Preserving our greenery…

Nature unites us, it brings together people from all walks of life who find common ground through the love for the environment. There are many reasons to preserve the greenery in our environment and our backyards.

When we think about the images of nature the colour green stands out as a profound association with nature; greens revive, restore and renew. It is the symbol of new beginnings a mindfulness of conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Moreover we wish to reconnect with nature to reoxygenate and reinvigorate. Through the observation of World Environment Day the United Nations (UN) creates a worldwide awareness of preserving the environment on June 5 every year.

The theme this year is Connecting People to Nature. As we celebrate with other countries with such activities as tree planting and cleanup campaigns we show that creating and protecting a green, clean and healthy environment starts with me, to enjoy and preserve for generations to come.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your environment:
* Start recycling – in the house, use reusable instead of disposable items
* In the garden move to organic fertilisers and pesticides
* Plant native trees and food crops
* Invest in air purifying plants
* Start a compost pile
* Collect rain water for irrigating plants. Waste water from the house can also be used

Creating the ideal living environment is the responsibility of all of us. Being aware of our actions and consciously changing habits in our homes, encouraging our children and neighbours are the first steps we can take. This will ultimately carry over to our community to foster a healthy natural environment for our citizens. Stopping water pollution, indiscriminate waste dumping and deforestation are some of the topics on the agenda for many local environmental groups in Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Horticultural Club continues to advocate for educating and preserving our beautiful twin islands.

Our general health can be improved when we focus on creating the type of environment we want to live in. Do you want to be happier lower your blood pressure.
decrease stress and learn patience? Nurture a plant as many have healing as well as aesthetic benefits. Some plants, however, may be toxic so extra care is required with children and pets, but once they are accustomed to having plants in their environment they seldom interfere. My pets actually love relaxing among the greenery. If you have not started your collection of air-purifying plants here are a few to look out for and acquire at the plant show:

Boston ferns, peace lily, Dracaena, spider plant, ficus, snake plant aloe vera, bamboo palm, chrysanthemum golden pothos, areca palms, and Chinese evergreen.

These plants help remove harmful gases that can build up over time. House plants are effective air purifiers as they absorb carbon dioxide and covert it to oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Some particulates may also be absorbed with the carbon dioxide. The root associated microbes convert toxins in the air into nutrients for the plants which they thrive on. In short, plants act as filters for some of the toxins released from your commonly used household items. Some of the toxins released from your household items are as follows:

* Benzene - from glues, paints, furniture wax and detergents
* Formaldehyde – from emissions, disinfectants and fixatives or preservatives in consumer products.
* Trichloroethylene – from industrial work – particularly in homes undergoing renovation.
* Xylene & Toluene – from a variety of household consumer products.
* Ammonia – from aerosols and sprays used in the home.

Once we become aware and start making changes to “green living” simplify our needs and get back to nature we shall see progress. The Eastern Horticultural Club’s theme for our 8th Annual Plant and Garden Show is Preserving our Greenery… Images of Nature on June 3 and 4, at St. Augustine Secondary School, Warren Street St. Augustine from 9 am to 6 pm. daily. The public is invited to visit learn and share knowledge as we all move to grow green together. For further information contact the Eastern Horticultural Club at 357-5033 or 720-2698 or easternhorticultural@ hotmail.com The club meets on the first Saturday of every month (except public holidays) at 3 pm at Moreton Hall, Aramalaya Presbyterian Church.Cochrane St, Tunapuna.