A few days ago, I was going towards a shop when I saw two kids walking ahead of me. They walked casually while eating ice-cream and it felt like they were friends going together somewhere. It seemed like just another ordinary moment, so I didn’t pay much attention.

While I was mentally going over the grocery items I needed to buy, I noticed the kids stopping at a community dustbin. They threw their ice-cream wrappers into it and walked on, just as casually as before.

Right then, a man nearby who was eating something, spit and tossed a wrapper from his hand on the ground — right where he stood — even though the dustbin was just a few steps away. It all happened in a matter of seconds, but somehow, it left a lasting impact on me.

That small act by the kids, something so simple — when no one was watching them, nor did someone instruct them to do it — showed they chose to do the right thing by not throwing wrappers on the ground. On the other hand, the grown man, someone you’d expect to know better, went on to pollute the environment without a second thought. The dustbin was just a few steps away, but maybe for him, those few steps were too much of an effort or perhaps he didn’t even feel the need.

It made me realise that it’s not always about age or education. Sometimes, kids raised with the right values can set better examples than adults who’ve just grown older without growing wiser. Maybe those kids didn’t even realise what they taught me that day. But they did.

We often talk about change like it needs to be something big and dramatic. But I feel it starts from the smallest things like choosing to use a dustbin, turning the running tap or switching the extra lights off, even when no one’s watching. Maybe the world doesn’t need heroes. Maybe it just needs more people who quietly choose to do the right thing, even when it’s easier not to.

Every year on April 22nd, Earth Day reminds us to pause, reflect and act. Most educational institutes celebrate the day in their unique way, the kids make cards and crafts, and are asked to share their thoughts, etc. At the same time, the world buzzes with campaigns to plant trees, clean beaches and reduce carbon footprints. While these efforts are crucial, what are more important are sometimes those steps that go unnoticed, the small everyday habits of individuals. It may seem insignificant to many, but they are those that bring on their own a bigger and better refinement. What’s more important is when they are adopted collectively as they hold the ‘power’ to reshape the future of our planet.

How come micro changes matter?

Most of us feel overwhelmed by the enormity of climate change. The melting glaciers, vanishing species and raging wildfires seem unfixable; we usually think that the problem has grown too massive, so it can only be dealt with by the government or organisations working for it.

Well, tell me how many of you just realise this grave fact that you are also one of those thinking just as the above?

The truth is small actions when practiced consistently can create a ripple effect that leads to significant transformation. Suppose one person switches off unused lights in a house, it’s a tiny act. But if a thousand or a million people do it every day, we save an enormous amount of energy.

If a child refuses a disposable glass and instead uses his bottle or glass it may seem like no big deal, but if every school bans single-use plastic bottles while compromising their contracts, the impact becomes monumental.

We often think, “What difference will it make if I just reuse a bottle or carry a tote bag?” Now just imagine, if 100 kids read this article and even 20 of them decided to bring one small change in their lifestyle, the overall impact would be significant. For example, it could be 20 bottles being reused, 20 times unnecessary electricity not consumed, 20 plastic straws avoided and 20 moments of choosing the greener path. This is just the smallest number I ask you to imagine, the number could vary as more and more people read more and more good change is likely to come. It does sound a bit idealistic, but kids, it is possible to make it a reality only if you are willing to bring a “single” change in your life.

The psychology behind small steps

Behavioural scientists agree that sustainable change is more likely when it begins small. Big resolutions often don’t work out, and stress levels increase, resulting in the task being left unfinished. However, if applied ‘foot-in-the-door’ technique, where people agree to a small action first, they’re more likely to agree to a bigger step later on.

Moreover, small habits help fight eco-anxiety, the paralysing fear that nothing we do will make a difference. Even small actions give us a sense of control. They make us feel like we can make a difference. That feeling brings hope and strength.

Micro-habits making macro-impact

Turning off the tap: Water conservation begins at home. Leaving the tap running can waste up to four gallons, or almost 15 litres, per minute! Most people leave the tap turned on while brushing, which results in thousands of litres of water being wasted per household each year.

Shifting to cloth bags

One positive change I’ve noticed lately is that many big stores now offer cloth bags for groceries or materials that self-decompose, though they do charge for them. It’s a good initiative, however, you can save money and the environment by bringing your own grocery bags.

So the next time you bug your parents to take you to the mall, don’t forget to take along big cloth or reusable bags with you in the car. It’s a simple habit, but one that can make a big difference over time.

Saying no to plastic bags and using a cloth or jute bag is just another small act, but did you know that one reusable bag can replace over 700 plastic bags in a year? Now that’s a change worth making!

Walk of joy with your parents

Start walking with your parents to the nearby shops. Believe me kids, this is altogether a different experience that you are going to love.

By choosing to walk instead of taking a vehicle, you’re not only spending quality time with your family, but you’re also helping reduce carbon emissions. A small step for you, but a big smile on the face of our mother Earth!

Refusing single-use items

In every aspect of life, we prefer convenience. From plastic cutlery to single-use eating mats, everything is now available in a disposable version. However, the convenience of disposables comes at an environmental cost. I am not asking you to take cutlery and crockery with you every time you go out to eat, but you can at least carry your own bottle and keep a cup in your vehicle, so that you don’t have to buy single use items.

Unplugging devices

Devices left plugged in draw phantom energy. Phantom power, also known as standby power, refers to the electricity consumed by certain electrical appliances still plugged in even when we are not using them. For instance, the standby mode will continue to consume electricity as long as it is connected to the general supply network. Always unplug chargers and electronics when not in use.

Spreading awareness

Spread awareness, the more people see the more they feel obliged and encouraged. Post a single little eco-tip on social media, it could be planting seeds, watering plants, cutting the weeds or switching off fans and lights when not in use. Remember, the power of influence is real.

Reusing, repairing and recycling

Before tossing something out, ask yourself: can this be fixed? Can I use it differently? Extending the life of our possessions reduces waste and consumption.

Start your eco-habit journey!

One habit: It is said that it only takes 21 days to form a new habit. So whatever good you pick to do, stick with it for 21 days. And you will observe the new you.

Involve others: if you involve someone, your friend, sibling, cousins or neighbours with you, the habits stick better. Because all we need is a little tap on the shoulder or a little support.

Don’t wait for perfection. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t come up even to your own expectations, every action counts, no matter how little or big it is.

Your mindset is the key: Yes, Earth Day isn’t just a date, it’s a mindset! When we shift from thinking “What can I do?” to “I will do this!”, we unlock the power we never knew about. Micro-changes teach us that we’re not powerless. We are part of a massive planet.

So this Earth Day, don’t just aim for a one-time act. Pick one small, meaningful habit. Let it take root and let it grow. Because one small habit, repeated across a neighbourhood, a city or a country, can indeed be one giant leap for Earth.

Published in Dawn, Young World, April 19th, 2025