Go on a field trip
Everyone loves a day out. Especially one that will tell you something new. This weekend catch up with friends and see how a water treatment plant works. Water treatment is a process that removes or reduces the contamination and makes it beneficial for a specific use. It could be for drinking, industrial water supply, irrigation, river flow maintenance, water recreation or anything else.
You could also see how waste water is recycled for reuse.
Green tips
Get into the ‘green’ way of life.
Organise a clean-up drive.
Donate to an environmental cause.
Make trips to be with Nature.
Enrol in an environmental group.
Know your rights.
Use the bin always.
Say ‘No’ to plastic.
Make sure you practise rainwater harvesting.
Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Use paper sparingly.
Dirt is good
You are fully aware that whatever we throw out, in some way, adds to the existing garbage. However, you can ring in a change. Collect the green waste from your home to reuse. You could make a compost pit which will turn into a fertilizer.
Seven simple steps to make your own compost pit:
1. Locate a spot that receives direct sunlight to help keep your compost pit above 43° C. Do not place the compost pit too close to your house, as it may be smelly.
2. Dig a hole that is three feet deep by three feet wide.
3. Line the hole or pack in the sides and bottom or you risk the sides crumbling down into your pit.
4. Layer the ingredients in the compost pile. Start with organic materials, such as kitchen scraps, shredded newspaper, coffee grounds, egg shells, grass clippings or fallen leaves. Then add a layer of fertilizer, such as horse, cow or chicken manure. Add a layer of soil and repeat the layers in order. Stop when your compost reaches one foot above the compost pit.
5. Water the compost pit until the ingredients are soaked. Compost needs a moisture content between 40 and 60 per cent to multiply the beneficial microbes that are within the pile.
6. Turn the ingredients in the compost pit once a week with a shovel to provide proper aeration. Add water at this time to keep the pile moist.
7. Use the compost once it becomes brown and crumbly and has an earthy smell to it.
Pool ideas
Whenever possible, try to carpool or use a school van or bus. There are added benefits. You get to travel with your friends and spend extra time and have a fun ride too! Nothing more rewarding than reducing the carbon footprint and helping in saving fuel. But if you would still want your space, then opt to cycle or walk. It’s a fun and a great way to exercise too.
Be the showstopper
Do you enjoy organising, managing or conducting meetings and group activities? Why not don that hat this year? Compile a list which could showcase the talent of your friends and create awareness too. Use your community hall and spaces available for group discussions on the environment, organise a film festival focused on eco-issues, have a painting competition, encourage youngsters to come up with slogans for the environment, plant trees in your neighbourhood.
Ecological balance
Everything in our ecosystem is connected — the vegetation, birds, animals, humans — this is because we share a particular habitat. When something happens to destablise this then we say that there is an ecological imbalance. Sadly, most of the imbalance takes place because of excessive human activity having encroached into forests and other ecosystems. This can cause many changes in the world and, in the long run, all species will be affected.
In your limited way, you could say ‘No’ to animal products or products that have been tested on animals. Don’t keep exotic birds caged up as pets. Always maintain that animals and birds have as much right as you have to roam free. Grow plants that are suitable for your climate instead of introducing new species.
