NEW CONTEST: I take care of the planet and you? by @ngoenyi

The earth is our home and as such taking care of it is a must. It is something everyone should take part in. That is why, I have come to take part in this contest organized by this wonderful community.

What does it mean to care of the earth?

Caring for the earth means doing anything positive and possible to make sure that the earth remains safe. I said remains safe because the maker of the earth and everything in it already made it in a wonderful way. He planted trees, made sure that there was water, and he made humans and animals perfect. He expected us all to just take care of it. So we can at least keep repeating those things he did. That way, the earth will remain safe for humans and animals habitation.

But sad to say that the earth is being polluted and most don't care about it.

How the Earth can be cared for

Tree planting

In the city of Uyo where I reside, they have the custom of planting trees and I love it a lot. Hardly will you see a house built by someone without a tree or a little garden. I admire it a lot.

The tree planting is done to help the inhabitants breath fresh air. The reason for the fresh air is as a result of the fact that trees give of oxygen which we as humans need. So these ones planted close to our homes makes it easier for the oxygen to be in abundance and close to us as well.

Trees helps to control erosion. Where is is a heavy water runoff, tree can curtail it and make the place safe.

Certain trees can serve as food to us and as medicines for the prevention of Various diseases. Like the Neem tree which is planted along the major roads in the city where I reside.

Importance of Neem Tree

Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, nimtree or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian subcontinent and most of the countries in Africa. It is typically grown in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Wikipedia

This tree can help in controlling insects and pests around us thereby helping to reduce the health challenges that are caused by those insects or pests.

The leaf helps to heal several diseases like stomach problems, loss of appetite, fever, diabetes and so on. I also learned that the leaf can help in birth control and can even cause abortion.

The state government of Akwaibom understands the importance of this tree little wonder they planted along the road. I was opportuned to cut a branch today while on my way to our place of worship. I came back with it, boiled it and drank the water.

_{images were taken along oron road, Uyo Akwaibom State Nigeria: Location}

I have resolved to plant a Neem tree when I am opportuned to build my own house.

Proper disposal of refuse

Even though I have not planted a tree, I can at least help to keep my surroundings clean. I have been doing this. I dispose my refuse properly, I bag them and dispose at the designated areas. I have thought my kids to do the same as well

_{that is my son sweeping the environment}

_{those are refuse that are properly bagged and awaiting to be disposed}

A neighbor of mine has just started a business of refuse disposal. He bought a tricycle for that. What he does it to have agreement with his clients on how much they will pay monthly and how often he can go to pick up their refuse for disposal.

_{that is his truck on the move to go pick up the refuse.}

The business name is get rid as you can see it written on the truck there. This is a wonderful initiative from him because refuse disposal is very important. We can stay healthy when we dispose properly.

Recylining

We can recycle what we have used and it will serve other purpose instead of just dispose them. The plastics and polyethene bags we have used can be recycled into another thing of very much Importance.
Recycling is a way of reducing unnecessary wastes products and also turn them into useful items.

---

Volunteering

Other ways I take care of the planet is by volunteering to clean the environment in the days that is set aside for it. This way I show my support for the work and show that I obey the government as well.

Conclusion

The earth is our home, it is also a gift from our creator. Taking care of it shows that we appreciate the beautiful gift and we benefit ourselves. It also means better health and freshness of the air we breathe.
I wish that everyone can understand how important it is to care for the planet in which we live in.

I invite the following to participate in the contest and share how they take care of the planet:
@graceleon
@goodybest
@benton3

I appreciate you all dear friends for coming to read my post, it's been a pleasure for me to participate here.