EcoSikh Ireland is a volunteer environmental group committed to restoring Ireland’s woodland cover through huge, nationwide tree-planting events. In doing so, the group’s efforts abide by the sacred Sikh principle of sewa, which means “selfless service”. This act of selfless service can benefit individuals and/or wider communities. "Sewa is always at the forefront of our minds”, said Dilmeen Kaur, General Secretary for EcoSikh Ireland. “This is what we’re doing when we’re planting trees. It's a unified interfaith response to help combat climate change, global warming and biodiversity loss”.
Planting native trees for biodiversity
Most of the trees within Ireland’s forests (which account for just 11% of the country) are commercial, non-native species detrimental to biodiversity. Only between 2%-3% of trees are the native species needed to support all sorts of life from microorganisms and fungi to plants and animals. So far, EcoSikh Ireland has planted two microforests containing around seventeen species of native trees. As locals were invited to help out with the planting, EcoSikh took the opportunity to educate people on the importance of native trees and biodiversity.
“It’s a simple job really, but it’ll make a big difference in the future for the local environment”, said Dr. Navchetan Singh, EcoSikh Ireland founder. “It is lovely to see how much people love nature and want to do these things. In their daily lives, people may not have time, but on their free days, they come and are totally inspired and motivated. It is a beautiful atmosphere. It is lovely to see a six-year-old child planting a tree. When he is 25, he will have memories with that tree”.
Encouraging eco-friendly living
As Sikhs’ first Guru, Nanak Dev Ji, once said: “Air is our Guru, water our father, and earth is our mother”. Sikhs are therefore encouraged to love and respect nature, and EcoSikh Ireland is dedicated to teaching the importance of eco-friendly living. “I have a busy job, but small steps can make a huge difference”, said Dr. Singh. “As life and work has become busier for everyone, we can lose touch with nature. EcoSikh Ireland is an effort to remind people of the importance of nature”, he said. In particular, the group regularly schedules litter picking events in Dublin, which are particularly popular with families.
Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) is another simple way people can lighten their environmental footprints. As EVs run off electricity, they don’t produce the harmful emissions and pollution that gas-powered cars do. EV drivers also typically spend roughly 60% less on fuel costs per year compared to drivers of regular cars, according to Consumer Reports, so the switch can be cost-effective. Additionally, modern EVs come in a variety of sizes including large SUVs, small sedans, and pick-up trucks. They’re therefore suitable for single adults, couples, and large families alike.
The Guru Nanak Sacred Forest in Templeglantine
EcoSikh Ireland has also created a microforest of over 1,000 trees in Templeglantine, a small village in west County Limerick. The forest is named the Guru Nanak Sacred Forest to honor Max MacAuliffe and his profound contribution to Sikhism. In 1909, MacAuliffe—the son of the first headteacher of the National School in Templeglantine—published the first edition of his English translation of Sikh scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib ji. It was an impressive feat that comprised six volumes totalling around 2,500 pages. MacAuliffee had joined the Indian Civil Service in the 1860s, and during this time also converted to Sikhism after developing an interest in the religion.
His name and amazing contribution to Sikhism are well known throughout Templeglantine. Today, the Guru Nanak Sacred Forest is healthy with some of the trees having already doubled or tripled in size. There’s also a hand-carved wooden throne in the forest with a time capsule filled with 100 letters from local children and the Sikh community.
“Nature for me is a happy place. The world is our home and it is our responsibility to look after it”, said Dr. Singh. Ultimately, Dr. Singh believes the group’s efforts will play an important role in protecting the environment, so future generations can inherit a green, clean, and thriving world.