India is celebrating its 72nd Independence Day this year and that makes me wonder about the type of citizen I have been. Not the best, to be honest! I spend most of my time complaining about my country, but my actions were anything but productive. What have I done as an individual to contribute to my country and become a better citizen? Not much! There are so many things I could do, in my everyday life, that would indirectly do some good for the entire country.
So, here I am, with a thought-out list of a few easy changes that I can make in my everyday life to make this country a better place.
1. Stop With The Garbage
Littering is something most of us do because there is already trash on the side of the road, so what difference does it make? And even if we don’t litter, we look the other way when a friend does. Well, if I don’t start the change, it might never take place.
2. Try Living Eco-Friendly
Organic veggies, fruits, and even recycling water or nurturing a potted plant. There are so many ways you can turn eco-friendly. I recently started composting in a tub in my balcony and it is surprisingly easy!
3. Always Cast My Vote
The first and most basic way in which we can all make a difference. It is not just our responsibility, but also a power and a privilege.
4. Switch To Cloth Bags
This could turn into a style statement! Carry a cute cloth bag with you every time you go grocery shopping. I picked up one from the market this weekend and it is actually way cheaper than plastic bags in the long run.
5. Get The Car Checked Regularly
Getting your car checked regularly, especially a pollution test, is an effective way of keeping your city’s air clean.
6. Pay The Taxes On Time
It’s just around the corner guys, August 31st is the due date! And I know it can be tedious, I spent quite a few days figuring my filing out. But isn’t it for a better nation?
7. Stay In Your Lane When You Drive
This would be so effective in reducing traffic in the city. If everyone just obeyed the traffic rules and stayed in their lane, driving would get less stressful.
8. Use The Public Transport
Using the public transport may require a bit more planning, but in the long run, it is a great way to save our environment. I recently purchased an Ola share pass for just Rs 49 and it makes travelling so much more affordable and guilt-free.
9. Make Way For The Ambulance
Basic human decency, to be honest, yet it is infuriating to watch people tailgate an ambulance just to get out of a traffic jam. Don’t be that guy.
10. Buy More Indian Products
The ‘Made In India’ campaign sure has a point. It makes me feel way nice when I buy products made by Indian brands who are working towards making my country a better economy.
11. Use The Power Of Social Media, Carefully
There is so much negativity on the internet, and I’ve vowed to make it a safe space. Why spread hate when people are craving for love?
12. Voice Out Your Opinions
Speak up when you see something going wrong. From people spitting and urinating on the roads to smoking in public spaces, I’ve decided to voice my opinions.
13. Give Back To Society
Support a cause, any cause. Teach kids in your society, donate food to the slums near your house, support a child’s education. You will feel so fulfilled with this work that your life will get a new meaning.
14. Save Water & Electricity
Shorter showers and turning off the light when I move into the next room are my new mantra. Sometimes, I leave the bathroom light on when I go to bed because I’m scared of the dark, so instead, I’ve switched to a night light which consumes less electricity. 
15. Save Fuel & Depleting Resources
Walk short distances. Offer a lift to a friend if you’re going in the same direction. Turn off the air-conditioning if the weather is pleasant. Switch to CNG from petrol and diesel.
Little things do matter and now’s the time to think about these.
Images – Giphy, DNA India
AWESOME NEWS! POPxo SHOP is now Open! Get 25% off on all the super fun mugs, phone covers, cushions, laptop sleeves, and more! Use coupon code POPXOFIRST.
