UTILIZATION OF NON-HUMAN RESOURCES IN URBAN AREAS AND ITS IMPACT ON GREEN ECONOMY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTV. VIJAYA LAKSHMI AND M. MILCAH PAULAbstract The individuals and households as a unit should always try to lead a sustainable lifestyle and use practices that reduce their contribution to the ecological footprint. This study was undertaken to know the utilization pattern of non-human resources like fuel energy consumption levels, waste generation, water usage patterns and environmental issues faced in and around the sample households. The results regarding the energy usage showed that the respondent households used cooking gas, petrol and diesel as primary fuels; and electricity as an alternate fuel. Petrol usage ranged from one litre to more than 20 litres per month and electricity usage more than 200 units per month, depending on the size of the family. Switching off the lights, electrical appliances and taps immediately after usage are the saving strategies used for energy and water. The results regarding the waste generation showed that cent percent of the sample households generated more plastic waste, followed by food and other wastes. The water usage levels in the households ranged from 300L â 1500 L depending on the number of family members. Few of the households used conservation strategies like re-using water for gardening and rain water harvesting. Most of the households faced noise and air pollution from the vehicles and factories around their houses. The results gained from this study can be used to formulate suggestions on how to use the resources effectively in order to protect the environment at a micro-level and promote Green economy and Sustainability at macro-level. |