Close to nature

CEBU, Philippines - We are all interconnected in the complex web of life, interdependent of one another. Whatever we take from nature, it will automatically disrupt life’s fragile cycle.

There are many instances that man’s relationship with nature becomes unhealthy. This is when we take much from our environment and gives less effort to care for it. In the worldwide web of life, we are required to give back to nature what sustenance we owe her.

Because we need to better understand how this can be done efficiently, the Eco House Tour was facilitated last November 6 at the “A House Close to Nature” owned by Engr. Nestor Archival. The “green house” is located in Barangay Talamban.

Fer J. Jun G. Baldo, staff and guide, toured us around the apiary where bees are kept, the goatery where Anglo goats are fed with organically grown vegetables and their waste collected to serve as fertilizer. We also went inside the “green house” so we can gain knowledge on passive cooling adopted by Engr. Archival to minimize use of air-conditioning units. This means keeping square gaps at the walls to allow breeze to enter inside. It’s neither too cold nor too hot in his house.

We also learned that African Night Crawlers are being utilized at the vermicomposting area in breaking down biodegrable wastes. Soil from decayed manure and biodegradable household wastes are used to fertilize plants (trees, vegetables, both ornamental and flowering plants).

Further, we saw how recycled plastic glasses, bottles, and soda cans found a new life as decors. Engr. Archival also designed a Lagoon Rainwater Catchment to harvest rain. This way, he could conserve remaining sources of potable water. A variety of fish are bred at the pond to prevent proliferation of mosquitoes. There are also solar panels installed so he could harness renewable source of energy like the sun.

The Eco House Tour is part of the environmental advocacy of The FREEMAN’s Kid Stuff. The first wave of the advocacy on stewardship came in the form of a mangrove propagule activity in April at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary participated in by 15 avid readers of Kid Stuff.

Thank you to our sponsors: Georich Livelihood and Learning Foundation, Islands Souvenirs, SM City Cebu, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, JG Summit, Universal Robina Corporation, Cebu Pacific, Cebu Parklane International Hotel, Shakeys, McDonalds, Havaianas, ROX, Toys @Work, and World of Fun.