Project 7. Environmental Care

Environmental Care

The Art of Living, with its foundation in spirituality, has nurtured a deep respect for our planet in thousands of people around the world. The earth may be made up of rocks, sand and water, but spirituality can help us to perceive our planet as a living vibrant entity, responding to our care and attention.

Inspired by the vision of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and moving together as a team, volunteers from around the world have initiated several environmental projects: Large scale tree plantations through Mission Green Earth; water conservation and protection including cleaning polluted rivers; and zero-budget chemical-free farming which support poorer farmers to farm to farm in a way which is both economically and organically sound.

The Art of Living also recognizes that to nurture and ensure future conservation of nature, it is necessary that these values be inculcated in young minds at home and at school. Awareness programs for young people and children (called ‘Deepening Roots, Broadening Vision’) also form an important and integral part of this long-term program.

Environment Case Studies: Chemical Free Farming

Overview

Another initiative of The Art of Living that is making a profound contribution to the cause of environment sustainability is its campaign to promote and popularize chemical-free farming. It has launched awareness programs to encourage people to return to traditional methods of organic farming and eliminate the use of harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Chemical-free farming is seen as the only way to check degradation of soil quality. Excessive use of fertilizers have pensioned the soil, not only reducing yield but also making produce grown on them poisonous for human consumption. Also chemical-free farming is complementary to environment sustainability as it reduces the demand on natural resources such as water. Several studies have also shown that natural farming (without fertilizers and pesticides) not only leads to enhanced yield, but also supports healthy lifestyles.

To spread this practice, The Art of Living has trained thousands of farmers in India and abroad. It also runs an internship program at its Canadian Centre to educate youth about natural farming.

Below are Case Studies of Chemical-Free Farming

Natueco farming (Nature Ecological Farming)

Natueco farming follows the principles of eco-system networking of nature in our farming system. It is different from organic or natural farming both in philosophy and practice. It offers an alternative to the commercial, heavily chemical's techniques of farming. It emphasizes harvesting the sun through a critical application of scientific inquiries and experiments that are rooted in the neighborhood resources. It depends on developing a thorough understanding of plant physiology, plant geometry of growth, plant fertility and plant biochemistry.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF NATUECO FARMING

Sunlight produces 3 to 4 Grams of dry weight per sq. ft. per day. Four liter nursery soil is required to support per sq. foot of canopy of trees that can capture the sunlight. The nursery soil consists 50% well decomposed biomass and 50% activated mineral topsoil by volume. In nursery soil, one liter of water is sufficient per sq. ft. for 10 days to supply the adequate minerals, 25 Gms. ash has to be provided per sq. ft. per 100 days. We can create the required microclimate for a particular crop in any area.

Natueco Farming step by step

The three relevant aspects of Natueco Farming are as below.

• SOIL: Enrichment of soil by recycling the biomass and by establishing a proper energy chain

• ROOTS: Development and maintenance of white root zones for efficient absorption of nutrients

• CANOPY: Harvesting the sun through proper canopy management for efficient photosynthesis

Sri Sri Beejkosh (Seed Bank)

With the advancement of science, many alterations and changes have been introduced by the scientist in the crops and the genetic make-up of the original seed is changed. Because of this the newly developed varieties and hybrids of different seeds are susceptible to different pests and diseases. Since the time of the green revolution many introductions of crop varieties and hybrids have taken place. These hybrids require use of chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides etc. Therefore, the cost of cultivation of such crop increases and the result is that the farmers are not able to get good quality food as well as sufficient income. Thus the agriculture industry is becoming sick and farmers are inclined to commit suicide due to not being able to repay their loans or even meet their expenses. The only alternative to assure the stability and sustainable development in agriculture is to promote traditional methods of agriculture like adoption of organic farming, promotion of indigenous seeds to avoid use of hybrids. Therefore, it has been decided to establish a seed bank at the national Level with the following objectives:

• To promote locally time-tested seeds, which have high nutritive value

• To protect the biodiversity

• To promote drought resistant and pest resistant varieties of indigenous seeds

• To educate farmers in the plant breeding scientific technique of crop selection

• To establish plant nurseries of horticulture like fruits, vegetables, flowers, aromatic, medicinal, spices, etc of locally established varieties and indigenous fruits and vegetables

Concept of Seed bank

Organize training to educate farmers in the selection method of crop varieties of locally available indigenous and native place.

To collect such selected seeds of the crop to dry, preserve, protect, store and pack it for propagation by the farmers themselves.

Further, to organize crop demonstrations of locally established and selected crops for the purpose of showing the effect of the crop varieties to other farmers in villages and to distribute the seeds of the demo plot to other farmers in the vicinity.

How to implement the scheme: visit www.ssiast.org for more information and to participate in this program

Deepening Roots

Deepening Roots was created in 2005 by volunteers from The Art of Living to offer youth a unique, experience-based approach to sustainable agriculture and leadership. Deepening Roots brings together educators in the fields of permaculture, health and wellness, meditation and leadership development to facilitate a three-week summer intensive training program.

The core curriculum consists of:

1) practical experience working in an existing 2-acre organic garden,

2) workshops in the latest techniques in organic agriculture and permaculture design,

3) formal exposure to nutrition and wellness.

In addition, participants get leadership training that develops core competencies in communication, conflict resolution, managing stress and team building. This prepares them to effectively face the myriad of challenges of applying the skills and concepts learned during the internship and of promoting sustainable change at a local level.

In 2009, the Deepening Roots staff created an additional education program – a comprehensive, practical and fun weekend workshop in sustainable agriculture and nutrition. The purpose of this workshop is to share the skills and knowledge from the summer intensive training program on a wider scale in local communities around the world. Graduates of the summer intensive training undergo further training to be able to teach this workshop to members of their community. This weekend workshop is formal means for accomplishing Deepening Roots’ mandate of promoting the awareness and practice of sustainable agriculture, creating healthier eco-systems, creating local food security and allowing people to reconnect with nature in a healthy and productive manner.

Vision

Communities around the world are being inspired by youth leaders to:

• Transform lawns and community spaces into edible, self-maintaining landscapes

• Support local, small-scale organic farms and design community food systems

• Eat well and give great value to healthy, nutritious foods

• Consume less and reduce their ecological footprints

• Learn how to increase energy, awareness and effectiveness through meditation

• Live life as a celebration

The Five Elements of Deepening Roots

Deepening Roots is built of five elements: meditation, health & wellness, sustainable agriculture, empowerment and community. Each element weaves through the others to produce the fabric of Deepening Roots.

1. Meditation

As we attend to the environmental and social challenges of our time it is crucial we do so with a focused, centered, light-hearted and committed state of mind. Meditation is a tool to establish and nurture these positive qualities.

2. Health & wellness

With a healthy body and understanding of oneself, a person’s capability expands exponentially. Understanding ourselves as part of nature, we begin to become a resource for others and the environment around us.

3. Sustainable agriculture

How we choose to feed ourselves reflects our relationship with the wider world. Deepening Roots is developing a vibrant, sustainable and dynamic society by promoting innovative sustainable agriculture systems that are relevant to everyone.

4. Empowerment

Commitment, self-confidence, enthusiasm, strength and a willingness to take on the responsibilities of a leader - with a dedication to these qualities, young people can inspire transformative social and environmental change.

5. Community

Learning, sharing and working together in an accepting and inspiring environment is critical to the success of our programs. Together we are generating ideas and solutions that will aid the development of new social and ecological systems.

Laxmi Taru

Lakshmi Taru - the medicinal tree

LAKSHMI TARU (Simarouba glauca DC; Common names: Simarouba, oil tree, paradise tree or aceituno) is an important tree species growing in the forests of Central America. It was first introduced by National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources in the Research Station at Amravathi, Maharashtra in 1960s.

• Seeds contain 60-75% oil that can be extracted by conventional methods

• Each well-grown tree yields 15 to 30 Kg nutlets equivalent to 2.5-5 Kg oil and about the same quantity of oilcake. This amounts to 1000-2000 Kg oil/ha/year (400-800 Kg/acre/year) and about the same quantity of oilcake

• The oil is largely used in the preparation of bakery products in Central America. In India too it can be used in the manufacture of vanaspati, vegetable oil and/or margarine

• The oil is free from bad cholesterol. It can be also used for industrial purposes in the manufacture of BIOFUELS, soaps, detergents, lubricants, varnishes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals etc.

• The oilcake being rich in nitrogen (8%), phosphorus (1.1%) and potash (1.2%), is good organic manure

• The shells can be used in the manufacture of particle board, activated charcoal or as fuel

• The fruit pulp, rich in sugars (about 11%) can be used in the preparation of beverages

• The pulp along with leaf litter can be economically used in the manufacture of Vermicompost (about 8 tons/ha/year or 3 tons/acre/year)

• The bark and leaves are medicinally important

• The wood is generally insect resistant and is used in the preparation of quality furniture, toys, in match industry, as pulp (in paper making) and as fuel

Kitchen Gardening

Kitchen Gardening

Growing of fruits, vegetables, flowers in the available space around bungalows, galleries of flats, open terraces, windows wherever the sun light gets to plants. Sunlight is essential for the manufacturing of food in the leaves of plants. Soil, water, air and sunlight are required for food manufacturing by the plants. Therefore, select such a place where the above elements will be available.

What to Grow?

Next in line comes choosing the seeds. The best option would be to choose disease resistant varieties. In warmer climate areas, you need to cultivate the soil to a fine tilth and then sow the seeds at the depth. In cooler zones, seeds need to be sown in trays or flats indoors. In case of the latter option, make sure you provide the seeds sufficient overhead light, ensuring satisfactory germination and growth. Before planting the seeds out in the beds, the seedlings need to be hardened off. For this, place them outside for longer periods each day, so that they adapt themselves to the outside temperature. Some vegetables grow all year round, like tomato, eggplant, coriander, chilly, spinach, cluster beans, bhindi (lady's finger), chinese vegetables, etc. Vegetables to be grown in cool climate are - cabbage, cauliflower, fenugreek, radish, green peas, cowpea, carrot, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, etc.

Plants can be grown without soil

Collect the organic matter like, leaves of the trees, kitchen waste, dried organic matter, etc. and put in the container. Water it sufficiently. Then put the seeds or seedling in the container. Daily such organic matter should be added in the container.

Steps for Growing Vegetables

The first step would be to dig the garden area to a depth of about 8-10 inches. However, make sure that you do not start the digging process, when the soil is too wet. To check whether the soil is too wet or not, you need to squeeze together a handful of it. If it sticks together in a ball and does not crumble under slight pressure by the thumb and finger, it is too wet.

Environment Case Studies:Indegenious Species Protection

Overview

Every plant or animal on this planet adds beauty and value to this creation simply by its presence. They are also part of an elaborate eco-system. Each specie is connected to so many others and the endangering of one affects the entire chain. An endangered specie is a direct indicator of the declining health of that eco-system. If we lose a specie, the loss is tremendous. Till date, we do not have the ability to create any new specie. The least we can do is to preserve the diversity that nature has given to us. As human beings, the most evolved beings on the planet, it is our responsibility to help maintain and safe-guard the ecological balance. Elephants, rhinos and tigers are not the only mammals which face a threat of extinction. There are lesser known ones which need to be conserved through human intervention, the most evolved of all species. The Art of Living has taken a step towards that and has been working to revive some indigenous breeds of cows in India. It has also been involved in preserving the wetland species habitat in Lake Herdsman Regional Park, Australia.

Below are Case Studies of Indigenous Species Protection:

Indigenous Specie Protection

Every plant or animal on this planet adds beauty and value to this creation simply by its presence. They are also part of an elaborate eco-system. Each specie is connected to so many others and the endangering of one affects the entire chain. An endangered specie is a direct indicator of the declining health of that eco-system. If we lose a specie, the loss is tremendous. Till date, we do not have the ability to create any new specie. The least we can do is to preserve the diversity that nature has given to us. As Human beings, the most evolved beings on the planet, it is our responsibility to help maintain and safe-guard the ecological balance. Elephants, rhinos and tigers are not the only mammals which face a threat of extinction. There are lesser known ones which need to be conserved through human intervention, the most evolved of all species. The Art of Living Foundation has taken a step towards that and has been working to revive some indigenous breeds of cows in India. It has also been involved in preserving the wetland species habitat in Lake Herdsman Regional Park, Australia.

The Art of Living Goshala - Preserving Indigenous Cows

Earlier, every village in India had a goshala. Here, cows were protected and bred. During time of drought, when the farmers had no means to look after their cattle, the village goshala would protect the cows till the rains came again. In every aspect, the cow is beneficial to man - milk provides the required nutrition to the entire family, natural fertilizers and pesticides are manufactured from cow dung and cow urine, and the Go-mutra (urine) is distilled for ayurvedic medicinal purposes. This therapy, prescribed by the ayurvedic doctors in the center, has proved very successful in curing chronic diseases as well. Dung cakes are used as fuel for cooking food. Cow dung is also used to line the floor and walls of buildings owing to its insect repellent properties. In villages, during cold weather, cow dung is used to line the walls of houses as a thermal insulator.

In recent times, the dung is collected and used to create biogas, which is used to generate electricity and heat. The gas is a rich source of methane and is used in rural areas of India to provide a renewable and stable source of electricity.

The Art of Living Goshala was started in the year 2007 with the capacity to house 150 cows. The Goshala, houses over 80 cows of different breeds such as the Ongol from Andhra Pradesh, Kangayan from Tamil Nadu, the Geer from Gujarat and the Sahiwal from Punjab.

In The Art of Living Goshala, these ancient methods and wisdom are being revived and used. The goshala also features in the Art of Living - IAHV rural development projects and their 5H programs in their model villages. Here, along with the other functions, there is a large scale production of organic, chemical-free pesticides and fertilizers, aiding the local farmers to once more revert to traditional, successful, low-cost farming methods, saving them from a life of hardship and debt.

Environment Case Studies:Tree Plantation

Overview

Tree Plantation

Do we know a one-stop solution for the following?

Global warming, soil erosion, depletion of soil fertility, reducing the carbon footprint, bare grey concrete cities, air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, global warming and the thinning of ozone layer, soaring temperatures and weather patterns going haywire.

It is quite simple: Plant trees

Trees are an expression of sacred life. They generate oxygen, beautify, provide shade, provide homes, help capture rain water, support bio-diversity and everything else mentioned above. They have been an integral part of every culture and tradition that human kind has evolved. Trees, analogous to being with nature, have been an immense source of peace. Forests are further the homes of so many indigenous species, whose loss would be critical for the balance of the eco-system. The need for trees is for the benefit of our own future generations. They are indeed guardians of our dear planet. The Art of Living is focused on reviving a green earth and our volunteers around the world strive to make this positive difference by planting and protecting as many indigenous trees as possible.

Below are Case Studies of Tree plantation: