Today we started a botanical guide to eight plants and trees found around Visthar’s campus. Once done with our research projects, we will laminate and bind the guide book so that visitors to Visthar can take a walk through the campus and learn about some of the plants and trees surrounding them. The object of this project was to learn how these eight plants and trees contribute to people’s daily lives whether it is through medicine, religion and/or culture.
This project introduced us to how important plants and trees are to our own livelihood. Trees produce a large amount of oxygen and keep our air clean, yet we are cutting them down in the name of development. There are many trees and plants that have the ability to treat diseases cheaply yet most people don’t even consider trying natural alternatives before purchasing pharmaceuticals. The Neem tree, which in the past has been used to treat ulcers, wouldn’t be considered a treatment for this problem by most anymore. Instead we would go to the doctor, get a prescription for western medicine. With the costs of medical treatments and pharmaceuticals rising, it is critical for our society to start looking at more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. The importance of plants and trees to our lives and the planet hasn’t been given the value or attention it deserves. This project has given us a brief glance at how important they are and as this course unfolds, we will have a better understanding of how important plants and trees really are.
This is a short, fun clip of us working on the botany guide book. We wanted to show you that even though the material we cover can sometimes be an overwhelming reality check; we also find ways to incorporate creativity and fun into our days here in India.
How interesting that these are all available and used here is the US, too. I’ve purchased Neem at Dundee’s in Plymouth and used it as an insecticide on my plants. Guava jelly was purchased at Cub, and a jar is in my refrigerator right now. Ginger, of course, we all eat routinely. Tamarind can also be purchased at Cub. I’ve been wondering, however, how much sense it makes to be purchasing these exotics since they are not local and come with a larger carbon footprint, as a result. So much to consider when trying to behave ethically.
Very cool project. Perhaps those who come after you will expand the project, adding their own pages of botanical research, adding to the knowledge base of those in the area. Consider those potentially awesome implications!