic Compounds, hazardous to health. 3. Fresh flowers could be a good option. 4. No firecrackers to welcome office bearers or celebrities. (IX) Noise pollution: 1. Delegates in Celebrity/Music Nites should be provided ear pads to minimize damage to hearing organs. 2. Small children should be kept away from loudspeakers. 3. Plastics be avoided in the conference, trade, entertainment, and eating places. 4. Recycled paper should be used. Tissue paper in all places should be of recycled paper. A very special thanks to DR ALOK GUPTA for the inputs and also to Dr. Narmada Ashok for making it happen at NCPID.

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Solution page Solution to the maze : Help out the “next gen” citizen to reach the greener earth !!

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