The Steppingstones to Social Responsibility

By Sayantani Chakrabarty

We hear the phrase “Social responsibility”, and our mind immediately jumps to two things. First: The ethical framework that binds a corporate to be accountable for its actions and fulfilling its civic duty. Second: Activists and influencers announcing on social media how going vegan and plastic-free changed their life for the better. But honestly, social responsibility is not that complicated, and doesn’t have to be all that fancy and unapproachable. Literally, by the term, it signifies — a responsibility of the society as a whole. It can’t be that hard, can it?

Let’s come to the crux of the matter: We all need to be socially responsible. Yeah, yeah! We’ve heard this in every platform ever, but how do I start? Do I have to lose a limb and tail over this? Does this mean I have to live a modest life? Simple answer: No. Social responsibility is directly related to your sense of morality or ethics. Your ethical behaviour around your family, friends and immediate environment determines and maintains a social responsibility that you, as a human being, should uphold. It is not a written rule. It is not enforced upon you. But again, it is your sense of morality.

So then, which ‘ism’ should I follow to take care of it, once and for all?

Okay. Let’s take it from the top. The world is burdened with multiple issues that all culminate to its rapid degradation. Climate change, water crisis, biodiversity loss, refugee crisis, global hunger, human trafficking, livelihood crises — are just some of the millions of social issues faced by mankind. But can you be responsible for each and every one of those? No. But you have to remember, you can be part of a change that seems close to your heart, or you can be involved in a matter that seems more pressing and immediate to you. And this doesn’t always have to be direct participation. Donations, activism, marches, are big involvements that can be done later as you please. But what is necessary for you, is to imbibe some daily habits that get you into a process of a more responsible lifestyle. And this starts at home.

Small changes in regular behaviour and habits can turn you into a well-rounded, socially responsible human. All you need to do is have an open mind and think critically about why you need to do this.

Here are some quick and easy steps to get into the habit of being socially responsible.

1. Start with a positive digital footprint.

What you do on the internet and social media today remains forever. Even if you delete a Tweet or an Instagram story, the footprints of your post will last forever. If you ever had anything malicious or negative or derogatory to say about any situation, that might have caused hurt to anybody, it will come to the knowledge of the public. So understand that behaviours should be avoided online and read up on how you can create a more positive social media environment.

2. Widen your circle.

You may be an introvert with minimum friends or you may be a social butterfly. But your circle should include everyone you think deserves to live a good and fair life in the world. As you widen the circle of “we”, you will understand that how millions of people fight and strive for basic necessities and fundamental human rights. This is always a great start to get you to change your perspective about social responsibility.

3. Read the news.

This is self-explanatory. Once you start reading the news, you will know about the ongoing global and national crises and how people, organisations and governments are trying to solve such issues. Knowledge of the planet, knowledge of other cultures and what is happening around you is extremely important for you to grow as a citizen.

4. Make little habits.

Small lifestyle changes can take you a long way and make you a reliable spokesperson on social responsibility, because you are part of bringing a change. Cutting down on fuel consumption, using water more efficiently, maintaining plants at home, having seasonal produce as food, supporting local farmers by buying from them, recycling and upcycling clothes and furniture, and many more — there are so many easy alternatives to the toxic life that we normally live. These not only help the planet, but also make you realise that sustainability is also about sustaining livelihood and humans.

5. Think before you buy.

As you read and keep your eyes and ears open, you’ll get to know that there are certain things you buy that are easily accessible but are terrible for the planet, or terrible as an industry. Fast fashion giants are big and cheap, but they are destroying the planet buy increasing our landfills and by using unsustainable methods of production, using gallons and gallons of water and polluting the rivers.

Plastic products that are unnecessary and have natural alternatives should be considered. Get into the habit of carrying a jute bag or a cloth bag that is reusable to stores. This way, you save on plastic carry bags. Plus, with sustainable shopping you’ll be able to recognize that everything we buy has health, environmental and social impact. It is your chance to support what is important to you and avoid products and services that do not align with your beliefs. Which means, you can choose products that include fewer chemical pesticides, a greater diversity of plants, less consumption of fossil fuels and sustainably sourced raw material. Now, this isn’t too hard, is it?

It may all seem overwhelming at first. But you will get the hang of it, we promise! And remember, every day, the choices we make directly impact the environment, the climate and human beings and other species. Let’s make our lives more meaningful.