Photography

The pandemic has brought a myriad of misfortunes that have riddled humanity with countless deaths, poverty, and a dreary future with little hope. But among these, an issue that is often overlooked is the climate crisis. As of right now, 26000 tonnes of plastic from PPE suits and single-use surgical masks pollute the ocean. It is not unknown that plastic is not only terrible for the environment, but it is dangerous. It takes numerous years to decompose and even then, microplastics remain under the influence of solar UV radiation, wind, currents, and other natural factors which host a great deal of toxicity. Not to mention, the ingestion, suffocation, and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fishes, and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey, and most die of starvation as their stomachs are filled with plastic debris. They suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. Floating plastics contribute to the spread of invasive marine organisms and bacteria, which disrupt ecosystems. Plastic, which is a petroleum product, also contributes to global warming. If plastic waste is incinerated, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thereby increasing carbon emissions. Unfortunately, with COVID19 imposing as much of a safety issue as it does, refraining from single-use products is easier said than done. That being said, now more than ever it is important to make responsible choices like only using single-use plastic when it is absolutely required or utilizing reusable cloth masks as much as possible.

- Written by Lara Nambisan
- Photo taken by Lara Nambisan

Holi is referred to as the "Festival of Colors." Every year, it is commemorated towards the end of the winter season, which normally occurs in late February or early March. Holi is celebrated for two days in most parts of the world. The implications of the Holi festival on the environment are discussed in this article. As is customary, a bonfire is lit in honor of Holika Dahan, which contributes to deforestation. Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, and Particulate Matter levels rise during the Holi event, resulting in poor air quality. Participants also set off fireworks on this auspicious day, releasing dangerous gases and toxic compounds into the air, which can be monitored via air quality monitoring. Bursting firecrackers pollute the air not only with toxic toxins but also with noise pollution. People prefer to celebrate with colors while dancing, and they utilize loudspeakers and loud musical instruments, which pollute the environment. This form of noise pollution can be hazardous to children and the elderly. Holi used to be celebrated using organic colors created from flowers in the past. However, since the Holi (and deforestation) event has become increasingly commercialized, numerous corporations have begun to manufacture highly harmful chemically manufactured colors (dyes). They aren't easily degradable in nature and can't be eliminated using traditional wastewater treatment methods.

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- Written by Saiesha Bade

- Photo taken by Yamini and Saies 

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