Why and how we should care for environment

By Moses Musana

Environment is everything that is found in the universe. It consists of Hydrosphere (water bodies), Lithosphere (earth crust), Biosphere (animals and plants) and Atmosphere (the air envelope).

I have noted with concern that many people are not taking care of the environment which feeds them not because they have no capacity but majorly due to:

- Ignorant about the use of environment.

- Limited concern/ do not care attitude

- Selfishness and  need to satisfy themselves alone

-   Limited foresighted for their future generation

In many parts of Uganda you find a family with more than five acres of land but with a bare compound without any fruit tree like avocado, mango, orange, pawpaw etc.

This shows that such types of families need to be taught how important fruit trees are to our bodies and the environment. It’s high time everyone is encouraged to plant at least one tree, a principal objective of UEETPO planting trees equivalent to the number of people in Uganda.

It’s vital for everyone to know the values of the environment where we live and realize that our physical environment is the reason for our existence on this planet Earth.

Just one Avocado tree you gain the following: Avocadoes are very rich in carotenoids: Avocados contain a plethora of nutrients, and carotenoids are certainly the most important ones, given the fact that they protect you against eye disease.
                                                                                                              Avocados are great for lowering your cholesterol; it often happens that fatty foods and sugars are the main culprits behind high levels of bad cholesterol, fortunately you can easily keep it under control by simply eating avocados on a regular basis.

Avocados are your greatest allies in the battle against extra pounds; consuming more avocados reduces weight. These fruits are very rich in fiber, which are known to fill your stomach and become satisfied for a long period of time.

On average, one medium-sized avocado contains around 7 grams of fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Fibers are essential for the health of your immune system – especially the soluble ones, since they help your body break down carbohydrates.                                                                                                                    

Lower your blood pressure: Avocados can help lower your blood pressure in a natural and efficient way, since they are very rich in potassium and magnesium – two essential compounds for treating hypertension.

Avocados improve your blood flow and keep your brain healthy: They prevent or at least slow down the decline of your cognitive abilities.

Avocados can reduce the risk for breast cancer: a balanced diet that includes at least half an avocado per day can reduce the risk for breast cancer, thanks to their high content of monounsaturated oleic fatty acid, vitamin E and lutein. Avocados are rich in carotenoids and they also help your body absorb the carotenoids from other fruits and vegetables.      

Avocados should become part of your daily diet, regardless of how you choose to consume them. Eat avocados not because of their unique taste but because you care about your health.

How much space does one of these two avocado trees take and you reduce several risks of diseases?  

Trees are not only limited to: Producing Oxygen, Carbon sinks, acting as Shade,  Leading to the formation of Rainfall, Acting as Wind breakers, Providing Employment, Proving Food, Lifting peoples’ Prestigious status, Reducing pollution, Controlling Noise Pollution, Cleaning the Air, Fighting Soil erosion,  Tree roots bind the soil, Reducing water runoff, Providing timber and fire Firewood, Controlling Floods and Increasing Property Values. We appeal to all people to plant trees (both indigenous and fruit trees to fight climate change).

Planting trees is a simple thing everyone can do to reduce carbon dioxide, a principal greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. No matter where you live, you can plant trees and take a proactive, positive step toward keeping our planet healthy.

Let’s put a policy that no plan of house should be approved without the allocation of at least two trees in every 50 by100ft plot of land. Environmental protection is the key for future development. Let everyone plant a tree and help fight climate change.

The writer works with the Uganda Environmental Education and Tree Planting Organization