27 November 2024, Makati. In today’s fast-paced urban environment, where daily stresses from work, traffic, and a hectic lifestyle dominate, reconnecting with nature often takes a backseat. Yet, the need for health, wellness, and environmental mindfulness has never been more urgent. To address this gap, NaTre recently held a dish garden workshop, facilitated by FEED, Inc. and Marvz Conti, founder and creative director of Studio Habil. This engaging initiative aimed to bring greenery back to the city, making nature more accessible to those in urban spaces.
The workshop brought together 69 participants eager to explore the world of miniature gardens. Guided by Marvz, participants designed their own terracota pots, landscaped different plants, and created small but vibrant micro-ecosystems. The hands-on activity was not just an exercise in creativity but also a stress reliever. Breathing healthy air, focusing on intricate designs, and engaging with plants allowed participants to momentarily escape the chaos of urban life. The act of designing and landscaping plants created a personal connection with nature, fostering a sense of calm and purpose.
Moreover, the workshop emphasized long-term responsibility as participants were tasked with caring for their dish gardens. This initiative is part of NaTre’s campaign, in collaboration with FEED, Inc., and Studio Habil to bring greenery to urban offices and homes, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Benefits of Dish Gardens in Urban Spaces
1. Stress Reduction and Wellness
Research consistently shows that interaction with plants can significantly lower stress levels. The dish garden workshop provided a tangible way for participants to reconnect with nature, offering therapeutic benefits. The process of nurturing plants encourages mindfulness, reduces anxiety, and enhances overall well-being.
2. Environmental Impact
Dish gardens are more than just decorative pieces; they play a crucial role in improving urban environments. By introducing plants into indoor spaces, dish gardens help purify the air by removing toxins and airborne pollutants. They also contribute to carbon dioxide reduction, creating healthier breathing environments for city dwellers.
3. Promoting Creativity
The workshop’s creative aspect, where participants designed their pots and landscaped their plants, allowed individuals to express their artistic side. This creative engagement is not only enjoyable but also fosters a deeper connection with the natural elements involved.
4. Micro Ecosystems
Each dish garden is a miniature ecosystem. These small green havens support plant life and can even attract beneficial insects when placed outdoors. By creating micro-ecosystems, participants contribute to biodiversity, even on a small scale, helping to restore ecological balance in urban areas.
5. Sustainability and Responsibility
Through caring for their dish gardens, participants adopt sustainable practices and develop a sense of responsibility toward nature. This small but meaningful step can inspire broader actions for environmental conservation.
6. Collective Effort for Greater Impact
The workshop also highlighted the power of collective effort. Addressing issues like mental stress through small but coordinated actions, such as group activities, can lead to significant positive impacts. By working together, participants not only helped themselves but also supported one another, showcasing the strength of community in creating a healthier and more connected environment.
The success of this workshop highlights the importance of innovative approaches to integrating nature into urban life. By making greenery accessible, initiatives like these encourage people to value and prioritize their connection to the environment. Dish gardens are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve as daily reminders of the need to care for our planet.
As cities continue to grow, finding creative ways to bridge the gap between urban living and nature is essential. NaTre, Studio Habil, and FEED, Inc. have demonstrated how simple yet impactful activities can inspire change. Moving forward, we look to expand such initiatives, bringing people closer to nature and fostering a healthier, more sustainable planet for all.
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In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry.
FEED runs a number of Students and Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – such as mangrove planting for coastal protection or ridge reforestation plantings; One Child, One Tree; Bio-Intensive Gardens (BIG) for nutrition in public elementary schools and other spaces; Climate Change Survival 101 and other LIVING LEGACY programs – customised environmental engagement activities for individuals and organisations interested in contributing to climate change adaptation efforts and greening critical areas such as watersheds, ridges, and reefs that all require rehabilitation.
Join us! Help us reverse the Earth’s “hothouse climate” tipping point.
Tree-Planting with FEED
Check out the video journey by Clueless Commuter who planted with us last 24th of June 2017 to get a good idea of how FEED plantings go: https://youtu.be/KROn4rjVqBg
Contact us at FEED for more details, to join our regular activities or to design your own tree-nurturing event: info@feed.org.ph or call/text +63 (0)917 552 4722.
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