Respect Nature and Save Our Water Bodies
Naturism isn’t just about being naked. The core and essence of naturism, its very foundation, is about being naked, away from the stress of modern society. This is what differentiates naturism from nudism. When naturism started being practised at the tail end of the Age of Romanticism in Europe, the Germans were tired of the pollution and the noise produced by the big cities. It was technology fatigue that was a driving force in prompting them to return to nature. Nudity was a part of their return to nature, but only a part of it.
One cannot spell “naturism” without spelling “nature.” The love and appreciation of the natural environment is the very heart and soul of the lifestyle. Keeping a healthy balance in our ecology will do a world of good to the human clan. Naturists should be not just those who go naked for relaxation, but the biggest advocates and caretakers of the earth, much like the German naturist pioneers.
Plastic and Water Pollution in India represent two of the pressing environmental challenges faced by India in the contemporary age. The country's rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have exacerbated these issues, posing significant threats to public health, biodiversity, and the overall ecological balance. India generates approximately 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with a staggering portion of this waste infiltrating aquatic ecosystems. Plastic, due to its non-biodegradable nature, remains in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down only into microplastics that are notoriously difficult to eradicate. These microplastics accumulate in rivers, lakes, and oceans, leading to severe consequences for aquatic life and human health.
Therefore, polluted waters don’t bode well for naturists, as naturism is spiritual in nature, much like traditional Indian culture, with a reverence for nature. Water, at least running water, such as rivers and the movement of oceans, is cleansing to not just the body but the human soul. Waters return us to our childlike nature when we were so in touch with the beauty and wonders of the earth. The sensation of water against bare skin without any fabric to inhibit the connection only enhances the experience.
Even if one’s naturist experience isn’t in a body of water, but just a mountain trail or a forest, it’s still disheartening to see plastic everywhere, whether it’s smothering plants, filing gullies, clogging the burrow of animals, or hanging from the branches of trees. It disconnects us from the raw naked earth and thrusts us into the hectic chaos of modern society.
Studies indicate that plastics can absorb various toxins and pollutants, which subsequently enter the food chain, impacting both marine organisms and the populations that rely on them for sustenance. The pollution of water bodies in India is further exacerbated by inadequate waste management systems and the lack of public awareness regarding the consequences of plastic consumption. Major rivers, including the Ganges and Yamuna, are prime examples of this crisis, often serving as dumping grounds for plastic waste and other pollutants. The resultant contamination poses grave challenges for water quality, thereby affecting drinking water sources and sanitation facilities. This situation contributes to widespread health issues, including waterborne diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas. In response to these pressing challenges, the Indian government and various non-governmental organizations have initiated several measures aimed at mitigating plastic and water pollution. Campaigns promoting awareness regarding the reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastic are vital to fostering sustainable practices among citizens. Additionally, regulatory frameworks for waste management and stricter enforcement of environmental laws are necessary to ensure that industries comply with pollution control measures.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Imagine walking nude under the palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze, or under the shade of a banyan tree. Perhaps you’re hungry, so you reach out and take a fresh mango from a mango tree. The fruit is fresh and sweet, and you don’t have to worry about staining your clothing with the juice because you aren’t wearing any clothing to begin with. Nearby you hear the gentle trickling of running water; for a freshwater stream is nearby. Parts of the stream are deep, so you wade into it, and no swimsuit is clinging to you. It’s just you and the water. Maybe not completely you. Nearby are a herd of deer. Birds such as rock doves, kingfishers, and parakeets sing in the trees above you, their tunes accompanying the singing waters. Maybe not far away is a group of gibbons swinging in the trees.
In short, you’re enjoying nature. You are a part of the landscape, in unity with the plants and the animals. You don’t have to worry about rank and social status. For you are bare like the animals and the earth.
It could be this way, if not for all the plastic pollution. It covers and chokes the earth and your soul. But what can be done? What are some ways that plastic use can be reduced? Here are a few ideas.
Ways to Reduce Plastic Usage
1. Cloth bags for shopping: Rather than using plastic bags, which can break easily when overloaded with goods and which clog the waters and choke up wildlife when discarded, opt for cloth bags. Cloth, as previously mentioned, is far more durable than plastic when it comes to loading goods and produce. And unlike plastic bags which can usually only be used once before being tossed out, cloth bags can be used again and again.
2. Banana leaves for wrapping food: Some countries, particularly Southeast Asian ones, have opted to use banana leaves instead of plastic to wrap perishables and other foods. For example, the Ramping Supermarket in Thailand uses banana leaves to wrap food, thus reducing plastic waste. Banana leaves are biodegradable, making them the perfect wrapping material. In this way, they work with the earth instead of against it.
3. Reuse plastic when possible: Believe it or not, sometimes plastic can be reused. Instead of throwing out that plastic bottle, turn it into a planter. With some soil and seeds and the side cut out, you can grow plants in it. They can also work as birdhouses. Milk jugs can be cut and made into shelf organizers. For more information about how to reuse plastic, view this page.
4. Avoid disposable water bottles: Drinking non-bottled water can be hazardous to your health due to factors like industrial waste discharge, pesticides, and fertilizers. So, what are the alternatives? Reusable water bottles! But if tap water is bad, what good are reusable water bottles? Plenty. Many public spaces in India have RO dispensers. You can also purchase water filters that attach to your tap. For filtered water, try storing it in glass bottles instead of filtered water.
5. Pick up plastic waste when possible: It’s impossible for one person to pick up all plastic waste, but if you see a bag or a bottle on the street or in a park, consider picking it up and taking it to a recycling centre. We at Born Naturist Community want to reach out to all fellow naturists, and enthusiasts and help us in cleaning the shoreline of this beautiful country even if public nudity is prohibited, we can be in our essential clothing and make a difference.
But what if you can’t do everything listed? It’s important to not get discouraged. After all, we can’t do everything. The trick is to do what we can. Maybe once in a while, you’ll need to use a plastic bag. Just try minimizing plastic bag use. Maybe you can’t afford a filter for water. In that case, reuse the plastic bottles or find someone who will.
By doing what we can, even if we what can do is limited, we can be more than nudists. We can be naturists. And then we can enjoy nature in all its splendour, soaking up the sun in a veritable garden or paradise without a stitch covering ourselves or the earth.
In Conclusion
Addressing plastic and water pollution in India is imperative for safeguarding environmental integrity and public health. Through collective efforts involving government action, community involvement, and individual responsibility, it is possible to mitigate these challenges and cultivate a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. Tackling these issues not only enhances the quality of life for millions but also preserves the rich biodiversity critical to India's ecological sustainability.
