A TGP Initiative: Sustainable Project #HealOurEarth 01
Ah, summers! The season of scorching heat, sweaty days, and long, lazy afternoons. It’s a time when the sun beats down on you like a hammer and the only respite you can find it in a cool, air-conditioned room or a refreshing glass of lemonade. But let’s not forget the joys of summer: the sweet smell of mangoes, the sound of ice cream vendors ringing their bells, and the joy of diving into a swimming pool.
But what if you could enjoy the summers being as close to nature as possible, and getting the most out of the summer season by taking up “Sustainable Project #HealOurEarth 01’’. Follow the steps and do it with your friends and family to make a real positive impact on the planet.
Step 1: Learn How To Make An Earthen Pot & Its Amazing Benefits
Well, who hasn’t heard of earlier days when our parents & grandparents used earthen pots to keep the water cool during summers; then refrigerators came in and things became more convenient for all of us. But, there’s actually much more to these unassuming earthen pots than keeping the water cool.
Water stored in earthen pots not only has a better taste, but it also has natural purification properties. Did you know? The clay used to make earthen pots contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium that help remove impurities from water.
Moreover, drinking water stored in earthen pots can provide several health benefits such as improved digestion, boosted immunity, and prevention of certain diseases. In addition, earthen pots are eco-friendly and biodegradable, which makes them an excellent option for storing water without harming the environment. Although earthen pots are available across India till today, the experience of learning how to make one is a fun summer activity you can do with their family.
This summer, embrace mother earth, literally! Learn how to make an earthen pot at home.
Button: Watch Video
Step 2: Discover the Magic of Vetiver & Experience a Cool & Calm Summer
(Source: https://www.fragrantica.com/news/Different-Kinds-of-Vetiver-in-Perfumery-16912.html)
One of the crown jewels in India’s natural fragrance oils that have gained international fame over decades is Vetiver. It is the main ingredient in almost every summer perfume and cologne ever made, vetiver aka ‘khus’. Prior to its glorification as a summer scent element that gives a cool and relaxing feel, it has been used during Indian summers, especially in regions like Kannauj but its fragrance wasn’t the key factor, rather its natural cooling effect is what made it popular domestically.
People would use ‘khus patta’ or vetiver leaves to make matt-like structures, or curtain-like structures and drench them in water; then these would be placed at the ventilation points of the house so when air passes through, the heat waves would turn into a cool breeze. This summer you can use vetiver-based grass mats in coolers, or as wall hangings to beat the heat with a fragrant after-effect.
Read more about the cooling benefits of Vetiver
Button: Read Here
Step 3: Refresh your Summer Noons with Growing Your Own Basil
(Source: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-basil-plants-1402624)
The humble and versatile basil herb is known for its aromatic and refreshing properties. Whether it is adding a cooling flavour to your recipes or adding a breath of fresh air to your rooms, basil can do wonders, both for your health and your surroundings. Studies suggest that basil leaves can help you get rid of stomach ailments like diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite and more. It is rich in calcium, vitamin K and a variety of antioxidants. Basil is commonly used in herbal medicines and essential oils.
You can unleash your creativity and experiment with different ways to incorporate basil into your daily meals and home decor. From a refreshing basil summer cooler to a DIY organic natural pest repellent or an air freshener, you can make everything at home.
Grab your pots and grow your own basil
Button: Watch Here
Step 4: Introduce Indoor Plants to your Abode
(Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/indoor-plants-beside-a-white-wall-7907406/)
In our quest for cleaner and healthier indoor spaces, relying on mechanical air purifiers is not a sustainable solution. This summer we challenge you to discover a vibrant array of indoor plants, each armed with their unique prowess for purifying the air and creating a naturally refreshing atmosphere.
While the Areca Palm is well-known for its air-purifying qualities, other plant companions eagerly join the ranks. The majestic Boston Fern, for example, reigns supreme in eliminating pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. The resilient English Ivy, with its cascading vines, excels in tackling airborne particles and various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), transforming our indoor haven into a sanctuary of clean air.
Embracing indoor plants is not only good for the environment, but is also cost-effective and good for your family’s health.
Get your own dose of oxygen by planting these indoor plants.
Button: Choose your Indoor Plant Here (link it to the blog- The Perfect Indoor Plants for Every Region: Unveiling Nature’s Secrets for a Vibrant Home)
Step 5: Be There For Birds While Being Sustainable
This summer, let us channel our inner creativity and eco-consciousness by crafting a DIY Bird Feeder with recyclable waste at home. From milk cartons, to ice cream sticks, old bottle caps and many other such elements can be given a new life. Fill your creation with water and a mix of birdseed, making sure to choose a variety that suits the local bird species. Many birds can be fed and their lives can be saved with this small act of kindness.
Here is how you can make a bird feeder at home.
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Whether young or old, small sustainable efforts by each of your family members can magnificently create a positive impact on our planet. Do share your Sustainable Summer Project stories with us at communications@thegreenpillar.com. You can tag us on Instagram @thegreenpillar. Let us together #HealOurEarth.
