THE 5 Rs OF ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT ( Part 1)

Waste contributes to the pollution of our oceans and lakes, and it increases the greenhouse gas effect that causes global warming. It is no longer good enough to buy plastic and feel ok because you recycle it. It is time to refuse, reduce and reuse first.

The world uses half a million straws every day.

It is estimated that 4 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide annually. Only 1% of plastic bags are returned for recycling. All that waste can be eliminated by switching to reusable shopping bags. Plastic carrier bags are used on average for 12 minutes, it takes at least 500 years for those bags to degrade in landfill. Unfortunately, these bags don’t break down completely, instead they photo-degrade. This means that they become micro plastics that absorb and release toxins that continue to pollute the environment long after they have ‘degraded’.

In 2016 the worlds plastic production totaled around 335million metric tons, roughly half of this was destined for single use product.

Single use plastics often do not even make it to landfill, on average 30% of the 78million tons of plastic packaging produced annually is left to flow into our oceans – this is the equivalent to pouring 1 truck of plastic into the ocean every minute! This is expected to increase by 2 per minute by 2030 and 4 per minute in 2050. This means that by the year 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish!

500 billion disposable cups are consumed every year. Styrofoam cannot be completely recycled. Most of the Styrofoam disposed of today will still be present in landfills 500 years from now.

So how can you make a difference? There are 5 R’s of waste management that you can use to help cut down your carbon footprint and the negative impact on our planet.

1. Refuse – Learn How to Say No and Mean It

The first step of the 5 R process. And a difficult one. 

The best and most effective way of eliminating waste in your life is refusing to create it in the first place. It is about being conscious about what you consume and refusing what you don’t actually need. 

 Things like carrier bags, disposable coffee cups, cutlery and straws are the biggest culprits. They are a part of our daily lives and we often receive and use them without thinking about it but these products are mostly made from plastic and after one use most end up in landfill or, through improper disposal, our oceans. 

So start making smarter buying decisions be it personally or for business , and say no to plastic and non recyclable waste. Go for reusable containers or bags, metal/wooden straws and carry your refillable coffee mug or bottle.

Here are lots of other ways you can refuse by saying no:

- Flyers and business cards: If you’re offered one, take a picture of it using your phone, thereby negating the need for the physical item.

- Marketing freebies: We all like to receive things for free, but learn to say no if you don’t need them. Just because it’s free, don’t take that as a reason to accept it. Marketing freebies, such as pens and USB drives, are brilliant examples. If you know you won’t use them, leave them for someone who will. -

- Chemical cleaners and air fresheners: These might seem like essential items, but you can make them at home with things you’ve already got in your cupboard.

- Single-use plastics and disposables: Included in this section are straws, cutlery, and plastic bags.

Produce wrapped in plastic: Send a message to the supermarkets and only choose products that aren’t wrapped in plastic or netting. Shop for produce at your local farmer’s market, greengrocers, local food co-op, or direct from the farm. 

- Free bottles of water: When you attend a conference or are flying, say no to the free bottle of water and take your own reusable water bottle instead. 

- Junk mail: Stick a ‘no junk mail’ notice on your letter box to stop paper deliveries.

2. Reduce – Learn to Let Go

Reducing your consumption is all about the virtue of conservation and the notion of doing more with less. Reducing waste is the most important thing we can do. By reducing waste, we avoid the unnecessary use of resources such as materials, energy and water. It means there is less waste to manage.

“Reduce” in the context of zero waste might mean letting go of items in the house that you no longer need, and donating, selling or upcycling them. Then you can alleviate clutter and create space.

“Reducing” might also mean shopping with a purpose and focusing on necessary purchases as opposed to random splurges on things that you don’t really need.

So how can we reduce waste?

- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging

- Take a reusable shopping bag with you so you don't have to use a paper or plastic bag from the shop

- Say ‘no’ to a plastic shopping bag when you only have a couple of items

- Choose products that use less packaging 

- Buy reusable items rather than disposable ones

- Stick a "no junk mail" sign on your letter box

- Take your lunch to school in a reusable container.

Zero-Waste History

 Throughout most of history, the amount of waste generated by humans was insignificant due to low levels of population density and exploitation of natural resources. Common waste produced during pre-modern times was mainly ashes and human biodegradable waste, and these were released back into the ground locally, with minimum environmental impact. Tools made out of wood or metal were generally reused or passed down through the generations.

Early waste disposal ; In ancient cities, wastes were thrown onto unpaved streets and roadways, where they were left to accumulate. It was not until 320 BCE in Athens that the first known law forbidding this practice was established. At that time a system for waste removal began to evolve in Greece and in the Greek-dominated cities of the eastern Mediterranean. In ancient Rome, property owners were responsible for cleaning the streets fronting their property. But organized waste collection was associated only with state-sponsored events such as parades. Disposal methods were very crude, involving open pits located just outside the city walls. As populations increased, efforts were made to transport waste farther out from the cities.

After the fall of Rome, waste collection and municipal sanitation began a decline that lasted throughout the Middle Ages. Near the end of the 14th century, scavengers were given the task of carting waste to dumps outside city walls. But this was not the case in smaller towns, where most people still threw waste into the streets. It was not until 1714 that every city in England was required to have an official scavenger. Toward the end of the 18th century in America, municipal collection of garbage was begun in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. 

References: 

-https://datatopics.worldbank.org/what-a-waste/trends_in_solid_waste_management.html#:~:text=Globally%2C%20most%20waste%20is%20currently,with%20landfill%20gas%20collection%20systems.

- http://www.romesightseeing.net/the-history-of-plumbing-pompeii-and-herculaneum

CONCLUSION

Environmental pollution is causing a lot of distress not only to humans but also animals, driving many animal species to endangerment and even extinction. Much is being done to control, monitor and rectify damage done by pollutants. The problems are diverse and some are only being recognized but it is important to keep a close control over pollutants so that we can maintain the environment in an acceptable condition for future generations.

Pollution must be taken seriously, as it has a negative effect on natural elements that are an absolute need for life to exist on earth, such as water and air. Indeed, without it, or if they were present in different quantities, animals – including humans – and plants could not survive.

" Environmental pollution is an incurable disease. It can only be prevented." 

~ Barry Commoner

POLLUTION CONTROL

The presence of environmental pollution raises the issue of pollution control. Pollution control is the process of reducing or eliminating the release of pollutants into the environment . It is regulated by various environmental agencies which establish pollutant discharge limits for air, water, and land.

Pollution prevention (P2) is any practice that reduces, eliminates, or prevents pollution at its source. P2, also known as "source reduction," is the ounce-of-prevention approach to waste management. Reducing the amount of pollution produced means less waste to control, treat, or dispose of. Less pollution means less hazards posed to public health and the environment.

Everyone is a stakeholder as we are all inhabitants of this one and only mother Earth. Each person can contribute something to advance environmental pollution mitigation measures. Environmental protection means caring for our resources and subsequently for ourselves and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come will have a better environment.

By becoming aware and doing the right action, we choose to be part of the solution. Here are a few reminders and tips to reduce/prevent/control pollution: 

• Stop smoking or at least follow the “No Smoking” sign.
• Use unleaded gasoline in your cars.
• Keep your car properly maintained to keep it in good running condition to avoid smoke emissions.
• Share a ride or engage in car pooling.
• Instead of using your cars, choose to walk or ride a bicycle whenever possible. With this eco-friendly practice, you will also be healthier and happier by staying fit.
• Never use open fires to dispose of wastes.
• Adopt the 3Rs of solid waste management: reduce, reuse and recycle. Inorganic materials such as metals, glass and plastic; also organic materials like paper, can be reclaimed and recycled. This takes into account that the proven solution to the problem of proper waste management (especially in third world countries) is proper disposal (in waste bins for collection and not in the street where it could fall into drains), waste segregation and collection, and recycling.
• Start composting brown leaves in your yard and green scraps from your kitchen. It will reduce waste while improving your yard and garden soils.
• Reconnect with nature. Live green by using green power supplied abundantly and freely by wind and the sun. Hang your laundry to dry to minimize use of gas or electricity from your dryers. Enjoy fresh air from open windows to lessen the use of air conditioning system.
• Patronize local foods and goods. In this manner, transporting goods and foods prepared with GMOs which uses fuel from conventional energy sources will be minimized.
• Use eco-friendly or biodegradable materials instead of plastic which are made up of highly toxic substances injurious to your health.
• Create your green space. Value your garden. Plant more trees and put indoor plants in your homes. They clean the air, provide oxygen and beautify your surroundings. Thus, care for them and by protecting them, especially the big trees around and in the forest, you protect yourself and your family, too.
• Have a proper waste disposal system especially for toxic wastes
• Take very good care of your pets and their wastes.
• Never throw, run or drain or dispose into the water, air, or land any substance in solid, liquid or gaseous form that shall cause pollution.
• Do not cause loud noises and unwanted sounds to avoid noise pollution.
• Do not litter in public places. Anti-litter campaigns can educate the populace.
• Industries should use fuel with lower sulphur content.
• Industries should monitor their air emissions regularly and take measures to ensure compliance with the prescribed emission standards.
• Industries should strictly follow applicable government regulations on pollution control.
• Organic waste should be dumped in places far from residential areas.
• Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.
• Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely. Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available.
• Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.
• Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
• Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
• Consider using gas logs instead of wood.

 Change starts from us. 

A small action done by many can make a huge difference. 

Leave a better world than what you came into.

The best gift to our children is a cleaner environment.

Together let us protect our home. 

EFFECTS OF POLLUTION

Pollution effects are defined as “direct and/or indirect adverse impacts of contaminants on the marine environment, such as harm to living resources and marine ecosystems, including loss of biodiversity, hazards to human health, the hindering of marine activities, including fishing, tourism and recreation and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of the quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities or, in general, impairment of the sustainable use of marine goods and services” 

We will focus on some of the effects of pollution:

1. Environmental Degradation

Greenhouse gases, like fossil fuels released by vehicles and factories, and methane, released by livestock, contribute to air pollution and add to climate change by raising the earth's temperature. In a vicious circle, climate change then makes a certain type of air pollution worse. A reaction between combusting fossil fuel emissions and sunlight creates smog, a yellowish or blackish fog also known as "ground level ozone." Climate change also creates more allergenic air pollutants, such as mold caused by damp conditions and pollen caused by a longer pollen season and increased pollen production.

Across the world, climate change leads to more drought, heat waves, rising sea levels, storms, warming oceans and rising sea levels, which affect animal species by destroying their natural habitats.

Environmental pollutants have various adverse health effects from early life some of the most important harmful effects are perinatal disorders, infant mortality, respiratory disorders, allergy, malignancies, cardiovascular disorders, increase in stress oxidative, endothelial dysfunction, mental disorders, and various other harmful effects.

2. Human Health 

Air pollution can have a serious heath impact on humans. If you are exposed to very high levels of air pollutants, you may experience irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, wheezing, coughing and breathing problems and have a greater risk of heart attacks. 

Air pollution can also exacerbate existing lung and heart conditions, like asthma. Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs. Children, senior citizens and people who work or exercise outside are at a greater risk. Those most at risk are people with asthma or allergies because pollutants can make their symptoms worse and trigger asthma attacks.

If soil pollutants produce contaminated food, anyone who eats it may become ill. Toxic soil may also cause illness through skin contact or inhalation.

Drinking contaminated water caused by sewage overflow may cause sickness and digestive problems in humans. Pollutants such as mercury in fish and seafood can lead to serious health problems, especially in children and pregnant women.

Similarly, noise pollution leads to hearing loss, stress, and sleep disturbance.

3.Infertile Land

Due to the constant use of insecticides and pesticides, the soil may become infertile. Plants may not be able to grow properly. 

 Pollutants in water resulting from trash, oil spills, sewage spills and run-off from agricultural fields, construction sites and factories affect native plant and animal species. Various forms of chemicals produced from industrial waste are released into the flowing water which also affects the quality of the soil.

4. Endangers animals 

Water pollution in terms of the oil spill may lead to the death of several wildlife species.Animals are also often injured or killed by solid waste discarded in water.

In conclusion: 

Pollution not only affects humans by destroying their respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems; it also affects the nature, plants, fruits, vegetables, rivers, ponds, forests, animals, etc, on which they are highly dependent on survival. It is crucial to control pollution as nature, wildlife and human life are precious gifts to mankind.

Remember, unless we embrace sustainable living, go green, and practice zero-waster our world is likely to witness further dramatic transformations due to pollution. So lets join hands in following the right guidelines especially when it comes to disposal of wastes and take the right steps to make way for a better world.

Sources: (Law et al., 2010). 

Thank you for your contributions of Facebook: 

Nana Wakuvuruga

Short and long term exposure to pollution can trigger some respiratory issues. Living in urban areas where there's a high emission rate from vehicles you're more likely to suffer from respiratory problems

TYPES OF POLLUTION

 When you think of environmental pollution, it typically comes in seven different types. These include air, water, land, radioactive, thermal, light, and sound pollution. 

We will look into each of these: 

1. Air Pollution

Air pollution is when noxious gases and chemicals get suspended in air.

A major source of air pollution results from the burning of fossil fuels. Vehicle and factory emissions are common sources of this type of air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to the formation of smog, a dense layer of particulate matter that hangs like a cloud over many major cities and industrial zones. 

Air pollution contributes to respiratory problems such as asthma, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and other lung ailments. Nitrogen and sulfur oxides in the air contribute to acid rain, which is a form of precipitation with a lower (more acidic) pH than normal. Acid rain harms forests, species that live in water bodies, and degrades outdoor statues, monuments, and buildings.

2, Water Pollution

Water pollution does not only affect fish and other marine life, when pollutants get into the water, they have a devastating effect on the water cycle. 

Natural causes of water pollution include algae blooms and volcanoes. However, humans also cause water pollution through trash and wastewater from factories. 

A major source of water pollution is runoff from agricultural fields, industrial sites, or urban areas. Runoff disrupts the water body's natural balance. For example, agricultural runoff typically includes fertilizer or toxic chemicals. Fertilizer can cause algal blooms (an explosive growth of algae), choking out other plants and decreasing the amount of available oxygen necessary for the survival of other species. 

Raw sewage is another type of water pollutant. When sewage gets into the drinking water supply, serious stomach and digestive issues may result, including the spread of diseases such as typhoid or dysentery. 

A third source of water pollution is trash. Improperly disposed of items, such as plastic bags, fishing line, and other materials may accumulate in the water and lead to the premature death of animals that get tangled within the garbage.

3. Land Pollution

Land pollution is another one of the big three pollution types affecting the human population. Land pollution happens when the soil gets contaminated by fertilizers or chemicals being dumped. The pollution in the land can seep into the ground water or run into lakes and streams creating a vicious pollution cycle. 

Soil can become polluted by industrial sources or the improper disposal of toxic chemical substances. Common sources of soil pollution include asbestos, lead, PCBs, and overuse of pesticides/herbicides.

4. Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is caused by loud noises that can hurt the human ears. Types of noise pollution can include explosions, jet engines, and even concerts (if you are close to the speakers). 

Noise pollution is dangerous because it can cause hearing loss. This type of pollution has been shown to impact the movement of sea mammals, such as dolphins and whales and also impacts the nesting success of birds.

5. Light Pollution

Light pollution refers to the large amount of light produced by most urban and other heavily-populated areas. 

While lights are great for helping us to see at night, too many lights cause light pollution blocking out the night sky. Light pollution prevents citizens from seeing features of the night sky and has also been shown to impede the migration patterns of birds and the activities of nocturnal animals.

6. Radioactive Pollution

The radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living organisms and their environment as a result of release of radioactive substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon production and decommissioning, mining of radioactive ores, handling and disposal of radioactive waste, and accidents at nuclear power plants. 

7.Thermal Pollution

Thermal pollution, sometimes called "thermal enrichment," is the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature. 

A common cause of thermal pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial manufacturers. Thermal pollution can also be caused by natural forces like soil erosion giving water more sunlight. 

In conclusion we share a comment about pollution by one of our social media followers:

Rashidah Aasim Asad -

Air pollution, noise pollution, etc.. Affecting air by production of dangerous fumes to air and also having uncontrollable noise to humanity from machines for example

POLLUTION

What is pollution?



It is the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.



 Environmental pollution is the addition of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or any form of energy (such as heat, sound, or radioactivity) to the environment at a rate faster than it can be dispersed, diluted, decomposed, recycled, or stored in some harmless form. 



Pollution of all kinds can have negative effects on the environment and wildlife and often impacts human health and well-being.



We will be focusing more about the types and effects on pollution in our coming chapters.



Here is a little history about pollution:



Cities of ancient times were often noxious places, fouled by human wastes and debris. Beginning about 1000 CE, the use of coal for fuel caused considerable air pollution, and the conversion of coal to coke for iron smelting beginning in the 17th century exacerbated the problem. In Europe, from the Middle Ages well into the early modern era, unsanitary urban conditions favored the outbreak of population-decimating epidemics of disease, from plague to cholera and typhoid fever. Through the 19th century, water and air pollution and the accumulation of solid wastes were largely problems of congested urban areas. But, with the rapid spread of industrialization and the growth of the human population to unprecedented levels, pollution became a universal problem.



By the middle of the 20th century, an awareness of the need to protect air, water, and land environments from pollution had developed among the general public. In particular, the publication in 1962 of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring focused attention on environmental damage caused by improper use of pesticides such as DDT and other persistent chemicals that accumulate in the food chain and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems on a wide scale. In response, major pieces of environmental legislation, such as the Clean Air Act (1970) and the Clean Water Act (1972; United States), were passed in many countries to control and mitigate environmental pollution.



Here are some of your take on pollution from Facebook:

 Alice Liddell  Pollution -

is everything that is not biodegradable made by man. 

Source : https://www.britannica.com/science/pollution-environment

HOW CAN KIDS HELP

Children today leaders tomorrow. 

As parents and teachers we need to educate children about the importance of taking care of our environment and all that surrounds us, teach them to be responsible humans and guide them to make the right decisions in favor of our Earth. 

There are so many ways to guide and nurture them but the best is through example, children learn from actions and follow in our footsteps. Hand on experiences are the best, so take your time to teach them how to care for our nature. 

Here are some ways children can help save trees: 

1. Use paper wisely by making space for reusable paper, using both sides of paper and replacing paper bags to reusable lunchboxes. 

2. Play and create with trash. Instead of throwing out cardboard boxes, paper towels or shoe boxes, children can be creative and play with them by making forts or cardboard cars. Parents can also help them with many DIY activities such as making bird feeders and picture frames. 

3. Borrow, share and donate book is great way to save paper. 

4. Plant a tree. Although planting trees is a popular Earth Day activity, fall is the season to plant trees and shrubs. Do your homework to make sure you pick the right tree for your space.

5.  Visit the forest. Pay homage to trees and forests is to spend time with them. Visit a local state or national park.

6. Staying on the trails during forest visits minimizes impact on wilderness areas, preserving them. 

Thanks to The Seed of Life Facebook family sharing with us some points on how kids can help save trees: 

Christa Turnell -

Teach them to plant and save trees

SeedballsKenya -

 we have seen great success with teaching them about seed based tree planting 

Hive Honey - 

Please involve kids. Kids Love to plant trees. 

 

CONSERVATION OF FORESTS

In our last blog series we focused of deforestation and its dangerous impact outlining the urgency to conserve forests. Here is a list of what an average person can do to prevent deforestation and conserve grand forests. It all starts with you as an individual.

1. Avoid printing; The less you print the less paper you use.
2.Go digital with your bills.
3. Use FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood products.
4. Switch to bamboo paper.
5. Switch to digital books/magazines.
6. Use the library instead of printing or buying books.
7. Switch to e-cards.
8. Reuse bags.
9. Plant trees.
10. Use reusable containers.
11. Instead of paper cups, plates and cutlery shift to reusable ones.
12. Avoid the use of paper towels or napkins. Instead use reusable ones.
13. Use cloth diapers.
14. Most important of all is to educate others.

There are many other ways in which individuals can help conserve forests but each one of us needs to put an effort for the results to be achieved. Below we will focus on some regulation put in place to protect forests.

1. Regular and planned cutting.

• If there are large areas that have the same type of trees available on it, trees of the same age group can be cut down in a selected area. This area will then be marked for re-plantation in order to sustain the forest.
• When selective cutting is implemented it means that only fully mature trees will be allowed to be cut down.
• Shelter wood cutting method entails that the least useful trees are cut down first, while the highest quality trees are cut down last.

2. Reforestation projects.

3. Monitor agriculture.

• Many forested areas are cleared in order to make room for agricultural lands. This should be limited.

4.Protect forests from parasitic fungi, rusts, mistletoe, viruses and nematodes. These all destroy the trees. An effort should be made to administer a chemical spray or some other treatment in order to destroy the parasites.

5. Produce less waste.

6. Raise awareness.  

There also are many proposed things that the government can do, such as:

• Passing acts that require the conservation of forests,
• Surveying the forest resources to prevent overusing the resources,
• Categorizing forest areas and proper delimitation of reserved forest areas to prevent anyone from damaging the reserved area,
• Find out which areas require reforestation,
• Regulating and improving upon the commercial use of forest products,
• Protecting forests from fire, mining and other threats, and
• Developing national parks.

Forest management can also play a huge role in the conservation of forests by undertaking these steps:

• Survey of forest,
• Categorization of forest.
• Economic use of forest,
• Administrative setting for forest management,
• Training programs for persons engaged in forest conservation activities,
• Use of forest land as tourist centers,
• Social and agro-forestry,
• Development of new techniques for the conservation of forests,
• Research for efficient use and conservation of forest, and
• Policy decisions and their proper implementation.

According to FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States) deforestation and forest degradation continue to take place at alarming rates, which contributes significantly to the ongoing loss of biodiversity.

Since 1990, it is estimated that 420 million hectares of forest have been lost through conversion to other land uses, although the rate of deforestation has decreased over the past three decades.

Between 2015 and 2020, the rate of deforestation was estimated at 10 million hectares per year, down from 16 million hectares per year in the 1990s. The area of primary forest worldwide has decreased by over 80 million hectares since 1990. All these facts indicate that there is an urgency to conserve forests to combat climate crisis.

Action has to be taken TODAY and has to start from YOU.

Sources : http://www.fao.org/state-of-forests/en/

Thank you to our Facebook family for their take on how to conserve forests:

Healthy Yards - 

 Create 'tree' rules in your town and engage your local government, gardening clubs , schools etc. in tree planting programs. 

Luke Makuluni -

1. Conducting awareness campaigns and analyzing the root causes of deforestation by engaging people who are destroying the trees directly

2. Providing alternative solutions e.g briquette production and bio-gas

3. Raising tree seedlings, planting and managing them

4. Empowering communities to engage in ecologically sustainable businesses e.g. bee keeping, conservation agriculture, tourism

5. Reviewing policies and laws at govt level

6. Law enforcement e.g by-laws, forestry laws

7. Taking part in forest patrols to reduce incidences of charcoal burning, forest fires, encroachment, mice hunting etc

Mutuku Mutielega - 

Training my neighbor community about forest conservation and plant more trees

Mafix Reigns -

 Provide alternative sources of fuel like HEP, solar so as to reduce on demand for wood fuel

Ana Findlay - 

 Become a Treekeeper an Open lands project Chicago!

Plant more trees in your landscape and educate people.

PROTECTING TREES FROM WINTER FREEZE

Winter is another harsh climatic condition in some parts of the globe, as well protecting ourselves and property, we need to make sure to care for our trees and plants. 

Extreme temperatures below 32 degrees sustained over some period of time are cold enough to freeze your trees' buds/blossoms, fruits, leaves and/or twigs. Trees most likely to be damaged by freeze include Citrus, Jacaranda, Catalpa, Oleander, Eugenia and other tropical/subtropical plants.

These two actions are most important before harsh winter: 

1. Protect your trees and plants by covering them with burlap, sheets, tarps, etc., that extend to the ground to trap in the earth’s accumulated warmth. Use a frame or stakes to minimize contact between the cover and the foliage.
2. Keep plants well-watered.  

How to plan ahead when expecting extreme cold weather: 

• Remove turf/weeds from under trees’ canopies since bare soil absorbs and reflects heat best. Wood chip mulch prevents soil moisture loss and insulates roots.
• Plant frost-sensitive plants near sources of reflective heat (like buildings, walls, etc).

How to help trees recover after freeze: 

• Do not prune anything off immediately. Wait to see what sprouts in the spring; the damage is often not nearly as bad as it initially looks, and new growth may come out of tissue that you thought was dead.
• If the effects are severe enough and your tree has lost “shade,” protect the now-unshaded portions of the trunk/branches from the sun, with a physical cover or with whitewash (1:1 ratio of latex paint and water).
• Remove frosted/mushy fruit while still salvageable, for snacking on or juicing.

PROTECTING EXISTING TREES part 2

In our last chapter, we listed down the dangers to existing plants and trees and what can damage or kill them. Since we have figured that out we now focus on how to protect them. We will list down the points and highlight others in the coming chapters.

Here is how we can protect plants/trees that are already there:

• Use less paper 
• Prevent unwarranted tree cutting 
• Finding an alternative to the use of wood
• Educating people on the benefits of trees
• Population control
• Curbing industrialization 
• Reducing mining and other harmful activities that lead to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones
• Avoid driving nails into trees to hand bird feeds
• Don't unnecessary pull barks of trees, hit or bend them 
• When moving the lawn avoid bumping of scraping into trees
• Support NGOs that specialize in protecting forests or those that  monitor activities to prevent and control forest fires, insect infestations and disease epidemic

Above all love your trees. Just like any other living organism trees need love and care to survive. 

PROTECTING EXISTING TREES part 1

Before we start planting new trees we need to educate ourselves on how to protect the existing ones.Here is a list of the dangers to existing trees:

• Adverse environment

• Harmful insects and diseases such as Dutch elm disease and the chestnut blight have caused sudden death to entire forests in North America. 

• Catastrophic events 

• Timber harvest 

• Staking (using ropes to support) a tree too much

• Hanging bird feeders with screws or nails on the tree

• Pruning your tree in the wrong season 

• Filling tree cavities with concrete

• Planting too many plants or trees in a small area

Some contributions from our The Seed of Life family from Facebook:

Diane M Tuttle -

Invasive pest, poison ivy, English ivy

Gk KNature - 

Powerful cyclone due to imbalance in sea temperature

Muhammath Zizz - 

Personal gain, cutting trees for sale i.e. timber/charcoals etc..before cutting down one tree, plant at least 3-4

Elizabeth Larkin -

Rot, lightening, climate change, humans and beetle invasions. 

Gwen R. Christopher - 

I think humans upsetting the balance is the root cause of the killing of existing trees, whether it's disease, insect infestation, invasive species or deforestation. Humans are the enemy.

Annette Hein - 

Excessive use of salt in water, constant exposure to herbicides and pesticides for trees that grow in urban and suburban environment. Introduction of invasive vines and insects that kill off our trees. 

Tom Swift - 

Roundup on the ground within the drip line will destroy trees. 

MESSAGE FROM THE SEED OF LIFE CEO

Dear The Seed of Life® Foundation Family,

We are heartbroken by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. We stand against the racism and hate that continues to run rampant in our country and in the world.

The Seed of Life® Foundation is committed to using our resources as an employer, to continue our commitment to working for racial equity. We are sharing our commitments, our pledge to humanity, to hopefully inspire others to do the same.

We acknowledge and understand that systemic racism exists and that we ALL must together to do the work, to dismantle it, including our commitment to making real.

We will continue to work to create an environment (online/offline) where all people can feel proud, celebrated, and feel safe.

We will continue to invest our time and resources in our internal Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion programs to ensure that every part of our organization holds true to our values for all.

To those who have experienced the pain of racism, we stand in solidarity with you.

Change starts with awareness and is sustained when we all lead with kindness and inclusion.

With lots of love,

The Seed of Life® Foundation CEO

#blacklivesmatter #behuman #lovenothate #alllivesmatter

REASONS FOR PLANTING TREES

There are infinite amount of reasons for planting trees however, we are going to list some of the major ones :

• Trees improve air quality by producing oxygen. They also store carbon, offsetting harmful by products of fossil-fuel burning. 

• They moderate the effects of sun and wind, they clean the air by trapping dust, pollen and other pollutants. 

• Planted in the right places around buildings, trees can significantly reduce air-conditioning costs. Meaning less Freon (an inflammable and odorless chemical emitted from air conditioners) which is considered to have damaging effects to ozone layer.

• Trees generate jobs hence increasing the standard of living 

• Trees provide shelter and food for wildlife

• Landscape that includes trees help relax us, lower heart rater and reduce stress and anxiety 

• Trees regulate the water cycle. The water cycle is the process by which water falls to the ground as rain which is then absorbed by trees and other plants, then released back into the air. 

• Trees improve the soil quality. 

• Trees prevent soil erosion 

• Trees act as a food source

• As well as combating air pollution, trees have a role in combating the negative impact of noise pollution and light pollution.

• Trees fight climate change 

• Trees create a sense of place. Trees can give a place unique character and beauty that only can be found in that specific place. 

• Trees are an investment for our communities and for future generations

• Planting trees is a great way to add a touch of beautiful nature to your property and improve the aesthetics of a place. 

• Trees also trap dust in their leaves which helps with the overall health of an environment. Less dust means less respiratory issues. 

Here are contributions from The Seed of Life family on Facebook:

Leslie Shepherd -

To clean the air, provide shelter for insects and birds, lowers temperature around my house, preserves native species...

Maureen E Donovan- Mclaughlin -

To save our planet i.e. clean air, fertile soil, homes for wildlife and insects and to make our planet beautiful again. I want my descendants to have the joy of trees around them. I think that every older person should plant trees for posterity. I think that this quote says the best " The one who plants trees knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life" Rabindranath Tagore.

Crysta Enders Brock - 

So more birds have places to nest 

Jimmy Gatt -

A tree is "a meadow in the sky". You will get so much more nectar from a nectar bearing tree, with less effort, than you ever will by planting shrubs and forbs

Elaine Hines - 

Increased biodiversity, planting native trees 

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PROTECTING TREES

We all love trees and know why they are important for human and animal survival, yet we cut them down or we let them die. Just like any other living thing , trees also need love and protection.

In these blog articles we will be focusing on how we can protect trees. We start by reminding why trees need to be planted and protected, how we can protect young and ages trees in harsh climatic conditions and finally brush up on the necessity of teaching our future generation the necessity of planting and protecting trees.

A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people. - Franklin D. Roosevelt 

part 11 : CONCLUSION

Through our 9 chapters we have taken a close look at deforestation and how it does more damage to our lives and the environment ,than good. We would like to conclude by talking about the major link between deforestation and climate change, and why there is an urgency to fight deforestation.

Deforestation adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and removes the ability to absorb existing carbon dioxide.

Forests store large amounts of carbon. Trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. This is converted into carbon and stored in the plant's branches, leaves, trunks, roots and in the soil. When forests are cleared or burnt, stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, mainly as carbon dioxide. The build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is driving global warming, as it traps heat in the lower atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide levels are now at their highest levels in human history. Droughts, tropical storms, heatwaves and wild fires are increasing in severity and frequency because of climate change. This will continue to result in increases in forest losses, contributing to more and more carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Risks are significantly reduced but not avoided by keeping the rise in global temperatures well below 2 degrees Celsius.

Protecting natural ecosystems and sustainably managing and reestablishing forests are important ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down temperature rise in the short term by drawing down carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. At the same times, we must deeply and rapidly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions levels from fossils fuels - coal, oil and gas. If we do only the former and not the latter, we risk transforming more and more of our carbon sink into carbon sources as climate change progresses.

Throughout the articles we have explained what deforestation is and the pros and cons. So does deforestation still needs to be addressed urgently? Make a decision today and help our coming generations received a better greener and healthier world.

"What you do makes a difference, but you have to decide what difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall.

Part 10:NORWAY BANS DEFORESTATION

Norway became the first country in the world to ban deforestation. By committing to zero deforestation, Norwegian lawmakers will not award any government contracts to companies that take part in clear-cutting of trees or forests. 

The pledge was made in the Recommendation of Norwegian parliament's Standing Committee in Energy and the Environment in 2014 regarding Norway's national biodiversity action plan, which has been put in motion. 

According to Climate Action, production of soy, beef, palm oil, and wood products in seven countries with high deforestation rates (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea) contributed to 40% of total tropical deforestation and 44% of associated carbon emissions between 2000-2011. To counteract this Norway has invested large sums of money to stop deforestation in Brazil, Liberia and Indonesia. 

In 2008 Norway gave Brazil $1 Billion to help fight deforestation against the Amazon Rainforest. By 2015 Brazil had more than 33,000 square miles of forest and kept 3.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. The Norwegian government also announced a $250 Million commitment to protect Guyana's forest, giving them the money over a four year period from 2011 to 2015. The country is also hard at work in Africa. Liberia, with the help of Norway, became the first nation in Africa to stop cutting down trees in return for aid. 

Norway's action plan also includes a request from parliament that the government exercise due care for the protection of biodiversity in its investments through Norway's Government Pension Fund Global. Because of this, any product that contributes to deforestation will not be used in the Scandinavian country. Their act of banning deforestation from the supply chain only continues the country's longstanding history of protecting the world's vital forests.

At the UN Climate Summit in New York in September 2014, the Norwegian government made a pledge with Germany and UK that they would promote national commitments that encourage deforestation-free supply chains, including through public procurement policies to sustainable source commodities such as palm oil, soy , beef and timber. 

By becoming the first country in the world to make such a large-scale move against deforestation, Norway is setting an example for other countries to consider similar policies. 

"This has been an astonishing success story. REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) has been so far the biggest success story of the climate negotiations...For Norway, I think the main lesson learnt is that we need to be more able to take risks, and more daring. Because there are numerous reasons why this may fail or how it can be criticized." - Erik Solheim, Norwegian Minister for Environment and International Development.

Part 9: CASE STUDY

Why Rainforests? 

Rainforests are the earths most essential ecosystems which are needed for our survival. The Amazon forests houses more than 50,000 insect species in just 1 single mile! 

Deforestation has brought about an increase in carbon in the air by contributing over 12% of all Carbon dioxide emissions. 

Climate change is no longer up for debate and deforestation plays a major role which needs to be addressed NOW. Here are some NGOs which are working towards reducing the impact of deforestation and you can work with them virtually in the fight with deforestation. 

The Seed of Life Foundation

The Seed of Life Foundation is an NGO whose vision is to give back to the environment and aids in planting trees to combat deforestation. They provide many services including educating people globally on the urgency of planting trees and taking care of our environment. 

Other services which you can actively be involved in include: 

• Taking part in fundraising and charitable drives for orphanages in Africa. 
• Plant a tree from wherever you are to any location you prefer
• Gift a tree to your loved one
• Plant a memorial tree for your lost loved ones
• Collaborate with schools in building school gardens

Website the-sol-foundation.org

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theseedoflifeproject/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theseedoflifefoundation/

Twitter https://twitter.com/TheSeedof_Life

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/seed-of-life/

Blog https://the-sol-foundation.blogspot.com/

email admin@the-sol-foundation.com

Cool Earth

Cool Earth is a charity that works with local people (Peru to Papua new guinea)  to halt deforestation and climate change. They work with communities and people who want to protect the forest in which they live by equipping them with the tools and skills to be able to protect their rainforest.

You can log into their website coolearth.org and help by:

• Donating to local communities 
• Educating others about the need to reduce deforestation and the dangers of climate change
• Shop and sponsor trees through their online virtual shop 

Part 8 : NGOs & DEFORESTATION

Leading environmental and humanitarian organizations are calling for efforts to combat climate change through fighting deforestation and its negative impacts. CARE and WWF are asking governments to ensure that benefits to the climate, biodiversity and people's wellbeing are fundamental efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. 

A number of NGOs set up fighting climate change and deforestation are proposing as set of principles for the government to adopt in their environmental activities and plans. However for such plans to be successful, the government needs a coordinated approach and practice transparency with NGOs. 

In our next chapter we will focus on short case studies looking at how some NGOs are helping combat deforestation. 

"Considering the common goals of companies, governments, and multi-stakeholder initiatives, it is imperative to identify opportunities for collaboration to harness synergies between initiatives and catalyze action" 

Part 7: GOVERNMENT POLICIES

In our last chapter we looked at policies an individual could take to combat deforestation. In this chapter we will look at 5 major ways a country's government can help in reforestation.

1. Educate

• Education and raising awareness is the key and the most important method a government can use to reduce deforestation. If people don't know the drastic effects deforestation is causing to our environment then they will never make an effort to reduce it. 
• School-based reforestation initiatives are an important way for students, teachers, and communities to make tangible contributions to climate change mitigation efforts. This education should start pretty early. It should be taught in elementary schools that we need our forests to survive. 

"Education is a critical step to safeguard natural resources for future generations. It is essential for children to learn about forests at an early age." Jose Graziano da Silva, Director-General, FAO. 

2. Restore

• Reforestation can be defined as the restoration of existing forests and woodlands that have been depleted, afforestation refers to the planting of trees in ares where there has been no tree cover before. Thus, either through reforestation or afforestation another measure to meet the deforestation problem is to plant new trees.

3. Encourage

• Encouraging people to live in a way that doesn't hurt the environment by reducing less paper,  avoiding single-use packaging, eating sustainable food and choosing recycled or responsibly-produced wood products. 

4. Establish

• Creating protected areas like national parks is a great way to save rainforests and other ecosystems. Protected areas are locations preserved because of their environmental or  cultural value.
• Such protected areas are established and managed by governments and use park rangers and guards to enforce the rules of the park and protect against illegal activities like hunting, mining and cutting down of trees. 

5. Support

• Government can support companies such as L'Oreal and Unilever that operate in ways that minimize damage to the environment. 
• Also supporting NGOs such as Amazon Watch and Rainforest Trust fighting deforestation. 

In conclusion, governments work with  organizations to reduce deforestation, educating people and buying tracts of land to preserve and/or replant and also working with the people to create new jobs. 

They can also make a huge difference by focusing on policies which eliminate corruption in the country. 

"If corruption is a disease, transparency is essential part of its treatment." - Kofi Annan