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The holiday season is almost here. Christmas trees are going up, carols are playing in the background, and gift shopping lists are already in the works. For so many , this time of year brings so much joy, finding that perfect gift, the excitement of wrapping it, and the happiness of seeing a loved one’s face light up as they open it. But here’s the thing we don’t often think about: what happens to all that wrapping paper once the gifts are unwrapped? Every Christmas, tons of shiny wrapping paper, glittery ribbons, and plastic-coated boxes pile up in trash bins. Most of it can’t be recycled, which means it ends up in landfills, adding to our already growing waste problem. In fact, studies show that in many countries, household waste spikes by 25–30% during the festive season, and a big chunk of that comes from gift wrapping. That doesn’t mean we should stop wrapping gifts. After all, part of the magic of gift giving is the presentation. Instead, we can rethink how we wrap, choosing eco-...

Every year on September 21st, the world marks Zero Emissions Day, a moment to pause, reflect, and rethink our relationship with the planet. It’s a reminder that every light we switch on, every ride we take, and every item we buy leaves a footprint on Earth’s atmosphere. The good news? Each of us has the power to shrink that footprint. In today’s post, I will explore practical, everyday ways to reduce your carbon emissions, and simple actions you can start right away. Because real change start with you and me. Why Zero Emissions Day? Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. According to the UN, the energy sector alone contributes nearly 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. On Zero Emissions Day, the challenge is clear: can we live for 24 hours without polluting the atmosphere? Of course, no one expects you to permanently shut off your fridge or quit traveling entirely. The idea is to remind us that small, consistent steps matter and they add up. Think ...

Two weeks ago I was in Lagos to attend my convocation, I was hosted by a very close friend and her family. On the eve of our convocation, I went out with my friend to get some things and I noticed how she was picking empty plastic bottles and cans, when I ask her why, she explained that her mum sell them to a recycling company and makes some small money. I was impressed. while individuals and communities are trying, some countries have taken the zero waste movement to an entirely new level. They’re not just reducing waste; they’re reshaping how societies consume, recycle, and live. Today, let’s take a tour of five countries leading the race toward zero waste and see what lessons we can borrow. 1 . Sweden – Turning Trash into Treasure If there’s a global leader in waste innovation, it’s Sweden. Imagine a country where less than 1% of household waste ends up in landfills (Swedish Waste Management, 2023). Instead of dumping trash, Sweden converts non-recyclable waste into ener...

In July 2025, the United Nations released its landmark Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Report 2025, a definitive global review of progress made since the 2015 launch of the 2030 Agenda. It marks the tenth annual stock‑take and offers a candid, data‑driven look at where we’ve made headway and where change is urgently needed. Key Findings & Headlines 📊 Global Progress: Off Track, But Not Out Only 35 % of the 137 SDG targets are currently on track or showing moderate progress. A crushing 47 % are progressing too slowly, while 18 % have actually regressed compared to 2015 . With just five years until the 2030 deadline, this underscores the urgent need for accelerated and informed action. Lives Improved Yet Fragility Persists Despite setbacks, the past decade brought real gains: Extreme poverty has declined, and the number of people living in working poverty has fallen by 20 million since 2015 . Social protection coverage expanded from 42.8 % to 52.4 % of the global p...

 “It says biodegradable. So, it must be safe for the environment, right?” Not so fast. Welcome to another episode of #GreenTruthsWithSaadatu, where we unpack the good, the bad, and the misleading in the green world. Today, we’re peeling back the label on something we all think is green and clean: biodegradable products. From shopping bags to packaging and even straws — biodegradable products are flooding the market. But are they really what they claim to be, or is “biodegradable” just the new greenwashing buzzword? Let’s break it down: What Does "Biodegradable" Really Mean? At its core, biodegradable means that a product can be broken down naturally by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi into water, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and biomass. But here’s the catch: ➡️ It doesn’t say when or under what conditions. A biodegradable plastic cup may take 1 year or 100 years to degrade  depending on heat, moisture, oxygen, and where it ends up. Many so-called “biodegradable” p...

 It’s not just about saving the planet. It’s about protecting our homes, our food, and our future. In recent years, the conversation around climate change has grown louder—and for good reason. We see the effects everywhere: rising sea levels, extreme weather, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. While reducing emissions (climate mitigation) often takes center stage, climate adaptation is the other half of the climate action coin—and it’s just as vital. ẞszs But what exactly is climate adaptation, why does it matter, and how can communities especially in vulnerable regions like Nigeria prepare for the changes ahead? Let’s break it down:  What Is Climate Adaptation? Climate adaptation refers to the actions we take to adjust our lives, infrastructure, and policies in response to current or expected climate-related impacts. It’s like preparing your home for a storm you know is coming reinforcing your roof, elevating your furniture, and storing clean water rather than waiti...

The Talk of the Town Lately, if you’ve scrolled through Facebook, Twitter (X), TikTok or even WhatsApp groups in Nigeria, chances are you've come across heated arguments about GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms). From conspiracy theories about foreign seeds killing our crops to serious health concerns Nigerians are debating like never before. But wait—what exactly are GMOs? Why all this noise now? Are they harmful or helpful? Is it just another imported wahala or a solution to our food challenges? Let’s break it down in simple English.   What Are GMOs, Really? A GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is any living thing usually a plant or animal whose DNA has been altered in a lab to give it a trait it wouldn’t naturally have.  Example: Scientists might take a gene from a bacteria that kills pests and insert it into maize so it can protect itself from insects without needing pesticides. This process is called genetic engineering, and it's not new. The first GMO crop was ap...

Did you know that over 1.4 million people were affected by floods in Nigeria in 2022 alone? Every year, flood disasters wreak havoc on homes, farmlands, and businesses, especially in states like Bayelsa, Anambra, Kogi, and Jigawa. Yet, many Nigerians still believe floods are “natural” and unavoidable, forgetting that accurate flood mapping can predict, prepare, and prevent most of these disasters. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what flood mapping is, why it matters for Nigerians, and how you can use simple online tools and local strategies to protect your home and community. What Exactly is Flood Mapping? Flood mapping is the use of data, technology, and real-world observations to create maps that show areas at risk of flooding. These maps combine satellite images, rainfall data, elevation models, and river flow patterns to identify where water will go when heavy rains or dam releases occur. Think of it like Google Maps for water: It shows where water will collect when a ...

Every rainy season in Nigeria, flood warnings from the Federal Ministry of Environment make the headlines. States like Lagos, Rivers, Anambra, Kogi, and parts of the North ( Mubi, jigawa, Kano, and Bauchi) are often listed as flood-prone areas. While government agencies and local authorities do their best to prepare, the reality is that the first line of defense against floods is YOU. Flooding is unpredictable, destructive, and fast. Waiting solely for government intervention might leave you vulnerable. So, if you live in a high-risk flood area, how can you protect yourself, your home, and your loved ones?.  In this post, I’ll share 10 actionable steps to stay safe, plus a simple DIY flood barrier hack you can set up even on a budget. 1. Stay Ahead of the Rain: Follow Local Flood Alerts Flood disasters rarely come without signs. Keep an eye on weather updates from trusted sources like the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) or mobile weather apps. Action tip: Join local communit...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by climate change, plastic pollution, or rising energy bills? What if I told you that the smallest changes right from your home could add up to something big? In this post, we’re diving into 10 actionable green habits you can start this month. Each habit is simple, budget-friendly, and impactful, whether you live in a Lagos apartment, a small-town bungalow, or a university dorm. Let’s #GreenWithMe 🌍 1. Switch to Cold Water Wash  Why it matters: Nearly 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes to heating water.  DIY Habit: Wash your clothes in cold water and use natural detergent (you can make your own using soap nuts or baking soda and vinegar). In warm climates like Nigeria, clothes dry fast in the sun. Use this to your advantage by air-drying instead of tumble-drying.  2. Always Carry a Reusable Bag Plastic bags are one of the biggest culprits in urban flooding and drainage blockage, especially during rainy seasons in cities like Port ...