The majority of us pass our day in the world and never pay attention to the ground that we stand on. Soil is so very mundane that we hardly ever stop and consider all that it silently does to us. However, each year International Soil Day is a soft hint of how soil is not dirt. It is the foundation of our food, our buildings, our green-belts and the future we are all trying to create.
Soil Is Alive, Not Just Dirt
As we say the word soil, most of us think of mud or brown contents. But healthy soil is alive. It is complete with minute organisms, minerals, and organic substances that collaborate in an unseen ecosystem that makes our world go round. The soil makes plants strong, filters water, stores the carbon, and balances the environment.
The surprising part?
As civilizations, so soil requires centuries to be made, but in a few thoughtless years it can be ruined.
Why Soil Matters in Everyday Life
The quality of soil we live on supports us gently and silently in our day to day lives:
• It produces the food on our table.
• It helps keep our water clean.
• It reduces flooding.
• It safeguards forests and wild animals.
• It holds the pillars of our cities and houses.
When the soil grows weak or polluted, we all sense it. Farms are harmed, water is contaminated, buildings are cracked, and people have to end up paying to rebuild their neighborhoods.
Where Building Meets Earth: Soil and Building
Soil is not a minor consideration to builders, developers and planners, it is the beginning.
A powerful structure has its foundation in a powerful base. This is due to the fact that various soils have different responses to weight, water and weather, and therefore when disregarded, may result in cracked foundations, uneven floors, drainage issues or slipping structures.
At Cowork24, leading coworking space in Islamabad, we are of the opinion that the first step towards awareness is based on mere talk. By the International Soil Day, even in a modern workplace in Islamabad, we are reminded of all of the things we create: a house, a high-rise, an entire city, etc rely on healthy soil below.
The importance of International Soil Day
The world has pressure on its soil. It is being worn down, trampled by hurly-burly construction, poisoned with chemicals, and softened as the trees are cut. Combine bad weather with unpredictability, and the earth we are accustomed to begins to weaken.
When soil is diseased, everything is affected. The harvest is bad, the buildings have problems with their foundation, and natural habitats gradually disintegrate. It is a chain reaction: and we are all linked in it. International Soil Day helps us remember that once the soil is lost we cannot just create more of it. It is now under our care and our caring is to safeguard our food, our homes and the planet that the future generations will inherit.
What Builders and Communities Can do
It takes little to do a lot. Builders can:
• Erosion of control in the construction process.
• Plan drainage responsibly.
• There is no need to disturb land without reason.
• Adhere to environmentally friendly construction.
• Use greenery after the completion of projects.
People also can contribute, by planting, saving water, minimizing chemicals, compost, and contributing to local environmental protection.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
The original concept of coworking and today’s flexible office spaces in Islamabad was to create the strong future of ambitious teams. However, what is actually sustainable is ground level. Soil does not talk, it nourishes our places of work, our houses, our food and our lifestyle. On this International Soil Day, we should keep in mind that healthy communities and prosperous businesses are founded on healthy grounds.
Good development at Cowork24.pk begins with respect to what is under it. We are also working towards a stable, sustainable, and a good future by preserving and appreciating soil.
