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Environment – Neem.World https://neem.world Neem World is dedicated to increasing knowledge and understanding of neem as a solution to many of the world’s most significant challenges. Offering innovation across agriculture, healthcare and environmental protection, neem will become paramount in shaping a safer world and sustainable lifestyle for us all. Our mission at Neem World is to provide you with the latest news, applications and products of this marvelous tree. Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:23:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.17 https://neem.world/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/cropped-Neem.world-favicon-Green2-32x32.png Environment – Neem.World https://neem.world 32 32 Home Garden: Protect and Nurture your Plants with Neem https://neem.world/home-garden-nurture-harvest-neem/ https://neem.world/home-garden-nurture-harvest-neem/#comments Fri, 18 Jan 2019 14:20:14 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=2246 While to many it might seem like a great challenge, a home garden can bring green space to your city, fresh organic vegetables to your table, and a great space to your community. Whether it’s a large garden or a few plants inside your home, plants bring great benefits to your life – especially when ...read more →

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While to many it might seem like a great challenge, a home garden can bring green space to your city, fresh organic vegetables to your table, and a great space to your community. Whether it’s a large garden or a few plants inside your home, plants bring great benefits to your life – especially when provided with organic, safe and sustainable protection.

The Benefits of a Home Garden

Extensive research by NASA has revealed that houseplants can remove up to 87 percent of air toxin in 24 hours. Studies have also proven that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15 percent!, reduce stress levels and boost your mood — making them perfect for not just your home but your work space, too.

Vegetables such as potatoes onions, lettuce, blackberries and raspberries are relatively easy to grow at home, but they can also attract unwanted pests and fungus.

How Neem Takes Care of Your Garden

When trying to fight pests and fungus, most people rely on synthetic pesticides, which pose a great risk to the environment, humans and pets. Through the years these substances have been associated with a variety of ailments including cancer, brain problems and skin diseases. They also contribute to global warming by contributing to harmful greenhouse gas emissions and to the extinction of many species.

Fortunately, there are organic alternatives. Visit www.cleanqueendenver.com/. Since ancient times, the neem tree has been prized as a sacred remedy and important ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. In the garden, neem oil boasts a powerful insecticidal ingredient, azadirachtin, which makes it a great organic choice for controlling a variety of problems when growing plants, fruits and vegetables:

  • Neem oil kills or repels many harmful insects and mites, including aphids, whiteflies, snails, nematodes, mealybugs, cabbage worms and many others. It kills some bugs immediately, attacks the larvae of others, and repels plant munchers with its bitter taste.
  • Neem oil is plant based and organic, which makes it a safe option for every household as it poses no harms to humans or pets.
  • Neem oil can also help plants battle viruses.

The uses for the neem tree seem to be endless and it provides a myriad of benefits in agriculture, be it for a home garden or a large scale plantation. Next time you are looking for safe, organic solutions for your home garden, reach for neem oil and neem products, and let us know how it worked for you in the comments below.

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Antibacterial Clothing: Toxic for Humans and the Environment https://neem.world/antibacterial-clothing-solution-toxic/ https://neem.world/antibacterial-clothing-solution-toxic/#comments Wed, 10 Oct 2018 16:40:40 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=2178 Imagine if your workout clothes repelled smell. Great, right? The idea is, but the actual substances used to give clothes antibacterial properties might pose a risk to your health and the environment. Luckily, recent studies prove that natural extracts such as Neem can provide the same antibacterial protection without posing harm to your health. How ...read more →

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Imagine if your workout clothes repelled smell. Great, right? The idea is, but the actual substances used to give clothes antibacterial properties might pose a risk to your health and the environment. Luckily, recent studies prove that natural extracts such as Neem can provide the same antibacterial protection without posing harm to your health.

How Antibacterial Treatments Work

In an attempt to create clothes with a barrier against the bacteria and the odor caused by sweat, some manufacturers have started to treat clothing with “antibacterial” agents that are meant to prevent the build-up of odor-causing bacteria.

Scientists at the Swedish Chemicals Agency analyzed 30 representative items of clothing treated with three common antibacterial treatments: silver, trichlocarban and triclosan. Washing rapidly removed these chemicals in all the clothes. In the case of triclosan and trichlocarban more than half of the original content was washed out after 10 washes. With silver, half of the substance had been washed after just 3 washes.

When these substances wash out, they end up in waterways and eventually reach the ocean, harming soil, food, and wildlife. Silver, for example, doesn’t degrade and has rapidly accumulated in the environment since it became a common fabric treatment. Trichlocarban and triclosan degrade very slowly.

Triclosan, and its related compound trichlorcarban, is a hormone disruptor, that can affect male and female reproductive hormones and possibly fetal development, and is also shown to alter thyroid function. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that health and beauty products containing these substances may no longer be marketed to consumers*.

Neem as a Safe Antibacterial

More than 300 different active compounds have been reported from different parts of the neem tree but the most important limonoids are azadirachtin, salannin and nimbin. Neem extracts have the potential to inhibit the growth of bacteria. A study conducted with different natural antibacterial agents on clothing showed that 100% neem oil treated fabrics reduced 65% and 96% of S.aureus and E.coli respectively.

Protect your health and the environment by avoiding clothes that contain antibacterial treatments and replacing them with those treated with natural solutions like neem.

 

*The FDA does not regulate clothing.

 

 

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Clothing and the Toxic Chemicals Used to Manufacture it https://neem.world/organic-clothing-toxic-crops/ https://neem.world/organic-clothing-toxic-crops/#comments Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:02:55 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=2130 With the rise of the fashion industry and mass retailer brands, producing clothing at a massive scale under the lowest costs has led to the heavy use of chemicals in order to manufacture and preserve clothes. The non-organic cotton industry is the highest user of the herbicide glyphosate, a substance that is considered a probable ...read more →

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With the rise of the fashion industry and mass retailer brands, producing clothing at a massive scale under the lowest costs has led to the heavy use of chemicals in order to manufacture and preserve clothes.

The non-organic cotton industry is the highest user of the herbicide glyphosate, a substance that is considered a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The accumulation of exposure to glyphosate through food and your skin can profoundly affect your mitochondria and also put you on the path to conditions linked to dysfunctional mitochondria, including metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, cancer, and high blood pressure.

The dangers of chemicals in clothing

The chemicals used to produce clothing don’t always wash out, especially those used for bleaching, sizing, dying, straightening, reducing shrinkage, resisting stains and odors, fireproofing, mothproofing, and reducing wrinkles and static.

Even natural fibers like cotton and wool could have been sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, dyed, and treated with compounds that make them fire-, odor-, stain-, water- and wrinkle-resistant. Here you can find help when searching for highly trained and experienced housekeeping staff in Tacoma. Petroleum-based synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon likely pull even more chemicals into the mix.

One such imbedded chemical is formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) and probable carcinogen, according to the EPA and National Cancer Institute.

What you can do:

  • When buying new clothes, look for ones that are as close to natural as possible. Look for organic cottons and wools and fewer synthetics like polyester and nylon. Avoid  “wrinkle-free” and “stain-resistant” to ensure that nothing is being added to your clothes that you don’t want there.
  • Dermatologists say that washing your clothes before wearing them can help protect against allergic contact dermatitis.
  • Research a brand’s manufacturing process and avoid “fast fashion” brands which sell clothes at extremely low prices, given that in order to sell clothes at low prices, they have to outsource their manufacturing to questionable suppliers.
  • Buying only the clothes you need can also help avoid further creating waste and polluting the environment.
  • Make sure to always learn about the manufacturing practices of the products that you buy.

By buying organic cotton, produced with natural, eco-friendly crop care solutions, you can help clean the air, conserve water, improve soil health and ensure better working conditions for farmers. As a natural pesticide, neem is one of the tools when it comes to combatting cotton aphids and nematodes – some of the biggest hurdles when producing cotton – in an all-natural way.

Have you already made the switch organic cotton? Let us know in the comments below!

 

 

 

 

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Wildlife under Threat – Organic Agriculture could Prevent Extinction https://neem.world/wildlife-threat-organic-agriculture-extinction/ https://neem.world/wildlife-threat-organic-agriculture-extinction/#comments Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:37:18 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=2116 Commercial farming focuses on producing large amounts of food, but doesn’t take into account that chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers threaten ecosystems, and wildlife, while also damaging the soil and affecting the nutritional value of crops. Organic farming represents not only an alternative but rather an evolution in the way human beings grow food while ...read more →

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Commercial farming focuses on producing large amounts of food, but doesn’t take into account that chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers threaten ecosystems, and wildlife, while also damaging the soil and affecting the nutritional value of crops.

Organic farming represents not only an alternative but rather an evolution in the way human beings grow food while at the same time benefiting the environment and protecting the species that help maintain balance in our ecosystems. Research published in 2016 by the Journal Nature shows that three-quarters of the world species are threatened by agriculture, compared to 19% by climate change.

How Commercial Farming Threatens Wildlife

According to the World Animal Foundation, agriculture already occupies about 40% of Earth’s landmass and accounts for 75% of global deforestation. This rapid destruction is causing species to disappear, and is negatively impacting the biodiversity of native ecosystems and furthering our path into the 6th mass extinction of all species on Earth.

Wildlife habitats are constantly being cleared in order to make way for farmland, which leads to a competition for territory between humans and other species – one in which wildlife is often the losing side. In Indonesia the Tree Kangaroo has been brought to the brink of extinction due to the palm oil industry, which has rapidly destroyed most of its habitat and that of many other creatures such as elephants and jaguars.

Commercial agriculture has also led to the degradation of soil due to the use of toxic chemicals that destroy nutrients and render the land sterile.

According to researchers, the degradation of soil due to the continual ploughing of fields, combined with heavy use of fertilizers, has affected soils across the world, with erosion occurring at a pace of up to 100 times greater than the rate of soil formation. It takes around 500 years for just 2.5cm of topsoil to be created amid unimpeded ecological changes.

Organic Farming Respects Wildlife

The degradation of arable land under the hands of commercial farming is unsustainable and threatens to be the cause of a mass extinction. Follow efficient house cleaning tips from experienced Florida house cleaners. Organic farming protects every living organism in the environment, from pollinators like bees, whose numbers have been steadily decreasing over the last decades, all the way to the microorganisms living in the soil which guarantee that the soil remains fertile for many years.

One of the best tools in organic farming is neem. Azadirachta, an active substance within the neem tree, can be used as an organic pesticide and fertilizer. It protects crops against 600+ species of insects without harming pollinators, and it provides the soil with nutrients, helping guarantee the health of the land and benefiting yields.

 

 

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Organic Farming: Is It Really Better For The Environment? https://neem.world/organic-farming-is-it-really-better-for-the-environment/ https://neem.world/organic-farming-is-it-really-better-for-the-environment/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2018 17:00:44 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=2019 What would happen if the entire farming industry turned organic? According to the Organic Trade Association, if every farmer in the U.S. produced organic foods, 500 millions pounds of harmful pesticides could be eliminated per year. Why Should We Change to Organic Farming? Traditional farming involves the use of thousands of chemicals such as synthetic ...read more →

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What would happen if the entire farming industry turned organic? According to the Organic Trade Association, if every farmer in the U.S. produced organic foods, 500 millions pounds of harmful pesticides could be eliminated per year.

Why Should We Change to Organic Farming?

Traditional farming involves the use of thousands of chemicals such as synthetic pesticides, which have severe effects on the environment. For one, pesticides allow disease resistance to build up in plants, weeds, plant-eating-insects, fungi, and bacteria. The chemicals used to produce synthetic pesticides not only contaminate the soil, but also our water supply and air, and can stay adhered to the ground for decades.

Healthy soils grow healthy food, but if the soil is contaminated with thousands of synthetic pesticides and chemicals, these will adhere to crops. Over the past 9 years, the USDA Agricultural Research Service has shown that compared to conventional farming, organic farming methods are more successful in building up organic soil matter. This means that one teaspoon of compost-rich organic soil can have as many as 600 million to 1 billion beneficial bacteria from 15,000 species. One teaspoon of soil treated with chemicals on the other hand may carry only around 100 beneficial bacteria.

Erosion is another reason why you should support organic farming. Issues related to erosion can affect land, food supply, and humans. Luckily, organic farming practices help diminish erosion. A study that compared organically and chemically treated wheat fields showed that organic fields featured about eight inches more of topsoil and that erosion was only 2/3 of the erosion present in chemically treated field.

Organic farming can also diminish the effects of global warming. A test run by the Rodale Institute since 1981 has shown that a healthy organic agriculture system can actually reduce carbon dioxide and help slow climate change. If around 10,000 medium sized farms in the U.S converted to organic production, they would store as much carbon in the soil as the equivalent to taking 1,174,400 cars off the road or reducing car miles driven by 14.62 billion miles.

What is Neem’s Role in Organic Farming?

Neem is a completely natural pesticide that doubles as a fertilizer. It is eco-friendly and does not contaminate soils, nor does it cause any damage to the fauna that surrounds the plantations, as it repels bugs instead of killing off beneficial insects. Neem has the potential to be used on thousands of organic farms, as it is easily accessible and can grow even in the least fertile conditions.

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Neem’s potential as a Biofuel https://neem.world/neems-potential-biofuel/ https://neem.world/neems-potential-biofuel/#comments Tue, 30 Jan 2018 20:23:50 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1954 From oil spills that cause the devastation of entire ecosystems, to deforestation, and even air pollution, fossil fuels have caused many damages to our planet. Even though sustainable alternatives like biofuel exist, fossil fuels are still the most frequently used combustibles. As the primary source of CO2, they are responsible for creating around 65% of ...read more →

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From oil spills that cause the devastation of entire ecosystems, to deforestation, and even air pollution, fossil fuels have caused many damages to our planet. Even though sustainable alternatives like biofuel exist, fossil fuels are still the most frequently used combustibles. As the primary source of CO2, they are responsible for creating around 65% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. It has been proven that if these emissions continue at their present rate, the Earth’s surface temperature could exceed historical values as early as 2047.

The impacts of fossil fuels

Most fossil fuels are made through geological processes that extract oils such as coal or petroleum from many kilometers underground, breaking some of the layers of the subsoil and often contaminating them with non-intentional spills. But what happens when these spills happen at sea? Thousands of gallons of water get contaminated, exterminating the home of numerous species. In order to stop harming our ecosystem in such a drastic way, we need to stop supporting the use of fossil fuels and instead demand a sustainable alternative to these harmful combustibles: biofuels.

What is biofuel?

Biofuel is an environmentally friendly fossil fuel and a strong enough source of energy to become the main combustible of our everyday life. It is a renewable fuel made from contemporary biological processes, that does not emit harmful fumes and cause environmental pollution. Therefore, biofuel needs to become an essential part of our everyday life; not only to stop damaging our planet, but also to use a source of energy that is completely renewable.

Neem’s viability for biofuel production

Neem is playing an important role in the development of sustainable alternatives to commonly-used contaminating fuels. According to a study published by Scientists from Anna University, neem has the potential to be used for the production of biodiesel, as its seeds contain 45% oil, which could very easily be used as vegetable oil for engine fuels. Not only is neem a cleaner source for generating fuels, it is also a cheaper one. What’s more, experiments demonstrated that biodiesel produced using neem oil could significantly reduce smoke and carbon monoxide emissions! Once again, neem is showing great potential to be used as an environmentally friendly alternative that will help create a greener environment in the future.

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Earth Overshoot Day https://neem.world/earth-overshoot-day/ https://neem.world/earth-overshoot-day/#comments Wed, 02 Aug 2017 16:47:11 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1673 By August 2, 2017, we will have used more from Mother Nature than she can replenish in the whole year. For the rest of the year, we will be living on resources taken from future generations. More ecological resources and services are used than the world can regenerate through overfishing, overharvesting forests, and emitting more ...read more →

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By August 2, 2017, we will have used more from Mother Nature than she can replenish in the whole year. For the rest of the year, we will be living on resources taken from future generations. More ecological resources and services are used than the world can regenerate through overfishing, overharvesting forests, and emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than forests can sequester.

Earth Overshoot Day, also known as Ecological Debt Day, has slowly but surely moved up the calendar year over the past 20 years, showing a clear view of how humanity exploits planetary resources that are essential for survival. The world’s population currently consumes the equivalent of about 1.7 earths every year. By 2030, we will need the equivalent of two Earths. In order to survive and thrive, we must begin using resources more responsibly and sustainably.

According to the Global Footprint Network, 60% of humanity’s ecological footprint is carbon. Inefficiencies in our global food supply make up 26% of this footprint. That combines carbon from agricultural practices and food waste! Increasing the efficiency of food production, distribution and waste management is a great way to move the date back and conserve our resources. Another effective way is by switching to more sustainable agricultural methods by using neem-based pesticides and fertilizers. Conventional agriculture is responsible for the unprecedented degradation of soil. When neem is used, it improves soil carbon sequestration capacity as well as leaving it, the water, the air, and your body, free of dangerous (synthetic) chemicals.

What are you doing to #MoveTheDate and conserve your home?

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Act on Climate with Organics https://neem.world/act-climate-organics/ https://neem.world/act-climate-organics/#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:28:59 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1646 After the controversial article published by David Wallace-Wells in the New York Magazine in early July, people have questioned the effectiveness of using scare tactics. One of the biggest controversies was the harrowing nature of the report. Is this an effective way to motive action? Or does it simply fatigue and paralyze people into indifference? ...read more →

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After the controversial article published by David Wallace-Wells in the New York Magazine in early July, people have questioned the effectiveness of using scare tactics. One of the biggest controversies was the harrowing nature of the report. Is this an effective way to motive action? Or does it simply fatigue and paralyze people into indifference?

Instead of being rendered indifferent by bleak information relating to worst-case scenarios, we must begin to effectively motivate ourselves and make sure that these situations, whether in 50, 100, or 300 years, never happen. Maybe it is time that fear, emotion and most importantly, positive reinforcement, are included in the rational discussions about climate change. Some people may need rationality, while others may need fear, to understand and act on behalf of Planet Earth. Everyone can be inspired by the prospect of a clean and sustainable future, where natural beauty, vibrancy and health have returned to the world. Instead of describing tales of flooded cities, inhabitable deserts, and forced mass climate migration, some people may be motivated by visions of clean water for everyone, the elimination of polluted air in big cities, and healthy, sustainable food systems free of chemical pesticides. What is an easy way to start saving the planet? Begin to buy local, organic food and learn more about the harmful effects of conventional agriculture.

By utilizing sustainable, organic systems in agriculture, you can help protect the environment while strengthening health for you and your family. Sustainable systems are more efficient at absorbing carbon, support beneficial insects and organisms, and produce healthier food without poisoning the air, water, and soil with poisonous synthetic chemicals. Neem-based pesticides and fertilizers go hand-in-hand with these organic systems, as they promote healthy soil, more nutritious food, and protect crops from pests naturally. The planet is your home, and it is your responsibility to keep it safe, for you and for future generations.

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Synthetic Run Off Creating a Dead Zone https://neem.world/synthetic-dead-zone/ https://neem.world/synthetic-dead-zone/#comments Wed, 05 Jul 2017 15:27:45 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1619 In the Gulf of Mexico, an aquatic dead zone has been growing in size for decades and this summer, when the zone spreads to its peak area of the year, will cover 8,198 square miles, an area around the size of the state of New Jersey. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), ...read more →

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In the Gulf of Mexico, an aquatic dead zone has been growing in size for decades and this summer, when the zone spreads to its peak area of the year, will cover 8,198 square miles, an area around the size of the state of New Jersey. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this will be the third largest area since research began in 1985.

Last year, the hypoxic zone, an area with low to no oxygen that suffocates marine life, was around 6,000 square miles. The average of the past 32 years has been 5,309 square miles. Oceanographers from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium are predicting an even bigger area, one that covers more than 10,000 square miles.

In the Gulf of Mexico, these areas deprived of marine life and coral reefs are caused by synthetic agrochemicals run-off. The excess nutrients from fertilizers produce algae, which then sink and decompose in the water, reducing oxygen levels. Consequently, the low-oxygen environment is inhospitable for typical marine life and habitats. Not only are marine habitats destroyed, but also fish and other marine life are put at risk, ultimately lowering biodiversity and raising the cost of seafood.

The USGS estimated that 165,000 metric tons of nitrate and 22,6000 metric tons of phosphorus were deposited into the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River this past year. These nutrients come mainly from conventional agricultural practices from land surrounding the Mississippi River. The excess nutrients then leach into the soil, then the Mississippi River and eventually winding up in the Gulf of Mexico.

In order to save marine life, and limit the expansion of aquatic dead-zones, better, more sustainable agricultural methods need to be taken. Neem-based pesticides and fertilizers are an innovative solution. Instead of relying on synthetically produced chemicals, neem offers a natural, effective crop care that will not cause heavy environmental damage. Neem even slows the release of nitrogen, allowing more to be absorbed by the plants and therefore less released into the environment. With neem, major environmental issues like the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico can be reduced, if not eliminated!

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Chlorpyrifos: Damaging You and Bees https://neem.world/chlorpyrifos-damaging-bees/ https://neem.world/chlorpyrifos-damaging-bees/#comments Mon, 03 Jul 2017 17:42:03 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1615 Over the past year, chlorpyrifos, a synthetic chemical, has been popping up consistently in the news. First, with the chemical linked to bee colony collapse disorder. Now, with new research: according to a study from the New Zealand’s University of Otago, bees suffer severe learning and memory impairment after ingesting small amounts of chlorpyrifos. The ...read more →

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Over the past year, chlorpyrifos, a synthetic chemical, has been popping up consistently in the news. First, with the chemical linked to bee colony collapse disorder. Now, with new research: according to a study from the New Zealand’s University of Otago, bees suffer severe learning and memory impairment after ingesting small amounts of chlorpyrifos. The chemical was also linked to development and neurological issues after exposure in fetuses, infants, children, and pregnant women.

Even though this synthetic pesticide is now applied on crops throughout the world, Dow Chemical originally developed chlorpyrifos as a chemical weapon in World War II. Now, over 5 million pounds are sold to commercial farmers every year in the United States alone.

This has led to unprecedented distribution and application of this dangerous chemical. In 2012, research from the University of California at Berkeley showed that 87% of umbilical-cord blood samples studied had traces of chlorpyrifos. Since this synthetic chemical has been shown to negatively impair brain development in fetuses, we are actively applying a dangerous chemical to our food and the environment that not only damages our health, but also the health of future generations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), despite many industry specialists advocating for the complete ban of chlorpyrifos, decided to allow the chemical’s use in commercial agriculture. When brought before the US Senate last month, the director of the EPA offered no supporting data to defend his decision, claiming instead he had relied on “interagency dialogue.” The next review of chlorpyrifos will not take place until 2022.

With the reversal of the decision to ban chlorpyrifos, this synthetic chemical will continue to permeate our environment and our bodies unless we make a change! That change needs to be a shift in thinking and practices to organic, sustainable agricultural methods, instead of the dangerous reliance on synthetic agrochemicals seen in conventional agriculture today. By using sustainable methods, like neem-based pesticides and fertilizers, we can feed the world with nutritious, organic food that has no adverse side effects.

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Talk about Climate Change https://neem.world/talk-climate-change/ https://neem.world/talk-climate-change/#comments Mon, 26 Jun 2017 16:46:43 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1603 Could the way we talk about climate change affect how people react to it? Absolutely! By explaining concepts using large, hypothetical figures and percentages, people “yawn.” For example, saying that coal use in the United States has dropped by 20% in just two years, people immediately turn off and their eyes glaze over. How could ...read more →

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Could the way we talk about climate change affect how people react to it? Absolutely!

By explaining concepts using large, hypothetical figures and percentages, people “yawn.” For example, saying that coal use in the United States has dropped by 20% in just two years, people immediately turn off and their eyes glaze over. How could we present this type of information in a sizeable, bitable chunk for people to understand? Perhaps by presenting it in a relatable way. You could say, “that drop in coal use will save 3,000 American lives this year by reducing air pollution” or that if you have glyphosate, the active synthetic ingredient in RoundUp, the most ubiquitous herbicide in the world, residue in your system while pregnant, your child is 30% more likely to have autism. Those are head-turners. One of those lives could be yours, or your children’s.

So, what does that mean for all of this talk about climate change? Instead of driving fear in far-off numbers, talk about progress and innovation that will drive the world forward. Conversations must shift from large-scale sweeping facts to digestible, personal conversations. Without personal conversations, you may feel like climate change won’t affect you. So, instead of focusing on large-scale, focus on how progress and innovation can improve lives.

For example, the push for renewable energy sources has driven over 100,000 new solar and wind jobs over the last year alone! And there are a total of 475,000 solar and wind jobs compared to only 175,000 coal jobs in the United States. Is the future sticking to the technology of the past, or relying on innovation across all sectors of the economy?

What does this shift in climate talk mean for agriculture? By having conversations about health, risks of synthetic pesticide exposure, and dangers to pollinators and other animals our planet relies on, we can strengthen our health by developing the way we produce and consume food. Without shifts in thinking, technology, and practices, climate change will affect each and every person on earth, so how will you talk about the future of our earth?

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Celebrate All Pollinators https://neem.world/celebrate-all-pollinators/ https://neem.world/celebrate-all-pollinators/#respond Fri, 23 Jun 2017 15:25:05 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1599 Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Pollinator Week 2017 began as a reminder to address the mass decline of pollinator populations around the world. Today, it is an international celebration of the valuable services birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and beetles provide to the ecosystem. Unfortunately, declining pollinator populations are still a major problem, as for ...read more →

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Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Pollinator Week 2017 began as a reminder to address the mass decline of pollinator populations around the world. Today, it is an international celebration of the valuable services birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and beetles provide to the ecosystem. Unfortunately, declining pollinator populations are still a major problem, as for the first time in history, a bee species was added to the Endangered Species list this year.

What is pollination? Pollination is when pollen grains are moved from one flower to another of the same species, resulting in fertilization. This can happen by wind or pollinators! Successful pollination can even require multiple pollinators to visit the same flowers.

Vital to humanity’s survival, pollinators are responsible for an estimated one third of all food products. These pollinators add $20 billion to the food industry in the United States alone. Some crops that rely on these beneficial animals include corn, coffee, blueberries, melons, peaches, pumpkins, and even chocolate!

Pollination enables 40% of the world’s crops and 90% of our wild plants to thrive. It’s important to remember that not all pollinators are bees. There are roughly 1,000 beneficial vertebrae species (birds, bats and other small mammals). Another 200,000 species are beneficial insects such as bees, flies, wasps, and beetles. Though a large focus is put on the pollination benefits of bees due to recent news about synthetic pesticides causing a decline in their populations, we should not forget that many other pollinator species are also effected.

How can you protect pollinators?
You can reduce your impact by eliminating synthetic pesticide use. If you need to use pesticides, make sure that they are natural and pollinator-safe, like neem-based pesticides.
You can also plant for pollinators by creating pollinator-friendly habitats that teem with nectar and pollen.
Spread the word! Make sure that everyone is aware of the dangers for pollinators, including conventional agriculture, and encourage others to practice more sustainable methods in their daily lives!

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The Secret to Clean and Cooler Air https://neem.world/secret-clean-air/ https://neem.world/secret-clean-air/#comments Mon, 12 Jun 2017 19:53:04 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1578 What if you and your children were physically unable to live in your city? If the global community fails to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many cities in the Persian Gulf will be too hot to live in by the end of the century. However, this is a global problem the world is facing. According to ...read more →

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What if you and your children were physically unable to live in your city?

If the global community fails to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many cities in the Persian Gulf will be too hot to live in by the end of the century. However, this is a global problem the world is facing.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 80% of all urban areas have air pollution above healthy levels. The majority of people affected are in low-income regions, where 98% of cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants live in dangerously polluted air. The highest urban air pollution was found in the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia Regions, like India, and showed averages 5-10 time WHO maximum safe limits. This brings with it an increasing disease such as stroke, heart disease, lunch cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases, like asthma.

Air pollution causes over 3 million premature deaths per year. The WHO has calculated that reducing concentrations of particulate matter from 70 micrograms per cubic meter to 20, incidence of air-pollution related deaths would be lowered by 15%.

The secret to clean and cooler air can be found in nature. The neem tree is a fantastic solution. Neem trees sequester carbon, provide shade, have medicinal properties and thrive in hot, dry conditions. For example, the Karnataka Forest department in India is planning on developing tree parks in each district. These tree parks, spread over an area of 30 acres, will house over 65 million trees like neem, with an objective to create fresher air for everyone. Neem trees are a great, natural solution to help mitigate the rising problem of air pollution throughout the world.

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World Environment Day 2017 https://neem.world/world-environment-2017/ https://neem.world/world-environment-2017/#respond Mon, 05 Jun 2017 19:17:19 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1563 Every World Environment Day, we are reminded of the growing need that our planet has for us to take better care and to be more responsible. We have only one world, and without the proper care and protection of the environment, mankind will cease to survive. This year, the objective of World Environment Day is ...read more →

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Every World Environment Day, we are reminded of the growing need that our planet has for us to take better care and to be more responsible. We have only one world, and without the proper care and protection of the environment, mankind will cease to survive. This year, the objective of World Environment Day is for all people around the world to band together and make each action a meaningful one. With everyone’s participation, the environment will thrive.

Today, in 2017, with the growing
population and increased pressure on our vital resources, World Environment Day increase knowledge of the ecosystems, wildlife and other environmental services that we compromise in order to sustain ourselves. According to Climate Interactive, if each country in the world continues with business as usual, we can expect a 7.6 ºF (4.2 ºC) temperature increase by 2050. We have also farmed the land until over 50% of the topsoil and 25% of the arable land has been degraded. To preserve these agricultural lands and our food production systems, we must live in harmony with the earth and, as a global community, do our part to protect it.Screen Shot 2017-06-05 at 12.01.52 PM

Source: New York Times

What can you do to protect the air, reduce global warming and your carbon footprint?

One easy way is with neem!

Nature has provided mankind with a sustainable, natural way to protect the environment in the form of the magnificent neem tree.

Sustainable, organic neem products enhance your health and skin, while keeping the environment free of the synthetic pesticides that have dominated our food system for decades. You can even use neem in your garden to keep harmful pests, fungi, and nematodes away while letting the beneficial insects, like bees and ladybugs, roam free without worry!

You can also plant a neem tree! One of the most effective trees at sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, neem will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also introduce more carbon into the soil, making the land you stand on healthier for the planet and for your plants.

So today, and everyday, connect with nature through neem.

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How Trees Help You https://neem.world/how-trees-help-you/ https://neem.world/how-trees-help-you/#respond Fri, 28 Apr 2017 16:10:46 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1493 In a study on urban trees from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO), trees were found to drastically improve quality of life! Some of the things that trees improve in urban areas: Mental health Water flow and water quality Carbon sequestration Air cleanliness and quality Temperature Biodiversity Improves mental health:  According ...read more →

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In a study on urban trees from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO), trees were found to drastically improve quality of life!

Some of the things that trees improve in urban areas:

  • Mental health
  • Water flow and water quality
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Air cleanliness and quality
  • Temperature
  • Biodiversity

Improves mental health: 

According to the UNFAO, urban trees improve mental health because they improve energy levels and recovery speeds, while decreasing blood pressure and stress levels. Neem trees go one step further: not only does their presence improve mental health, but consuming neem decreases blood pressure and when applied to wounds, neem aids in recovery by providing vital nutrients that the skin needs to heal.

Regulates water flow and improves water quality:

The neem tree has extensive roots and is able to grow in drought-like conditions, which is why it is an excellent option to increase green cover in hot, dry climates. The extensive root system does not just take from the ground, but gives back, making the soil healthier and more fertile.

Absorbs carbon dioxide in the air and filter for pollutants:

Neem is one of the best tree species at sequestering carbon from the air, able to fix carbon at a rate of 14 mol of CO2 m-1 sec-1, enough to eliminate 12.27 tons of carbon per year! Neem also serves as a filter for pollutants in the air and cleanses your skin and body of the toxins it absorbs from living in urban areas.

Cools the air:

In India and Africa, the wide canopy neem trees offer shade and cooler temperatures in urban areas. Some places have shown a difference of around 15ºF under the neem tree canopy when compared to the surrounding temperature. Checkout profilebusinessphotography.com. In places where it can often reach 110ºF, this decrease in temperature is welcomed and often a relief for many people.

Provides habitats to increase urban biodiversity: 

Neem can be home to many different animals, helping to increase biodiversity.

The magnificent neem tree also provides natural tools that are safe to use, such as its effectiveness as a natural biopesticide.

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The Organic vs. Conventional Narrative https://neem.world/organic-vs-conventional-narrative/ https://neem.world/organic-vs-conventional-narrative/#comments Fri, 24 Mar 2017 17:58:28 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1422 What if the narrative of organic and conventional food you are being told isn’t the truth? What if its been tampered with, played with, false hypotheses thrust into our everyday media? That’s exactly what has happened. In a recently released report, Spinning Food, by Friends of the Earth, an independent, grassroots international environmental network with ...read more →

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What if the narrative of organic and conventional food you are being told isn’t the truth? What if its been tampered with, played with, false hypotheses thrust into our everyday media?

That’s exactly what has happened.

In a recently released report, Spinning Food, by Friends of the Earth, an independent, grassroots international environmental network with over 2 million members globally, the group outlines the role that big agriculture and food companies have played in the media misleading the global narrative on food.

The report found traces of hidden relationships, funding, and front groups, along with bribing of bloggers, scientists, and many others. What is the purpose of this secrecy and deceit? Profit at all costs.

The food and agriculture industry is worried that if people begin to read the real, independent science, demand for their products will drop. Instead of investing money in finding sustainable and healthy solutions to the current synthetic pesticides and agricultural methods, these huge companies are throwing money to PR firms, social media experts, and scientists, in order to lie to the public through “independent” and “third-party” sources.

Between 2012 and 2014, food and agriculture companies spent over $103 million in public relations to try and defeat groups supporting the labeling of non-GMO products. They offered exclusive invitations to “mommy bloggers” and offered them monetary compensation to to write about the benefits of the current agricultural system and the needlessness of labeling non-GMO products. They even paid scientists to produce research promoting their products and methods, even though there are countless studies proving the opposite. And that’s not all! These big companies have been funding front groups, organizations like the International Food Information Council (funded by Coca-Cola, Kraft, and Hershey), Center for Food Integrity (Monsanto), Center for Consumer Freedom (Coca Cola, Tyson Foods), and the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (Monsanto, Dow Chemical). These front groups do not outwardly list their affiliation with the big companies, instead claim to be independent entities providing consumers with information, information that conforms to the messages that fit with their goals of selling product.

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Source: Spinning Food, 2017

With all of this doubt, the food industry has succeeded in prolonging their products, but they will not succeed like sure comfort hvac prices. With education, research and greater awareness than ever before due to the spread of information through technology, consumers are realizing the benefits of organic food and sustainable agriculture, and the health risks brought on by conventional agriculture and Big Food. With more work, you can bring us into the sustainable future that our planet and mankind requires to survive! What’s the first step? Learn more about neem and its role in sustainable agriculture!

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Your Right to Food https://neem.world/your-right-to-food/ https://neem.world/your-right-to-food/#respond Fri, 17 Mar 2017 16:27:26 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1409 According to a new report from the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, the aggressive promotion of pesticides has led to a violation of human rights – our right to adequate food and our right to health. The report emphasizes that “the right to food obligates States to implement protective measures and food ...read more →

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According to a new report from the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, the aggressive promotion of pesticides has led to a violation of human rights – our right to adequate food and our right to health.

The report emphasizes that “the right to food obligates States to implement protective measures and food safety requirements to ensure that food is safe, free from pesticides and…to protect vulnerable groups…from the impacts of pesticides.”

The report calls for a comprehensive treaty to regulate these “highly hazardous pesticides,” as they perceive the lack of this treaty to be a critical gap in the framework of human rights.

One of the consequences of synthetic pesticides is the risk for chronic diseases associated with exposure. You’ll find advanced technical ceramics manufacturer at Wunder-Mold company. Many of these health impacts only reveal symptoms several years later, which is a significant challenge for accountability and really understanding the effects that the toxic mixture of synthetic chemicals pose.

Many health risks and populations are outlined in the report, including the risks to farm workers, in particular children. 60% of child laborers work in agricultural fields, increasing their exposure and risk to these deadly chemicals. Such exposure is linked to cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, hormone disruption, sterility, autism and a range of neurological disorders.

What can you do? First off, you can support sustainable companies, demand a switch to sustainable agriculture, and buy organic products. Where does neem fit into this? It is the solution to switching to a cost-effective and productive sustainable and organic agricultural system. What are you waiting for? Protect your own health, your loved ones’ health and the planet’s health by educating yourself about neem!

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Saving our Environment https://neem.world/saving-our-environment/ https://neem.world/saving-our-environment/#respond Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:36:59 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1341 “This is not a partisan debate; it’s a human one. Clean air and water and a livable climate are inalienable human rights. And solving this crisis is not a question of politics. It is our moral obligation.” – Leonardo DiCaprio, United Nations Climate Summit, 2014 With the recent change of power in the United States ...read more →

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“This is not a partisan debate; it’s a human one. Clean air and water and a livable climate are inalienable human rights. And solving this crisis is not a question of politics. It is our moral obligation.”
– Leonardo DiCaprio, United Nations Climate Summit, 2014

With the recent change of power in the United States government, many questions have been raised about the future of many departments, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

With the nomination and confirmation of Scott Pruitt as the Administrator of the EPA, many environmentalists have voiced their concerns.

For now, environmentalists are waiting to see what the government will do with the EPA. They have already blocked some last-minute changes made by the previous administration, such as not labeling the Rusty Patched Bumblebee as an endangered species, despite an 87% decrease in population since the 1990s and its vital role in our food security system. The EPA is an incredible source of peer-reviewed information, with comprehensive access to research on chemicals and toxins, climate change and health among many others. With this information, consumers are able to become more knowledgeable about maids in Florida, therefore supporting important changes, such as a switch to sustainable agriculture and organic products with biopesticides and biofertilizers like http://www.thefloridamaids.com and neem.

What would happen if the EPA were to be eliminated? Before the EPA, pollution was much more widespread than it is now. Smog warnings and urban pollution were an everyday occurrence and emissions from transportation were extreme – they have decreased by 90% even though the average commute has increased 4x. It is in our best interest to continue protecting the environment and support the EPA joining the United Nations to ensure global prosperity!

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An Easy Way to Save the Planet https://neem.world/easy-way-save-planet/ https://neem.world/easy-way-save-planet/#respond Mon, 20 Feb 2017 19:45:54 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1337 Are you worried about the fate of the planet? You should be. Why? There is a predicted population increase of 3 billion people in the next 30 years. That is a 40% increase in the population! The world reached its first billion just 200 years ago, and during the 20th century alone, the population increased ...read more →

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Are you worried about the fate of the planet?

You should be.

Why?

There is a predicted population increase of 3 billion people in the next 30 years. That is a 40% increase in the population! The world reached its first billion just 200 years ago, and during the 20th century alone, the population increased from 1.65 billion to 6 billion. When the population increased, mankind was forced to rapidly increase their food production, thus we created synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. They worked wonders in the short term, but now, they are poisoning our bodies, our families, and our environment.

If each person were to choose one organic product out of every 10 they purchased, we could begin to save our planet. How? If everyone began to buy 1/10 organic, then we would have 98 million servings of clean drinking water free of the toxic chemicals that are poisoning so many communities. 20 million servings of milk would remain antibiotic-free, thereby easing the pressure of antibiotic resistance that is occurring at alarming rates around the world. We would even reduce our total oil use by 2.9 billion barrels each year. Convinced yet?

With your support, demand, and choice, we can shape out sustainable future. By choosing organic products, you will actively support organic agriculture, of which neem is a vital component. As a biopesticide, neem is not only a healthier, safer option for our environment than the typical synthetic pesticide, but it will also help us achieve sustainable food security throughout the world, allowing mankind to thrive in harmony with the environment.

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Neem Trees: Saving the Planet https://neem.world/neem-trees-saving-planet/ https://neem.world/neem-trees-saving-planet/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:02:53 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1325 Earth Overshoot Day, also known as Ecological Debt Day, is the day of the year when humanity’s consumption of resources overtakes the earth’s ability to naturally regenerate those resources. In 2018, this day came earlier than it ever has before: On August 1st we began to rob time and resources from future generations. One reason ...read more →

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Earth Overshoot Day, also known as Ecological Debt Day, is the day of the year when humanity’s consumption of resources overtakes the earth’s ability to naturally regenerate those resources. In 2018, this day came earlier than it ever has before: On August 1st we began to rob time and resources from future generations.

One reason that this happens is due to conventional farming methods. When we use conventional farming methods, we are clearing trees from once natural land and depleting the natural resources from that space. We then continue to spray these lands with dangerous synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, further exacerbating soil erosion and degradation.

According to research published in BioScience, the annual cost of environmental and public health impacts due to soil erosion is $45 billion. If we employ alternative methods that aid in the reversal of soil erosion, such as organic farming, no-till farming, and planting neem trees, we could lower this number and instead allocate those funds to other significant issues.

Planting trees in an organic farming system contributes to the overall sustainable model for organic farms, providing shade for livestock, preventing erosion, and improving nutrient levels in soil. By planting neem trees we are effectively combating global warming and providing sustainable solutions in agriculture. Soils under pasture are nutrient-rich, containing 60% more organic matter content than cultivated fields. Neem trees are an excellent option to aid in this soil and farmland recovery as they combat soil erosion, sequester a large amount of carbon, and provide natural animal feed and shade for animals.

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Neem’s Repellent Properties https://neem.world/neems-repellent-properties/ https://neem.world/neems-repellent-properties/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2017 19:51:59 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1319 One of the most common and effective synthetic insect repellents, DEET, is surrounded by controversy. As more and more scientific research has been done on DEET, consumers still worry about unknown health effects that the man-made chemical could cause. There have been many documented health impacts and developmental issues due to DEET use. One of ...read more →

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One of the most common and effective synthetic insect repellents, DEET, is surrounded by controversy. As more and more scientific research has been done on DEET, consumers still worry about unknown health effects that the man-made chemical could cause. There have been many documented health impacts and developmental issues due to DEET use. One of the main concerns is the proper application of sprays containing DEET, especially around children and pregnant women. DEET is not recommended to be used directly on the skin, near the eyes, and should never be ingested.
Why, if there is so much controversy around DEET, is it still being used if there is a much more effective, and natural, pest repellent out there? Neem!

Neem is an effective insect repellent, which is why neem oil is known as one of the best biopesticides available. However, it can also be used on humans to repel mosquitoes and other pests. It also works when burned or added to kerosene lamps, according to a study done at the Malaria Research Center of Delhi, India. It is most effective against anopheles, the mosquitoes that transmit malaria, as compared to culex (61-94%, West Nile), Aedes (85% dengue fever), and Armigeres (35%). Additionally, they found that the use of the lamps at home dropped the malaria rate dramatically, from 10 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,000!

How does it work?
Neem’s active compound azadirachtin, what makes this tree such a great biopesticide, is the key to its success as a mosquito repellent!

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Neem and Pollution https://neem.world/1292-2/ https://neem.world/1292-2/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2017 19:58:23 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1292 Contamination and city smog is one of the current issues affecting hundreds of millions of people globally. Each year, 5.5 million people die due to air pollution. Beijing, one of the most polluted cities in the world, has dedicated $2.7 billion to solve the problem. So, how can we ensure clean air with neem? Neem ...read more →

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Contamination and city smog is one of the current issues affecting hundreds of millions of people globally. Each year, 5.5 million people die due to air pollution. Beijing, one of the most polluted cities in the world, has dedicated $2.7 billion to solve the problem.

So, how can we ensure clean air with neem? Neem is the perfection solution for reversing the damage that we have already caused to our planet for many reasons and can restore a healthy and sustainable environment.

The first way that neem reverses this damage is through the production of organic food. When we use sustainable agricultural methods, such as using natural plant-based products like neem as a biopesticide and fertilizer, we are limiting the release of dangerous chemicals into the environment from production to the end product. Typically, these products are also produced locally and thus transportation pollutants are minimized.

By using neem in organic and natural cosmetics, we produce cosmetics that are not only safe for topical use, but also sustainable for the environment through the mode of production and natural packaging.

Another way is to plant more trees! The neem tree is one of the most efficient tree species at carbon sequestration, and by planting trees, we can provide safe spaces to breathe and reduce pollutant levels in many areas.

How are you contributing to a sustainable future for our planet?

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What is Neem? https://neem.world/what-is-neem/ https://neem.world/what-is-neem/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2017 20:58:41 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1267 What is neem? Neem is a tree, native to India, that is used as a natural pesticide and fertilizer, as a natural ingredient in cosmetics, as an additive to livestock feed and in pet care products, and even in healthcare treatments! Every part of the tree can be used – the bark, the leaves, the ...read more →

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What is neem?

Neem is a tree, native to India, that is used as a natural pesticide and fertilizer, as a natural ingredient in cosmetics, as an additive to livestock feed and in pet care products, and even in healthcare treatments!

Every part of the tree can be used – the bark, the leaves, the flowers, the gum, the fruit, and the seeds.

The seeds are pressed to make neem oil

The flowers are used for aromatherapy and in food

The bark can be used as a toothbrush.

The leaves have many uses.

Why is neem important?

Our planet is coming to a pivotal turning point. In the past 250 years, the global population has increased 10-fold. By 2050, we will have reached 10 billion people. Why should we be concerned?

In the early 1800s, we hit the 1 billion mark. The first Industrial Revolution gave us the opportunity to grow, and the Green Revolution of the 1960s allowed the exponential growth of the population to continue unhindered, With the creation of synthetic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, we survived and thrived, but without realizing the profound impact these chemical inputs had on the planet we depend on to live. Many of these consequences have been ignored, but with the research and obvious impacts of climate change, we must now pay attention before it is too late to save our planet for future generations to enjoy.

In order to accomplish this, we must change, and fast. We must implement new agricultural strategies and techniques. They must be sustainable, viable, and thus, natural. Neem is the perfect opportunity to alter and reverse the damage we, as humans, have caused on our planet in every sector while catalyzing a New Green Revolution that focuses on sustainable growth.

In the agricultural sector, neem oil is an excellent and effective biopesticide and fertilizer, due to azadirachtin, a chemical compound found only in neem.

As a biopesticide, neem acts as an herbicide, eliminating the risks that many synthetic pesticides pose to animals, pollinators, our health, and the environment. Many of these synthetic pesticides are carcinogenic, seep into our water, and kill vital pollinators, like bees.

In India, neem-coated urea, a nitrogen-based fertilizer, is revolutionizing farming methods by providing a safe, cheaper, and more efficient way to introduce nitrogen to plants.

In the cosmetics sector, neem is a natural, organic ingredient. One amazing compound it contains is quercetin, which is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant. When used on the face, it can reduce red spots and acne. Neem even acts as a natural moisturizer.

In the animal sector, neem cake is given to livestock as a dietary supplement. However, it doesn’t just provide many of the nutrients that livestock need, but it also acts as an antibacterial. Therefore, it eradicates many of the pests that are currently eliminated with antibiotics, which leads to antibiotic resistance.

Neem is also used to protect animals from ticks, mites, mosquitos, lice, and other pests. It is also safe to use on domesticated animals, like dogs.

In the healthcare sector, neem is only just starting to be researched. There are studies showing that neem is a viable option in curing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, AIDS, influenza, and cystic fibrosis.

Additionally, neem can help treat ulcers, quickly heal wounds, treat digestive issues, eczema, psoriasis, help prevent malaria, and many others.

Environmentally, the neem tree is a safe, non-toxic tool. Instead of polluting our waters, soils, and air, it has amazing carbon sequestration capabilities, effectively helping to reduce the impact our technology has imposed on the environment while combatting deforestation.

Neem has many secrets left to be discovered, but by realizing the benefits and opportunities that this miracle of nature has given us, we can change the world.

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Bees: Vital to Agriculture and Our Survival https://neem.world/bees-vital-agriculture-survival/ https://neem.world/bees-vital-agriculture-survival/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2017 22:34:02 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1255 The first wild bee to be listed as an endangered species, the rusty patched bumblebee, represents the danger that synthetic pesticides pose to our environment and future survival. The United Nations recently released a global assessment stating that 40% of invertebrate pollinator species are in danger of extinction. Bumblebees are vital to our survival. In ...read more →

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The first wild bee to be listed as an endangered species, the rusty patched bumblebee, represents the danger that synthetic pesticides pose to our environment and future survival. The United Nations recently released a global assessment stating that 40% of invertebrate pollinator species are in danger of extinction.

Bumblebees are vital to our survival. In the United States, wild bees are integral in wildflower and crop pollination, responsible for the pollination of one third of all crops in the United States, such as blueberries and tomatoes. The main factors that have contributed to this loss include disease, pesticides, climate change, and habitat loss. Before the 1990s, this bee species could be found in 28 states, but now they are limited to small populations in 13 states and Ontario. An 88% loss of population and an 87% loss of territory has been recorded in the last 30 years.

Scientists are blaming neonicotinoids, a common, toxic synthetic pesticide that is typically used on crops, lawns, gardens, and forests, because the plant entirely intakes the poison. That includes the leaf tissue, nectar, and pollen. Therefore, when the bees take in nectar, they ingest pesticide poison.

What does this mean for the future of agriculture? It means that a dramatic change needs to be made, and fast. 75% of food crops rely in some part on pollinators, so extinction of these species indicate a threat to our global food supply. A switch to sustainable agricultural practices in order to save pollinators, and thus our food sources, is necessary for the survival of mankind and our planet. Neem, an extremely effective natural pesticide, does not pose any danger to pollinators because they do not eat the plant. Neem is safe to pollinators and other non-target insects and mammals because the pesticide must be consumed to work. By using processes, like neem-based products, that do not pose any danger to pollinators or non-threatening insects, we can ensure our survival and global food supply.

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‘Climate change is not hysteria – it’s a fact’ https://neem.world/climate-change-not-hysteria-fact/ https://neem.world/climate-change-not-hysteria-fact/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2016 22:47:55 +0000 https://neem.world/?p=1013 As an actor I pretend for a living. I play fictitious characters often solving fictitious problems. I believe humankind has looked at climate change in that same way: as if it were a fiction, happening to someone else’s planet, as if pretending that climate change wasn’t real would somehow make it go away. –Leonardo Di ...read more →

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As an actor I pretend for a living. I play fictitious characters often solving fictitious problems.

I believe humankind has looked at climate change in that same way: as if it were a fiction, happening to someone else’s planet, as if pretending that climate change wasn’t real would somehow make it go away. –Leonardo Di Caprio

 

Before the Flood, directed by Fisher Stevens, captures a three-year personal journey alongside Academy Award-winning actor and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio as he interviews individuals from every facet of society in both developing and developed nations. They provide unique, impassioned and pragmatic views on what must be done today and in the future to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet. Watch the full movie here.

DiCaprio addresses the UN climate summit

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Water Scarcity https://neem.world/water-scarcity/ https://neem.world/water-scarcity/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2016 20:30:48 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=905 Water scarcity is an issue that threatens life itself, causing thirst, food shortages, displacement, and disease. More than 4 billion people worldwide are at risk of drought and half a billion already face severe water scarcity year round. When water is hard to find, sub prime, or heavily contaminated water, is the only alternative. Two ...read more →

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Water scarcity is an issue that threatens life itself, causing thirst, food shortages, displacement, and disease. More than 4 billion people worldwide are at risk of drought and half a billion already face severe water scarcity year round.

When water is hard to find, sub prime, or heavily contaminated water, is the only alternative. Two billion people worldwide use contaminated water as their main source of hydration, leading to the proliferation of lethal diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Every year, over 4 million children are infected by water-borne infections.

Agriculture has increasingly contaminated the water supply in the United States, with 96% of all nitrate contamination coming from the agricultural sector. This is due to the leakage of nitrates into the ground water from use of synthetic pesticides.

The good news is that natural, organic, and ecological practices in agriculture, like neem, are paving the way towards a new and higher standard for water use and protection.

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Dealing with Deforestation https://neem.world/dealing-with-deforestation/ https://neem.world/dealing-with-deforestation/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2016 16:45:08 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=679 The very nature of neem makes the tree ideal for reforestation and carbon sequestration efforts. Fast growing, with a large surface biomass and thick foliage, neem has an impressive capacity to capture carbon in the atmosphere with a sequestration capacity of 12.27 tons per tree per year. One of the most resilient, hard wearing, and ...read more →

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The very nature of neem makes the tree ideal for reforestation and carbon sequestration efforts. Fast growing, with a large surface biomass and thick foliage, neem has an impressive capacity to capture carbon in the atmosphere with a sequestration capacity of 12.27 tons per tree per year. One of the most resilient, hard wearing, and durable timbers on the planet, with a lifespan of up to 200 years, neem is an obvious choice for protecting and restoring the environment through long term carbon entrapment.

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Deforestation https://neem.world/deforestation/ https://neem.world/deforestation/#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2016 18:18:32 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=646 The deforestation problem and how we can help it, in one simple image.

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deforestation

The deforestation problem and how we can help it, in one simple image.

What's the solution button

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Neem for Reforestation https://neem.world/neem-for-reforestation/ https://neem.world/neem-for-reforestation/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2016 21:45:38 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=866 The human population created almost 36 gigatonnes of CO2 during 2014, 60% over the levels experienced in 1990. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have risen by 90% since 1970. Even though these statistics are jarring, there is a problem: every year there is deforestation, which means fewer trees to ...read more →

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The human population created almost 36 gigatonnes of CO2 during 2014, 60% over the levels experienced in 1990. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, global carbon emissions from fossil fuels have risen by 90% since 1970. Even though these statistics are jarring, there is a problem: every year there is deforestation, which means fewer trees to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Deforestation is responsible for 15% of carbon emissions, but that figure does not factor in the carbon that was not sequestered by the millions of lost trees. Unfortunately, it is not just carbon sequestration power that is lost with tree removal, but also, if the tree is burned or left to rot, all of the carbon that is stored in the tree is then released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Around 60,000 square miles of trees, or roughly the size of the state of Georgia, is lost to deforestation every single year, which is estimated to add up to 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide.

Since 1990, 129 million hectares have been cut, burnt, or otherwise destroyed. This amount is actually considered a (minor) achievement as the rate of deforestation has been reduced to almost half in the last 25 years. Many different whole home remodeling projects in California can be found on Lars Architecture and Construction website. However, we must continue to pursue forest conservation and reforestation in order to mitigate the consequences of fast changing weather patterns.

Neem trees are vital for reforestation efforts due to the fact that the trees grow extremely well in sandy soil and all types of climates, making it very efficient in cases where deforestation and erosion have become an issue. Additionally, the neem tree is one of the best trees at carbon sequestration, able to sequester 12.27 tons of carbon per year. By planting neem trees, we are able to accomplish two things: combat deforestation and reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, protecting our planet for future generations.

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Rising Demand For Forest Carbon Offsets https://neem.world/rising-demand-for-forest-carbon-offsets/ https://neem.world/rising-demand-for-forest-carbon-offsets/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2016 18:24:36 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=547 At the end of 2013, 26.5m hectares of forest plantations were supported by carbon finance, according to NGO Forest Trends, with $212 million injected into the sector during the previous year. This represents growth of 9% y-o-y and is based on coverage of 162 projects across 58 countries. Part altruism, part commercial, this was financed by ...read more →

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At the end of 2013, 26.5m hectares of forest plantations were supported by carbon finance, according to NGO Forest Trends, with $212 million injected into the sector during the previous year. This represents growth of 9% y-o-y and is based on coverage of 162 projects across 58 countries. Part altruism, part commercial, this was financed by the sale of 28 million tons of carbon offsets.

A number of features make neem attractive for corporations or investors looking to set up plantations as a direct or offset method of GHG reduction. By sequestering atmospheric CO2 in photosynthesis, tree plantations provide a simple and effective natural ‘sink’ for manmade pollutant activities. This impressive carbon sequestering capability makes neem one of the most effective and important tree species in climate change.

 

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A Leader in Carbon Offsetting https://neem.world/a-leader-in-carbon-offsetting/ https://neem.world/a-leader-in-carbon-offsetting/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2016 18:08:03 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=527 One of the more practical and achievable ways to cleanse our environment and ensure an equitable future is to lock up, or sequester, more carbon from the atmosphere through the simple process of planting more trees worldwide. Neem has a high rate of photosynthesis and liberates more oxygen than many other tree species, being able ...read more →

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One of the more practical and achievable ways to cleanse our environment and ensure an equitable future is to lock up, or sequester, more carbon from the atmosphere through the simple process of planting more trees worldwide.

Neem has a high rate of photosynthesis and liberates more oxygen than many other tree species, being able to ‘fix’ more than 14 μmol of CO2 m-1 sec-1. This provides a good platform for maximum CO2 fixation, while serving as a shield against other pollution components.

Range of Organic Carbon Sequestration by Tree

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Growing Green Economies https://neem.world/growing-green-economies/ https://neem.world/growing-green-economies/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2016 18:53:12 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=579 An explanation of consequences if businesses do not shift to more sustainable conduct and the importance of sustainable practices in reducing the amount of worldwide carbon emissions.

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An explanation of consequences if businesses do not shift to more sustainable conduct and the importance of sustainable practices in reducing the amount of worldwide carbon emissions.

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The Green Revolution and Why We Need A New One https://neem.world/the-green-revolution-and-why-we-need-a-new-one/ https://neem.world/the-green-revolution-and-why-we-need-a-new-one/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2016 17:28:17 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=425 Population growth is unrelenting – The 40% increase in our population expected by 2050 will require the production of 70% more food and 100% more protein. At the same time: Arable land is in decline – 12 million hectares (29.6 million acres) of arable land is degrading each year, a rate 35x that was experienced 50 years ago. Crop ...read more →

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Population growth is unrelenting – The 40% increase in our population expected by 2050 will require the production of 70% more food and 100% more protein. At the same time:

  • Arable land is in decline – 12 million hectares (29.6 million acres) of arable land is degrading each year, a rate 35x that was experienced 50 years ago.
  • Crop yields have peaked – Global crop production yields will need to double by 2050 to meet rising demand.
  • Food is wasted – 40% of food grown in the US is uneaten and goes to wasted.

A new, kinder, and more efficient way of producing food is needed to secure a safe and sustainable future for us all.

The Green Revolution is dead…. Long live the New Green Revolution.

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The Science of Soil Health: Systems in Agroecology https://neem.world/the-science-of-soil-health-systems-in-agroecology/ https://neem.world/the-science-of-soil-health-systems-in-agroecology/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2016 19:06:51 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=584 An explanation of soil health in the Dakota Research Farms and how diversity in planting gives farmers the benefits and costs to stay productive .

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An explanation of soil health in the Dakota Research Farms and how diversity in planting gives farmers the benefits and costs to stay productive .

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What You Eat Could Cost the Earth – Chart https://neem.world/eat-cost-earth-chart/ https://neem.world/eat-cost-earth-chart/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2016 17:41:22 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=381 We currently use 1.6x the earth’s available resources. Unless moves are made to explore sustainability, living on our planet may mean having to make do with less. Farmland availability is shrinking, much of it to make way for expanding urban populations. Crop yields are no longer expanding and the ‘Green Revolution’ of the 1960s and 1970s ...read more →

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We currently use 1.6x the earth’s available resources. Unless moves are made to explore sustainability, living on our planet may mean having to make do with less. Farmland availability is shrinking, much of it to make way for expanding urban populations. Crop yields are no longer expanding and the ‘Green Revolution’ of the 1960s and 1970s is now just a distant memory. A new and more efficient way of producing food is necessary in order to solve the challenges of a rising population.

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World Population and Arable Land 1996 – 2020 Chart https://neem.world/world-population-and-arable-land-1996-2020-chart/ https://neem.world/world-population-and-arable-land-1996-2020-chart/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2016 17:07:09 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=379 Sustaining the needs of a global population that has tripled in the last century alone is one of the major challenges of modern man. The global population has increased by 45% to 7 billion since the dawn of the new millennium, and is expected to hit at least 9.7 billion by 2050. By 2100, the human ...read more →

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Sustaining the needs of a global population that has tripled in the last century alone is one of the major challenges of modern man. The global population has increased by 45% to 7 billion since the dawn of the new millennium, and is expected to hit at least 9.7 billion by 2050. By 2100, the human population will have surpassed 11.2 billion.

12 million hectares (29.6 million acres) of arable land is degrading each year, a rate 30-35x that was experienced 50 years ago. How will we accomplish the awesome challenge of feeding the world’s increasing population? With sustainable, natural resources, like neem!

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What is Sustainable Growth? https://neem.world/what-is-sustainable-growth/ https://neem.world/what-is-sustainable-growth/#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2016 18:02:26 +0000 http://www.neem.world/?p=576 How do we manage our business, should we do some things differently.

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How do we manage our business, should we do some things differently.

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