It’s World OZONE Day by Brent Simon
Ozone is an odorless colourless gas composed of three atoms of oxygen (O3), and occurs naturally in our environment. It can be found both in the stratosphere which is the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level in the lower atmosphere or troposphere.
The phrase “Good up High – Bad Nearby”, emphasizes our risky relationship to ozone.
The upper ozone layer or stratosphere is considered good, it acts as a barrier shielding us from most of the sun’s UV radiation and helps to moderate the Earth’s temperature as well as helping plants to prepare their food through photosynthesis. Scientists working in the late 1970s discovered that mankind was creating a hole in this protective shield, and they raised the alarm.
The ozone found at ground level where we can breathe it causes serious health problems and is considered to be dangerous. Its aggressive chemical attack can damage the tissues of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation resulting in symptoms such as coughing, tightness in the chest and worsening of symptoms in children, the elderly, and people of all ages who suffer from lung diseases such as asthma.
The Montreal Protocol was first adopted in Montreal on September 16, 1987. Initially signed by 46 countries, the treaty now has nearly 200 signatories and is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). On December 3rd, 1992, Antigua and Barbuda ascended this protocol.
The latest update from the Scientific Assessment Panel to the Montreal Protocol confirmed that ozone layer recovery is on track and ozone levels are expected to return to 1980 levels by around 2066 over the Antarctic.
Here in Antigua and Barbuda we can make a direct contribution to global ozone protection efforts by shifting our focus to the use of natural herbicides and pesticides.
“NATURAL PESTICIDES,” you say?
I say, “YES!”, and I will share three with you!
LEMON GRASS
WE HAVE PLENTY of it, some might even say too much.
Well known globally for its refreshing aroma, it is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to products such as BOP, BAYGON, RAID and other chemical based insect repellents. Suitable for children and pets it offers a fragrant alternative when protecting yourself and loved ones from mosquitos and other pests such as flies, ants, fleas and ticks.
Dilute a few drops of lemongrass oil in a carrier oil such as coconut or olive. Apply the mixture to exposed skin areas for a natural repellent effect or, make a lemongrass spray by combining water, lemongrass oil, and a small amount of alcohol as an emulsifier. Spray the mixture on your body and clothing before heading outdoors. Planting lemongrass in pots or your garden will also help to naturally repel pests. From time to time crush the leaves to release the scent.
Apart from its repellent properties lemongrass can also be brewed to make a soothing cup of tea.
NEEM
The Neem tree is chemically diverse and structurally complex. It has a huge range of medical uses. All parts of the tree have been used by our ancestors for centuries to treat fevers, infections, inflammation, dental disorders and skin diseases.
In the agricultural sector, an assortment of benefits can be found in Neem as well. The oil kills a wide array of insects including leafhoppers, aphids, mealybugs and a spray made of this tree also can control and kill fungal diseases like powdery mildew, blackspot and leafspot.
A NATURAL HERBICIDE
This one might shock you!
Right in your kitchen you have what it takes to get rid of the weeds in your garden. A mixture of vinegar, salt and dishwashing liquid will do the job!
Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and treat weeds in the early morning.
The acid in the vinegar and salt are excellent for drawing moisture from these unwanted plants and the soap causes the mixture to bead on the leaves instead of being absorbed by the plant, adding to its effectiveness. In our climate, you should see the leaves turning brown and withering in a matter of hours.
Multiple treatments will be necessary to keep weeds away as this formula will not work its way into the roots but over time you definitely will reap the benefits.
As we celebrate WORLD OZONE DAY let’s remember:
We all share the responsibility to reduce our ozone emissions and every little action counts.