Children who are from the economically and socially backward areas usually are less exposed to the developments of the surrounding environs. Most of the times, though illegal, their childhood is spent in working to earn a livelihood to support their siblings and family, rather than study. These kids therefore not just miss out on a normal childhood but also have a reduced tolerance towards the nature. Neil Macqueen, a designer born in Namibia and who graduated from UK has recently come up with a novel social initiative to integrate a sense of nature into the lives of these deprived urban kids.
Under this project, also called Artemis, Macqueen has attempted growing a plant per child in a biodegradable pot. The uniqueness of this pot is that it needs watering just once as it has water crystals which are capable of retaining moisture. The plant once watered needs no further watering and as the plant keeps growing, the kids are updated about the progress and its relevance to the environment using a supporting web-site, thus not just instilling a feeling of oneness with nature but also imparting them knowledge which they are divested of.
Also, not just benefiting the kids, but this initiative also assists in doing something for the environment. The pot and the water absorbing crystals can be recycled as they are biodegradable, whereas the plants can obviously be used for plantation on a larger scale. No doubt Artemis with its dual objectives – killing two birds with a single stone is a project that must be applauded for!
Via: NeilMacqueen
