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April 2 – Make your own Weed killer and Cleaning Material

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“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” ~ Psalm 51:7 Hygiene forms a big part of our everyday life, from cleaning to bathing even to gardening. Over the years different types of weed killers and cleaning materials have been developed. They have proven to be effective however they negatively impact the environment. Making your own weed killer and cleaning products will help you protect the earth and at the same time still get the best results in an eco-friendly manner. Most weed killers and cleaning material emit hazardous chemicals, which are bad for both the planet and our health. Benefits of making your own weed killer and cleaning material: Products are safe Increase air quality Cost effective Do not harm the environment Eliminates water pollution How to make your own products Natural Weed Killer Recipe: 400ml white vinegar; 1 cup salt; 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap. Combine ingredients in a spray bottle and treat weeds at the sunniest time of day for best results. Washing Up Liquid/Dish Soap: 3 tbsp liquid Castile soap; 2 cups warm water; 2 tsp glycerine; 2 tbsp. white vinegar Detergent: 2.5kg Natural Borax Substitute; 2kg Soda Crystals; 500g Bicarbonate of Soda; 3 bars of soap; 35 drops of essential oil Toilet Cleaner: ¾ cup baking soda; ¾ cup white vinegar; 10 drops of tea tree oil; 10 drops of lavender essential oils Multi-Purpose Cleaner:  ¼ cup of white vinegar; 1 tbsp baking soda; 1 litre of hot water; ½ a lemon More links https://thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/make-your-own-cleaning-products https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/make-your-own-natural-weed-killer

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April 1 – Take an Environmental Online Course

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In recent years, the environment has experienced problems like never before such as climate change. These problems if not managed and prevented may lead to the destruction of the world and life as we know it will come to an end. There is a huge gap in our communities whereby people are not environmentally conscious, aware or even educated and this has contributed to environmental degradation. Taking a free online class is the step in the right direction. It will bring about knowledge which one can share and also practice in everyday life. It will also bring about changed behaviour with howpeople interact and treat the environment. Change needs to start with us as community members. Sign up for a free online environmental courses and be part of the global solution towards taking care of the environment. Courses are offered at different levels and vary in course completion duration. There are different websites in which one can sign up for classes such as: Introductory course “Climate Change: The Science and Global Impact” There are 8 modules with readings and videos, with a discussion board to engage the professor and other students, as well as written assessments. This course is self-paced, which means you can complete the content anytime. https://sdgacademy.org/course/climate-change-the-science-and-global-impact/ Climate change and Gender This is a self paced course with 8 modules, run by the United Nations.  https://www.uncclearn.org/open-online-course-gender-and-environment Free courses from the Open University: these are short courses from 2 to 20 hours, there are a lot of different subjects available.  https://www.open.edu/openlearn/nature-environment/free-courses Different level studies: Study.com provides classes at levels which vary from high school level to Masters degrees and beyond. It is convenient because it allows for people to learn without registering. The site also allows for one to study at their own pace.  https://study.com/articles/List_of_Free_Environmental_Studies_Courses_and_Training_Programs.html University level courses: Edx.org provides several university level courses. From Bachelors to Masters degree. Classes provided are self paced.  https://www.edx.org/course/subject/environmental-studies Environmental science courses. University short courses. You can take a short course over a period of weeks, with a few hours per week. Check this website for starting dates and length of course.  https://www.classcentral.com/subject/environmental-science  

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March 31 – Start a Herb Garden

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“Caraway is not threshed with a sledge, nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin; caraway is beaten out with a rod, and cumin with a stick.”  ~ Isaiah 28 :27 Research suggest that by the year 2050 the earth will need to produce 70% more food than what it is currently produce. With increased demands and rapid population growth, it is no secret today that the planet is suffering and evidently reacting by causing climate change. So how can you become part of the solution? You do not need to do anything drastic, a herb garden on your windowsill is a good place to start. Planting a herb garden and help reduce the pressure on food production. Planting a herb garden does not suggest that it will save the planet, however it is a good place to start and it can boost your confidence into part taking in a more eco-friendly life style and eventually live in a sustainable manner. People tend to think that growing your own food requires a lot of TLC and hours to maintain and grow the food, in this instance herbs. Planting herbs requires you to think practically, plant what you can manage and plant what you like and know you will use. How to plant your own herb garden: Choose Your Herbs – Good choices for a windowsill herb garden include basil, cilantro, dill, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. You can start herbs from seed or purchase small plants. Choose Containers – Use individual pots for each herb so you can give each plant the specific care it needs. Be sure containers have drainage holes and waterproof saucers. Plant the Herbs – If starting seeds, fill container with potting mix. Use a commercial seed-starting mix or potting soil, or a 50:50 combination of the two. Avoid using garden soil, which tends to be heavy and may contain disease organisms. Sow seeds, checking the seed packet to determine planting depth. Learn what conditions each herb prefers. Provide Proper Care – Place containers in a sunny, south-facing window. A south-facing window is adequate for most herbs, although supplemental fluorescent lights will help in winter. To prevent injury to foliage, don’t allow leaves to touch cold windows. Water your herbs to keep soil moist but not soggy, and drain saucers after watering. Fertilize every two weeks with a half-strength solution of an all-purpose fertilizer. Pinch back branching plants, such as basil, to keep them shrubby rather than leggy. Benefits of planting a herb garden: improve your air quality by filtering toxins that get trapped indoors improved air quality lowers risk of respiratory disorders, as well as chronic headaches and eye irritation Fresh supply of herbs Reduces the risk of chemical ingestion which you find in herbs that have been transported to your local grocery store. Herbs are relatively safe from pests and disease. More links https://sustainabletable.org.au/growing-green-herbs-can-help-planet/ https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-plant-a-windowsill-herb-garden https://www.powerhousehydroponics.com/health-social-benefits-of-indoor-gardening/

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March 30 – Commit to Giving Green Gifts in 2020

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Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” ~ Genesis 1 :29 With the growing impacts of climate change, it is becoming harder to ignore it and not do anything about it. Ideally it would be great if we were a zero waste society but unfortunately that isn’t feasible for the average person in this society. However buying green gifts (eco-friendly gifts) that have a positive impact on the environment, offers everyone an opportunity to get involved with going green. One may argue that it should be the industrial and manufacturing sector that should take initiative to be eco-friendly but your everyday Joe (regular people) making it a point to reduse and recycle can make a significant impact on the planet. There is no alternative planet, this is the only one we have and it is the only one we can fix and live on sustainable Start thinking of gifting people with green gifts. Green gifts are those that are environmentally friendly and cause minimum to no negative impacts on the environment. Now you may wonder what kind of gifts to purchase and where you can purchase them. You would be shocked to find out that they are becoming easily accessible, it is just a matter of looking for them. Ideas for green gifts: Reusable Shopping Bags Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Compost Scrap Container Glass Mason Jars Reusable Cleaning Towels Reusable Water Bottle Solar-Powered Charger Vegetarian or Vegan Cookbooks Eco-friendly bath set Smart plugs Indoor/outdoor plant Be conscious about your carbon foot print by buying green gifts this lent and join the zero waste community. https://www.moneycrashers.com/best-eco-friendly-sustainable-gift-ideas/

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March 29 -Cycle or Walk to Church Sunday

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“whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which Jesus walked.”  ~  1 John 2 :6 The people of God are a walking people. At the beginning of time, we find the Lord God walking with Adam and Eve in the cool of the evening. Abraham walked out of Ur. All of Creation kept the same life-giving pace. Today’s ecological crisis and every doctors room show the consequences for human well-being of living life at inhuman speed. Before the Jesus Movement became Christianity it was simply “The Way.” So today choose to walk or cycle to church as part of your spiritual journey instead of jumping on a bus or in the car. It is widely known that walking is the most natural and healthy of exercises. In many ways the perfect exercise. We virtually all learn to do it as little children. It is our first ticket to freedom, our initial experience of moving forward in life without obstacles or the help of another. Bottom of Form On a physical level, walking has enormous benefits. It strengthens the heart. It helps the lungs operate more efficiently. It strengthens the digestive system. Walking boosts the immune system and  reduces stress On a relationship level, you will pass people on the way that you greet, and you can witness to them that you are on the way  to church. On the level of nature , you will become aware of the movement of trees, the sound of birds, the buzz of insects. The journey is worship, not just the destination.

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March 27 – Romantic Candle-lit Dinner

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“Nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”  ~ Matthew 5:15   Whenever we have power cuts in the evening, we mostly opt to use candles. Candles have become an under used utility with technology taking over. Can you remember a time you didn’t have access to electricity? Have you ever thought of the significant amount of people and communities who still do not have access to electricity? We have become so dependent on electricity that we barely ever think of the people without it and the environmental impacts of electricity in our lives. Today take an opportunity to have a candle lit dinner to appreciate electricity. There are fun ways to go about it and it’s a great way to have a date or a get together with a loved one or friend. An additional benefit is that lighting candles instead of electric lights can help you drastically lower your electricity bill. How to set up a romantic candle lit dinner: Send your guest/guests an invitation for the dinner Keep the menu simple Prepare their favourite food, do not experiment with a new dish Set up the table with a beautiful tablecloth, candles and flowers Switch off the computer, TV and get rid of any other distractions Set the mood by playing soft music Switch off the lights Light the candles (preferably scented) Enjoy!!

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