CHAPTER 6: PLANT A TREE

 

In a world focused on the environment, planting trees is a simple and impactful way for individuals to contribute. Trees are essential for balancing ecosystems, cleaning the air, and providing homes for various species. Planting a tree is an uncomplicated yet powerful action that can help create a greener and more sustainable future. 

In the coming articles let us explore why planting trees matters and how this straightforward effort can have a positive, lasting effect on our planet. 

Planting trees emerges as a potent and straightforward solution to address pressing environmental concerns. Despite its apparent simplicity, this act yields profound benefits that contribute to saving our planet.

Firstly, trees play a pivotal role in oxygen production through photosynthesis, making the air we breathe healthier. Moreover, they act as effective carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide to combat climate change.

Beyond the environmental realm, trees foster biodiversity by creating habitats for various wildlife, ensuring a resilient and balanced ecosystem. They also prevent soil erosion, promote water conservation by absorbing rainwater, and contribute to temperature regulation by providing natural shade.

Planting trees also help enhances the aesthetics of our surroundings, creating more enjoyable and livable communities. Green spaces not only benefit the environment but also positively impact our mental well-being.

Take a look at what some of  the responses from our Social Media family on how planting trees can save the planet: 

Facebook:

Mr. Environment -

"Planting a tree is not about digging a hole and burry the tree seedling roots in the soil. But it's a matter of change, change of ones attitude and mind set, a change that inspires someone to act.

A lot have been said about the benefits of planting trees, most of them only focusing on environmental matters. Have we ever ask ourselves about the spiritual benefits of planting trees? For Muslims... It is believed that whoever plants a tree and delightful look after it until it bares fruits and beasts, birds, humans and other creatures feeds from it, these will be for his/her own benefits. This simple means planting trees is concerned as a good deed and is one of the ways you can use to add weight on your good deeds on the eyes of the creator. "

Instagram:

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy - 

" Trees provide us with oxygen, fresh water, and most of all cause of trees we are able to breathe."

@aisha_baga -

"They provide oxygen" 

@_real_rizwana -

"Provides food" 

4. CONSERVE WATER

 Introduction

Water is essential to our daily lives. Whenever water is used, there is a potential for conservation both inside and outside of your home or business. Fresh water is a limited resource, making water conservation an important factor for the environment.

 With population growth, expansion of industry, increasing levels of development activity, and the potential for climate change impacts there is increasing pressure placed on the province’s water resources. Whether you are on a municipal or a private domestic water supply, water conservation is a wise practice. 

Conserving water saves energy. Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish.

In a nutshell, the conservation of water refers to the careful and sustainable use of water resources to prevent waste, ensure its availability for future generations, and protect ecosystems.

In our next chapters we shall look at the benefits of water conservations and simple ways in which we can conserve water to save our planet. 

Take a look at what our social media family when talking about water conservation:

WhatsApp 

Adam 

" Using water cautiously and not wasting it. " 

Instagram 

@aisha_bagha -

" Reduce water wastage."

@_real_rizwana -

" Not to waste water."

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Each drop of water is precious. Can't waste or use in a way that is not beneficial to anyone."  

YOUR FEEDBACK ON VOLUNTEERING

" The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement."

On that note this blog article is an appreciation for all those who have been regularly commenting and sharing their feedbacks on our social media platforms. Thank you for your kind support throughout the years. 

Sharing your knowledge and experiences is part of volunteering and we appreciate all your time and effort in doing so and being part of our family. 

Take a look at some of the feedback received on Volunteering as a way to save the planet: 

@SwecfK

Another way to protect our earth, is by training communities to understand first why we should protect the earth. Because the same communities are the one destroying. If they have knowledge ,then they will understand how to restore and do practically.

@AquaTreeProject

By Planting Trees like we are doing in lake #Victoria catchment in Uganda as @AquaTreeProject and @FishInitiatives

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy 

Join SOL or other organizations to help them to help with the planet.

Giving your time back to the community.

@aisha_bagha

Recycling, reusing and repurposing 

BENEFITS OF THE 3Rs

The three R's of sustainability—reduce, reuse, and recycle—are critical because they not only reduce the environmental impact of human activity but also conserve natural resources and protect the environment for future generations.

Now that we have understood in detail what the 3Rs mean ( Reduce, reuse, recycle) let us take a look at some of  the benefits of these:

1. Lowering the amount of greenhouse emissions created that add to global warming as these methods prevents emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants. 

2. Saving energy and money. Creating new items requires energy, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce the need for new production while also saving energy. Conserving  materials for continuous reuse in making new products saves on costs. 

3. Decreasing pollution created from unearthing raw materials. It can also improve air quality. When waste is buried in landfills, it releases harmful pollutants like methane and carbon dioxide into the air. It reduces the amount of waste that ought to be burned, improving air quality and lessening the risk of respiratory sickness. It can help to reduce water pollution. When waste is disposed of in landfills, it can contaminate groundwater. It reduces waste, lowering the risk of water pollution.

4. Reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfills or put in incinerators. This is because we will be using products to the fullest extent of their life cycle. 

5. Conserves resources for our children’s future.

6. Helps create jobs. Reduce, reuse, and recycle can help local economies. Recycling creates jobs and promotes the circular flow of the economy.

7. Stimulates the development of greener technologies.

Here are some more benefits shared by our Social Media family members: 

Twitter 

@veroforplanet - 

"Recycling is a tale. We need to lower human populations and, therefore, lower waste. And yes, it will be helpful if you actually will recycle, not talk about it. Only 32% of our trash gets recycled."

Instagram 

@its_winnie_cheche -

"Help curb/delay plastic pollution."

@globalgiving -

"Having less landfills"

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy - 

"Less waste"

@aisha_bagha -

"Reduces greenhouse emissions"

@zainab_akadir - 

"Prevent pollution caused by harvest of new materials"

Chapter 2 : REASONS FOR ENDANGERMENT

 Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation. 

Let us take a look at them.

1. Loss of Habitat 

Loss of habitat can happen both naturally and influenced by human activities. 

Development for housing, industry, and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms. This can happen in a number of different ways.

Development can eliminate habitat and native species directly. In the Amazon rain forest of South America, developers have cleared hundreds of thousands of acres. To “clear” a piece of land is to remove all trees and vegetation from it. The Amazon rain forest is cleared for cattle ranches, logging, and urban use.

Development can also endanger species indirectly. Some species, such as fig trees of the rain forest, may provide habitat for other species. As trees are destroyed, species that depend on that tree habitat may also become endangered. Tree crowns provide habitat in the canopy, or top layer, of a rainforest. Plants such as vines, fungi such as mushrooms, and insects such as butterflies live in the rain forest canopy. So do hundreds of species of tropical birds and mammals such as monkeys. As trees are cut down, this habitat is lost. Species have less room to live and reproduce.

Loss of habitat may happen as development takes place in a species range. Many animals have a range of hundreds of square kilometers. 

Loss of habitat can also lead to increased encounters between wild species and people. As development brings people deeper into a species range, they may have more exposure to wild species. Poisonous plants and fungi may grow closer to homes and schools. Wild animals are also spotted more frequently. These animals are simply patrolling their range, but interaction with people can be deadly. Polar bears, mountain lions, and alligators are all predators brought into close contact with people as they lose their habitat to homes, farms, and businesses. As people kill these wild animals, through pesticides, accidents such as collisions with cars, or hunting, native species may become endangered.

Environmental factors can also contribute to habitat destruction more indirectly. Geological processes, climate change, introduction of invasive species, ecosystem nutrient depletion, water and noise pollution are some examples. 

2. Loss of Genetic Variation

Genetic variation is the diversity found within a species. Genetic variation allows species to adapt to changes in the environment. Usually, the greater the population of a species, the greater its genetic variation.

Inbreeding is reproduction with close family members. Groups of species that have a tendency to inbreed usually have little genetic variation, because no new genetic information is introduced to the group. Disease is much more common, and much more deadly, among inbred groups. Inbred species do not have the genetic variation to develop resistance to the disease. For this reason, fewer offspring of inbred groups survive to maturity.

Loss of genetic variation can occur naturally. For example Cheetahs cannot adapt to changes in the environment as quickly as other animals, and fewer cheetahs survive to maturity. Cheetahs are also much more difficult to breed in captivity than other big cats, such as lions.

Human activity can also lead to a loss of genetic variation. Overhunting and overfishing have reduced the populations of many animals. Reduced population means there are fewer breeding pairs. A breeding pair is made up of two mature members of the species that are not closely related and can produce healthy offspring. With fewer breeding pairs, genetic variation shrinks.

Monoculture, the agricultural method of growing a single crop, can also reduce genetic variation. Modern agribusiness relies on monocultures. 

Let us take a look at the reasons for endangerment shared by our Instagram family:

@aisha_bagha - 

"Invasion of their natural habitat by humans" 

@_nussy.nus_ -

"Degradation & loss of habitat mainly caused by deforestation, natural disasters due to climate change, human over-exploitation of species e.g. hunting & overfishing, pollution and spread of diseases."

@zainab_akadir -

"Degradation of natural habitat like deforestation. Hunting too" 

@_real_rizwana -

"People and their greed"

@souqbazaars -

"Lack of knowledge"

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Ignorance"

@leafypaths_freya -

"Human corruption"

REFERENCES:

www.natioanalgeoghraphic.org

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)