Monasib essay contest
Monasib has run 3 essay contests since its launch on May 10th 2009. Immediately below is an excerpt from the most recent contest (which ran from Dec 3rd 2009-Feb 3 2010), followed by a description of the two earlier contests and winners.
Describe the most eco-friendly and spiritually uplifting lunch break:
More than a decade ago, as a young professional, lunchbreak was among the best parts of the day. The actual break was fluid--sometimes, 12:30, sometimes, 2pm. It all depended on the workload. But whatever the time, the break was always much appreciated. Rain or shine (or snow), I would dart to the closest city park. Eco-friendly? Yes, indeed. The first part of the (lunch) break would consist of simply walking and listening, taking in all that surrounds us, as I moved from work practitioner to observer. It is amazing how eco-friendly we can be when we are simply observing. Spiritually uplifting? That too. As I would meditate on the trees and sky above, the passers-by, the sounds of birds (yes, even in the heart of the city, the birds are very audible), there was always a sense of returning to one’s essence, and being uplifted. Ten years on, city parks remain my favourite lunchtime destination. With childcare pick-up responsibilities at noon, I frequent them far less than I should, but whenever possible, I attempt to pause, to observe, to enjoy the moment that we have been given. When our second child was born, we planted a tree in her honour in one of the nearby parks. Among the most eco-friendly and spiritually uplifting lunch breaks in recent days has been sitting near that tree with our children, conversing and observing. Happy lunch break.
Immediately above, a picture of the magnificant trees at Kirstenbosch, Botanical Gardens. More food for thought...
2nd essay contest
Between October 2 and November 29th 2009, Monasib held its second essay competition: Why conserve water and what are you doing or starting to do (to conserve)? We did this to engage with all of you and provoke thought on one of the most critical issues of our times. We received many essays from around the world. Featured on our blog is the winning submission (contributed by Safiyya P and Fatimah K of Cape Town, South Africa) followed by the runner-up Maya K of Malaysia. The winners receiving a Monasib Soccer Sisters tracksuit and scarf cap. And the rest of us? Hopefully we all benefit due to increased understanding of the importance of water conservation. 
1st essay contest
Between July 15th-August 10th 2009, Monasib ran its first essay competition: what is your impact on the environment and what are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint. The week of August 10th, on this page, we featured excerpts from our winning essayist, Carimah (which you may scroll down to see). Immediately below we've posted excerpts from our runner-up, Rehana, who provides a very helpful list of tips for how to go and stay green.
How do I contribute and reduce our carbon footprint?
by Rehana
Reducing our emissions is a vital part of combating climate change. We became aware of our energy usage and its effects, and thus took steps to reduce them.
- By being more energy efficient at home, you can reduce your emissions and lower your energy bills by more than 30.
- We adjust our air conditioner and heater when going out and shut down our systems when we are away for extended periods.
- Turn off and unplug radios, TVs, and DVDs when you leave for holidays. These appliances have a stand-by function that uses energy even when they are turned off.
- We close doors to unused rooms trapping heat or coolness in rooms that are in use.
- Use energy saving globes and using compact fluorescent lighting. Compact fluorescent light bulbs use about 75 per cent less energy than incandescent (normal) light bulbs.
- We have insulating our walls and ceilings which save 20 percent of home heating bills and thereby reduce CO2 emissions.
- Clean all of your heating and cooling appliances, making sure they are dust free. Energy is lost when heating units have to work harder to draw air through dirty filters. Ensuring that your air conditioner filter is clean can save the amount of energy used
- Wash your dishes manually, or ensure your dishwasher is full when you run it. Allow your dishes to air dry.
- Where possible walk or bike to your destination. Fuel use through transport constitutes a large proportion of the total emissions.
- Recycle glass, metals, plastics and paper.
- Plant shade trees and paint your house a light color if you live in a warm climate or a dark color if you live in a cold climate.
- Turn your refrigerator down.
- Select the most energy-efficient models when you replace your old appliances. Look for the Energy Star Label - your assurance that the product saves energy and prevents pollution.
- Slow down and drive sensibly. The faster and more aggressive you drive, the more petrol your car uses.
The role of trees in offsetting our emissions
Trees are green machines that act as natural filters of our air. Through the process of photosynthesis they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their trunk, branches, leaves, roots, soil and foliage, while releasing oxygen back out.
Not only are trees an effective means for absorbing and storing the carbon you emit, they have far reaching benefits that extend well beyond that of filtering the air. Sustainably managed forests and urban forestry projects have multiple environmental and socio-economic functions important at the global, national and local scales, and play a vital part in sustainable development. Forests are sources of wood products. They help regulate local and regional rainfall. And forests are crucial sources of food, medicine, clean drinking water, and immense recreational, aesthetic, and spiritual benefits for millions of people.
- So how do you choose where to plant a tree?
- Contact your local Department of Agriculture and ask to donate a tree/s.
- Planting seasons also vary between provinces and sometimes even within local communities as well
Going Green by Carimah of Cape Town, August 2009, Winning Essay
(selected excerpts follow)
...In order to water our garden, we installed a grey water system. This uses our bath/shower, basin, laundry water to wet the garden. At the same time we installed a rain water drum. This collects rain water from our gutters and channels it to the drum. We use this to water the garden or fill the pool. I was hoping to install a pump and get the water to my washing machine, as I find that is my greatest water usage....We had an incident at home, where my busy boy got hold of detergent. Nothing dangerous, but I opted to swap for more natural alternatives. White vinegar is fantastic and has many uses. Our first product was the homemade washing/laundry liquid. It looked like a witches brew of green/blue goo. After a few batches the mixture was perfected. The recipe was passed on to many who were also trying to save costs. I managed to survive having laundry that didn't have an artificial scent...
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED.
For more information about your carbon footprint, we recommend taking a carbon footprint quiz (and using a carbon calculator); we have provided two easily accessible models below:
