Hello,
Welcome to blog of the month – March 2020
This is the very first blog, a baby step towards collective intelligence, knowledge-sharing, idea collaboration platform.
Every month, we will introduce a challenge, provide a few inputs for the solution and discussion begins. Members are encouraged to comment, share their idea, help other members refine their idea and take the discussion forward all through the month.
Shall we start?
THIS MONTH’S TOPIC IS COCONUT LEAF.
Coconut, the word is derived from 16th century Spanish and Portuguese word, coco. Word coco means head or skull. The 3 holes on the coconut fruit somewhat resemble a human face, with two eyes and nose.
Having a coconut palm in the premises is of course, convenient.
Coconut palm has fibrous root system. Roots when confronted with a hard object, they grow along, instead of penetrating the object. So, the roots do not harm or endanger the foundation of the building.
It also does not block the sunlight as hardwood tree species.
Coconut is a popular ingredient for many Indian recipes. It also is favorite as garnish, along with coriander.
Probably that is the reason it was planted in such a large number, in out cities. In my native city of Pune, Maharashtra, a look at the cityscape from a hill, provides extent of it.
This all seems all good. Now let’s turn to the other side of the coin, or in this case, leaf 😊
Here is some trivia about coconut leaf.
The leaf consists of many leaflets arranged obliquely on the mid-rib or rachis. Each leaflet is long, linear, has a strong mid-rib with narrow lamina and parallel venation
An adult palm produces 12-16 leaves each year. A mature leaf is 3-4 metres in length and can have around 200 leaflets. Leaves are shed from the palm. A leaf remains on the palm for about 3 years.
Okkay, now what is the problem exactly?
In coastal areas, leaves are used for roof thatching.
In urban area, well, with all that concrete, there are no roofs to thatch. 😊
And that’s where our challenge of the month emerges.
WHAT TO DO WITH COCONUT LEAVES?
The leaflets, if we strip away the mid-rib, can be used for mulching and composting. But stripping leaflets from id-rib is a laborious task. During leaf-fall, leaves of other trees available for the purpose anyway. So, coconut leaves are not very favorite and convenient for mulching and composting.
What is the current practice for managing these leaves?
Well, in some cities, these shed palm leaves are collected by the municipal corporation. They are sometimes sent to the shredder, if the facility is available. Shredded mulch is accommodated in the compost or is sent to the dump yard.
In absence of shredding facility, collected leaves are sent to the dump yard.
Where municipal corporation is not equipped to collect these leaves, the owner of the tree simply keeps them by road-side, on a footpath or dumps at any empty plot/ ground near-by.
Or they are simply gotten rid of by open burning.
WHY OPEN BURNING IS A PROBLEM?
Smoke is inhaled by people around. Smoke is carried by winds and reaches even people quite far from the place. Burning of dry leaves generates a large quantity of particulates. These particulates are carried by the wind. They can reach deep in lung tissue of people around and can cause
•Coughing
•Wheezing
•Chest pain
•Shortness of breath
•Long-term respiratory problems
For the people who suffer from asthma or other breathing disorder, leaf burning is extremely hazardous.
Life on earth is carbon-based. We all, i.e. all the living things are made up of carbon.
So, when any organic matter is burnt, that carbon combined with oxygen is let out in form of carbon dioxide.
If the leaves in the heap smother, i.e. they do not get enough oxygen, then Carbon monoxide is released.
Carbon monoxide is dangerously hazardous gas. It gets absorbed in blood where it reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of the Red Blood Cells (RBCs).
It also is one of the greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Its impact towards global warming is more than other common greenhouse gases, like Carbon dioxide and Methane.
Fire can always spread with wind. So, there is a risk of fire spreading to surrounding areas. It is risky for people and properties around. Green trees, plants nearby get damaged due to fire.
SO, OPEN BURNING OF LEAVES IS HEALTH AS WELL AS FIRE HAZARD.
Challenge for this month is “How to Many coconut leaves in manner that is not harmful to the environment and the living creatures around”.
A few solutions we have come across are below.
SOLUTION 1: CREATING BROOMS USING THE MID-RIB OF THE LEAFLET
Mid-rib of the leaflet is taken out by stripping off the leafy part. Mid-ribs are collected in a bunch and a broom is made.
PROBLEM: People who make these brooms roam around looking for the fallen coconut leaves. When they find a leaf by the roadside/ footpath, they find a place nearby to make the broom.
These places are usually on the footpath, by the roadside, by the bridges. These places are dirty, dangerous with heavy city traffic near by. With no other option, these broom-makers work in these unhealthy, dirty and sometimes dangerous conditions.
And that is not the only challenge. Once broom is made, it is upon them to sell it.
POSSIBLE SOLUTION: Can any general store (which sells brooms) offer a corner in their premises to the broom-makers and then buy the brooms from them, once it is ready? So broom-makers get to work in safe and respectable conditions, and they have assured source of income.
If such a hub is created, coconut palm owners in the vicinity could be encouraged to bring their fallen leaves at that designated corner in the shop premises.
It is a WIN-WIN situation for the broom-maker, coconut palm owner and the shop keeper.
Image Courtesy: https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/coco-brooms-2580423312.html
SOLUTION 2: MAKING ARTEFACTS FROM THE LEAFLETS.
Various artefacts like baskets, boxes, lanterns are made from the leaflets.
Image Courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/KonkanHaritKranti/photos/a.402751296598158/999826886890593/?type=1&theater
SOLUTION 3: MAKING PAPER FROM THE LEAFLETS
Here is a paper suggesting this idea.
SOLUTION 4: LEAF MID-RIB/ RACHIS AS FUEL
There are many families in lower income strata, who use LPG cylinder for cooking, but cannot afford the same to warm the bath water. They are dependent on challah for the same. Chullah operates on wood. They often need to look for the fallen trees/ branches and stock up.
Can the rachis be used instead of fuel-wood? Rachis any way cannot be used for anything else. It decomposes very very slow.
Instead of it rotting away in some dump yard, can the same be made available to people who depend on fire-wood?
Here is a rocket stove designed by Mr. Niranjan Upasani. Including his comment here in the blog.
We at Sustainable Lifestyle Store and Experience Center have been working on stoves that can use the Woody part of the coconut leaf as Fuel.
We accept these Woody part of the leaf. The store can also give a discount on the products you buy in lieu of the leaves you donate at the store.
One of the sweepers at our store uses it for cooking.
We have also manufactured a ticket stove that uses this wood as fuel.
These stoves are available commercially too.
DO COMMENT, DO ADD.
LET THE BRAINSTOME BEGIN
References:
https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/50/9/article-p1327.xml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut
https://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/bioversity/publications/Web_version/108/ch02.htm
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CHCM Ltd is licensed by College of Pharmacists of Ontario |
OUR ADDRESS: Main Office: 2425 Matheson Blvd E, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5K4, Canada |
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE: To all countries and destinations, feel free to order |
PAYMENT METHODS: credit cards, |
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Stromectol (Ivermectin) as low as $1.92
Stromectol is a broad spectrum anti-parasitic medication used for the treatment of certain parasitic infections. Stromectol has also shown promising results as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
-
Ventolin (Asthalin) as low as $15.80
Ventolin is used for treating or preventing breathing problems in patients who have asthma or certain other airway diseases. It may be used to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise. Ventolin relaxes the smooth muscle in the lungs and dilates airways to improve breathing.
-
Amoxicillin as low as $0.44
Amoxicillin is an effective penicillin-like antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, including: gonorrhea, middle ear infections, skin infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and infections of the genital and urinary tract. Amoxicillin is available in capsules.
-
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Prednisone as low as $0.43
Prednisone is a corticosteroid used in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including severe asthma, allergies, arthritis, and cancer as well as for treating eye and breathing problems. Prednisone is used in the treatment of COVID-19 infection due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
-
Viagra Super Active+ as low as $1.39
Viagra Super Active represents the fourth generation of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This new formulation of a world-known medication provides even more powerful penis blood circulation, increased stamina and sensitivity to stimulation.
-
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) as low as $0.92
Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria infections and to treat certain auto-immune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine has also shown promising results as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
-
Lasix as low as $0.31
Lasix is a loop diuretic. It helps the body to get rid of excessive water and is used in the treatment of edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and renal disease, including the nephrotic syndrome. It is also effective in the treatment of high blood pressure alone or in combination with other medicines.
-
Cialis Professional as low as $1.81
Cialis Professional is an orally administered drug used to treat male erectile dysfunction (impotence). It quickly helps to achieve and maintain proper erection in case of erectile dysfunction in men and restore sexual activity.
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Cialis + Viagra Powerpack special price
Cialis + Viagra Powerpack is a powerful combination of drugs used for treating erectile dysfunction, more commonly known as impotence. Since becoming available, both Cialis and Viagra have been the prime treatment for erectile dysfunction. Effective and quick-acting, Cialis and Viagra provide restored and enhanced ability for sexual intercourse.
-
Prednisolone as low as $0.31
Prednisolone is useful for the treatment of a wide range of inflammatory and auto-immune conditions such as asthma, uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, Bell's palsy, multiple sclerosis, cluster headaches, systemic lupus erythematosus, and dermatomyositis. Prednisolone is used in the treatment of COVID-19 infection due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
-
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Advair as low as $28.12
Advair is a combination of two medicines (fluticasone and salmeterol) that are used to help control the symptoms of asthma and improve lung function. Fluticasone is the anti-inflammatory component of the combination, while salmeterol treats constriction of the airways.
-
Viagra Professional as low as $1.45
Viagra Professional is a clinically tested enhanced prescription drug used to treat erection difficulties. Activating the natural blood flow, it provides sustained erection, accelerated recovery from prior sexual intercourse, increased stamina and libido, and psychological confidence. Safe and effective, Viagra Professional promotes penis erection only in response to sexual stimulation.
-
Viagra Super Force as low as $3.74
Viagra Super Force is a new combination product containing well-known sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) and recently developed dapoxetine, the first oral medication to be approved for the treatment of premature ejaculation. The efficacy of both components as well as their combination has been proven in placebo-controlled clinical studies.
-
Cialis Super Active+ as low as $1.85
Cialis Super Active has answered our high expectations in its ability to treat and cure the widespread disease of erectile dysfunction by super-active formulation that gives the pill the shortest activation time and the most prolonged time of action. The drug provides a long-lasting erection, restoring and enhancing sexual activity in men.
-
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Cipro as low as $0.40
Cipro is a broad-spectrum antibiotic recommended for people suffering from respiratory pathogens causing infections such as acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) as well as for those suffering from urinary tract infections, some STDs, skin and soft tissue infections, septicemia, legionellosis, and anthrax.
-
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Cialis Soft Tabs as low as $1.34
Just like regular Cialis but specially formulated, these pills are soft and dissolvable under the tongue. The effect of this is more direct absorption into the bloodstream, rather than through the stomach. Result - a powerful, lasting effect of being able to achieve and maintain an erection up to 36 hours.
-
Glucophage as low as $0.32
Glucophage is an oral anti-diabetic drug used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people. Glucophage is the only anti-diabetic drug that has been proven to protect against the cardiovascular complications of diabetes.
-
Zovirax as low as $0.48
Zovirax is one of the most commonly-used antiviral drugs indicated for the treatment of herpes virus infections including herpes zoster (shingles), initial and recurrent genital herpes, and chickenpox. Zovirax reduces pain and helps the sores caused by herpes to heal faster.
-
Pink Female Viagra as low as $0.63
Pink Female Viagra represents a serious approach to the problem of female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD), formulated scientifically to provide satisfaction in terms of sexual needs and lasting pleasure.
-
Atenolol as low as $0.35
Atenolol is used to treat cardiovascular diseases and conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, angina (chest pain) and to treat and reduce the risk of heart complications following myocardial infarction (heart attack).
-
-
Viagra Soft Tabs as low as $1.28
Viagra Soft Tabs are mint flavored soft tablets for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. They are equivalent to regular Viagra, however due to their soft formulation, they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
-
Molnupiravir as low as $127.60
Molnupiravir is an antiviral medication authorized for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHCM Ltd is licensed by College of Pharmacists of Ontario |
OUR ADDRESS: Main Office: 2425 Matheson Blvd E, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5K4, Canada |
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE: To all countries and destinations, feel free to order |
PAYMENT METHODS: credit cards, |
I suggest one solution. In rural area, these are used for roof thatching. Then can be used such way in slum areas in the cities also. Because in slum areas people use plastic sheets on the roof for protection in rainy season, which is harmful for environment. Except that, if they are provided these leaves to spread on their roof, it will help them to protect from rain. In rural areas these leaves are nittted like( चटई) . So they become thick and waterproof. If they are used on the roof, no water leaks from roof.
So in slum area this can be done. After rainy season, in winter they will become dry and those people can burn it for hot water. Or it can be used to make cocopit also.
Another importance of these leaves is that, they prohibit heat and make climate cold in summer season. So all 12 months they are useful.
So I think in cities also in slum areas these leaves should be used like rural areas. It will help not to use plastic which is harmful to environment.
I read the blog. Coconut leaves is a big problem in the cities. They take much more time to compost. In rural areas they are used in so many ways. In cities also they can be used like rural areas.
In rural areas they are netted and made like mats. It is called in rural marathi ‘झापं’. These are used for thatching the roof.
Like this they can be used in slum areas in every city. People in slum area use plastic sheets on the roof for protection from rain. These netted leaves are thick and waterproof. And so more useful.
So I think this will be a good option for plastic sheets.
Another use of these leaves is in summer. Because they are heat prohibited. If in summer the roof is covered by these leaves, the room temperature will remain cold, will not be hot.
I stay in a society where there are 100 plots. Each plot has an average 1 coconut tree. So 100 trees are there in my society. We face the same problem mentioned in this blog. I thought of one solution wherein the problem of coconut leaves by the roadside will get solved and some people will get the opportunity to earn money. The scheme is as follows-
We form a Self Help Group. {Some Government schemes are there for these group however right now we are not dependent on those schemes it may be helpful in future.}
This group will list out people who have a coconut tree in their premises. We assure them that we will collect your coconut leaves in 48 hrs time, after getting information. One of the group members will go to the place and separate the leaves from mid-rib. That person will cut the mid-rib and make it compact for transport. We will make brooms from the useful side leaves and sell it in a wholesale market or shops or to individuals.
This will be the first step, there are many other products we thought to make out of coconut tree. Right now we are three members working on this project. I hope to get more working members.
Please contact me , if you need vehicle for transportation, i have transportation facility…
We at Sustainable Lifestyle Store and Experience Center have been working on stoves that can use the Woody part of the coconut leaf as Fuel.
We accept these Woody part of the leaf. The store can also give a discount on the products you buy in lieu of the leaves you donate at the store.
One if the sweeper at our store uses it for cooking.
We have also manufactured a ticket stove that uses this wood as fuel.
These stoves are available commercially too.
नमस्कार सदस्या हो…
नारळाची जी पान आहेत, त्याच्या मधल्या काड्या वापर करुन आपण दूरडी बनवू शकतो, किवा hanging pots बनवू शकतो.. जर कोणी याचा विचार केला, तर यात खूप कल्पकता आहे, आपण बांबू चे साहित्य बघतो च.. तसे च याचा उपयोग करता येईल….