There were tall trees. Bushes that one won't see in the city, streams that are free of chemicals and, above all, the absent of smoke from cars and industries in the air I breathe.
Compared to the city, which is overheating, it was cold to the extent that I even caught a cold on the second day because I didn't pack any sweater with me, I expected it to be hot, just like where I was coming from.
In the city, you rarely see tall trees, except in a conserved area. This left me wondering if I didn't read my biology note well, because I knew I was taught one old but popular adage "cut one tree, plant two". My country people have absolutely ignored this, they love to fell trees but to plant another one is a big problem.
The function of a forested area, or even that of a single tree, cannot be overemphasized. At least we all know the popular one even if we aren't science students: that trees absorb CO2 and give out oxygen. CO2 is harmful to our health as well as the environment; it plays a major role in the depletion of the ozone layer, which will eventually lead to global warming. And this could be a great disaster for us, our plants, and animals. I was taught in school that one tree could provide oxygen that can sustain two people for a year. I believe that, but let's leave science for the scientists:)
Honestly, I don't know where technology is leading the world because every day new industries are being built, and people are purchasing cars, but no one is talking about the ways they could properly manage the waste coming from them without it disrupting the normal function of the environment. Plastics, nylons, and chemicals are discarded into gutters, bushes, streams, and rivers, without a second thought of its harmful effects on the environment.
In my country (I'm sure in some other countries too:)), you will find people dumping their refuse wherever they see, some does it intentionally because you will see them look around to check if anybody is looking before dumping it, and some does it ignorantly, maybe with the thought that it will decay which will definitely not. They are non biodegradable.
You may wonder where I'm even heading to, well, I'm trying to let you see the reason for the extremely hot weather in my country, most especially in the city. Few months ago when the heat became almost unbearable, everyone, including the government were just pretending as if they do not know the reason why it's so. It was funny to me, the complains and everything. And now I'm wondering why I didn't run to my village, because I'm sure the cool air from trees in my compound there is far more healthier than air conditioner.
I will say it with pride that I enjoyed my stay in the village, only that there was no constant electricity and a good network.
I will end it here, friends. Happy Earth Day.
I'm sure you have so many thoughts in mind concerning this topic, please feel free to express it in the comments section.
This post is in response to #Aprilinleo daily prompt, day 22. You can check it out here.
I took all the images myself