EUCALYPTUS

 Eucalyptus has over 600species, a rapidly growing plant which attain a great height. In our school gardens we have planted the Mallee Variety. 

The term Mallee is used describe various species of trees or woody plants, mainly of the genus Eucalyptus, which grow with multiple stems springing from an underground bulbous woody structure called a lignotuber, or Mallee root, usually to a height of no more than 10 m (33 ft). Over 50 percent of eucalypt species are Mallees, and they are mostly slow-growing and tough. 

Let us take a look at some of the benefits of Eucalyptus and how they help our communities. 

1. Leaves are used to make Air Fresheners.

2. Make Ointments 

Applied directly to the skin, the plant is used for treating minor aches and pains. It is also an ingredient in several over-the-counter rubs to be used as cold treatments.

3. Treatment for Respiratory Illness

Coughs, colds, sore throats, asthma, and congestion appear to respond to medicines containing eucalyptus. Relieve congestion and cough by rubbing eucalyptus oil or ointment into the chest. Another method for relieving congestion and other respiratory problems involves boiling eucalyptus leaves in a tightly covered pot filled with water then removing the pot from heat to inhale the vapors. The plant’s oil can be mixed with warm water to create a mouth rinse that helps alleviate sore throats. As an antibacterial, natural decongestant, eucalyptus often reduces the intensity and the duration of respiratory illnesses.

4. Treat Burns, Cuts & Insect Bites 

Topically, eucalyptus may be used as an antiseptic reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing. Also, because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, eucalyptus is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, like cuts, cold sores, and athlete's foot. 

5. Help Relieve Muscle and Joint Pain

Rubbing oil from the leaves into the muscles and joints has been known to temporarily relieve pain.

6. Stimulant and stress reliever

Eucalyptus leaves and oil provide an aroma that can be useful in dealing with stress and fatigue.

7. Dental Care

Eucalyptus oils may be found in mouthwashes and toothpastes because it’s a natural bacteria fighter.

8. Used in Soaps & Cleansers

Commonly found in household cleaners, eucalyptus offers a healthy aroma and strong cleansing abilities. It is often used in spas and saunas for both refreshment and cleansing purposes.

9. Skin Care

Eucalyptus helps soothe dry skin. This plant can actually boost the ceramide level in your skin, helping your skin stay healthy and hydrated. In addition to soothing dry skin, eucalyptus helps to cool and refresh your skin.

Let's now take a look at the Eucalyptus benefits shared by our social media family members.

Twitter:

@lyraenatureblog -

"I used to sell a chest rub with the oil for coughs and colds, especially in children, and people loved it. I plan to start a smaller business again and will likely make it again. But the plant ecologist in me says Eucalyptus should be grown with caution due to invasive potential!"

Instagram:

 @aisha_bagha -

"Oral hygiene, treats acne"

@zainab_akadir -

"Relieves one from cold and nasal congestion"

@_real_rizwana -

"Kills germs"

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Helps with muscle and joint pain."

REFERENCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallee_(habit)

BANANA TREES

 Banana Trees are also most commonly grown in our school gardens and provide numerous benefits to our communities. 

Bananas are grown in tropical region. Banana plants grow quickly and can reach their full height of 20-40 feet in only 9 months. After growing for about 6-8 months, the plant develops a nice crown of leaves. Then a flowering stem emerges from the top, and a large bud begins to develop. Once the bananas have been harvested, the plant dies.

Let us take a look at some of the benefits of Banana Trees: 

1. Food

Banana trees give us bananas, which is a common fruits and favorite among humans and animals. When harvesting banana the tree so-called stem is cut away. In fact, the tender inner part of the stem can be utilized as a vegetable. This stem is very fibrous so it is necessary to clean the fiber yarn properly. In some parts of the world, this stem using as a vegetable and eaten with rice. It is rich in fiber, and helps in flushing out kidney stones.

2. Nutrition

The banana flower is good source in proteins, vitamins, and flavonoids. This flower can utilize as a traditional medicine to treat different illnesses such as ulcer and bronchitis problems. It also contains a host of essential vitamins and amino acids, is low in calories, and boost metabolism which great for the overall wellness of the reproductive organs, aiding breastfeeding moms and keeping infections at bay.

The fruit is a source of vital nutrients. It is also a great digestive, which aids bowel movement and contains good fiber for your gut. Rich in vitamin B6 as well as vitamin C, it helps your body absorb iron better, increasing the hemoglobin count and overall blood and cardiovascular health. It is great for pregnant women to eat, as it aids foetal health. It is enriched with potassium as well and is effective to treat cholesterol and high blood pressure.

3. Prevent Diabetes

The flower is good for people looking to prevent and control type 2 diabetes because it balances out blood sugar levels in the body.

Consumed with fiber, banana stem slows down the release of sugar and fats stored in the body’s cells.

4. Eases Stomach Problems

Bananas also relieve stomach issues like constipation and stomach ulcers.

Banana stem juice helps in regulating the acidic levels in your body and restoring balance. It provides relief from heartburn and discomfort and burning in the tummy. 

5. Strengthen Immune System

The extracts of the banana flower have antioxidant properties that prevent free radicals and control cell and tissue damage.

6. Aids Weight Loss

Consumption of banana stems helps in slowing down the release of fats and sugar that has been stored in the body. It is a low calorie food that  improves metabolism and is known to aid weight loss.

Here are some of the benefits shared by our viewers on social media:

@Steveredwolf (Twitter) - 

"They produce Bananas" 

@rewireyourmindsetwithrizwana (Instagram) -

"Keeps the skin soft and moisturized. It helps fight against burns & acne"

PASSION FRUIT

 This month we'll be taking a look at passion fruit which are also part of our school gardens.

Passion fruit is widely grown and valued throughout the tropics and subtropics. Most Passifloras are vines which can climb to 20 or 30 feet. The fruit varies in color from purple to yellow-orange and in shape from an egg to a tennis ball. The family Passifloraceae contains about 550 species of which 400 are in the genus Passiflora. They are commonly found as understory plants in rain forests. The passifloras are herbaceous and shallow rooted. Leaves are usually alternate. The leaf margin can be toothed or entire. The unusual flowers are the outstanding characteristic of passifloras and many are grown only for their flowers. 

Passion fruit require a lot of water, particularly inland. Passion fruit plants thrive in full sun and in environments with 60–80 percent humidity. Passion fruit typically takes 12 to 18 months to bear fruit. In a tropical climate, the plants will flower and fruit year-round.

Let us take a look at some of the benefits of growing Passion fruit : 

1. Provides Nutrients

Passion fruit is a beneficial fruit with a healthful nutrition profile. It contains high levels of vitamin A, which is important for skin, vision, and the immune system, and vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant. Passion fruit also contains phosphorus, niacin, and vitamin B-6, all of which a healthy body also needs. Passion fruit also gives your body calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and folate. These help your kidneys, nerves, muscles, and heart rhythm in big ways.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Passion fruit is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a vital role in keeping the body’s systems healthy, they help improve blood flow, specifically to the brain and nervous system. They also reduce cellular stress and reduce inflammation in the body, both of which have links to diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 

3. Great Source of Fiber

Passion fruit pulp contains a lot of dietary fiber. Fiber is a crucial component of every diet. It helps regulate the digestive system and keep the gut healthy, preventing constipation and bowel disorders. Eating passion fruit regularly may help to prevent constipation and improve digestion and overall health.

4. Boosts the Immune System

Passion fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C boosts the immune system by helping the body absorb more iron from plant-based foods, and may improve the body’s ability to fight off infections in the body.

5. Passion Fruit Leaves

Passionfruit Leaves are small to medium in size and are deeply lobed and oblong in shape. They have many health benefits, they can be cooked, added to your salads or made tea with. Passion fruit leaves have fiber that reduces the risk of heart disease. They contain vitamin A which boosts eye health and also contain vitamin C which reduces anxiety.

6. Fights Cancer

Any fruit or vegetable that has a high level of antioxidants in it is a great food to add to a cancer-fighting diet. Antioxidants kill the free radicals that mutate healthy cells into cancerous cells. Passion fruit also contains vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, all three of which have been proven to come along with cancer-fighting properties.

7. Improves Bone Health

Iron, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus are all found in passion fruit, making it a rich source of the minerals that are important to bone health. These minerals play a vital role in increasing bone mineral density as well as increasing bone strength. The minerals contained in passion fruit help your bones create new bone material, strengthen existing bone material, and speed up the process of recovery and repair your body uses to heal when injuries occur.

8. Pregnancy Health

Benefits of passion fruit include good for expecting moms as it is an immunity booster, good source of fiber, maintain a healthy blood pressure, improves the heart’s health, decrease the risk of cognitive decline, improves digestive health and promotes restful sleep. 

REFERENCE 

https://ceventura.ucanr.edu/

Take a look at some of the responses received from our Instagram family: 

@funky_branches_ke -

"Their benefits are that they are rich in antioxidants and high in fiber. Boosts the immune system" 

@rewireyourmindsetwithrizwana -

" Tasty and also healthy. It helps with immune system, anxiety and heart health."

@dafina_bread -

"Amazing juice" 

@aisha_bagha -

"The fruit is rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber" 

@_nussy.nus_ -

" Contains high levels of vitamin A which is important for skin, vision & the immune system."

@zainab_akadir -

" It's fruit makes refreshing tropical juice. Soothing during hot weather."

PAW PAW TREES

 Papaya (Paw Paw) Trees are also very common plants found in our school gardens. The pawpaw is a small, deciduous tree that yields the largest fruit.  Pawpaw trees can grow to a height of about 25 feet. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and oval-shaped with pointy ends. They can grow up to 12 inches in length. In the fall, the foliage turns varying shades of yellow. These trees are famous for their fruit, which ripens in fall. The paw paw fruit is frequently described as custard-like with a flavor that is a cross between a banana and a mango. 

Paw paw trees require adequate irrigation but must be in well-draining soil conditions to prevent root rot and fungus. Be sure to protect young trees from too much sun exposure and wind. These trees have a suckering habit and will grow into a stand of paw paw trees. However, If you’re hoping to yield fruit from a paw paw tree, be sure to plant several genetically different trees in close proximity.

Here are some of the benefits of Paw Paw trees:

1. Medicinal Properties. 

One of the most prominent medicinal benefits of papaya leaf is its potential to treat certain symptoms associated with dengue fever.

 Papaya leaf teas and extracts are often used as an alternative therapy to alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and heartburn. 

Various papaya leaf preparations are frequently used to remedy a broad range of internal and external inflammatory conditions, including skin rashes, muscle aches, and joint pain. 

The risk of developing asthma is lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is beta-carotene, contained in foods like papaya, apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and carrots.

Papayas contain high levels of antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Diets high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Just as papaya, papaya leaf juice also acts as a potent cleansing agent for the liver, thereby healing many chronic liver diseases, jaundice and liver cirrhosis.

The potassium present in the fruit is a huge supporter of kidney health. It cleans out the toxins deposited in the kidneys and reduced the accumulation of uric acid in the blood. Papaya seeds also play an important part in keeping the kidney healthy. The presence of flavonoids in it helps in keeping the cells from degenerating and prevents the kidney from dysfunctioning.

2. Hair & Skin 

Papaya leaf is frequently consumed orally or applied topically as a way to maintain soft, clear, and youthful-looking skin. When used topically, mashed papaya appears to be beneficial for promoting wound healing and preventing infection of burned areas. 

Papaya is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of vitamin C, which papaya can provide, is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin.

3. Nutrition

Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C, and one single medium fruit provides 224 percent of recommended daily intake. Papayas are also a good source of Folate, Vitamin A, Fiber, Copper, Magnesium, Potassium and Pantothenic Acid. They also have B vitamins, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and lycopene, the powerful antioxidant most commonly associated with tomatoes.

Here are the benefits of Pawpaw tree as shared by our Instagram family:

@_nussy.nus_ -

" They produce pawpaw fruits which are rich in vitamins (esp. high in vitamin C ) & minerals" 

@_real_rizwana -

" Healthy and filling "

@zainab_akadir -

" Extract from paw paw leaves used to treat symptoms of dengue fever " 

@aisha _bagha -

" Nutritious fruits!" 

ZERO HUNGER

What is Zero Hunger? 

Zero Hunger is the second in line of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hoping to be met by the year 2030. 

Hunger is not caused by food shortage alone, but by a combination of natural, social, and political forces. 

Climate change is contributing to the degradation of precious resources, as severe weather events, like droughts, become more common and affect harvests, leading to less food for human consumption. 

Poverty and inequality are also two drivers of hunger, affecting who can buy food, as well as what kind of food, and how much, is available. 

Hunger is also a product of war and conflict. During periods of unrest, a country's economy and infrastructure can become severely damaged. This negatively affects civilian access to food by either driving up food prices, interfering with food production, or forcing people from their homes. 

Right now, there are around 815 million people who are hungry. This number is only expected to increase as the years go on; the UN estimates that two billion more people will be undernourished by 2050. The Zero Hunger SDG focuses on finding sustainable solutions to stop world hunger.

The goals of the Zero Hunger initiative are to end hunger and make sure that enough nutritious foods are available to people by 2030. Other aspects of the goal include ending all forms of malnutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture which we will focus on in our coming articles. 

Here are some of the definition of Zero Hunger by our social media family: 

Annakarima Sanders (Facebook) -

" EQUALITY FOR ALL ON THIS PLANET. 

As been shown, it can be if western countries could not collect 'the debts' of the poorer countries, we can begin equality. 

After Europe and other western countries robbed the now poor countries dry....they....should be more lenient on the poor countries" 

(Instagram)

@voiceoftheafricanyouth -

"Ability to sustain one's or a family's daily meals."

@dafinabread - 

"A 2030 goal to end hunger and provide nutritious food"

@zainab_akadir - 

"To end hunger and to make sure there is enough nutrition available"

@aisha_bagha -

" End hunger, achieve food security, promote sustainable agriculture." 

@mentor_quresha - 

" One of the SDG's put in place to eradicate hunger (people should be able to get basic food) "

@its_winnie_cheche -

" A state where everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food." 

@_real_rizwana -

" To me that term means everyone has access to food w/out worrying about $$$" 

REFERENCES : https://www.nationalgeographic.org/

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. 

 

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

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.

Use or Abuse of Farming?

"Green Movement" A Scam, 2020 Trend or Global Crisis," P.1

Bleak History or Future? P.2

In order to understand this article thoroughly, please review part 1 and 2. As we discussed in, Bleak History or Future, how America's waters, land, and air got damaged. I would like to outline a bit more detailed on machine usage in farming in this article.

While on the flip side, many countries such as Mexico, India, Pakistan, and majority African countries, were still using old methods of farming, (some areas still continue to use old method of farming), while majority of European countries and North America quickly adapted to machine use in the fields. 

The trend moved to machine use for several reasons: 

• Less men on the field =  Spend less $$$
• Faster work done
• Large acres got done faster
• Faster growth of crops

Putting all this on the table was helpful to farmers and agriculture. Many profit organizations wanted agriculture business as well. 

Abuse

• Various kinds of machines and instruments started appearing, which hurt the air with their fumes, noise pollution started, and hurt the crops as some machines worked while others failed. 
• Many options of pesticides were introduced, which again took the turn of hurting crops, animals, air, and water. 
• More land was provided for better "farming" more business, which took many forests out and took away homes of many animals ie bears, foxes, wolf, and majority of sea animals, just to name a few.
• Animal farming turned into business in itself, by feeding animals medication for strong, lean and muscular body organs, skinning started for clothes and accessories, teeth for jewelry and international trade, nails became status of the society, meat intake became wealthy symbol, hunting became a sport, and fighting animal to animal a game. 
• In the name of freedom, garbage was disposed by individuals, businesses, factories, farmers, and manufacturing plants into waters and land.

One so-called better opportunity for society became ten-fold steps backwards for the environment

The Seed of Life® Goals

Many of us become the victims of depression, anxiety, outcast within our family members, and most of all alone, confused and hurt. When we started The Seed of Life®, we realized, each of us are broken, but that doesn't necessarily mean we bleed on Earth by destroying bit by bit.

Instead of bleeding, we united with each other and started creating a small path of difference in our lives to make path of better future. We don't like to "die" or be forgotten, while still being alive.

We want to live, make a difference, and whoever is forgotten or "dead" we would like to pay respect and attributes to them by respectfully planting a tree in their memory. Keep their legacy alive for next generation(s) to come!!!

The Seed of Life® is committed to Restore Nature | Plant Trees | Honor a Life | Give Hope | Leave a Living Legacy