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Organic Solutions

A Greener and Eco-Friendly Diwali: 7 Brilliant Ways to Celebrate

by Editor November 9, 2023

written by Editor

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most cherished festivals in India. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of right over wrong. Traditionally, Diwali is a time for family gatherings, meaningful discussions, and the exchange of gifts and sweets. However, in recent years, the festival’s exuberance has taken a toll on the environment, affecting people’s health and contributing to pollution. In this article, we will explore seven brilliant ways to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali while preserving the essence of this joyous occasion.

Use Beautiful Diyas and Non-Toxic Candles:

Illuminate your home with the warm glow of earthen lamps, non-toxic candles, or diyas, instead of electric or Chinese lamps. While earthen lamps release a small amount of pollution, they also serve as natural bug repellents. The flame in these lamps helps purify the air and reduces your electricity consumption, all while adding to the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Gift Handmade and Eco-Friendly Presents:

Show your loved ones that you care not only for them but also for the environment by giving handmade gifts crafted from natural and organic materials. Opt for organic products such as soaps, creams, tea, coffee, spices, gourmet treats, handcrafted items, and more. Use eco-friendly gift wrapping such as paper bags or reusable containers, avoiding harmful and wasteful plastic.

Host a Diwali Party with Plastic-Free Cutlery:

Ditch disposable plates and plastic cutlery for biodegradable plates or traditional banana leaves when hosting a Diwali party. You can create an authentic and eco-friendly atmosphere by using mud glasses instead of plastic or glass. Support local businesses by purchasing your holiday necessities from neighborhood shops, contributing to both the local economy and global well-being.

Make Rangoli with Natural Materials:

Rangoli is an essential part of Diwali, but the synthetic colors used in many designs are harmful to the environment and health. Opt for organic and eco-friendly rangoli colors or create beautiful rangolis using natural materials like flowers, leaves, and colored rice. These alternatives are safe, sustainable, and visually appealing.

Donate Your Old Belongings:
Instead of discarding non-essential items like toys, household goods, and clothing, consider donating them to those in need, such as orphanages or the less fortunate. By giving your old possessions a new life, you reduce waste and bring joy to others during Diwali.

Use Eco-Friendly, Reusable Decor:
When decorating your home, opt for sustainable and reusable decor instead of plastic alternatives. Replace fake flowers with organic flowers and foliage for rangoli designs. Colorful sarees and dupattas can be used as decorations, and incense sticks made from natural materials can replace paraffin wax candles and artificial air fresheners. Choose decor that biodegrades easily or can be used for future celebrations.

Conclusion:
Diwali is a time for celebration, but it’s also an opportunity to celebrate responsibly and sustainably. By following these seven brilliant ways to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali, you can enjoy the festival’s spirit while reducing its impact on the environment. Let us uphold the tradition of Diwali while respecting the planet we call home. Celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

November 9, 2023 0 comment

Who’s Responsible for the Environmental Impact of What We Eat?

by Editor August 23, 2023

written by Editor

The relationship between food and the environment is complex and multifaceted. The choices we make regarding our diets and food consumption have a profound impact on the environment, from greenhouse gas emissions to deforestation and water depletion. While individuals, industries, and governments all play crucial roles in shaping our food system’s environmental impact, understanding the responsibilities and taking collective action is essential to create a sustainable and resilient future for both our planet and ourselves.

Individual Responsibility:

As consumers, we hold significant power to shape the environmental impact of our food choices. Every time we make a purchase, we cast a vote for the kind of food system we want. Opting for locally sourced, organic, and sustainably produced foods can reduce our carbon footprint and promote ethical agricultural practices. Consuming a plant-based diet or reducing meat consumption is another impactful way to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming.

Moreover, minimizing food waste is a crucial individual responsibility. Food waste contributes to unnecessary resource depletion and emits greenhouse gases when disposed of in landfills. Being mindful of portion sizes, planning meals effectively, and composting food scraps are simple yet effective steps to tackle this issue.

Industry Responsibility:

The food industry wields considerable influence over the environmental impact of what we eat. Large-scale agricultural practices, food processing, and distribution contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and habitat destruction. As a result, the industry must embrace sustainable practices and prioritize environmental stewardship.

Food companies can take several steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as investing in regenerative agriculture, implementing energy-efficient operations, and minimizing plastic packaging. Transparency and eco-labeling can empower consumers to make informed choices, supporting companies with responsible environmental practices.

Government Responsibility:

Governments have a critical role in shaping food policies that promote sustainability and address environmental concerns. Implementing regulations and incentives can encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. Support for local and small-scale farmers can foster resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Promoting education and awareness campaigns on sustainable diets and food waste reduction is essential. Public initiatives that emphasize the importance of making environmentally conscious choices can have a profound impact on consumer behavior.

Collaborative Responsibility:

The environmental impact of our food system demands collaboration among individuals, industries, and governments. Collective action is necessary to address the challenges of climate change, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity associated with food production.

Collaboration between consumers, food companies, and policymakers can drive innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability while ensuring food security. Transparent supply chains and partnerships that promote responsible sourcing and production are vital components of this collaboration.

Conclusion:

The environmental impact of what we eat is a shared responsibility that extends to individuals, industries, and governments alike. Each stakeholder has a crucial role to play in creating a more sustainable food system. By making conscious choices as consumers, supporting eco-friendly practices as businesses, and enacting impactful policies as governments, we can collectively shape a future where the food we eat nourishes both our bodies and the planet. Let us embrace this shared responsibility and work hand in hand to foster a sustainable, resilient, and environmentally conscious food system for generations to come.

August 23, 2023 0 comment

Building Envelope Editor's Pick Energy Efficiency Organic Solutions Sustainable Architecture Sustainable News

What a 10th Century Mud Building’s Strength Can Teach Modern Sustainable Architecture

by Editor December 20, 2022

written by Editor

From the extreme Himalayan weather, unpredictable climate changes to natural disasters like earthquakes, the Tabo Monastery has weathered several storms, teaching the world a valuable lesson on sustainability.

There are a number of ways one can adopt a sustainable lifestyle. From food, choice of products to the choice of house, the motivation to embrace out-of-the-box sustainable ideas and designs seems to be a newfound trend in the modern world.

However, this isn’t such a new development as we might credit it to be, especially in terms of sustainable architecture and design. This involves going back to the roots to learn and use ancient building techniques and materials married with innovative technologies.

One such example is the rekindled love for earthen buildings made out of a natural building material called cob. Cob is a careful blend of raw earth, water and fibrous materials like straw and has been enjoying global prominence for centuries. Be it the shores of the Nile river in Egypt, the Andes Mountains in Peru or the peak of Tibet, the use of raw earth to build public and private structures has been a practice for thousands of years. It continues to be so even in the modern world with over 1.7 billion people across the globe living in earthen homes. But its integration in urban infrastructure and planning is something we ought to explore in a large way.

The use of raw earth, one of the oldest and most popular construction materials, is also referenced by anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss in 1964, whereby he highlights the dual dependency of civilisations on raw or baked earth for development in any sector, from food, medicine to even architecture. In this regard, it is the use of a concoction of raw earth with other materials left to dry and harden under the sun, that has sustained the test of time.

This is because of many advantages of cob houses – one being that it is energy efficient. Walls built with cob are known to have good thermal mass and when that is combined with thatched straw roofs or terracotta tiles, it makes for a well-insulated interior even in the coldest environment.

A living proof of its wonders is the famous Tabo mud monastery in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 996 CE, by the Tibetan Buddhist translator Rinchen Zangpo, as per the orders of the king of Yeshe-Ö, the head of the west Himalayan kingdom of Guge, this monastery is the oldest standing cob structure in India. The use of the raw earth concoction as a construction material is predominantly used in the region, even to build the flat-roofed traditional houses.

Located in the Tabo village, it is the oldest operating Buddhist structure in the Himalayas and is commonly known as ‘the Ajanta of the Himalayas’ – owing to its impressive and priceless collection of frescos and thankas (scroll paintings) adorning it’s walls.

Steeped in mythology and spirituality, these remarkable colourful walls however bear within themselves, centuries worth of strength, allowing them to ram through the extreme Himalayan weather, especially during the winters and earthquakes. It was only in 1975, that the monastery’s structure, after having survived several natural disasters due to its structural strength, eventually faced a major threat because of an earthquake. Although the earthquake managed to harm the structure considerably, its superior building quality allowed it to sustain its ground until a reconstruction project was initiated in 1983 with the 14th Dalai Lama at the helm.

Although now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a national historic treasure of the country, the monastery continues to sustain preservation threats, especially with regard to the art adorning its interior that has immense historical significance. The cob walls for ages have conserved and preserved the beauty it cradled within, however the challenges it faces today are more grave than before. Climate change being a constant reason of concern, untimely and increased rainfall in the arid regions of Spiti have contributed to the damage of many of its murals and valuable architecture.

In this regard, it is important to take cognisance of the statement by the UN World Commission on Environment and Development that encourages sustainable building solutions that meet the needs of the present without compromising on the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, especially in terms of usage of natural resources. It is time for innovative sustainable techniques that compliment ancient earthen structures like this while improving its overall strength and durability.

December 20, 2022 0 comment

Indoor Air Quality Organic Solutions

5 Diseases that caused due to Indoor Air Pollution !

by Editor October 9, 2021

written by Editor

Take a deep breath – it’s something that most of us do or suggest others to do; it can be after a good exercise session, or some stressful or tough activity – A deep breath is always bliss.
Unfortunately, today most of the air we breathe is terribly polluted. The horror stories about India’s pervasive pollution that costs the lives of many people annually isn’t new. What’s even more horrifying is the fact that there are just no signs of improvement.

Why Indoor Air Quality Is So Important?

When we discuss pollution, we often link it to something that is found outside, in the air, the ground, or in the water bodies. But it’s time we look inside. According to The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS), we spend 90% of our time indoors, hence the value of a fresh air exchange system cannot be underestimated. All in all, breathing quality indoor air is indispensable for good health.

Most of us spend a significant amount of time indoors; it can either be our home, office, school or any other types of building structures—where chemicals, gases, and other deadly types of pollutants can cause several short-term or long-term health concerns.

According to EPA, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality inside and around building structures. Indoor air directly linked to the health and comfort of the building occupants. Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns – Know The Common Indoor Air Toxins.

Breakdown Of Top 5 Diseases Caused By Air Pollution In Indoor Settings

Also, did you know “People living and working in buildings of manmade materials inhale over 300 contaminants every day,” says the Environmental Protection Agency? In addition to this, WHO reports, 7 million premature deaths annually are linked to air pollution.

What does this mean? Exposure to bad quality indoor air results in life-threatening diseases of course! Building on this, let’s know the top 5 diseases caused by air pollution.

1. Stroke

In simple terms, Strokes are brain attacks. They mainly occur when blood supply to the brain gets blocked. During a stroke, the human brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen or nutrients, this causes the brain cells to die. According to a study published in the Lancet Neurology, air pollution is allied with about a third of the global stroke burden. The researchers say, this includes environmental and indoor air pollution.

2. Heart disease

In May 2016, The Lancet published an influential article by lead investigator Dr. Joel Kaufman, this study reports that long-term contact to particulate matter and nitrogen oxides at levels close to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) can result in premature aging of the blood vessels and contribute to a quicker buildup of calcium in the coronary artery. This buildup of calcium restricts blood flow to the heart and other major blood vessels which increase the likelihood of cardiovascular events like a heart attack.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the 3^rd leading cause of mortality worldwide. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution have strong links to this disease. A person who repeatedly breathes in bad quality air is at higher risk of getting COPD. Polluted air contains tiny particles called “irritants” which damage the lungs and can cause COPD or make it progress even faster.

4. Respiratory Diseases

Today, there are enough shreds of evidence that prove air pollution aggravate respiratory diseases, especially asthma. Chronic respiratory infections and diseases like asthma can be caused by rising levels of air pollution. In fact, air pollution is the main trigger for breathing ailments in children in several Indian metro cities today.

5. Lung Cancer

Previously, lung cancer was associated with people who smoke excessively, but new evidence suggests that air pollution can also be a cancer-causing. Especially, people who spend a lot of hours living or working in congested spaces with very little or no ventilation are susceptible to air pollution-related ailments.

Read: WHO Says, 600,000 Children Die Due To Air Pollution Every Year

Green Walls Can Help

So how does this all connect to green walls, you may ask? With respect to human health, it has been studied that harmful chemical substances in the indoor air, such as dust and mould spores, high levels of carbon dioxide, can lead to long term health hitches. Research of materials and their impacts on indoor air quality has shown that Clay bricks and blocks are one of the few man-made building materials whose mineral properties meet ‘all necessary requirements for healthy living’.

Since we spent close to 90% of our time indoors. Due to increasingly tight building envelopes, which stop air from entering the interior through leaking windows and are thus enhancing the energy efficiency of a building but also affecting the indoor climate, the importance of selecting the right building material becomes imperative. Natural building materials like Clay, ideally incorporates sustainable design practices to integrate the building into its immediate environment. Choosing building materials right for your climate is also important.

Final Thoughts

Wearing masks while going out, staying in properly ventilated spaces, travelling in closed transportation, and keeping in mind “Green and Sustainable” when buying or building a house are few of the things you can do to counter indoor air pollution. It’s time to watch what you’re breathing.

Breathe Healthy Stay Healthy!

October 9, 2021 0 comment

Organic Solutions

How the Fungus grow in Home and how to handle that !

by Editor October 7, 2021

written by Editor

Be it cold, damp winter or a warm, humid summer, activities at home can result in moisture indoors and fungal growth. Fungi can grow on walls, clothes, books, toys, and even CDs. It can turn prized possessions into musty relics that only look fit for the garbage. But that’s not all. It carries with it potential health hazards, affecting the health of your family.

The Fungi grow like bacteria on moist, wet surfaces in cool, shady areas. If that describes your toilet or bathroom, it is susceptible to fungal growth. A few common fungi grow inside toilets, but the most well-known is mold. With a green or black tinge, mold is fairly easy to spot.

Mold has a close cousin that’s also common in our homes, mildew. Mold and mildew have a few matching characteristics:

Both are keen on moist, warm areas where they might sprout their homes.
Each grows on a multitude of surfaces, from food to shower or even a sheet of paper.
And, of course, they are both two types of fungi that no homeowner likes to see in his or her home.

Talking about the differences in the two forms of fungus ( fungi ). Mildew is typically white, grey, or yellow and grows on the surface of moist, warm areas. Its texture is fluffy or powdery. On the other hand, mold tends to be green or black. It usually grows underneath the surface of anything that has gotten wet. Its texture can be fuzzy or slimy. While toxic mold is not common in homes that are regularly maintained, it can be dangerous to a person’s health. Allergies, asthma, irritated eyes, headaches, and even lung issues are the result of toxic mold that is breeding within a home.

fungus on wall at home — Mold on the wall

How to deal with such fungal growth at home?

Let me share with you some interesting hacks with CARE products for preventing the growth of fungus ( fungi ), mold, and mildew if you have trouble at your home. The hack is using CARE Surface (Floor) cleaner. It contains bacteria and enzymes that act on the food source of fungal growth ( fungi growth ). It uses the moisture present for the action of the bacterial culture on the Surface CARE to first retard, and then stop the growth for any type of fungal growth.

For walls:

Spray the infected areas on the wall regularly for 15-20 days with Surface CARE (Floor) cleaners. Scrub the wall patch which is infected with a nylon brush. Then, reduce it to twice a week.

For flush tanks:

The Flush tanks are always filled with water and are always enclosed, so the temperature inside is relatively warmer. We inherently see a fungal growth inside the flush tanks. Put half a cap full of Surface CARE (Floor) cleaner inside the flush tank water in the night before going to bed (after which the flush is not used for the overnight period) on a regular basis or even twice or thrice a week. If done regularly, such fungal growth is retarded or eliminated completely. The flushed water then also will act on the toilet bowl and drain lines when used in the morning.

For toilet bowls:

The submerged areas or continually dripping flush tank cause a yellow, green or black colour fungal growth on the surfaces of the toilet bowl. This is also prominently seen on toilets that are not used for prolonging gaps. Once the fungal growth happens, even after cleaning the bowl once it is rapid to reappear within 24 hours. Now for toilet bowls, Restroom CARE (Toilet) cleaner is effective as it is mildly acidic and cleans the ceramic surface instantaneously. But the hack is as follows.

Usually, the maximum usage of the toilet bowl in a home happens in the morning and evening. If you want to prevent the growth of such fungus in the inner walls, spray Surface CARE (Floor) cleaner on the inside walls of the toilet bowl, after all, members have used the toilet and there is a prolonged gap for the next usage of about 4-6 hours. This could be in the morning or at night. Just spray, and leave it without flushing. You will experience the fungal growth is not persistent thereafter.

So, that’s my hack for dealing with fungal growth at home. What’s yours?

October 7, 2021 0 comment