World Environment Day reminds us to reduce, reuse, and recycle every year. But for me, it’s more than just a slogan—it’s a quiet practice of love, memory, and sustainability. Looking around my home, I realise that my contribution to the planet hasn’t always been loud or revolutionary. Instead, it has been layered into everyday life through the things I’ve chosen to keep forever.
These aren’t just objects. They are stories, relationships, and values wrapped in fabric, metal, and wood.
The Steel Legacy from My Mother
In my kitchen, gleaming steel utensils catch the morning light. These aren’t new purchases—they’ve been in my family for decades. Some are older than me. My mother’s hands once held them, cooking meals full of comfort and warmth. I remember how she would get them clean with ash and tamarind when we were little, long before fancy dishwashing liquids came into our lives.
These utensils have survived every trend—from non-stick fads to microwave-safe everything. Yet they remain, resilient and dependable. Just like her.
Sarees That Whisper Her Presence
Folded with care in my wardrobe are a few of my mother’s sarees. The fabric has softened with time, and the borders are slightly frayed. But every time I drape one, I feel wrapped in her presence. It’s like an embrace across time and space.
Sarees are more than garments—they’re diaries woven in threads. They remind me of celebrations, quiet evenings, and the gentle rustle of silk as she moved through life with grace.
Books That Smell of Wisdom
My uncle-in-law was a quiet man with a deep love for literature and philosophy. After his passing, a few of his cherished books came into my possession. The pages are yellowed, the spines delicate. Some have notes in the margins—his thoughts scribbled in neat, tiny handwriting. These books are more than 100 years old… officially antique.
I could buy newer editions. But these books carry not just words, but a soul. His soul. Keeping them is like keeping a part of him alive.
Jewels of Sentiment
Among my most treasured belongings is a small box of heritage jewellery of my mother-in-law, which RB gave to me. It’s a silver juda pin, which I have made into a choker. When I wear it, even if only occasionally, I feel like I’m part of a chain—each woman passing strength, grace, and elegance to the next.
From Headrest to Heritage: The Story of My Living Room Partition
Once the backrest of my mother-in-law’s bed, this beautifully carved wooden piece has lived many lives. First, I repurposed it into a traditional-style sofa. And when it was time for another change, it found a new identity—as a stunning partition in our living room.
Now, it stands tall, commanding attention with its vintage charm and timeless design. It doesn’t just divide the space—it connects generations. Every grain of wood, every notch, seems to whisper tales of a different era. It brings an unmistakable heritage vibe to the house, making guests pause and admire it. For me, it’s a daily reminder that old doesn’t mean outdated—it means enduring.
My Forever Dupatta: A Piece of Everyday Magic
Among the many things in my wardrobe, there’s one item I reach for more often than anything else—an old dupatta given to me by my sister-in-law. It’s vibrant, still shining bright after all these years, and has become something of a signature in my style.
Some days it matches my outfit, other days it boldly contrasts—but it always elevates the look. I wear it with almost every salwar kameez I own. And yes, I take special care of it. It doesn’t just cover my shoulders; it wraps me in warmth, memories, and an unspoken connection to someone I love deeply.
It’s not just fabric—it’s a feeling.
Why I’ve Kept Them Forever
In a world that’s constantly urging us to upgrade and declutter, I find joy in holding on. Each item I’ve kept whispers the language of love, memory, and sustainability. They’ve helped me avoid unnecessary consumption, but more importantly, they’ve kept my roots nourished.
On this World Environment Day, let’s rethink what we throw away. Sometimes, the greenest thing we can do is not to buy something new, but to cherish what we already have.
Because every object kept with care is a story preserved, and what better way to honour the earth than by honouring the past?
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Neerja Bhatnagar
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I have written 3 solo books and 3 anthologies. You can buy my books on Amazon. If you are on Kindle Unlimited, you can read them for free. Pls, do check and share your reviews.