SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN SCHOOL GARDENING

Growing a Greener Future

School gardens are more than just beautiful, green spaces in schools—they’re hands-on learning tools that teach students about the environment, responsibility, and sustainable practices. With growing awareness about climate change and environmental impact, it’s essential to manage these gardens sustainably. By incorporating eco-friendly gardening techniques, schools can set an example for long-term sustainability and inspire students to carry these practices into their lives. 

Here are some key sustainable practices that can make school gardening eco-friendly and impactful.

1. Composting: Turning Waste into Nourishment

Composting is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste and enrich soil naturally. By converting kitchen scraps, garden clippings, and other organic materials into compost, schools can create nutrient-rich soil without relying on synthetic fertilizers.

Benefits of Composting in School Gardens:

• Reduces Waste: Redirects organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Enriches Soil: Compost improves soil structure, retains moisture, and encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
• Educational Value: Students learn the science behind decomposition and the value of waste reduction.

How to Get Started with Composting:

• Set up compost bins or piles in a designated area.
• Collect organic waste from the school cafeteria or classrooms.
• Teach students to balance “green” (nitrogen-rich) and “brown” (carbon-rich) materials for effective composting.

2. Water Conservation: Efficient Use of a Precious Resource

With climate change causing water scarcity in many regions, conserving water is a critical component of sustainable gardening. Schools can adopt various techniques to reduce water waste and make the most of this essential resource.

• Drip Irrigation: This system delivers water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Installing rain barrels to capture rainwater from rooftops provides a free and sustainable water source for the garden.
• Mulching: Adding a layer of organic mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

By incorporating these methods, school gardens can save water, lower costs, and teach students about responsible resource management.

3. Organic Pest Control: Protecting Plants without Harmful Chemicals

Organic pest control methods protect plants from harmful insects without using synthetic pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects, pollute water, and disrupt the ecosystem.

• Beneficial Insects: Introducing ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects helps keep pest populations in check.
• Neem Oil and Natural Sprays: Organic sprays made from neem oil or garlic are effective against common pests and safe for plants and humans.
• Companion Planting: Growing certain plants together, like marigolds with tomatoes, deters pests naturally.

Organic pest control not only keeps plants healthy but also creates a safer environment for students to learn and interact with the garden.

4. Planting Native and Drought-Resistant Species

Choosing plants that are native to the region or drought-resistant can significantly reduce the garden’s environmental footprint. Native plants are well adapted to local climate conditions and often require less water and maintenance than non-native species.

Why Native and Drought-Resistant Plants?

• Lower Water and Maintenance Needs: These plants are naturally resilient to local weather, reducing the need for intensive watering and fertilizing.
• Supports Local Wildlife: Native plants attract local pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, supporting biodiversity.
• Teaches Ecological Awareness: Students learn about the local ecosystem and the importance of biodiversity.

5. Seed Saving and Plant Propagation

Encouraging students to save seeds and propagate plants is a cost-effective and sustainable way to maintain the garden year after year. Seed saving reduces the need to buy new seeds, promotes biodiversity, and preserves heirloom varieties.

Benefits of Seed Saving and Propagation:

• Cost-Effective: Saves money on buying seeds annually.
• Promotes Genetic Diversity: Growing plants from saved seeds increases biodiversity and resilience in the garden.
• Empowers Students: Students learn the complete plant life cycle, from seed to harvest, making them more connected to the growing process.

A Greener Future through Sustainable School Gardening

School gardens offer an excellent opportunity to teach students valuable life skills and environmental stewardship. By implementing these sustainable practices—composting, conserving water, using organic pest control, planting native species, and saving seeds—schools can reduce their environmental impact and foster a generation of eco-conscious students. Sustainable gardening not only benefits the school but also inspires students to take these practices into their own homes and communities, promoting a greener, more sustainable future.

With the right guidance and a bit of green-thumb enthusiasm, school gardens can be powerful tools for both education and environmental impact. Let’s continue to grow greener together! 🌱

..............................................................................................................................................................

Let's look at some of the responses received from Instagram: 

@aisha_bagha - 

"Collect rainwater"

@karuvadgraphy -

"Exploring mini ecosystems like a mini pond with fishes; the water will be used for plants later."

@veda_.organics -

"Reusing water e.g. one from washing veggies to water plants." 

@_real_rizwana -

"Zero waste"

..................................................................................................................................................................

Website: https://www.the-sol-foundation.org/

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

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

X: https://x.com/the_solf_org

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesolfoundation

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

Email: coordinator@the-sol-foundation.org

INTRODUCTION: MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH MONTH

 May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and our blog series will feature how we can create awareness and help mothers in need. 

This month is all about raising public and professional awareness of perinatal mental health problems and advocating for women and families impacted.

So, what exactly is Maternal Mental Health?

 According to the WHO, maternal mental health reflects the overall wellness of a mother, where she can actively engage in the chores of life while dealing with everyday stress normally while contributing to society. 

Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.

Disturbed mental health not only affects the mother but also the baby. Raising awareness, providing support, and encouraging open dialogue about maternal mental health are essential steps to ensuring the well-being of both mothers and their children. 

In this month's series, we shall take you through some of the social issues and environmental as well as sustainable solutions that help empower women and local communities. 

Let us look at how some of the feedback we received from our social media family as they explain what Maternal Mental Health Month is all about: 

Twitter 

@Uwerauganda -

"It refers to the mental health of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year after delivery."

Instagram

@_real_rizwana -

"Emotional turmoil regarding themselves and children." 

Facebook 

Hajj Munga - Environmentalist -

"Mental Health is all about our Psychology well-being where it consists of environmental mastery, positive relationships with others, self-acceptance, a feeling of purpose and meaning of life, personal growth and development and autonomy. This simply means it's co-dependence dimensions are environmental, social, physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and financial. Because if any one of these dimensions is neglected over time, it will adversely affect one's health, well-being, and quality of life."

  

GREEN EID

As we approach Eid-ul-Fitr, a time of celebration and joy, it's essential to consider how we can make this occasion not only festive but also environmentally friendly. Embracing sustainable practices during Eid can contribute to reducing our carbon footprint and preserving our planet's resources for future generations. Here are some points on how to have a green Eid-ul-Fitr by incorporating sustainable choices into our festivities:

1. Eco-Friendly Decorations

Go for natural and reusable decorations such as flowers, plants, and recycled materials to minimize waste and environmental impact.

2. Sustainable Gifts

Choose gifts that are environmentally friendly, such as homemade treats, handmade crafts, or donations to charitable organizations supporting environmental causes.

3. Mindful Consumption

Practice moderation in food consumption to reduce food waste, and opt for locally sourced, organic, and plant-based ingredients for your Eid feast.

4. Reduce Energy Consumption

Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances, and consider using renewable energy sources such as solar power to reduce energy consumption during Eid celebrations.

5. Waste Reduction

Use reusable utensils, plates, and cups instead of disposable ones, and encourage guests to bring their own containers for leftovers to minimize single-use plastic waste.

By incorporating these sustainable practices into our Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, we can demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship and contribute to building a more sustainable future for all. Let's celebrate Eid in a way that honors our planet and promotes a greener, more eco-conscious lifestyle.

Take a look at what some of our Instagram family has to say: 

@aisha_bagha

"Plant a tree" 

@_real_rizwana 

"Sharing the food with people in need. No wastage of food or clothes."

@words_in_making

"I will visit friends."

@zainab_akadir 

"Use of less plastic containers. Sharing food with family." 

PLANT A TREE WITH THE SOL FOUNDATION

In our previous article we took a look at the benefits of trees. Next we shall look at how The SOL Foundation is helping the communities through planting trees with global collaborative partners. 

1. Education through the school garden program

The School Garden Program has been successfully run in collaboration with a various partners across the globe in schools and community centers where children are encouraged to grow their own food for sustainability. The children, teachers and community members and trained how to plant, what to plant and how to take care of their gardens. These trees help provide the necessary nutrition that they need and also serve as a means of income as they can sell off the surplus. 

The School Garden have help create self sufficiency and sustainable development within these communities. Donating within this cause will help us end global hunger. 

2. Global partnerships & collaborations

Partnering with various global organizations help cover a larger number of people, communities and environment to plant trees and encourage sustainability. With most locations in Asia such as India and Sri Lanka, and in Africa such as East Africa, Mozambique, Cameroon among other countries we are able to reach remote locations and communities in need of help. The plants provide nutrition, income as well as preservation of the environment. 

You can sponsor all these partners which include schools, women groups and orphanages, and help them not only lead a better life but save the environment. Alternatively you can also join The SOL Foundation team and become a partner!

3. Eco Heroes 

This is a network of different organizations working towards a common goal : conserving and preserving the environment. 

We move forward with the support of each other, together. Through this network we can learn, understand and apply environmental solutions. 

Join and become an Eco Hero today! 

4. Virtual Gifts

We all look forward to giving gifts, but some of us struggle with ideas. Through the virtual gift program you can gift your loved one an eternal gift of trees, leave your legacy and their and the best part is you get a chance to customize the gift vouchers with a special message from you. 

This is not only a gift for your loved ones but for yourself, the coming generations, animals and the earth. 

For more detailed projects and updates make sure you check out The SOL Foundation. 

Thank you to all those who shared their views on importance of community planting. Let us take a look at some of the feedback:

Facebook 

Hajj Munga -

"It is believed that backbone is the most important part of human body. When it comes to the environment, in reference to environmental sustainability, I can say trees are the backbone of the environment. To back this statement, let's take a look at the role played by trees in biogeochemical cycles that is; Water, Oxygen, Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus cycle.

In water cycle, trees play a role of ensuring ground water are back to atmosphere. In oxygen and carbon cycles, they act as oxygen producers and carbon sinks through photosynthesis thus increasing and reduce the levels of oxygen and carbon in the atmosphere respectively. In nitrogen cycle, some tree species act as nitrogen fixation agent and the same to phosphorus.

In general trees are important since they play a major role in biogeochemical cycles, thus they help in ensuring a state of balance in biogeochemical equations."

Global Initiative for Young Environmental Stewards -

"Improved air quality: Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants like dust, smoke, and harmful gases, leading to cleaner air for communities to breathe.

Reduced climate change impact: Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, mitigating the effects of climate change and creating a cooler environment."

Instagram

@karuvadgraphy -

"This space is not enough to write about the benefits" 

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Fresh and organic food"

5. CHOOSE SUSTAINABLE

Making smart life choices and choosing sustainable is another way to go in saving the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. 

Choosing sustainability in your daily life doesn't have to be complicated. Here are simple steps you can take every day to make more eco-friendly choices. These simple steps may seem small, but collectively they contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle: 

1. Use Reusable Bags: Bring your own reusable bags when shopping to reduce the need for plastic bags.

2. Switch Off Lights: Turn off lights and electronic devices when you leave a room or when they're not in use to conserve energy.

3. Carpool or Use Public Transportation: Share rides with others or use public transportation to reduce your carbon footprint when commuting.

4. Conserve Water: Be mindful of water usage by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and turning off the tap when not needed.

5. Choose Local and Seasonal Produce: Support local farmers and reduce the environmental impact of transportation by choosing seasonal produce.

6. Sustainable Food Choices : Consider adopting a meatless day each week to reduce your overall carbon footprint associated with meat production.

7. Recycle Properly: Sort and recycle paper, glass, plastic, and aluminum to divert waste from landfills. Opt to have a compost bin.

8. Unplug Chargers: Unplug chargers and electronic devices when they're not actively charging to save energy.

8. Opt for Eco-Friendly Products: Choose products made from sustainable materials and support brands with eco-friendly practices.

9. Plant a Tree or Maintain Green Spaces: Contribute to environmental conservation by planting trees or participating in community green initiatives.

10. Reduce Paper Usage: Opt for digital documents whenever possible to minimize paper consumption.

11. Support Thrift Stores: Embrace second-hand shopping to extend the life of products and reduce the demand for new production.

12. Use a Reusable Water Bottle: Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles.

13. Compost Kitchen Scraps: Turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden instead of sending it to landfills.

14. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about environmental issues and share your knowledge with friends and family to promote awareness.

Lets take a look at some of the sustainable tips we received from Instagram: 

@aisha_bagha -

" Avoid disposable items." 

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy

" Anything that can be reused instead of one time use. " 

SIMPLE WAYS TO APPLY 3Rs IN YOUR DAILY LIFE

In our previous chapters we saw the importance of Recycling, Reusing and Reducing waste. In this chapter let us take a look at how we can apply the 3Rs in our daily life and protect the environment. 

Ways to reduce the amount of waste you create

1. Only buy what you need, and use what you buy

2. Buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid items that are heavily packaged

3. Sign up to paperless billing or banking

4. Buy products with refillable packaging

5. If you are able, try home composting your food waste

6. Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups

7. Buy second hand clothing and consider hiring clothing

8. Have a go at replacing buttons and mending faulty zips or fallen hems rather than buying new clothing

9. Buy items that will have a longer life than disposable items, such as rechargeable batteries and use real crockery and cutlery for your parties instead of disposable ones

10. Avoid the use of disposable goods, such as lighters, paper cups and plastics

11. Purchase products made from recycled materials

12. Adopt the use of recycled paper for copier paper, letterhead and newsletters

Ways to reuse

1. Donate items that are still in a good, usable condition to charities or charity shops

2. Repurpose glass, plastic and cardboard containers to give them another life

3. Carry a re-usable shopping bag. Use cloth bags when buying groceries. 

4. Re-use wrapping paper or gift bags

5. Convert old clothing, towels or sheets into cleaning rags/cloths

6. Instead of using plastic wraps, use resalable containers

7. Use dishcloths instead of using paper towels

Let us now take a look at what some of the ways our social media families apply the 3Rs in their lives:

Instagram: 

@aisha_bagha -

" 1. Reusing scrap paper for writing notes. 

2. Buy loose fresh food as per our needs rather than pre-packaged. "

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Try to reuse stuff as much as possible"

@motivated_mamaof3 -

"Go Digital!"

Facebook:

Mary Jean Ernst -

" I no longer buy laundry detergent in plastic jugs. I use the dry laundry sheets, instead & have for past 3 years. I've tried about every brand and they all seem to work. I'm currently using Clearalif...bought on Amazon. However, I've used Earth Breeze & other well advertised brands. They are all good, but some seem to be more powerful on really dirty greasy boys & men's jeans.....Clearalif for one! "

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"

1. REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE

‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ targets waste and ultimately avoids making it in the first place. 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.

REDUCE :  How can I reduce the amount of waste I produce?

Waste prevention reduces the generation of waste in the first place, so it is the most preferred method of waste management and goes a long way toward protecting the environment. You can reduce waste by:

• Purchasing durable, long-lasting goods.
• Seeking products and packaging that are as toxic free.
• Redesigning products to use less raw material in production, have a longer life, or be used again after its original use.
• Only buy what you need
• Buy in bulk
• Look for items that you can re-use

REUSE : How can I reuse what I have?

This looks at how you can use certain items again before replacing them. Here are some ideas:

• Refill a water bottle with water from home instead of buying a new one
• Update your computer rather than throwing it out and getting a replacement
• Ditch plastic bags and choose reusable, environmentally-friendly bags instead
• Use durable coffee mugs.
• Reuse boxes.
• Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
• Participate in a paint collection and reuse program.
• Use cloth napkins or towels.
• Donate old magazines or surplus equipment.
• Turn empty jars into containers for leftover food.

As well as helping the environment, you could save money too!

RECYCLE : How can I recycle the products I use?

Before you throw something away, think about whether all or part of it could be recycled. Recycling prevents the emissions of many greenhouse gases and water pollutants, and saves energy. Materials that can be recycled include: 

• Glass
• Cardboard
• Aluminum
• Lead batteries
• Paper
• Textile
• Wood

Sometimes, two more 'R's can be added to the three basic ones.

• Rethink can be added to the start of the list. It means we should think about the way our actions impact the environment.
• Recover is sometimes added to the end of the list. It refers to the act of putting waste products to use. For example, decomposing garbage produces methane gas, which can be recovered and burnt to produce energy.

Let us look at some of the comments we received from our Instagram family: 

@its_winnie_cheche -

" Recycling, Repurposing & Reusing"

@aisha_bagha -

" Prevents emission of greenhouse gasses and water pollutants, and saves energy."

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

" Less waste in the environment"

@zainab_akadir -

"Conserve natural resources" 

SIMPLE ACTIONS TO SAVE THE EARTH

 Protecting our planet starts with you. Before we go to the elaborate methods of trying to fight climate change and stop pollution, let us focus on the easy first steps anyone can take to protect our planet. 

This series will take a look at a few of the actions we can take, but first let us take a look at the reasons why we need to protect our planet. 

The first main reason being there is no other planet! If we destroy this one where will we live? where will our children live? Where will our great-great-grandchildren live?! We want to live happily and peacefully on our green-blue planet 😊

All the beauty Earth has been providing us with is dying, we need to protect all these dying species that make our Earth unique from all the other planets. 

Our health is increasingly being tested by the various new and ever mutating viruses and diseases. A healthy planet leads to a healthy life. This makes our fight against pollution so critical. All sorts of diseases and the most nuisance of it all, cancer, are becoming deadlier and more common then ever. An infant dying of cancer is the most devastating news you can hear these days testing our mental health. 

These are just some of the main reasons, there are infinite more. We might find other habitable planets in the near future but as for now this is the only planet with food, water and oxygen, not forgetting peace, love and happiness. Lets get together and love and protect it 💚

Let's take a look at what our Instagram family has to say about the simple actions taken to save the Earth: 

@zainab_akadir -

" Planting trees " 

@aisha_bagha -

" Protect the ecosystem: one of the ways is to declog the environment by recycling, reusing."

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

" Keep the environment clean " 

ZERO HUNGER CHALLENGE GOALS

 1. Sustainable Food Systems. 

Making sure that the food cycle from agriculture to consumption are sustainable. Food security and nutrition for everyone are provided through sustainable food systems, which do not jeopardize the economic, social, or environmental foundations that will provide food security and nutrition for future generations. This will include transforming into climate-friendly agricultural techniques, such as diversifying output, taking climate change into consideration. 

2. Double Small-Scale Producer Incomes and Productivity to End Rural Poverty.

Ending rural poverty would need a concerted effort to boost small-scale farmers' revenue. Small-scale farmers are also crucial to feeding a growing global population in a sustainable manner. This would entail enhancing people's well-being through sustainable livelihoods, such as raising smallholder income and production as well as providing adequate rural jobs.

3. Adapt all Food Systems to Prevent Food Loss or Waste.

Adapting all food systems to a more sustainable method entails minimizing food losses during production, storage, and transportation, as well as food waste by retailers and consumers; enabling consumer choice; and pledges from producers, retailers, and consumers around the globe. 

4. All People Have Access to Adequate Food and Healthy Diets Throughout the Year.

Increasing people's resistance to shocks and pressures through addressing poverty and injustice. Food access, which is the foundation of a healthy and varied diet, is inextricably tied to both rights – notably equity and women's rights – and resilience.

5. Abolition of all Types of Malnutrition.

Poverty and inequality are both causes and consequences of malnutrition.

Undernutrition can produce hidden hunger, wasting, and stunting, all of which have lasting consequences for both people and society. Childhood obesity is on the rise in many parts of the world. To combat stunting, ensuring widespread access to healthy meals between the beginning of pregnancy and a child's second birthday is critical.

A multi-sectoral strategy should be used to assist this, including nutrition-sensitive health care, water, sanitation, education, agriculture, social protection, and particular nutrition interventions, as well as programs to empower women.

Thank you to all who answered our blog question on social media. Here are the answered we received: 

@aisha_bagha - 

"Ensure food access for everyone, improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture." 

@mentor_quresha -

"Enough food, good nutrition and healthy balanced diet." 

@_real_rizwana -

"Sustainable agriculture" 

@_sustainable_solutions -

" Ease accessible to food& water." 

@_nussy.nus_ - 

" 1. End hunger 2. Achieve food security & improved nutrition 3. Promote sustainable agriculture " 

SIMPLE ACTIONS TO COMBAT GLOBAL WARMING

 Everyone can help limit climate change. From the way we travel, to the electricity we use and the food we eat, we can make a difference. 

“Change only happens when individuals take action,” Aliya Haq, deputy director of NRDC’s Clean Power Plan initiative, says. “There’s no other way, if it doesn’t start with people.”

The goal is simple. Carbon dioxide is the climate’s worst enemy. It’s released when oil, coal, and other fossil fuels are burned for energy—the energy we use to power our homes, cars, and smartphones. By using less of it, we can curb our own contribution to climate change while also saving money. Here are a some easy, effective ways each one of us can make a difference:

1. Save energy at home/workplace 

• Most of our electricity and heat is powered by coal, oil and gas. 
• Use less energy by lowering your heating and cooling, switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient electric appliances, washing your laundry with cold water or hanging things to dry instead of using a dryer.
• Power your home/workplace with renewable energy like wind/solar energy. 
• Invest in energy efficient appliances making sure also to save water.
• Conserve energy by better insulating our homes and buildings, and by replacing old, failing appliances with more energy-efficient models.
• Call a home energy audit company and get an audit done for the home that will help you to identify areas that consume a lot of energy and are not energy efficient at all.

2. Walk, cycle or use public transport

• Walking or riding a bike instead of driving will reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and help your health and fitness. For longer distances, consider taking a train or bus. And carpool whenever possible.
• Gas-smart cars, such as hybrids and fully electric vehicles, save fuel and money
• Choosing to live in walkable smart-growth cities and towns with quality public transportation leads to less driving, less money spent on fuel, and less pollution in the air.
• Less frequent flying can make a big difference, too.
• Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, and turn on cruise control on longer trips
• Not only is bike riding healthy, but it also reduces the amount of CO2 released into the air. Walking is another easy way to reduce global warming.
• Working a few days each month from home means one less commuter on the road contributing to greenhouse gases.

3. Eat more vegetables 

• Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and less meat and dairy, can significantly lower your environmental impact. 
• Producing plant-based foods generally results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land and water.
• Besides carbon dioxide, methane introduced into the air contributes to global warming. With meat consumed by the seconds, the number of cows breathing out methane is a huge contributor.

4. Avoid throwing food 

• When you throw food away, you're also wasting the resources and energy that were used to grow, produce, package and transport it. And when food rots in a landfill, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. So use what you buy and compost any leftovers.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Repair & Recycle 

• Electronics, clothes and other items we buy cause carbon emissions at each point in production, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing and transporting goods to market. 
• To protect our climate, buy fewer things, shop second-hand, repair what you can and recycle.
• Landfills already contain more than 2 million tons of plastic bottles. It takes 1.5 million barrels of oil to manufacture water bottles every year, and those bottles take more than 1,000 years to biodegrade. Have one reusable water bottle to make a big difference.
• Reuse towels. Hang towels to dry, instead of popping them back in the wash after a few uses.

6. Change your source of energy 

• See if you can switch to renewable sources such as wind or solar. Or install solar panels on your roof to generate energy for your home.
• LED lightbulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescents. They’re also cheaper in the long run.
• You can offset the carbon you produce by purchasing carbon offsets, which represent clean power that you can add to the nation’s energy grid in place of power from fossil fuels. But not all carbon offset companies are alike. Do your homework to find the best supplier.

7. Speak up!

• By voicing your concerns you send a message that you care about the warming world.
• Always try your best to educate people about global warming and its causes and after-effects. Tell them how they can contribute their part by saving energy that will be good for the environment. Gather opportunities and establish programs that will help you to share information with friends, relatives, and neighbors.

8. Reduce water waste 

• Saving water reduces carbon pollution, too. That's because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat, and treat your water. So take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and switch to WaterSense-labeled fixtures and appliances. 

9. Pull the plug(s) 

• Don't leave fully charged devices plugged into your home's outlets, unplug rarely used devices or plug them into power strips and timers, and adjust your computers and monitors to automatically power down to the lowest power mode when not in use.

10. Plant trees

• Reforestation is the most cost-effective way to prevent global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so planting more trees can help reduce the amount of carbon in our atmosphere. In fact, we could remove roughly two-thirds of human-made carbon just by letting all forests regrow. 
• Protect what remains of our existing tropical forests .

11. Educate 

• Give to a charity that makes school more affordable and accessible for those in need in low- and lower-middle-income countries. 
• Always try your best to educate people about global warming and its causes and after-effects. Tell them how they can contribute their part by saving energy that will be good for the environment. Gather opportunities and establish programs that will help you to share information with friends, relatives, and neighbors.

12. Avoid products with a lot of packaging

• Just don’t buy products with a lot of packaging. When you buy such products, you will end up throwing the waste material in the garbage, which then will help in filling landfill sites and pollute the environment. Also, discourage others from buying such products.

13. Celebrate Arbor Day & Earth Day 

• Although most of us hear about these days in passing, see what the buzz is all about. Plant a tree, pick up trash, or join a forum.

14. Become aware of your contribution 

• With technology within your fingertips, finding information about protecting the environment is everywhere. To help emit less CO2, the first step is being aware of how much you can contribute.

Preventing global warming is more important than ever. We're the last generation that can change the course of climate change, and will be the first to face it's consequences if we don't act now. 

Here are some of the suggestions from our Instagram family:

@breathenmoments -

" Gratitude for what we already have. As we all have much abundance in our day to day lives we don't see."

"More awareness when using our resources. Try less first before using more."

@sabri_farouq -

"Tree planting" 

@blue_earth_organization -

"Planting lots of trees, Zero waste, Switch to reusables."

@real_rizwana -

"Make sure your surroundings are clean and taken care of." 

@legacy_mall -

"Plant trees (all species)"

@its_winnie_cheche -

"Grow indigenous trees, shrubs and other vegetation cover."

@mentor_quresha -

"Planting more trees"

@aisha_bagha -

"Save energy at home."

"Plant more trees" 

@ahmed.sheikh.589 -

"Plant trees & harvest water." 

@_nussy_ -

"Help to protect & conserve green spaces like local parks and community gardens." 

@sumaiyaharunany -

"So manyyy ; Plant a tree. Reuse, reduce, recycle."

"Segregate waste. Unplug devices at night . Ditch single use plastic."

REFERENCES:

• https://www.un.org/actnow
• https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/

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

IMPORTANCE OF GOING GREEN

Going green has huge effects on our body, mind, relationships, and the world around us in many ways. Our environment can either increase or reduce stress; hence impact the body. The things we see, experience or hear can change our mood and how our immune, endocrine, and nervous system function.

A stressful environment causes anxiety which in turn elevates blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate and going green reverses these impacts. A natural environment is a stress reliever, it heals and makes you feel better emotionally and contributes to your physical wellbeing. It helps us cope with pain. This is because trees, water, plants and other natural elements distract us from pain and discomfort.

A green environment also helps us to connect with others. People who have green space around their homes build more relationships and are concerned about supporting each other. Such also lowers aggression, violence, and street crime between people meaning a better capacity to cope with the daily demands. 

Going green creates a healthy living environment and also improves lifestyle. 

Reduce resources consumption and eliminate wastes.

Conserve natural resources and forests.

Maintain the natural ecological balance on earth so that all living things can survive and thrive in their natural habitat.

Use of fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gas, and coal, and burning wood produce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and many harmful chemicals that pollute the air and have serious consequences on environment and people's health.

Such measures can save lives, because air pollution has become "a major environmental health risk," according to the World Health Organization (WHO), that has led to the premature death of 3 million people. Decreasing air pollutants would reduce water pollution by decreasing acid rain and eutrophication that can harm to wildlife especially in aquatic environments, and crops and trees report Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection.

Save Biodiversity and Human Livelihoods.

These are just some of the importance of going green, there are countless more economic, environmental and personal benefits of going green and living a sustainable life.