To say that “when the last tree dies, the last man dies” is not just a popular adage, it is a fact. Indeed, any damage to the environment affects us in one way or the other. The Earth forms part of our natural living habitat, trees provide our much needed oxygen for survival and water bodies are the homes to some living organisms and support the well-being of our ecosystem. It therefore behooves on us to do our best to maintain our environment in its most optimal form.
Globally, temperatures as well as sea levels are rising; climate patterns have become erratic and devastating and the plague of plastic waste and the negative effects of pollution in our urban and rural spaces cannot be overemphasized. In Ghana, we’re saddled with poor sanitation practices, indiscriminate felling of trees and important plant species being lost. The list is endless. Our lack of green and flowery spaces also leaves much to be desired. Trees, grass, flowers and other green vegetation provide wildlife habitat, biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, absorb air pollutants, and lower surface temperatures. Lack of green spaces leads to higher air temperatures with fewer trees and plants to clean the air and provide oxygen.
Over the decade, there has been much talk on the need for a green economy the world over. In Ghana, the situation is no different. Most people have also become more environmentally conscious to some degree. Collectively, there are many ways we can show that we care about our environment. Some of the most common ways are the three “Rs”; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. No matter how small or insignificant your actions may seem, they matter. It only takes one person to start a movement that could possibly lead to a major environmental breakthrough.
Becoming a ‘green consumer’ is one of the easiest ways you can impact the environment. When shopping for any sort of product – anything from groceries to a new television – take a moment to weigh up the options. If there are alternatives, consider which product has the lowest impact on the environment. Opting for more fuel efficient vehicles as well as energy saving appliance in our homes is another way to go. Remembering to re-use or recycle our plastic, paper and glass waste should form part of our daily routine as much as disposing of our waste more efficiently. A little a day goes a long way.
The Ghana Garden and Flower Show (GGFS) was birthed by the Ghana Garden and Flower Movement and Strategic Communications Africa Ltd (Stratcomm Africa) out of the need to protect our environment. The 2019 edition of the Show will take place this year from 28th August to 3rd September 2019, once again at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, Accra.
At the Show, Ghana’s flora and fauna and their commercial, aesthetic, environmental, health and psychological benefits etc are projected, celebrated and the public encouraged to harness and develop them for individual and national benefit. The skills for harnessing these natural endowments are shared by various exhibitors as well as in the workshops and conference associated with the Show.
“Be The Change”, is the theme of the 2019 Show as we challenge Ghanaians to take responsibility for transforming our surroundings with the beauty of gardens and flowers.
It is therefore time to join the campaign to save the environment by being the change. Being the change starts with you, me, governments, the private sector, everyone! Taking meaningful yet small steps towards going green this year can lead to real, measurable and positive change for our spaces and ultimately the planet. Changing a habit or two, educating ourselves and making smarter choices is really all that it takes. Think about the future of our communities, country and ultimately our planet and go ahead and BE THE CHANGE!
Together we can achieve a Greener, Cleaner and Healthier, Wealthier and more Beautiful Ghana and contribute to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.