Get In On Indoor Planting

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, a blog for our generation

Each year, April  22^nd is set aside for observing ‘Earth Day’ To draw attention to the state of the planet and serve as a call to action for all countries to play their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby prolonging the longevity of the Earth for future generations.

When it comes to the issue of climate change, most think that it’s a problem induced and to be resolved by the developed ‘first world’ countries, which have large carbon footprints. But, don’t be fooled. Smaller, lesser developed nations can also play their role in combating climate change and you, individually, can take small steps to contribute as well.

One of the simplest ways to help is by planting a tree. Dominica recognized the importance of this action by launching a tree-planting project back in 2018 as a Reforestation program – ‘1 million trees by the end of 2019’, following the devastating effects on our forests by Hurricane Maria and to contribute to the fight against climate change. 

As we’ve heard time and time again, there are several benefits to having a healthy tree population. There are so many benefits and ways that trees help us and protect our planet. To name a few, trees provide oxygen which is vital to life, they also store the harmful carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, therefore, acting as amazing carbon sinks. Plants also create homes for wildlife and produce food to feed humans and animals alike. Not to mention trees play a key role in water resource management.

Very often when one thinks of planting trees, the great outdoors comes to mind or lots and lots of yard space. But, what about planting trees inside your home? Yes! This is also a viable option and practice.

Growing indoor plants not only adds to the aesthetics of the living space, it’s also therapeutic and has numerous health and environmental benefits. Studies have shown that having plants indoors reduces stress, inspires creativity and eliminates air pollutants, creating healthier air for you to breathe. There is much to gain from taking up indoor planting.

Of course, just like with any new initiative, it’s best to do a bit of research before jumping right in. Find out what the best plants are, as some may not be child-friendly or the best for indoors, how to keep them growing healthy and what to do to avoid small pest problems. Also in your pursuit of using this new hobby to play your vital role in reversing climate change, think about making small eco-friendly decisions such as eliminating the use of plastic pots (there are lots of alternatives) and consider using organic or natural fertilizer such as banana peels, eggshells, dried leaves etc. (everyday items found around the home) for your plants’ soil.

We all can feel helpless at times in the war against climate change. The increasingly hot summers, the vast number of hurricanes, storms, tornadoes and floods, species extinction, and all the other global impacts that we currently face. Isn’t it great to know that by this one small act of indoor planting, we can all make a difference?

Go ahead and get in on indoor planting, give it a try. You’ll discover a healthier and happier you in the process and Mother Earth will thank you for it.

“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”

― Warren Buffett

Written by: Andrea Louis & Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica