WHAT CAN BE DONE

 Animals are going extinct—but it’s not too late

Around the world, animals are facing extinction. For some, there may be time for us to change their fate.

Research shows that animal agriculture is a major threat to many species facing extinction, from habitat loss to deforestation and more. Climate change, putting countless animals and ecosystems at risk, is also driven in part by animal agriculture, which causes an estimated 14.5 to 51 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN reports that around 44 percent of livestock emissions are in the form of methane gas, and 27 percent in the form of carbon dioxide. So, with animal agriculture taking such a heavy toll in the climate crisis, is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint enough?

Many experts and environmental advocates say that dietary change is also needed, and individuals who are able to can take action by reducing or eliminating our consumption of meat. This is especially needed in the U.S., where meat consumption is growing at an alarming rate and around 99 percent of farmed animals are raised on industrial factory farms.  

One step you can take today is to calculate your carbon footprint using this tool from the Nature Conservancy, then work to reduce it. 

Dr. Jane Goodall has said, “With language, we can ask, as can no other living being, those questions about who we are, and why we are here. And this highly developed intellect means, surely, that we have a responsibility toward the other life forms of our planet whose continued existence is threatened by the thoughtless behavior of our own human species.” 

Just as we have the power to threaten other species, we have the power—and the responsibility—to save them.

Here are some other ways which we can help:

•  Be sure that fish and other food you buy don’t come from overharvested areas.
• Before you buy wood, make sure it comes from a “sustainable forest,” a forest where trees are replanted.
• Don’t let your pets hunt wild animals.
• Don’t use many plastic bags when they’re not necessary.
• Help reduce traffic and exhaust: Support bike-friendly cities and roads. Use public transportation when you can.
•  Don’t buy wood or wood products from threatened native forests like Pacific maple, California redwood, mahogany, ebony, or teak.
• Don’t release pets—including aquarium fish, turtles, and birds—into the wild.
• Always make sure you throw away your garbage in a trash can and avoid releasing balloons into the air.
• Save energy: Use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. Turn off power when it’s not in use.
• Buy recycled or salvaged wood whenever possible.
• Don’t travel with wild plants and animals.
• Buy Eco-friendly products
• Follow the 3 Rule - Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
• Don't buy souvenirs made from endangered (or any wildlife) species 
• Eat less meat
• Spread Awareness : Get involved 

We have the power to stop animal extinction, and we must act now. Everyone can make a change, small may it be, to protect not only the animals, but the whole environment (including ourselves).

“The sixth mass extinction we are going through could be the most serious environmental threat to the survival of our civilization since it is irreversible”

By killing them, we are actually killing ourselves.

ANIMAL EXTINCTION

 What is Extinction?

According to biology; Extinction occurs when species are diminished because of environmental forces or because of evolutionary changes in their members. 

Extinction simply is the condition that arises from the death of the last surviving individual of a species, group or gene globally or locally.

Extinction is an evolutive process that leads to the disappearance of a species or a population. When a species becomes extinct, its entire genetic heritage is lost for good. 

With evolution, a species can become another in order to adapt to the small environmental changes or due to casual changes in its genetic heritage. This process is known as speciation, in other words the birth of a new species. 

Speciation and extinction are both part of the natural evolutive process of living beings. The great extinctions in history, in fact, were accompanied by the formation of new species that have given continuity and vigor to the diversities of life. 

Normally two types of extinction may be classified. There is the background extinction that is the slow and, for us, imperceptible trend of the living creatures to transform constantly. And then there is the episodic extinction, with massive and concomitant deaths of species, triggered by rapid changes in the environment. In general, the extinctions that contributed most to the drastic changes in the flora and fauna in the earth’s history, were of the second type. Some extreme events took place on a vast scale during the course of the geological eras, like climate changes or the impact of our planet with comets and asteroids, which translated into environmental perturbations that were so radical that there were not many possibilities of escape for a multitude of organisms. At various times of the Earth’s history, these phenomena have been very severe limiting factors for the survival of the species, and at times these have drastically cut biodiversity in entire geographic regions, causing the so-called mass extinctions. 

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

 In this chapter we shall look at some inspirational people around the globe who have been and are strong warriors in the fight of climate change and a sustainable environment. We can learn a lot from their lives and follow their research, teachings, methods into a better world for our future. 

GRETA THUNBERG, SWEDEN

In August 2018, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, 15, spent her school days outside the Swedish parliament calling for stronger action on climate change by holding up a sign reading "Skolstrejk för klimatet" (school strike for climate). Her image went viral and later that year, she addressed the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which sparked multiple school protests around the world. 

Her global influence has been dubbed the "Greta Effect" and she was named Time magazine's person of the year in 2019. She has received widespread recognition for her straight-talking manner, both in public and to political leaders around the world.

She is an inspiration to many, her age and elder. And those younger look up to her to follow her footsteps in taking climate action. 

THE LATE WANGARI MAATHAI; ENVIRONMENTALIST, NOBEL PRIZE WINNER. KENYA

The late Wangari Maathai had great persuasive powers working as Kenya’s assistant minister for the environment. Wangari single-handedly talked the Mexican army, French celebrities, Japanese geishas and thousands of schools to plant trees. She spent most of her life planting saplings. She was the founder of the Green Belt Movement, an initiative through which billions of trees have been planted and millions of more others pledged.

Wangari succeeded in putting deforestation high on the African agenda and made tree planting an act of change in which everyone must engage.

An inspiration many young environmental activists who continue her work in the country. 

CHRISTIANA FIGUERES, COSTA RICA

As head of the UN climate change convention, Christiana Figueres brought together the biggest voices in government, finance and technology, NGOs and activists to deliver the historic 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. She persuaded 195 countries to commit to keeping a global temperature rise this century below two degrees Celsius. 

She's also the founder of the Global Optimism group, a platform which works with organizations to make their systems more sustainable. Her new book, The Future We Choose: Surviving The Climate Crisis, focuses on changing people's consciousness towards climate change and offers 10 actions which include building gender equality. Her goal is to halve our emissions by 2030.

DR JANE GOODALL, UK

In the early 1960s, 26-year-old Jane Goodall travelled from England to what is now Tanzania and ventured into the little-known world of wild chimpanzees. Equipped with only a notepad, binoculars and a passion for wildlife, Goodall opened the world's eyes to humankind's closest living relatives. 

Her incredible field research spans over 60 years and has redefined species conservation to include the needs of both local people and the environment, as well as showing the world how to protect chimpanzees from extinction. 

In 1977, Dr Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute, an international community that drives conservation. She's now an activist who speaks about the plight of wild chimpanzees and the environmental crisis, urging us all to take action.

ISATOU CEESAY, THE GAMBIA

Known in The Gambia as the "Queen of Plastic", Isatou Ceesay has been empowering women there to recycle plastic waste, the country's biggest pollutant, for 17 years. 

Along with four others, Ceesay initiated a recycling project called One Plastic Bag in 1998 near her native village, which aimed to educate communities on the necessity to reclaim waste and turn it into revenue. Every week, members of the Women Initiative The Gambia (WIG) produce craft wallets, bags and balls for children using the reclaimed plastic bags which they cut, knit and sew. The group has amassed more than 2,000 members in 40 different communities throughout the country with many communities now opting to use paper bags in local stores.

ELLEN MACARTHUR, UK

Having become the fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe in 2005, Dame Ellen MacArthur saw firsthand the negative impact of marine waste. She launched the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2010, which aims to reinvent traditional methods of production and consumption and create sustainable alternatives. 

In 2018, the foundation launched its New Plastics Economy Global Commitment in collaboration with UN Environment to eliminate plastic waste which saw big-name companies such as H&M Group, L'Oréal and Unilever commit to limiting or eradicating their plastic packaging.

PAUL WATSON, CANADA 

Watson was an early member of Greenpeace International (founded in 1971). During his years with the organization, he often employed daring and innovative tactics to defend wildlife from hunters, such as positioning his inflatable Zodiac boat between a pod of sperm whales and the harpoon of a large Soviet whaling vessel or forcing sealing ships to a halt by standing on the ice in their path. He also was known to handcuff himself to a pile of seal pelts being hoisted up onto a sealing vessel. 

Watson shared his passion for animals and the environment through his involvement with numerous other organizations, including Defenders of Wildlife, Friends of the Wolf, Fund for Animals, the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals, and the Sierra Club, of which he was director (2003–06).

WILLIAM (BILL) MCKIBBEN, AMERICA

Bill McKibben is an American environmentalist, author, and journalist who has written extensively on the impact of global warming. 

 Bill McKibben is also a Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College. In 2007, with six Middlebury College students, McKibben set up Step It Up 2007, which organized more than 1400 climate change demonstrations across the United States. He now leads a similar campaign on a global basis with the group 350.org, and in 2011 he led the fight to stop the Keystone Pipeline project.

ANGELA MERKEL, GERMAN CHANCELLOR

Angela Merkel is quite vocal in matters of climate change and an advocate of green living on a global stage. She stands among the few with a grasp of what failed humanity means and an avid player remaining to hammer out the 1997 Kyoto global warming agreement. Under her leadership, Germany is spearheading climate change policies. The country wants 40% cuts within 13 years without resorting to nuclear power.

MARINA SILVA, BRAZIL

Marina, a Brazilian environmentalist, spent most of her childhood collecting rubber from the Amazon forest. She demonstrated against the destruction of wrought by illegal loggers. Under her watch deforestation has reduced by over 70% with millions of reserves given to traditional communities.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." 

- Margaret Mead

What Does Go Green Mean?

 Initially the term "go green" was used to mean recycling of waste. Nowadays, going green goes beyond the traditional definition of recycling goods; the term ‘to go green’ means much more than just recycling.

"Going green" means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations.

Going green means to live life in a way that is friendly to the environment and the earth as a whole. It could also mean contributing towards maintaining the natural ecological balance in the environment, and preserving the planet and its natural systems and resources. Overall, people who go green take steps to minimize the harm that they do to the environment, such as the carbon footprints they leave behind.

Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community. 

Take a look at a definition from our The Seed of Life Instagram family. According to them this is what going green means:

@earthlabelapparel 

Going green to me means being able to live a life that supports more natural forms pf life. eg green mind, green clothing, green business, green housing etc. It is choosing better, that's what it means. 

@_real_rizwana

To me go green is preserving animals species home from harm or from being destroyed. I wouldn't want anything to happen to our home, so why would I want to hurt a creature who is unable to talk, to defend him/herself by destroying their home?

Importance of Waste Management

 The goal of Zero Waste is to:

• Maximize recycling
• Minimize waste
• Reduce consumption
• Ensure products are made to be reused, repaired, or recycled
• Purchase sustainable products 
• The protection of the environment and the health of the population.
• waste management and recycling collection can help conserve our planet’s natural beauty which can be flawed by thoughtless disposal of waste, fly-tipping and senseless littering.
• Economic benefits through creating employment. 

Zero Waste systems reduce greenhouse gases by:

• Saving energy -- especially by reducing energy consumption associated with extracting, processing, and transporting raw materials and waste
• Reducing and eventually eliminating the need for landfills and incinerators

5Rs OF WASTE MANAGEMENT (Part 2)

 3. Reuse – Make Sure Things Last as Long as They Can

It simply means switching up disposable items for reusable and permanent alternatives. This means sourcing a reusable beverage container and carrying it with you when you are out and about. It means carrying reusable cutlery with you as a measure to avoid disposable cutlery.

Single use plastics such as cups, straws, gloves and now masks have generated a ‘throw away’, ‘one won’t hurt’ culture. The rate that we all consume plastic products is drastically becoming unimaginable, the plastic crisis has always been one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. 

For almost every single-use item there is a reusable alternative. Here are some few examples:

•  Paper tissues – washable handkerchiefs
• Disposable razors – electric shaver or a straight-edge razor
• Paper towels – cotton cloths or microfibre
• Dish sponge – cotton cloth
• Tea bags – loose tea and a tea strainer
• Coffee pods – French press
• Baking parchment – grease or oil the pan or use a silicon mat
• Tin foil/cling film – use a food container or jar with a lid
• Paper bags/ plastic bags – bring your own cloth bag
• Bottled water – a glass or stainless steel water bottle and tap water

And the list goes on.     

Reusing and repairing go hand in hand. When you’re deciding whether to toss something and buy a new one, ask yourself if you can find a way to reuse or repair it. This applies to clothing, furniture, and technology. If your phone or laptop is broken, instead of immediately purchasing a new one, seek repair options first.

Reusing also means selling or donating your used items so they go to loving homes instead of the landfill. Have a jumble sale, stick it on sites like ebay or freecycle, you can even ask your friends and family if they have a need for things you don’t.

Another thing you can do is re-purpose or upcycle old things you don’t need into something cool and useful. This step doesn’t have to be expensive. Buy second hand, or make it yourself! Repair broken items. Repurpose old clothes, or household items and breathe new life into your wardrobe by participating in clothing swaps.

So how can we reuse waste? Here are some tips: 

- Give unwanted toys and books to hospitals or schools

- Put unwanted clothes in used clothing bins

- Use plastic containers for freezing or storing food items

- Save wrapping paper and boxes to use again

- Use old jars for storage

-Take old magazines to your local doctor's or dentist's surgery

-Shop at second hand stores or use online trading websites to buy items that are unwanted by others

- Take household items to your council’s resource recovery center

- Make memo pads out of waste paper

- Re-use envelopes - purchase reuse labels.  

4. Recycle – For Those Things You Can’t Refuse, Reduce, or Reuse

Recycling involves some form of reprocessing of waste materials to produce another product. For example, recycling plastic bottles to make buckets.

One of the easiest ways to reduce your waste is to recycle. After you have refused, reduced, and reused there shouldn’t be much left to recycle anyway. But with what there is, you should still make sure to separate your trash so that those resources can be reused instead of filling our landfills.

Many of us have been programmed to believe that recycling is the go-to solution for waste reduction. This is a misconception.

In reality this is still an expensive way to process the waste that can be reused. Glass jars and bottles could be kept and used in a zero waste store. Plastic can be upcycled to some extent but it never really goes away. It is better to refuse it.

Recycling infrastructure in its current state is quite limited and in many cases actually consists of “downcycling” – meaning that recyclable materials are made into low-quality, disposable goods that will ultimately end up in landfill.

Another problem is that recycling infrastructure cannot keep pace with the huge quantities of single-use disposables consumed and disposed of by humans at record speed.

Recyclable materials that are not successfully recycled into new products become landfilled, shipped to landfills in so called developing countries, or incinerated in Waste-to-Energy (WtE) programs.

It is also important to consider that the recycling process itself is highly energy intensive.

For these reasons recycling is treated by the Zero Waste movement as a last resort to be used only after steps 1 Refuse, 2 Reduce & 3 Reuse have been exhausted.

So what can be recycled? The main products that can be recycled are paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, tin and plastic containers.

Composting and worm farms are methods of recycling organic waste.

Buy recycled. You can buy products that are made from recycled materials. This is called ‘Closing the Loop’.

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

ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT PART 2

Waste management (or waste disposal) includes the activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. This includes the collection, transport, treatment and disposal of waste, together with monitoring and regulation of the waste management process.

Waste management deals with all types of waste, including industrial, biological and household. In some cases, waste can pose a threat to human health.

Waste is produced by human activity, for example, the extraction and processing of raw materials.]

Waste management is intended to reduce adverse effects of waste on human health, the environment or aesthetics.

Zero Waste is a whole system approach to resource management centered on reducing, reusing, and recycling. 

Zero waste management means the holistic concept of waste management which recognizes waste as a resource produced during the interim phase of the process of resource consumption. Zero waste strategies may be applied to companies, to communities, industrial sectors, to schools, and homes since they include many stakeholders, not only those of the environment, but also technological aspects. 

Proper management of waste is important for building sustainable and livable cities, but it remains a challenge for many developing countries and cities.

There are 5 types of wastes: 

1. Liquid Waste

- Liquid waste is commonly found both in households as well as in industries. This waste includes dirty water, organic liquids, wash water, waste detergents and even rainwater.

2. Solid Rubbish

- Solid rubbish can include a variety of items found in your household along with commercial and industrial locations. 

- These can be; Plastic waste which consists of bags, containers, jars, bottles and many other products that can be found in your household. Plastic is not biodegradable, but many types of plastic can be recycled. Plastic should not be mix in with your regular waste, it should be sorted and placed in your recycling bin.

- Paper/card waste which includes packaging materials, newspapers, cardboards and other products. Paper can easily be recycled and reused. 

- Tins and metals which can be found in various forms throughout your home. Most metals can be recycled. 

- Ceramics and glass which can easily be recycled. 

3. Organic Waste

- Organic waste is another common household. All food waste, garden waste, manure and rotten meat are classified as organic waste. Over time, organic waste is turned into manure by microorganisms. However, this does not mean that you can dispose them anywhere.

- Organic waste in landfills causes the production of methane, so it must never be simply discarded with general waste.

4. Recyclable Rubbish

- Recyclable rubbish includes all waste items that can be converted into products that can be used again. Solid items such as paper, metals, furniture and organic waste can all be recycled. 

- If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable or not, look at the packaging or the diagrams on the lid of your yellow recycling bin. Most products will explicitly state whether they are recyclable or not.

5. Hazardous Waste

- Hazardous waste includes all types of rubbish that are flammable, toxic, corrosive and reactive.

-These items can harm you as well as the environment and must be disposed of correctly. 

ZERO WASTE MANAGEMENT

 What is Zero Waste?

There is an urgent need of setting a new goal for how we live in the world; one that aims to reduce what we trash in landfills and incinerators to zero and to rebuild our local economies in support of community health, sustainability, and justice. This is where zero-waste management comes in. 

So what really is zero waste?

At its most basic level, zero waste is about significantly reducing (and eventually completely eliminating) the amount of resources that we send to disposal. Most of what we now waste can be safely and economically recycled, reused, composted, or turned into biogas through anaerobic digestion. We also need to simply use fewer disposable products and redesign our products so that they are toxic-free and built to last. 

But zero waste is about much more.

It’s really about redefining the system. We currently live in an economy where we take resources from the earth and then dump them in a giant hole in the ground (back to the earth). 

The goal of zero waste is to move to an economy where we write trash out of existence. So that there is no trash in nature. Instead of discarding resources, we create a system where all resources can be resumed fully back into the system.

We can hence conclude that, Zero Waste is a philosophy, a strategy, and a set of practical tools seeking to eliminate waste, not manage it. 

A huge thanks to all those who commented from on our Facebook page. Here is their your takes on Zero Waste: 

Resom Tesfamariam -

I think the concept of zero waste is clear, the challenge is how to start practicing it? What institution is needed? What system has to be install? Expertise required? Capital and what is the source of capital? etc. Are the most challenging issues in developing countries.

Rashidah Aasim Asad - 

Using environmentally friendly products and we recycle

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

PROTECTING NEW TREES

Planting trees is a major solution to combat deforestation. Anyone can plant trees, however trees just like any living organism needs love and care for it to grow and provide us with the infinite benefits.

In this chapter we will focus on taking care of new trees. Trees need to be protected from strong winds, snow, heat and sun, pests, among others. 

WIND PROTECTION

Depending on the type of tree, you may need to protect it during its first two years if it it sited in an open area exposed to prevailing winds. 

If it has a heavy or small canopy, loose rootball or has a large or bare root, newly plated tree may need temporary skating (support plant with stakes). If it seems to be necessary stake trees loosely and for only 6 months to a year. Tree trunk thicken and strengthen faster when they can move freely. 

An alternative to staking is screening. Fasten a length of burlap, snow fencing or commercial garden fabric such as shade cloth to post on the windy side of the tree about 6 feet from the trunk to divert strong wind yet allow air circulation around exposed trees, especially evergreens. 

HEAT AND SUN PROTECTION THROUGH SUMMER

Tree protectors, or tree tubes around each and every seedling helps in protecting them from day 1. They accelerate growth and protect your plants from animals and other plant destroying critters. Make sure to keep enough spacing between the tubes. 

Aggressive weeds, including grasses, will rob your seedlings of necessary moisture and nutrients. You can provide mechanical control with a hoes or weed eater, or chemical control with a contact herbicide. Keep at least a 3-feet radius weed free around your plants. 

Mulch shades the ground around your precious seedlings keeping the soil cool. It also suppresses thirsty weeds and traps moisture that would otherwise evaporate. Natural mulches such as bark, straw or leaves work well and break down into soil-building organic matter. In extremely dry areas, fabric weed mats work well to trap and hold moisture around the roots. 

Like humans, plants need a quality food source to stay healthy and reach their full potential. Proper fertilization encourages a strong root system that is more capable of utilizing available soil moisture than an underfed root system. Consider using manure-based organic fertilizers instead of traditional chemical fertilizers. 

SOIL PROTECTION

The health and longevity of all trees, but especially newly planted ones, is improved if the soil they grow in is improved. Mulching is an effective way to achieve that. However, make sure not to pile the mulch against the trunk. In the winter mulch insulates the soil against extreme temperature fluctuations that sometimes disturb tree roots and heave those of newly planted small trees out of the soil. Also make sure to replace depleted mulch regularly. 

PROTECTION FROM PEST

The tender bark of young trees is often damaged by critters. Both deer and rodents, such as mice, chew on it during the winter when other food sources are scarce. Deer also rub against young trees, abrading their bark.

Surround the thin trunks of newly planted trees with a tree shelter product. These tough covers fit loosely around whips and saplings as a barrier to protect the tree bark. Check periodically to make sure that trunk guards are not too tight. 

We appreciate all the feedback we received regarding this topic. Here is an amazing one share on our Twitter account: 

Soil, Water & Environmental Conservation Foundation - 

The easy way .if you have unity with communities members is easy because they will be watering them .that is when you have large number of trees planted.if few trees planted to manage them is easy by watering them during sunny days until the rains comes back. 

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. 

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