Besides imparting "text book" education to our children we alsso try to give them knowledge ranging from local trees to information about their village etc and have conservation education as a long term goal.

We were in the process of planning structures for our schools, and the idea of mud houses in the March 15 issue of Gobar-Times has all of us wanting to get more information on the concept.

I would also like to know more about your environment education unit as also how we can be a part of the same.

Nimesh
Samrakshan
District Vijeypur
State: Madhya Pradesh
E-mail:vnimeshv@yahoo.com

GT replies: It is very encouraging to see that the mud issue of GT has raised the interest of our readers for mud as a building material. You can get in touch with the contacts that have been provided in the ask me section. The environment education unit is actively involved in creating awareness and we conduct ecotours and workshops primarily in schools. We also publish periodicals, Gobar Times and G:Net through which you can keep in touch with our activities.You are welcome to join us and do keep those mails pouring in.

While travelling by long distance trains, the litter bins are normally infested with cockroaches. In a typical second class compartment, you see people buying a lot of wares and simply throwing the trash out of the train.

On a recent trip to Kulu, Manali and Rohtang Pass, I was terrified to see mere stumps in place of huge trees. Reckless travellers had dumped empty Lays packets, beer bottles, plastic bottles and other trash on the roads.

How can we stop this irrresponsible behaviour by travellers?
Mahalakshmi
Via email

GT replies: We have to reduce our consumption of plastic products. When traveling, we usually consume items that have lots of packaging to prevent the spoilage of food. We should use products with less plastic packaging . The disposal of waste should also be underkaen in a more responsible manner, and not litter the environment.

We are living in an increasingly shrinking world.the things which do not harm us immediately or visibly we tend to ignore them.

We are becoming self centered and comfort loving.I tried very hard to strictly ban the use of polythene in my schooL. Everyone thought it to be my personal mission not of all of us.collectivel. They are all educated and fully aware of the menace of plastic. If alternatives of plastic and polythene are avaiable even in small towns like Saharanpur the menace of plastics can be tackled more effectively. I am an ardent supporter of your cause.

Aashi aggarwal
Via email

I am a parent and environmental professional who has had the good fortune of coming across Gobar Times.

I just think its great!
I do have one suggestion though:
I suggest that the use of English language, in terms of correctness, be paid more attention to. For instance, the standard appearance of the Gobarspeak column has the "Ask me, No?" would be pleased to see correct language and grammar being used here. After all, Gobar Times is aimed at 12 years old and above, and it would not do to encourage incorrect language practices at all. I do hope you will look into my suggestion. Other than that, my congratulations to the whole team on getting out such a great publication!!!