Why Our Trees Need Pruning

The Art and Science of Tree Pruning: Unveiling Nature's Hidden Potential

 

In the grand tapestry of nature, trees stand as majestic sentinels, symbolizing life, strength, and resilience. However, even these towering giants require some tender care to thrive and unveil their full potential. Enter the art of tree pruning. Beyond mere aesthetics, pruning serves as a vital practice in arboriculture, providing numerous benefits to both trees and the environment.

Let's explore why trees need pruning and uncover the hidden wonders it bestows upon these remarkable organisms.

 

Structural Integrity and Safety:

One of the primary reasons trees require pruning is to enhance their structural integrity and ensure safety. Over time, trees may develop weak branches, deadwood, or uneven growth patterns, compromising their stability. Pruning removes these potential hazards, reducing the risk of falling branches during storms or heavy winds. By carefully selecting which branches to prune, arborists create a well-balanced crown, allowing trees to better withstand external forces and minimizing the danger they pose to nearby structures, pedestrians, or utility lines.

 

Enhanced Health and Vigor:

Pruning plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and vigor of trees. By removing diseased, damaged, or insect-infested branches, arborists prevent the spread of pathogens throughout the tree. Pruning also allows for increased air circulation and sunlight penetration, promoting the growth of new, healthy foliage. The removal of crossing or crowded branches reduces competition for resources, enabling trees to allocate energy more efficiently. With proper pruning techniques, trees can redirect their energy towards growth, resulting in stronger root systems, denser canopies, and overall improved vitality.

 

Aesthetics and Beauty:

Beyond the functional benefits, tree pruning adds an element of artistry to the landscape. Skilled arborists can shape trees to accentuate their natural form or guide them towards a desired aesthetic. By selectively thinning branches or creating open spaces within the crown, pruning reveals the inherent beauty of each tree, allowing its unique character to shine. Pruned trees become living sculptures, enhancing the visual appeal of parks, gardens, and urban environments, contributing to the overall well-being of communities and fostering a sense of connection with nature.

 

Longevity and Growth Optimization:

Regular pruning can significantly extend the lifespan of trees. By eliminating weak or diseased branches early on, arborists prevent further decay and potential structural failure. Pruning also stimulates the growth of new branches, aiding in the development of a more robust tree structure. Properly pruned trees experience improved nutrient absorption, leading to increased growth rates and enhanced overall health. Furthermore, strategic pruning techniques can direct growth away from undesirable areas, such as power lines or buildings, preserving the integrity of the tree while reducing potential conflicts with human infrastructure.

 

Tree pruning is a delicate and intricate practice that combines science and artistry to unlock the hidden potential within nature's giants. From safety and health benefits to enhanced aesthetics and longevity, pruning contributes to the well-being of trees, the environment, and our connection with the natural world. Let us embrace the wonders of tree pruning and cherish the breathtaking beauty it brings to our surroundings.

#southdelhi #southdelhinews #southdelhitimes #citizenspeaks 

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Solar Energy For Our Everyday Uses

A Contentious Citizen Using Solar Energy And Trying To Popularise Solar Energy Use..

Once again after a long gap I met Jagdish Sharma at his house in GK 2, Masjid Moth. His house never stops amazing me with the small solar panels in the balcony and innumerous gadgets running on solar power. The solar mobile charger, the solar lantern, the solar inverter, the solar powered bulbs in his house, all continue to intrigue me. 

This time was a new addition, the solar cooker. With its improved design and with non-glass reflectors, the model was lighter than its predecessors. The cooker can be kept out on the terrace or balcony he says. The solar cooker is not meant to replace the gas stove as yet , but it can help to save 75% gas and will add organic value to the food cooked in it. The containers in which food is cooked are 4 steel containers which can be adjusted inside the cooker. These containers are coated with black paint to absorb more heat. He also wants to experiment with terracotta containers for a fully organic meal. The containers can be filled with food to be cooked and kept in the sun in the morning and one can get cooked food for lunch. 3-4 hours is the time required for the food to get cooked and this slow process of cooking enhances the taste of food too.

India has tremendous scope of generating solar energy. The geographical location of the country stands to its benefit for generating solar energy. The reason being India is a tropical country and it receives solar radiation almost throughout the year, which amounts to 3,000 hours of sunshine. This solar energy if used contentiously can help us to save tremendous amount of other energy forms. Although solar energy cannot totally eliminate usage of other forms of energy, the usage will help in curtailing and saving other energy forms. Also, Solar Energy is environment friendly. When in use, it does not release CO2 and other gases which pollute the air. Hence it is very suitable for India, India being one of the most polluted countries of the world. You don’t need a power or gas grid to get solar energy. A solar energy system can be installed anywhere. Solar panels can be easily placed in houses. Hence, it is quite inexpensive compared to other sources of energy. We hope that many citizens will start using solar energy for their everyday needs for energy and help the environment by doing so.

By Anindita Roy (9818541252)

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Spring and Summer Playing Hide And Seek

The back to back weather progression is getting surprising every year. Seasons seem to merge into each other almost seamlessly, in the same breath. By the time we begin to savor one season, almost immediately, the next bounces in front of us, as if telling us- ah, enough now, look at me, here I come! The exit of winter and the impatience of Spring to arrive and then, the quick exit of spring with the onset of summer, also happened the same way this year.

However, the sweet and cool mornings and the extremely pleasant evenings still tell us that spring is reluctant to leave us! It has not allowed summer to beat down upon Delhi as yet! Summer is restlessly edging its way in, with warm afternoons, giving off warning signs that this time, its going to stay long and become unbearably hot! So beware people!

All around, trees have merrily shed their old and dead leaves and have welcomed with outstretched branches, tender, green and shy leaves which are busy befriending the myriad flowers resplendent in their riot of colours, adding dashes of colors to the trees and the bright sky. Equally bright and colorful butterflies are making the most of this weather and time, to suck in as much nector as possible. Birds of astonishing sizes and colours are sighted all around the green trees, busy making their nests. Evenings see them driving us happily crazy with their incessant and chirpy cacophany, which has so much become a rarity in today’s times. The animal world is busy with “make hay while the sun shines”, creating its store of food and shelter, before the off springs arrive!

Lots of lessons to learn from the animal world and the green world.- to realise how important it is for us - supposedly the more intelligent animal, to conserve and preserve our environment and ecosystem for a secure co-habitation of all species on this planet - and stop the mindless destruction that human beings are doing to nature on a daily basis.

Time to turn the tide with immediate urgency – to save our planet before its too late! Lot of species are becoming extinct due to the immense change in the climate and ecosystem. Time to stop and think!

Lets save our rivers and water bodies, reduce carbon footprint, plant more trees and recycle waste. Lets keep reminding ourselves how critical this time is to restore nature for peaceful co-existences of all species.

Lets recycle, restore and recover!

by Jaya Ray ( ray.jaya72@gmail.com)

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‘NATURAL AND ORGANIC' IS THE BUZZ WORD IN DELHI AND NCR

NCR RESIDENTS  GROWING THEIR OWN ORGANIC VEGETABLES AT BACKYARD OR BALCONIES

The growing awareness about health and wellness ,eating natural and organic food is becoming essential part of our lifestyle. The ‘Organic ‘ has become a buzzword among residents of National Capital Region in last couple of years.

“Despite urban space constraints cultivating a garden for pesticide-free vegetables and fruit may seem like a far-fetched idea. But now  growing and owning an organic kitchen garden is actually utterly becoming achievable and house wives are growing organic vegetables and herbs in back yard, balconies and even bath tubs” said Ms Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association,(AIKGA)  an all India apex body  having branches all over India .

“The process of growing organic vegetables and herbs is  cost-effective, and low-maintenance. The only requirements are a lot of patience and perseverance. You do not need much space , one can use windowsill to grow some vegetables. One of the biggest requirements to grow fruits and veggies is sunlight, something the city is amply blessed with.” said Ms Gupta.

“Recycle and reuse at the outset, you don’t need to invest in fancy or earthen pots. You can even make use of plastic bottles, buckets and bathtubs to grow vegetables. Take a medium sized bathtub; fill it with soil and home compost to grow cabbages, cauliflowers, capsicums, radish and onions. Start with what you have. There’s no need to buy earthworms or any other stuff. Simply convert your kitchen waste into resource,” said Ms Gupta.

“One can source the seeds for as cheap as Rs 10 from any of the nurseries in the city, Always go for open pollinated seeds, not hybrid. You can start by growing basic vegetables like basil (tulsi), mint leaves (pudina), kadi pata, chillies, lemon grass and different varieties of spinach. “They are one of the simplest to grow. Since they don’t require too much sunlight the plant can be kept in a living room or placed near the window, Once you are well-versed with simple plants, graduate to growing cabbage, cauliflower, capsicum, radish, onions and tomatoes.” She added.

“The demand for organic is huge especially in the younger generation, which means people are taking ownership of what they eat and where their produce comes from and that’s very important. It’s the 25-40 age group that’s driving the change,” Ms Gupta Said.

“Consumer demand for locally produced, natural foods and organic products is no longer just a trend. There is a paradigm shift towards produce that boosts health and wellness”. She added.

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Today , 20th March Is World Sparrow Day ..Where Have The Sparrows Gone?

House Sparrow, The State Bird Of Delhi, Has Been Driven Away By Pigeons ?

Has anyone seen a sparrow of late? I have not! And I am not surprised !! 

Our homes and the surrounding environment are infested with rock pigeons! Pigeon feeding is the latest fad which apparently wards off all evils and failures from our lives! How incredulous can we be! Where have our common sense and education gone? Are we now supposed to feed pigeons to make or break our careers and education? No marks are given to efforts or hard work – all credits go to the rock pigeons! Should I laugh or cry or get angry? I am going through all the three emotions now thinking, is this how progressive society functions!

Anyway, coming back to the sparrow- the whole infestation of pigeons has driven the demure, chirpy and cute sparrow away from the neighbourhood and our houses. We had studied in our childhood that sparrows live in the houses- on the balconies, roofs, cornices, hence are called house sparrows. However, I suppose the term has changed or has become extinct since it is no longer used. So, are we a witness to another species going extinct? If so, then it is very sad.

I fondly remember the sparrow coming and sitting on the window sill of my bedroom when I used to study with the window open. The high-pitched chirping would take my attention away from my books and I would look up to see how exactly the sparrow would chirp. I would slowly inch closer to it, in a vain attempt to catch it – but as always it would be faster than me and would immediately fly away as soon as I would reach the window. I would try and look into the trees to find out the sparrow's nest, but alas, could never see it! My wish to make it my pet, always remained a wish!

Summer holidays would mean waking up to the incessant chirping of the sparrows sitting on the big lemon tree in the garden overlooking my bedroom. I would get angry at the birds then – why did they wake me up so soon! I could have slept some more! Waking up would mean going back to morning study, which I would hate – that too in summer holidays! How insensitive can teachers be! I would have preferred chasing the sparrows in my garden, befriending them and bringing them into my room secretly, without my mother knowing what I brought in!

But now, my ears crave to listen to the pleasant chirpings which do not seem audible any more! My son has never seen a sparrow. I tell him stories about our childhood and show him pictures of what a sparrow looked like. He looks at the photos and tells me that these birds look very cute..and listens to my stories with amazement. His generation has never chased birds in the garden - it doesnt know the simple pleasures of seeing a bird stting on the window sill and observing its mannerisms, the swift as lightening movements and quick pecking of food from the grounds.

But I still hope against hope that the sparrow will not die such an early death and will be around for some more time. I still hope I will be able to sight it sometime…and hear the chirp once…before it leaves the face of the earth.

I sincerely hope that, the Delhi Government would take some measures to save its ‘State Bird’ from extinction!!

By Jaya Ray (rayjaya72@gmail.com) 9871718921

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Clean Air For Delhi

“Clean air for Delhi campaign to be re-launched and  developed into a peoples’ movement across the country”, said Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

Minister seeks NGO's help to make 'do good deeds' campaign a success.

After the success of the just concluded  ‘Clean Air for Delhi’ campaign , Union Ministry of Science and Technology plans to relaunch it in Delhi . The program was jointly launched with Delhi government to find a permanent solution to the problem of pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region.

“The continuous efforts will be made to develop the Clean Air for Delhi Campaign into a peoples’ movement across the National Capital Region (NCR ) and  country,”said  Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan while inaugurating a Two day ‘Food and Nutrition show’ orgnaised by All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) on 24th & 25th February.

“This “Clean Air For Delhi ‘will be relaunched in Delhi and Campaign will be replicated in about 100 non-attainment cities and  efforts will be made  were made during the Campaign to raise the levels of public awareness through radio and other communication tools. “Dr Vardhan said.

"Ministry has also launched 'Do Green Goods Campaign' to save environment and generate awareness among public. a Dr Harsh Vardhan app has also been launched for joining people for the campaign. New Delhi will also host the World Environment day on June 5 to the world leaders" he said  

He also urged people to grow more trees and plants and lauded work being done by ALL India Kitchen Garden Association  

" More than 12,000 varieties plants, vegetables and fruits spread in 21 sections including landscaping, pots and containers, ornamental plants, trey gardens , bottle gardens, cut fruits, vegetables and flower arrangements  are on display during the two day show. There are also be herbal plants, roses, hanging plants and potted plants on display" said Mrs Bella Gupta, Secretary, All India Kitchen Garden Association (AIKGA) .

“ The main theme of the show this year is ‘ The  Kitchen Garden’ as several factors are involved in planting a vegetable garden. As much work goes into planning as it does into the actual growing of the vegetables. Choosing a spot, preparing your soil, and deciding on which vegetables all have to happen prior to the actual process of planting.” these all parts will be taught and displayed for visitors” said Ms Gupta.

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Clean India Show At Mumbai

15^th Edition of Clean India Show To Kick-start In Mumbai On January 18, 2018

Asia’s largest event on professional cleaning, Clean India Show along with Waste Technology Expo, Laundrex India Expo and Car Care expo, to be inaugurated by Dr Ranjit Patil, Minister of State, Home (Urban), Urban Development, Government Of Maharashtra

Dr Deepak Sawant, Minister For Public Health & Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra To Inaugurate Conference On Infection Control & Hospital Hygiene on January 19

Mumbai: Asia’s biggest show on cleanliness, the international edition of Clean India Show, featuring the latest cleaning techniques and technologies from the world will be inaugurated by Dr Ranjit Patil, Hon’ble Minister of State, Home (Urban), Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra on January 18 in Mumbai. Around 200 national and International companies will showcase the latest technologies and solutions for cleaning and hygiene, Sanitation, Facility Management, Waste Management & Recycling, Vehicle Care and Linen at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon from Jan 18 to Jan 20, under one roof.

The inaugural day will feature sessions on technologies for solid waste management and reuse and recycling of sewage and industrial waste water treatment, among other topics. Vinod Kumar Jindal, Joint Secretary and mission Director, SBM, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will make a special address at this session.

“Waste to energy technology is an essential aspect of Solid Waste Management. It is all the more pertinent in a country like India where the metro cities produce nearly 2 lakh tons MSW per day. While we are using our energies to dispose of this waste, developed nations are converting waste into energy and profiting from it. We have brought together some of the best minds in the world who will share their knowledge on best practices in waste management,” says Mangala Chandran, Director, VIS Group.

The second day will host the first ever show on infection control and hospital hygiene in India. Inaugurated by Dr Deepak Ramchandra Sawant, Hon’ble Minister for Public Health & Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra the programme will see the participation of several leaders from the fraternity. “It will also witness the launch of India’s first WhatsApp group formed by microbiologists and infection control officials from over 400 hospitals in India. A landmark development, the WhatsApp group will facilitate free flow of information and real time updates on hospital hygiene,” says Jayaraman Nair, Chairman, VIS Group.

The third and concluding day, Jan 20 will host dedicated conferences on Facility Management and Laundry, dry cleaning and textile care.

“With more than ten thousand trade visitors, buyers, technology seekers, start-ups and international companies converging at the exhibition, this will be one of the largest of its kind shows,” adds Mangala Chandran. More than twenty seven industrial segments, corporate houses, malls, multiplexes, educational institutions, railways, airports, State Transport Authorities, Municipal Corporations, and Defence and Naval Departments are expected to visit the show to source the latest solutions that will be on display from across the world.

Inputs sent by 

Harshala Nayak                                                                                                     Kiran Rao

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Making A Tray Garden

Transform a large tray and a collection of small-scale plants into an enchanted landscape.... From the teeny-tiny glass house to itty-bitty tools and thimble-size pots, the design works as a study in detail.

Set it on a sturdy plant stand or in the middle of a dining table for a captivating scene. Make a similar landscape in a smaller tray to fit a windowsill or shelf.

Tray Created by Seema Talreja ( Resident of South Ex , C 19), New Delhi

Materials Required & Directions:

1. Get a suitable tray ( with holes at the bottom) for your 'Tray Garden'. The tray should be preferably made of terracotta or any earth material . However, other trays can also be used .

2. For decoration purpose we need miniature fountain, fencing, benches, garden tools, and pots etc.

3. All plants to be used in the tray garden should be of same nature, eg all succulents, all cactus or all water plants etc to be used. Also, plants which do not grow very fast should be used so as to keep the garden from growing out of bounds. Regular trimming may be required in case of rapid growth.

Some plants which can be used are Fycus varigated, Mondu grass, Syngonium miniature, Hamelia miniature, Golden Duranta, Asparagus, Baby tears, Jade, Lavender etc.

4. Soil Mix should not be much healthy so that plants do not grow much taller. To make the soil mixture we will need - 2 part solarized garden soil, cleaned , non infected (Can microwave or give the soil hot water treatment) and filtered (to remove hard elements), 1 part rotten cow dung manure, 1part leaf mould, 1 spoon bonemeal and 1 spoon neemkhali (bark of neem tree)  and small pieces of brick or pots.

5. Close tray holes with brick or broken pot pieces. Place in concave manner.

7. Place a layer of soil around 2 inch thick covering the tray fully.

8. Take out each plant from the nursery soil and clean completely and then put in the tray soil. To add plants, begin with the largest specimens and fill in with alpines and ground covers. When planting, gently loosen root balls and shake loose extraneous soil, if necessary, to tuck the roots into the potting mix. Leave room for pathways and your selection of miniature features, such as a glass house, fountain, and other accessories.

9. Add more soil mix to cover roots.

10. Add a top layer of small stones to cover soil mix completely.

11. Add the decorations as per your choice. However, too many and varied decorations may spoil the look of the tray garden. Our aim is to highlight the plants and not the decorative accessories. The accessories should just be enough to add an element of interest to the landscape.

12. With the plants and furnishings in place, sprinkle aquarium gravel over any exposed potting mix to prevent erosion.

13.Water thoroughly after planting; thereafter, water only when the potting mix feels dry.

14.To prevent damage to furniture, place the container on a waterproof tray before setting it on your plant stand or table.

by Dr Anindita Roy with inputs from Anu Lamba, AIKGA Unit 7A

http://www.ecohabitat.co.in/2018/02/natural-and-organic-is-buzz-word.html

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Learning To Make Soaps At Home

Now ever since I started learning soap making, I have been asked this question a number of times. "Why? Why spend so much time, energy and money when I can buy a bar of soap for 20 bucks from the shop". So let me try and address this very valid question in a very basic manner.

Consider Chocolates! Now you get a 10 Rs bar of simple Cadburys, a 100 RS bar of Bournville, a 300 Rs bar of Lindt, a 1000 Rs Godiva and the list goes on and on. So why this huge price difference? Apart from the technical aspects of types of cacao, the differences in processing etc, the very basic difference is Cocoa butter. Simply speaking the cheaper varieties have hydrogenated fat which is basically Dalda variety. The high end ones have cocoa butter in varying proportions. That is one basic difference that causes variation in taste and price. 

Now coming to soap making. It is a chemical process. Soap is made with the cold process by heating fats or oils, adding lye and water till it thickens and then pouring that into the moulds. Removed from the mould after 24 hours the soap is cured for 4 weeks and then it can be used. So this soap base has all the goodness of oils and fat. 

What do commercial soap makers do? 

They follow the cold process but instead of pouring into moulds they add salt to it. The mixture curdles. The soap floats to the top, is skimmed off and put into moulds. What is left behind is glycerine that is then sold to pharmaceutical companies for profit. And what do these companies do? They add them to creams and lotions and sell it to us. Skin too dry? Use this cream or lotion to make it petal soft. 

Once the glycerine is removed the soap is as good as a bar of detergent. The soap makers might add colour and fragrance to it but that X brand of bathing soap is no better than that Y brand of kapde dhone wala sabun. 

Now soap makers add moisturizers to make sure that your hands too not dry too much. And those are some more chemicals that go into your soap. 

So like cocoa butter, the basic difference between handmade and commercial soaps in glycerine. Glycerine is known for its property of retaining water and sealing in the moisture in your skin. 

Once you start using handmade soaps you can feel the difference. They do not foam as much because that foaming property is also courtesy another chemical. Your skin will be softer as the glycerine will not let it dry. Considering that soaps are something that you use daily without fail, what would be your choice?

by Mukulika Sengupta, Colaba , Mumbai (Click to find me on FB) 

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Online Organic Gardening Classes

Learn from the World’s Top Organic Growing Experts

The organic growers and permaculture workshops you always wanted to attend are now coming to you.It doesn’t matter where you live. Sign up for a course and start from anywhere in the world.You can take courses at any time of the day or night. It’s totally up to you.You can move as fast or as slow as you like through the courses. You set the pace.

This course teaches the principles and foundations of sustainable garden design. (Click on this Link to learn about organic gardening)

What is an organic garden?

An organic garden is grown and maintained using only natural fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides. No chemical are used whatsoever. Organic gardening also considers the earth and the environment. One should strive to replenish and nourish the soil.

What are the benefits of planting an organic garden?

* the food is fresher and tastes better

* it is better for the environment

* it is healthy and does not contain harmful chemicals

* it is cheaper than buying organic produce from your local market

What is compost tea and how does it benefit my organic garden?

* Compost tea is organic plant food

* It is made from steeping aged compost in water

* Fights off a number of plant diseases including molds, wilts and blights

* It is a great way to control insect infiltration

* Creates healthier plant environment by helping to grow beneficial bacteria in the soil

* diluted compost tea can be used as a foliar spray If you plan on purchasing compost be sure it isn’t too new. If the compost is too fresh it can burn the plants.

What are some great natural pesticidal and fungicidal recipes?

* Garlic & Onions – crush the garlic and onions and mix with vegetable oil. Works great as a fungicide, and it kills soft body insects * Hot Peppers – mixed with the garlic spray, it does a great job keeping rabbits away. It also kills soft body insects with the strength of the acidity

* Canola or Vegetable Oil – Pesticide must be diluted heavily with water or it will burn the plants (3/4 cup/gal H2O)

* Alcohol – Pesticide must be drastically diluted with water (1-3 Tbls /gal H2O)

* Apple Cider Vinegar – works as a mild fungicide and fertilizer (1-2 Tbls/gal H20)

* Corn Meal – works as an anti-fungal when put in compost tea

* Compost Teas – mild fungicide and helps control diseases

* Cloves – works as a repellent for flying insects (4-5 Tbls ground cloves/gal H2O)

* Mild Dish Soap – can paralyze insects on direct contact. Partners with compost teas by creating a sticky surface (1-2 cups/gal H2O

Some facts about organic gardening that you may find beneficial:

* Organic farming involves using insects in order to keep away other insects and pests. Lady bugs in the early spring for example will help you to get rid of spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, white flies e.t.c

* Plant disease can also be easily eliminated if you use organic products such as Eco oil, this will help you to keep insects at bay and get rid of those annoying bugs.

* Studies have also shown that pesticides can be very harmful to young children and can lead to long term health problems in both children and adults.

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Towards A Crackerless Deepawali

Delhi did have an almost cracker free Diwali!

Until the evening of Diwali, it didnt look like it was Diwali, it was so quiet all around! As is the case with most Delhiites, they love breaking rules, one almost thought that the Supreme Court had won this time!!! But the end was, as always, a no brainer! Some blatant rule breakers managed to smuggle in crackers from NCR and nearby areas to show their might of money and mindlessness towards the environment.

Having said that, the other segment of the law abiding citizens took consolation in the fact that, they sky next day looked less smoggy and grey. However, the media had more bad news- although the sky was comparatively clearer, the pollution level was equally bad. Hence the buck again stops here-

1. Do we Indians have the awareness, compassion and care for our environment?
2. Do we always need to be warned and caned to follow rules?
3. Do we not have the maturity to realise our responsibilities? If no, then what examples are we setting for the next generations?
4. Are we prepared to accept the fact that just like we are not bothered about our environment, so will our next gen behave in the same irrational and care-a-damn way? In that scenario, how safe will their lives be, when we will cease to exist?

Come to think of it, our next generation is far more considerate, thinking, capable of change and pro active towards our environment. They are quietly working in various ways to awaken their sleeping previous generation towards the urgent call of nature. Green Diwali March, Environment consciousness painting exhibitions are some eye- catching and impactful movements they are using to drive home the point.

As a mute spectator to such blantancies and possible scary outcomes, I keep thinking, when will we awaken to the loud call of our bleeding environment, like the rest of the world? 

Are we able to answer ourselves? If yes, then I am relieved. If no, then no one, not even God can save us!

Quote Swami Vivekananda- "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached!" Its not yet too late to follow Swamiji!

Buck up Delhi! Buck up India!

by Jaya Ray(rayjaya72@gmail.com; Habitat.Times@gmail.com)

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Invitation To Join Eco Habitat Club

Dear Citizen, We at Habitat Times invite you to join our 'Eco Habitat Club' in the Whatsapp as well as FB 'Eco Habitat Club' group. 

The aim is to keep spreading awareness, one friend at a time and create a network of like minded people. If each one of us promise to ourselves to do our 'Little Bit' for the environment in any small way , we shall be paving our way forward to a Sustainable Habitat. We need not go out of our way to do something 'Huge' , but taking 'Small Steps' everyday will surely help our immediate habitat.There is no restriction of location for joining our group.

The link of the Whatsapp group is " Eco Habitat Club ". Please click on this link to Join .

The FB Group link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/583832218671771/  . Please Click To Join.


You can also join our 'Physical Club' by sending your intent on the 'Enquiry Form' on the website page or Mail us at 'Habitat.Times@gmail.com' and we will contact you with details when the Club starts rolling. 

We are presently functioning from CR Park, Alaknanda, GK-1 , GK-2 and surrounding areas of South Delhi.

Best Wishes
Team Habitat Times

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Impact Of Plywood On The Environment

There are two kinds of environmental impacts created by plywood industries. They are the offsite and onsite impacts. When the impact is the area where the manufacturing takes place, it is called onsite impact. The impact caused associated with timber harvesting, which is used as the source in plywood industry is the offsite impact.

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Environmental Design

Environmental design is the process of addressing surrounding environmental parameters when devising plans, programs, policies, buildings, or products. Classical prudent design may have always considered environmental factors; however, the environmental movement beginning in the 1940s has made the concept more explicit.

Environmental design can also refer to the applied arts and sciences dealing with creating the human-designed environment. These fields include architecture, geography, urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design. Environmental design can also encompass interdisciplinary areas such as historical preservation and lighting design. In terms of a larger scope, environmental design has implications for the industrial design of products: innovative automobiles, wind-electricity generators, solar-electric equipment, and other kinds of equipment could serve as examples. Currently, the term has expanded to apply to ecological and sustainability issues.

Click here to Join Online Organic Gardening Classes

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Save Our Habitat, Adopt Sustainable Living

Our environment is constantly changing. However, as our environment changes, so does the need to become increasingly aware of the problems that surround it. With a massive influx of natural disasters, different types of weather patterns and much more, people need to be aware of what types of environmental problems our planet is facing.

However, our immediate environment that we live in, the habitat, is suffering majorly because of human callousness, lethargy and apathy. Current environmental problems genetrated by human apathy makes the habitat vulnerable to disasters and tragedies, now and in the future. 

Waste Disposal and Management is one of the major problems being faced by the immediate Habitat. The over consumption of resources and creation of plastics are creating a huge crisis of waste disposal. All cities, districts and villages are notorious for generating an excessive amount of waste or garbage and dumping their waste in the immediate surroundings, the habitat! Plastic, fast food, packaging and cheap electronic wastes threaten the well being of humans. Waste disposal and management is one of urgent current environmental problem.

Deforestation and illegal cutting of green belts surrounding our liveable habitat: Our forests are natural sinks of carbon dioxide and produce fresh oxygen as well as helps in regulating temperature and rainfall. At present forests cover 30% of the land but every year tree cover is lost due to growing population demand for more food, shelter and cloth. Deforestation simply means clearing of green cover and make that land available for residential, industrial or commercial purpose. Here , we forget that by cutting off the green belts and converting them to yellow belts is harming both the environment, the habitat and the inhabitants, we humans!

Apart from the above 2 problems, the habitat we live in, is facing many major problems.

We at Habitat Times, would like to make the inhabitant aware of the ways of Sustainable living and development in a holistic manner to make a ‘Sustainable Habitat’.

We seek the co-operation of our readers in this endeavour of ours by spreading the message of awareness by sharing our page , our updates and our events.

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MICRO-CLIMATES OF OUR COLONIES AND HOMES NEED RE-STRUCTURING

An important yet often overlooked function of architecture and design is to stimulate a specific climatic environment for a given space. This is referred to as a "microclimate," because it differs from the prevailing environment in the general region.

Explains architect Gursimran Kaur of RA Designs, "Creating a microclimate means naturally creating a favourable environment for people with regard to their inner living space: adequate shade, pleasant temperatures, light breezes and
protection from glare." The result is comfortable and wholly natural climatic setting, free from artificial cooling techniques.

Says architect and interior designer Subodh P Dutta, "Architecture isn't about designing in a bubble. When we design, we must keep in mind that our designs are functional as well. Creating a microclimate is one such utilitarian outcome."

MICROCLIMATES IN ACTION

Edwin Lutyen, the architect responsible for designing large parts of Delhi, created a microclimate of sorts through his architecture. Delhi is known for its extreme climates of blistering summers and the freezing cold winters. Lutyen's designs created a microclimate that made living spaces comfortable through the year. He used traditional elements like chujjas (projecting cornices) which produced shadows on the architectural landscape, providing respite from the heat. He brought fresh breeze into buildings by opening up spaces to the sky. The use of water fountains and ponds also provided a cooling effect.

TEMPERATURE TALK

As illustrated through Lutyen's design, the main aspect of creating a microclimate involves temperature control. SaysMumbai-based architect Rustom Mehta, "Modern homes are all about airconditioning, but this need not be the case. Creating a microclimate through good architecture can radically reduce the home's artificial cooling needs and energy consumption." This has given rise to the concept of 'energy passive houses'-where architecture negates the need for artificial temperature control.

India's climate is hot and humid. Hence, the challenge lies in maintaining air circulation and keeping the indoors cool. "The most common ways to do this is through high ceilings, long sweeping corridors and placing doors and windows opposite each other, so as to facilitate cross-ventilation," says Dutta. The home's windows must also be aligned to capture the prevailing winds. "Windows placed at 20 to 40 degree angle to prevailing breeze are most effective," he says.

In cold regions, architecture can help ensure your home stays warm despite the plunging mercury. Winter homes should have thicker walls, so as to prevent heat from radiating outwards.

In humid places matting or blinds made of organic matter can be used effectively. "Such organic matter absorbs moisture from the surroundings, thereby decreasing the humidity levels in the room while allowing air circulation," explains Kaur.

WATER WISE

The concept of a 'watercooled house' designed by Singaporean firm Wallflower Architecture + Design created waves in 2010. It was built to accommodate a shallow surface pond on its roof, which regulated temperatures and insulated the structure from heat.

Similarly, the presence of water bodies such as shallow ponds, miniature waterfalls and fountains in creating a cooler environment is a known fact. "Pick a water body with a large surface area, so as to ensure maximum contact with the air. Wallstyle fountains are very effective, while fountains where water trickles through a narrow opening will not cool as well," advices Mehta. .

GO GREEN

Bringing greenery into your home is another way of creating a comfortable microclimate. "The indoors and the outdoors are blending. We are seeing an extensive use of terraces, balconies, patios and courtyards. They help dissipate heat," shares Dutta. Homes with space constraints can consider using vertical spaces and walls for this purpose.

REPLICATING NATURE

The land breeze-sea breeze effect is a natural phenomenon that been adopted. "The easiest way to achieve cooling is to drive breezes across surfaces that naturally have different rates of heat retention. Winds move between the cool water body (a pond, fountain or waterfall) and the concrete/ wood surfaces. The result is a delicate breeze that blows through your living space," describes Mehta.

Source: Lifestyle Redefined in The Times of India, Mumbai

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