5th Dec 2014 - World soil day

“Man , despite his artistic pretensions and his many accomplishment, owes his existence  to a six inch layer of top soil and the fact that it rains” 

                                                                                               Author Unknown

Last year ,  on December 20, 2013, the 68th UN General Assembly recognized December 5th, 2014 as World Soil Day and 2015 as the International Year of Soils. 

Keeping in view that 2014 is the International year of Family Farming , the theme for today i.e 5th Dec 2014 is the World Soil Day is " Soil , Foundation for family farming"....... a day highlighting the importance of soil and the need to use it in a sustainable way. 

Mr. Satish Kumar ,the editor-in-chief of Resurgence & Ecologist. says that  "We are all part of this healthy web of life maintained by soil. The Latin word humus means soil. The words human, humility and humus all come from the same root. When humans lose contact with soil, they are no longer humans.......We come from the soil, and we return to the soil.” 

Soil is inextricably linked to human and ecosystem health and crucial if we are to ensure food, water, and energy security for nine billion people by 2050. It sustains biodiversity – and if managed wisely – contributes to the mitigation of climate change. 

What can I do ?

1. Plant trees..... Trees stop soil erosion, helps build a rich soil, feeds us and other creatures on earth, gives us fresh air by absorbing air pollutants... and many other benefits.

2. Learn to "segregate waste at source" i.e in your own house and learn  how to compost your kitchen waste....by this simple act you will eliminate your unsegregated waste from going into landfills.... a major cause of  soil degradation and green house gas  generation
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3. Green your home one plant at a time....  Grow some of the food you eat organically in your backyard , balcony or a bright window sill. You can use the compost you made from your kitchen waste to grow these plants. Adding your kitchen waste compost makes the soil rich , grows healthy food which is not only good for the planet but good for you too.