When people in the UK talk about sustainability, they often think of reusable coffee cups or electric cars, things that feel new and trendy. But for us South Asians, living sustainably is not something recent. It is a way of life that our parents and grandparents practiced for generations.
Think about your childhood home. Was there a cupboard full of reused ice cream tubs? Old saris turned into cushion covers? Spices bought in bulk and kept in recycled jars? That was not just about saving money; it was sustainability in action.
In South Asia, wasting nothing runs deep. Clothes were repaired, kitchen scraps turned into compost, and packaging was always saved just in case. Our ancestors were not trying to be environmental heroes. They simply valued every resource they had.
This respect extended to the way food was grown and shared. Seasonal, local produce was normal, not because it was fashionable but because it made sense. Farmers rotated crops, collected rainwater, and used natural ways to keep pests away. These traditions nourished communities and kept the land healthy for the future.
Our spiritual beliefs also remind us to care for the Earth. Hinduism honours the Earth as Prithvi Mata or Mother Earth. Sikhism teaches seva, meaning selfless service, which often includes caring for the environment. Buddhism encourages kindness to all living things, and Islam reminds us we are khalifa or stewards of the planet.
Many festivals in South Asia celebrate nature. Pongal honours the sun and Mother Nature. Vaisakhi marks the harvest, and Eid teaches lessons about sharing and avoiding waste. Lately, communities have been bringing back eco-friendly celebrations, swapping plastics for natural decorations, and using locally sourced materials.
Of course, times have changed. Cities have grown, life has sped up, and convenience often means single-use plastics and throwaway culture. For South Asian families in the UK, balancing tradition with modern life can be tough. Fixing clothes or shopping without plastic is not always easy when you are busy with work and family.
Sustainability is not about going backwards. It is about bringing the wisdom of our past into how we live now. The resourcefulness our grandparents showed can guide us as we face climate change.
This South Asian Heritage Month, let us celebrate a culture that has quietly lived sustainably for centuries. By blending our traditions with today’s innovation, we can create an environmental movement that honours our roots and protects our future.
