As any garden-loving resident will know, Kuwait’s extreme climate is not kind to grass. Brown patches and dead grass can be seen in our lawns, school playing fields and public parks. Now one company has a unique, environmentally-friendly solution.
Alhamy International is transforming gardens and public parks with Green Canary – a naturally-sourced, green pigment extracted from seaweed that sprays on in minutes and lasts, well months. Unlike other harmful, chemical- or paint-based colorants it contains no toxic ingredients so after a few hours when it is dry, pets and kids can all enjoy the lush green surface. Green Canary is actually full of nutrients so it also feeds the plant and gives it added resilience. Invented in California to deal with the current ‘mega-drought’, it works wonders in harsh climates.
Project Manager Hassan El Debbes sits down with bazaar to talk more about Green Canary and how Kuwait can, quite literally, ‘go green’.
What are some of the main challenges that many people face when it comes to keeping their natural lawns green?
We live in a part of the world where we suffer from extreme temperatures, aridity and wide, seasonal variations in humidity. Scorching temperatures and high humidity levels can last for seven or eight months each year in the Gulf region, which makes it very hard to maintain lush grass. Moreover, in winter, grass becomes dormant from the relative low temperatures and results in grass tending to not grow and ultimately turning brown.
What is Green Canary? What brought about its creation?
Green Canary is an instant, eco-friendly, non-toxic remedy for dormant or unsightly grass. It’s easy to use as it only takes a few minutes to apply, but lasts for months! Green Canary was created in California, where there has been a century-long mega-drought.
What inspired Alhamy to bring this innovative product/service to Kuwait?
Alhamy’s vision is to make a difference to the environment. If we enhance our environment aesthetically, it has a positive effect on society. However, we do not want this to be a purely superficial or cosmetic beautification of grass. We wanted to find eco-friendly solutions that could stand the extreme climatic conditions posed by the GCC. Green Canary was the only suitable and safe solution.
How does Green Canary help consumers keep their lawns green? How does the technology work?
It helps by coating the grass surface (such as lawns, turf or sports fields) with a specially formulated, eco-friendly pigment that is derived from algae. Along with being a natural food colorant, algae contain over sixty different nutrients that work naturally with sunlight to revive the grass.
How does Green Canary reduce consumption of water?
Green Canary contains a specific group of natural nutrients, which help minimize water evaporation and assist the grass’s biological resistance to drought. This in turn gives the grass added resilience especially in drought conditions and in dry, arid climates.
Aren’t some colorants considered harmful to pets and the environment? What makes Green Canary eco-friendly?
Colorants come in different forms and some are indeed harmful. However, Green Canary is the ONLY product in the GCC to contain green pigments derived from nature. These green pigments are used in everyday food colorants and are not harmful to pets or the environment. Our product also does not contain dangerous chemicals such as ammonia and kaolin, which tend to be used in similar treatments. We advise consumers to check the constituents of any grass treatment prior to use.
Green Canary is considered ‘eco-friendly’ because it is made of natural, renewable sources such as seaweed and algae. No pollutants are used in the harvesting of algae.
What are some added benefits of Green Canary that would attract the typical homeowner or institution in Kuwait?
We provide instant results: the grass can be used just two hours after the application and one application lasts 3-4 months, thus spreading the initial investment over a long period. We work year-round, and also offer special services for special events, and we supply colors to give your grass a touch of creativity! Imagine waking up and seeing “Happy Birthday!” written on your lawn, or having your school or company logo on a playing field!
How does the application and maintenance process work in Kuwait?
Our professionally trained technicians apply the product manually by spraying it onto the surface via a motorized pump.
What are some of your future goals?
To enhance Kuwait’s green spaces in an environmentally friendly way and to encourage the use of safe grass treatments and water reduction.
Does your brown lawn need an eco-friendly boost? For more information on Green Canary contact Alhamy via their website at www.alhamyintl.com, or follow them on social media:
Call 2247 8378/9 or 9800 6083.
And don’t worry, their team speaks English, Arabic, French and Farsi.
