TerraGreen - May 2023

Stop Food Waste Day: The Fight Against Food Waste Is More Important Than Ever

With food waste contributing to around 8–10 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions each year, and with global food inflation and cost of living pressures, the need for action to reduce food waste has never been more important,” says Compass Group PLC, the world’s largest food services company.

Manipur Black Rice: Nutritious And Exotic

In this article, Onam Vaid highlights that aromatic black rice is dense in nutrients and contains powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. The nutrients present in the black rice help to flush out toxins from the body. It also aids in the functioning of the brain. Aromatic black rice helps in body metabolism. It also has low glycaemic index; hence it is beneficial for diabetic and heart patients. In comparison with other types of rice, black rice is the lowest in calories and highest in protein. It is expected that the GI tag and the renewed interest in the healthy properties of this rice variety will encourage commercial cultivation and marketing across the world.

Nature is Changing: As Land Abandonment Increases

When people leave their rural lives behind to seek their fortunes in the city or agriculture is no longer profitable, the lands they toiled on are often left unused. A new perspective piece in Science shows that these abandoned lands could be both an opportunity and a threat for biodiversity, and highlights why abandoned lands are critical in the assessment of global restoration and conservation targets.

Sustainability Version 2.0 - Revisiting ESG

In light of recent changes and AI-augmented awareness of society, the ESG-oriented approach has an indispensable role to play in its applied linkage to sustainability revisited in the contemporary version. As per India Finance Corporation's definition, sustainability is an approach that ensures long-term business success along with socioeconomic development and a healthy environment. Keep reading to know more...

Electrocution of Animals: Can We Reduce Domestic Power Supply Volts?

In this article, Nava Thakuria says that today electrocution has emerged as a major cause of death of wildlife such as elephants. Various government sources confirm that India lost over 470 elephants (along with more than 220 flamingos, 150 leopards, 45 tigers, etc.) to electrocution injuries during 2014 to 2020 fiscal years. To prevent such fatalities in the future, the decrease of domestic supply voltage will definitely be a major policy shift for the vast country with the high population as it would need a huge volume of resources with adequate preparedness and public awareness. A long-term plan will be needed with a strong political will from both the Centre and State governments.

Inspiring and Nurturing Young Minds Dr Kalam's Exceptional Story-Telling Skills

Children who visited Dr APJ Abdul Kalam witnessed the absolute power of his story-telling. His anecdotes caught them in rapt attention. Almost everything a child heard and saw in Rashtrapati Bhavan is preserved in their memories, waiting to resurface exactly as it was experienced—just as the heart desires. He was probably the only Indian President who really knew how to tell a story. The more they listened to him, the better they connected with him. Like the stories he told, his life too was filled with extraordinary twists and turns. An article by Dr Elsa Lycias Joel.

Hindustan Zinc Nurturing Biodiversity with Miyawaki Plantation

On this Biodiversity Day, Miyawaki Plantation delved into the ingenious technique that is transforming barren land into thriving green havens. Revolutionary reforestation technique restores nature's balance as Hindustan Zinc has planted 32,500 saplings of 65 diverse species in Debari, Dariba, and Chanderiya in Rajasthan.

Drought and Desertification in the Horn of Africa History Same as India

The Horn of Africa is one of the world's most conflict-prone and fragile regions. Countries such as Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Eritrea (along with some other countries) form the Horn of Africa. In this thought-provoking article, Faiza Mustafa says Africa contributes 3-4 per cent of global emissions and 17 per cent of the world's population. So, it is not responsible for the drastic climate events and yet faces the worst consequences of natural disasters such as droughts. She also addresses the vital question that how India after facing the same situation during the colonial era was able to overcome these challenges.

Bite into a Peach - While You are in South Carolina

In this article, Dr Marianne Furtado de Nazareth recollects her wonderful experience of eating ripe South Carolina peaches. She realizes that South Carolina averages more than three times the amount (in pounds) of peaches harvested in Georgia in a typical season. Peaches do have many health benefits also as one large, juicy globe of peach delivers an impressive quantity of vitamin C and is a good source of vitamins A and B. It also offers three grams of fibre.

Brahmapuram Landfill Fire: Points towards the Need for Decentralized Waste Management

In this article, Sharada Balasubramanian highlights that a series of flames have been breaking out, year after year, at the Brahmapuram landfill in Kerala. Yet, it was not taken seriously. This year, the massive uncontrollable fire breakout urged the Kochi Corporation to take serious steps to resolve this issue as it impacted the health of people, and the environment. Brahmapuram is the only landfill that is a bone of contention in Kerala where solid waste management, otherwise is decentralized and systematic. Plans are underway to solve this crisis that the Kochi Corporation is facing after the Brahmapuram incident.