Nigeria is a land of extraordinary beauty and biodiversity, with vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and diverse ecosystems. For nature lovers and adventurers, it offers a wealth of opportunities. That said, traveling responsibly is key to preserving the natural wonders and respecting local communities. So in this article, we’ll explore how to minimize your environmental impact while traveling in Nigeria by offering sustainable travel tips, wildlife conservation efforts, and cultural respect.

Traveling Sustainably in Nigeria

Use Public Transportation: Nigeria has an extensive network of buses, trains, and shared taxis. Opt for public transportation to reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion.

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Many lodges and hotels in Nigeria are committed to eco-friendly practices. Look for accommodations with green certifications such as LEED or local sustainability awards.

Support Local Guides: When exploring Nigeria’s natural wonders, hire local guides who are well-versed in the environment. They can provide valuable insights and ensure minimal impact on the ecosystem.

Reduce Plastic Waste: Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to minimize plastic waste. Water purification tablets or filters are handy for refilling your bottle with clean water.

Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and never feed or disturb animals. Follow ethical wildlife viewing guidelines to protect the natural habitats and the creatures that call them home.

Minimizing Your Environmental Impact While Exploring Nigerian Wildlife

Stay on Designated Trails: When trekking through national parks or reserves, stick to designated trails to avoid disturbing local flora and fauna.

Dispose of Waste Properly: Use designated waste disposal facilities or carry out all your trash. Leave no trace of your visit in these fragile ecosystems.

Photograph Responsibly: When capturing the beauty of Nigerian wildlife, avoid using flashes or disturbing animals for the sake of a photo. Respect their natural behavior.

Choose Eco-Friendly Tours: Support tour operators that follow eco-friendly guidelines. They should prioritize the environment’s well-being over profit.

Learn About Local Conservation: Take the time to learn about local conservation efforts and how you can contribute. Many organizations in Nigeria work tirelessly to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

Supporting Local Conservation Efforts

Contribute to Local Conservation Organizations: Many local nonprofits in Nigeria are dedicated to preserving the environment. Contribute to these organizations or volunteer your time.

Participate in Conservation Projects: Some organizations offer opportunities for travelers to actively engage in conservation efforts, such as tree planting or wildlife monitoring.

Respect Regulations: Adhere to all park and reserve regulations. Pay entrance fees that support conservation and follow the guidelines provided.

Educate Yourself: Learn about the environmental issues facing Nigeria and the efforts being made to address them. This knowledge can inform your travel choices and support the right initiatives.

Respecting Local Cultures and Traditions

Dress Modestly: In many parts of Nigeria, modest clothing is appreciated. Be mindful of local dress codes, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious or traditional sites.

Learn Basic Phrases: Familiarize yourself with basic local phrases and greetings. This shows respect for the local culture and can enhance your travel experience.

Ask for Permission: Always seek permission before taking photographs of people, especially in remote or indigenous communities. Not everyone may be comfortable being photographed.

Respect Religious Practices: If visiting places of worship, follow local customs and respect the sanctity of the space. Remove your shoes and dress appropriately, as required.

Support Local Economies: Buy local products and handicrafts as a way to support local communities. This provides economic benefits and encourages sustainable practices.

Traveling in Nigeria can be a transformative experience. By following these sustainable travel tips, minimizing your environmental impact, and respecting local cultures and traditions, you can ensure that your journey leaves a positive mark on both the environment and the communities you visit. Nigeria’s natural beauty and cultural richness deserve to be cherished and preserved for future generations to enjoy.

When it comes to home renovation, choosing sustainable building materials isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsible choice that can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Whether you’re planning a small upgrade or a major remodel, integrating eco-friendly materials into your project is a step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient home. In this article, we’ll explore how to make your home renovation more eco-friendly, introduce you to sustainable building materials, discuss government incentives for green renovations, and highlight the benefits of energy-efficient windows.

How to Make Your Home Renovation More Eco-Friendly

1. Plan with Sustainability in Mind: Start your renovation by setting clear sustainability goals. Consider factors like energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Your planning phase is crucial to ensure a greener outcome.
2. Choose Sustainable Materials: Opt for materials with lower environmental footprints. Look for certifications like LEED, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), or Cradle to Cradle for guidance on eco-friendly choices.
3. Energy-Efficient Appliances: When upgrading your appliances, select Energy Star-rated models. These appliances are designed to consume less energy while providing the same level of performance.
4. Water Conservation: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets to reduce water consumption. Collect rainwater for outdoor use to further conserve this precious resource.
5. Proper Insulation: Invest in high-quality insulation materials to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce heating and cooling energy consumption.

Sustainable Building Materials for Home Renovation

Now, let’s delve into some sustainable building materials that you can consider for your eco-friendly home renovation:

1. Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that makes an excellent alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. It’s durable, stylish, and can be sustainably harvested.
2. Reclaimed Wood: Salvaged or reclaimed wood from old buildings, barns, or shipping pallets can add character and charm to your renovation while reducing the demand for new timber.
3. Recycled Glass Countertops: Countertops made from recycled glass are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. They divert glass from landfills and incorporate it into a durable surface.
4. Cork Flooring: Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees without harming the tree itself. It’s a sustainable and comfortable flooring option with natural insulation properties.
5. Recycled Metal Roofing: Metal roofing made from recycled materials is long-lasting, energy-efficient, and can be recycled again at the end of its lifespan.
6. Sustainable Insulation: Opt for insulation made from eco-friendly materials such as recycled denim, sheep’s wool, or cellulose insulation made from recycled paper.
7. Low-VOC Paints: Traditional paints can emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints to improve indoor air quality during and after your renovation.

Government Incentives for Eco-Friendly Home Renovations

Many governments and municipalities offer incentives to encourage homeowners to adopt eco-friendly renovation practices. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and grants. Be sure to check with local authorities to see what programs are available in your area.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows in Home Renovation

Energy-efficient windows are a vital component of an eco-friendly home renovation. Here’s why they matter:

1. Energy Savings: Energy-efficient windows are designed to minimize heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This reduces your reliance on heating and cooling systems, ultimately lowering energy bills.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint: By reducing your energy consumption, energy-efficient windows help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable planet.
3. Enhanced Comfort: These windows provide better insulation, reducing drafts and temperature fluctuations, which leads to a more comfortable living space.
4. Improved Resale Value: Energy-efficient upgrades, including windows, can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for homes with lower utility costs.

In conclusion, making your home renovation more eco-friendly is not only good for the environment but also for your comfort and finances. By planning with sustainability in mind, choosing sustainable building materials, exploring government incentives, and incorporating energy-efficient windows, you can create a greener and more energy-efficient living space. As responsible homeowners, it’s our duty to make choices that benefit both our families and the planet we call home.

Plastic waste has become a pressing environmental concern, and one area where we can make a significant impact is in our kitchens. By adopting simple yet effective practices, we can reduce plastic use and contribute to a healthier planet. In this article, we’ll explore ten practical ways to reduce plastic waste in your kitchen.

1. Embrace Reusable Containers:

One of the easiest ways to reduce plastic waste is to swap single-use plastic containers for durable, reusable alternatives. Invest in glass or stainless steel containers for storing leftovers, snacks, and beverages. These containers are not only eco-friendly but also safer for your health.

2. Choose Cloth over Paper:

Replace disposable paper towels and napkins with washable cloth alternatives. Cloth towels and napkins can be laundered and reused, reducing the need for constant repurchasing and preventing unnecessary plastic packaging.

3. Ditch Plastic Bags:

Plastic bags are a major contributor to pollution. Replace them with reusable cloth bags for grocery shopping and produce storage. Keep a few bags in your car to ensure you’re always prepared.

4. Explore Farmers’ Markets and Bulk Stores:

Shopping at farmers’ markets and bulk food stores can significantly reduce plastic packaging. Bring your own reusable produce bags and containers to fill with fresh produce, grains, nuts, and other pantry staples.

5. Opt for Glass & Metal – Reduce Plastic Debris:

When purchasing kitchen tools and equipment, prioritize glass and metal options over plastic. Glass storage containers, metal straws, and stainless steel utensils are durable, long-lasting alternatives that won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food.

6. Filter Your Water – Avoid Plastic Wa:

Instead of relying on single-use plastic water bottles, invest in a high-quality water filter. You’ll have access to clean, fresh water without contributing to the plastic bottle waste problem.

7. Homemade Cleaning Products:

Reduce your reliance on plastic-packaged cleaning products by making your own. Use simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to create effective and eco-friendly cleaners.

8. Compost Organic Waste:

Organic kitchen waste, such as fruit peels and vegetable scraps, can be composted instead of being thrown away in plastic bags. Composting reduces landfill waste and produces nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

9. Mindful Meal Planning:

Plan your meals to minimize food waste, which often leads to excessive plastic packaging. When you plan your meals, you’ll buy only what you need, reducing the amount of plastic-wrapped items in your kitchen.

10. Educate and Advocate About Plastic Pollution:

Spread awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste among your family, friends, and social circles. Participate in local initiatives and advocate for plastic-free policies to create a positive impact on your community.

In conclusion, reducing plastic waste in your kitchen is a powerful step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By implementing these ten practical strategies, you’ll not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also inspire others to make eco-friendly choices. Let’s work together to create a plastic-free future for generations to come.

It is December, just when the wind was getting chilly, with most people taking a deserved break from work to travel and be with loved ones. When the exchange of gifts becomes commonplace, it’s quite easy to overlook a few things, especially those that matter.

But, in the spirit of giving and community awareness, HUAWEI teamed up with Friends of the Environment (FOTE) to show love and care for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja.

Nigeria is ranked 8^th among the 9 countries in the world with the highest number of displaced persons (1.2million) and 4^th in Africa, trailing DR Congo, Sudan and South Sudan.

IDPs are simply people who are on the run from home, facing, as in the case of Nigeria, multi-faceted complex and often over-lapping issues like insurgency, communal conflicts, flooding and violence between pastoralists and farmers.

These people flee from their homes in search of basic human needs, food, shelter and clothing; and they live in little colonies or camps with aid from the government, organizations and individuals.

Huawei, showing a high level of social responsibility and empathy, visited two IDP camps namely Area One IDP Camp and New Kuchingoro IDP Camp with a combined population of just a little over 4,200 persons.

The donations made to the camps comprised solar lamps in particular, food items, clothing, and sanitary pads for women.

Speaking at the handover of the items, the Huawei representative reiterated their commitment to connect with people, not just on a technological level but also on the human and humane level.

While socially responsible organizations are reaching out to help IDPs, the surface in reality has barely been scratched. The Chairman of the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp remarked with glee that this was the first time they were receiving any form of aid since 2014.

According to Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in the first half of 2019, about 142,000 new displacements were recorded in Nigeria, 140,000 by conflict and 2,000 by disasters.

Huawei has a tradition of caring for the less privileged, and it would go a long way if other organization would set their moral compass right and take a cue from the Asian tech giants.

Friends of the Environment remains committed to advocacy for the needy in society, while ensuring the use and application of energy efficient tools and practices at home and in the workplace.

A Wonderbag is a stand-alone, non-electric insulated bag designed to reduce the amount of fuel required in the cooking of food. Instead of being placed on a stove for the duration of the cooking period, food is instead heated to a hot enough temperature then transferred to the Wonderbag, which uses the principle of thermal insulation to continue cooking, and keeps food warm without needing additional fire or heat.

Working on the principle of thermal cooking, the Wonderbag is estimated to save up to 30% of the total fuel costs associated with cooking with Kerosene alone. In developing countries there are numerous advantages for the product, as it immediately helps ease deforestation of natural reserves, and it frees up those who would spend their time gathering the extra wood for fire fuel.

In conventional cooking, any heat applied to the pot after it reaches boiling point is merely replacing heat lost from exposure to the open air. What the Wonderbag does is to trap the heat within and consequently cook the content of the pot.

How It Works

• First, prep your dish. Do everything you would do before you would usually leave the dish to simmer. Then cover with a tight fitting lid.

• Then carefully place the pot inside the Wonderbag. Placing a folded dish towel in the base and around the sides of the pot can help keep your Wonderbag clean and adds a little extra insulation.

• Place the smaller cushion insert in on top of the lid. Then pull in the drawstring, enclosing the outer bag around it. Leave the bag somewhere safe where it will not be knocked or disturbed for the full cooking time. It may be hard but try to resist the urge to check on it during cooking time, as this will let out all the built up heat requiring you to put the dish back into the stove and bring it to the boil again before closing it up.

• When everything is cooked, remove the pot from the Wonderbag and serve. The cushion insert can be flipped over and used as a trivet to serve food from the hot pot. You would be surprised how hot the pot is even after several hours inside the Wonderbag.

Hailed as one of the greatest innovations of the 21st century
 by Kathy Calvin, President & CEO, United Nations Foundation, the  Wonderbag addresses key societal issues and concerns especially in developing countries. It is completely energyless and in line with energy conservation campaigns.

Below are a few benefits of the Wonderbag.

Benefits

• Healthy: Cooking in the wonderbag keeps the moisture inside your food and nutrients do not boil away; promoting healthy food.

• Safe: Slow cooking in the wonderbag uses less water as there is no evaporation; eliminates the chance of food getting burnt and and frees you up for other chores or activities.

• Tasty and Delicious: Cooking in the wonderbag over time tenderizes meat, keeps vegetables firm, allows flavours to develop so meals are tasty and delicious.

• Portable and Convenient: The wonderbag is perfect for transporting meals to picnics and to friends – ready to share and eat – piping hot. It serves as an extra cooker and can be kept almost anywhere. Once it is used, it can be put away.

• Eco-Friendly: Due to the reduction in fuel used, the Wonderbag is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to half a ton per year if used three times a week.

• Versatile: The wonderbag is not just a slow cooker. It is a great yogurt maker, rice cooker and bread proofer. It can be used for a variety of things. The wonderbag keeps things cold too so it can be used to keep groceries cold and frozen while travelling.

• Aesthetics: Wonderbags are designed and made in attractive fabrics that are easy to wash, wipe and clean.

The Wonderbag was created to ease the impact of health, socioeconomic and environmental problems facing Africa and developing countries. The use of firewood and kerosene for cooking is prevalent in developing countries unlike in developed countries.

In Nigeria, for example, over 70 percent of households use firewood. According to the Nigerian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association(NLPGA) about 30 million households and more than 100 million Nigerians depend on firewood as a source of energy for cooking.

As a direct consequence, firewood is primarily sourced from felled trees and this ultimately leads to deforestation by way of indiscriminate cutting of trees for use as firewood. Deforestation causes distortion or imbalance in the ecosystem and should be discouraged.

On the health-end of this sad practice,the smoke generated by firewood exposes humans to diseases such as tuberculosis and lung cancer especially women. Once they get sick, these impoverished people cannot afford treatment or medication.

A report on climate change says at least 150,000 Nigerians, men and women, die every year as a result of harmful smoke. Of this number, women represent the biggest chunk because in Nigeria, women are still exclusively saddled with the responsibility of cooking.

With little financial means, these women end up cutting trees to feed their families. Women with some means use kerosene, which also generates carbon monoxide. The use of Wonderbag aims to change this age-long negative trend and help women with better and healthier kitchen practices.

The Wonderbag empowers women across Africa to participate in more activities outside of the home; enhancing their quality of life. Children have more time to go to school.

Families remain healthier due to lower incidence of smoke inhalation related illness, reduced risk of burns and fewer acts of violence occur when collecting firewood. The Wonderbag, simply put, enhances rural women’s quality of life by drastically reducing time spent cooking.

The Wonderbag also has dramatic environmental effects in saving water, as cooking with a Wonderbag requires less water than in conventional cooking methods, reducing your carbon footprint and minimizing deforestation.

As of January 2013 over 650,000 Wonderbags have been distributed in South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, and Syrian refugee camps in Jordan.

Wonderbags are also available in Nigeria, and can be obtained from the Friends of The Environment, Lagos office (info@fote.org.ng).