April 2018

VOLUME 97 | ISSUE 103 | APRIL 2018Page 4 Established by H.H. Dr. Syedna Environment Wellness & Lifestyle Monthly Newsletter Mohammed Burhanuddin (RA) in 1992 Inspired by BFI project ‘Save Our Sparrows’, Biomass Plastics 106 Bird Feeders were distributed at Chandurbazar, Amravati Plastic made from plants may solve the waste problemOn 6th of March 2018, the occasion of 106th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness Plastics are incredibly useful materialsDr.Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, a bird feeder distribution program was with extremely diverse properties, allow-organized by Murtaza bhai Lokhandwala at Chandurbazar, Amravati, wherein ing a multitude of different applications106 bird feeders were distributed to various offices and organizations. The that benefit our lives. But, with marineintention behind this project was to distribute and hang bird feeders at places plastic debris estimated to reach 250with open premises where various birds and specially sparrows visit frequently. million tons by 2025, governmentsMurtazabhai was inspired by project Save our Sparrows of 2011 organized by across the globe are starting to thinkBFI on the historic occasion of Centenary Birth Celebration of His Holiness about how to overcome this significantDr.Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA. BFI was registered in Guinness and problem.Limca Book of World Records for distributing 52,000 bird feeders in thePROJECT SOS. The solution can be plant-based plastic, or biomass plastics which can be madeThis program also received media coverage. We hope many more such from a plethora of different plants. Popular options are corn, sugar cane,programs are organized all over India and abroad. BFI will gladly provide soybeans and canola. However, sugar beets, wheat, sweet potatoes and rice canguidance and support whenever needed. also be used in the plastic-making process. Biomass plastics can also be created from waste products of the food industry, which helps make food production BURHANI FOUNDATION (INDIA) processes more sustainable as well. Amatullah Manzil, 65 Bazargate Street, Fort, Mumbai-1. Phone: 22678480 / 22634326 Website : www.burhanifoundationindia.org E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] Subscribe On Youtube : Burhani Foundation India ChannelRecycled Paper Used Recycled Paper Used

Page 2 Page 3 Biomass Plastics (continued..) Grow a mini herb garden on spongesDepending on the plant, a different process will be used to create the plastic. Planting seeds on a sponge is also a hands-onOne of the most popular processes is called starch conversion. In this method, way for children to learn how plants grow withstarch is first converted into dextrose, which is then fermented to create lactic only water, air and sunlight. Do not use aacid. The lactic acid is then converted into pellets, which can be used to create recycled sponge, because that might absorbvarious plastic products. Another popular method is microbial conversion, which more water and rot faster. Buy fresh ones,uses bacteria to convert bio-waste into plastic. which are inexpensive and free of the bacteria recycled pieces usually contain. You could, ofThis type of plastic can be used to make fibres for clothing, as well as films and course, choose multi-colored kitchen spongescontainers for liquids and foods. The resulting materials are entirely recyclable for a brighter look.and — importantly — fully biodegradable. Selecting the right container for your herb garden is important. Plots, window traysConventional plastic unleashes toxic chemicals into the environment that are or shallow serving dishes can be good choices. It could be a plastic mug as well.hazardous to the Earth and our health. Biomass plastics on the other hand are Rinse the sponge thoroughly for several minutes to remove any residue it mayconsidered carbon-neutral. What this means is, the carbon dioxide produced contain. The sponge should have plenty of moisture, but shouldn’t be dripping.when the plastic is incinerated is no more than what is used by the plants grownfor the plastic production in the first place. Sprinkle seeds of garlic, leek, scallion or herbs on the sponge. Press them into the spongeBiomass plastics won’t necessarily decompose in a landfill, they still can be with your fingers.composted when taken to the proper facilities that have the technology neces-sary to break down the plant-based plastic. In these facilities, biomass plastics Cover the top of the container with a plasticdegrade in 45 days. This number is particularly impressive once you find out it food wrap. Punch several holes in the plastictakes more than 100 years for conventional plastic to begin to break down! with the tip of a pin to allow air to circulate and prevent excessive moisture buildup.So next time you use the last of the ketchup, help to preserve our resources bymaking sure your plastic waste stays in the recycling loop. Place the herb garden in a warm location till the seeds germinate. Remove the plastic This type of plastic can be used cover once seedlings start sprouting and then to make fibers for clothing, as place it on a sunny windowsill. Herbs prefer well as films and containers for bright light. liquids and foods. The resulting materials are entirely recyclable Keep the sponge moist at all times. If it gets and importantly - dry, the seeds will either not germinate or the sprouts will die. Fully BiodegradableRecycled Paper Used Harvest fresh herbs when the plants are about three to four inches tall. Harvest- Recycled Paper Used ing leaves from the growing tip forces new branches to form along the stem and creates a bushy plant. Not just herbs, these sponge gardens work well for planting a few flower seeds as well. Once the seeds start sprouting, you can shift them into mini pots so that they continue to grow on your rooftop garden or balcony.