Theological story:  Guru Nanak and Malik Bhago

The story of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the poor carpenter Lalo, and the corrupt chieftain Malik Bhago embodies the principles that may guide our use of assets. Although Malik Bhago is the ruler of Saidpur, Guru Nanak refuses to accept his hospitality because he has amassed his wealth through the exploitation of farmers and their crops. Lalo, on the other hand, is a humble man who earns his money as a carpenter — a trade that works in harmony with the natural environment and uses its gifts in a sustainable way. Lalo uses his meager assets to provide for Guru Nanak and for this he receives the Guru’s blessings.

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The Plan seeks to define assets in a broad way. Assets can be particular skills, professions and time commitments, in addition to land and monetary investments and other types of fiscal support. A large number of Sikhs, in both the Diaspora and South Asia, are leaders in business, engineering, farming, education, and many other professional fields. Thus as Sikhs we have access to a great array of resources that we can use to improve our ecological practices.

We include here several suggestions that can be followed by individuals/families, Gurdwaras/Sikh organizations, and the wider community:

Individuals/Families:

  • Participate in local recycling programs: many municipalities already have recycling programs in place and you can contact your local government to learn about how you can get involved. For those that don’t have recycling programs, you can cut down on harmful waste by using biodegradable and compostable materials
  • Participate in local co-op gardening programs: many Sikhs live in urban environments where gardening can be difficult. You might be surprised to learn about the ways you can practice gardening by becoming involved in a local gardening co-op. Examples:

–         West Delhi Friends Co-operative Society

Transit Camp, Raghubir Nagar

Rajouri Garden

Delhi

–         Seattle Urban Farm Company

  • Buy locally grown and organic foods: this is a great way to support local farming initiatives. Many communities around the world have outdoor markets or farmer’s markets where local farmers come to sell their produce. Buy from these places when you can, rather than from stores that import their produce, in order to stay healthy and support the local economy
  • Plant herb gardens for home cooking: many herbs can grow in small gardens outside of your house or even in pots that you keep on your window sill or balcony. These plants help to purify the air we breathe and give you immediate access to fresh herbs

Gurdwaras/Sikh Organizations:

  • Start rainwater harvesting programs: You can learn more about through the Centre for Science and Environment’s Rainwater Harvesting Initiative. The Initiative provides a rainwater harvesting manual and has Raincentres located around India:  http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org
  • Invest in copper storage pots to kill enteric bacteria in water: see Appendix A.2
  • Consult green architects to improve eco-friendliness of gurdwaras
  • Invest in solar panels for gurdwaras: see Appendix A.3
  • Purchase reusable plates and cups or materials made out of recycled and compostable material for langar
  • Print all materials on recycled paper

Wider Community:

  • Support food sustainability initiatives such as farmer’s markets
  • Help your local community petition for green transportation alternatives: this can be anything from providing tax breaks for fuel efficient cars, supporting public transportation and bicycle sharing, and lobbying for the creation of bike lanes in your city
  • Support seed banks and biodiversity initiatives: many organizations in India are combating the negative fallout of the “Green Revolution” and need help to secure the preservation of biodiversity