International Day of the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

September 16 is the International Day of the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

The UN General Assembly declared September 16 the International Ozone Layer Protection Day on December 9, 1994.

The main purpose of celebrating this day is to prevent the destruction of the ozone layer in a result of anthropogenic activities.

The ozone layer is a thin gas shield protecting the Earth from harmful effects of a certain part of solar radiation and contributing to the preservation of life on our planet. The ozone layer extends over the Earth as a huge cap that goes into space. It protects the Earth from harsh and dangerous radiation, occurring in upper layers of an atmosphere. If this layer ever disappears, it will be dangerous for the entire biosphere. An effect of ultraviolet radiation on human health causes such diseases as skin cancer, blindness, and other illnesses.

Ozone is situated up to heights of 100 km, but in a very small amount (up to 0.001%).

Humans can significantly influence the processes of ozone layer destruction. In the mid-70s of the 20th century, scientists discovered that some substances can cause a decrease of content of stratospheric ozone. These are freons (gases used in refrigerators and aerosol cans) and products formed during high-altitude aircraft flights, rocket launches.

Today we should learn how to do without the most common and the most optimal refrigerants, aerosols, which, unfortunately, can significantly damage the ozone layer. These aerosols can stay in the atmosphere up to about 100 years. For the sake of the future, it is necessary to solve this problem and prove to the whole world that humans have necessary mental and technical potential to fix it.

Mankind is unable to prevent appearance of ozone holes. However, it is possible to preserve ozone at least in everyday life.

The Ecological Education Department held an interesting online production of aroma compositions masterclass for everyone who want to participate in the ozone layer preservation.

In order to create a pleasant smell in your apartment, you shouldn’t run to the store to buy an air freshener. You can create a pleasant aroma by yourself. Benefits of such home-made flavorings are big enough. They do not only protect clothes from moths, but also eliminate bad smell in a few minutes, and reduce stress.

Small bags filled with fragrant herbs are called “sachets” in French. Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used similar pillows to refresh an air in the house and fill it with the aroma of flowers.

Sachets influence positively on human health and well-being. The filling of the bag can be different. You can use dry flowers and herbs such as rose, mint, lavender, cornflower, thyme, tansy, chopped walnut leaves, and many others. All the ingredients must be well dried so that instead of a pleasant smell, otherwise a musty smell will soon appear.

The first stage of creating such a sachet is sewing a bag. It is better to choose natural fabrics. Linen and burlap are the best. You can also use transparent organza. The pillow should not be too big in its size. The standard size varies from 12 to 8 cm. The bag must be sewn from two sides, turned inside out, filled with herbs, and tied with a ribbon or rope. You can decorate it, if you wish. The sachet can serve up to 3 months. The bag must be replaced with another flavoring after an expiration date.

Do not be afraid to refresh your life with a unique fragrance.