Green Gurdwaras, Clean Energy
EcoSikh is partnering up with energy firms in the United States to support gurdwaras save energy and use sustainable energy from solar, wind, and micro-hydro sources. Through a new pilot project, Gurdwaras across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, will be able to access detailed information on how they can lessen their impact on the environment, and save on long-term energy bills.
The process typically begins with an energy audit, which will assess where gurdwaras are Solar Panelswasting electricity, and determine the most cost-effective measures for cutting energy use. Once the gurdwara management committee members understand where they can save money, they can choose from options which can involve retrofitting their current facility to include solar panels, wind energy etc, making plans for new builds and, at its simplest, switching to a green energy provider.
Each gurdwara will also receive information on the best options to finance their projects and reap the long term cost savings of energy upgrades. A portion of all proceeds from energy savings will go towards EcoSikh’s program work to support and encourage Sikh environmental action all around the world.
Please contact Bandana Kaur (USA) or Ravneet Pal Singh (India) if your gurdwara or business is interested in learning more about saving on long-term energy bills.
The effort is part of a larger Green Gurdwaras initiative to provide useful resources to gurdwaras in South Asia and around the world to promote energy and water conservation and proper waste management in accordance with Sikh principles.
EcoSikh Punjab Outreach: a Magic Show on Village Biodiversity and Water Ponds
There are endless ways to inspire care for the environment. And in Tajpur village, in the District of Ludhiana we did it through a magic show. The gathering on May 12th called nearly 200 villagers of all ages, from tiny children to great-grandparents. A conjurer narrated the importance of flora and fauna through a number of tricks. “Where have all the flowers gone?” he asked in one trick. Another was about the disappearance of birds.
EcoSikh’s Ravneet Singh spoke on the importance of village biodiversity and village ponds, or 'chappar.’ Aside the conservation of native trees in Punjab, the conservation of village ponds is essential for groundwater recharge and preserving village water supply, especially during rain. “Village ponds or “chappar” today suffer from siltation and also developing ponds into stadiums or landscapes. Organizations such as Lok Kalyan Samiti in the Majha area of Punjab are providing a good example by removing silt from ponds and reselling the soil for other beneficial uses.”
Elders from Tajpur village reported that at least two species of birds have disappeared that they used to see in their childhood. The Sarpanch from the neighboring village Khasi was extremely inspired by the event and intends to host a similar event. “The key is for the serious message to be spoken half way through the magic,” Ravneet Singh said. “Tell people the important issues, and they will stay if there is some magic waiting for them.”
Also this month Ravneet gave Youth Empowerment Workshop to a group of young people brought together by the “Dream and Beauty” Charitable Trust in Ludhiana. “If the EcoSikh message is going to be effective, we have to work in partnership with people in power today, but we have to also work in partnership with people in power tomorrow: and that is the young people. They too should also receive the wisdom of out elders, and learn how previous generations conserved the environment.”