World Environment Day is celebrated globally during June each year to deepen public awareness of the need to preserve our beautiful planet and to become agents of change.
Yeah, Eco living is on everybody’s lips, and if it isn’t, it should be! The time is now, and the colour is green! But, do we really need to consider making changes to our comfortable lives? Surely these extreme measures must be for all those hippies that chain themselves to trees in protest against whatever cause they read about in the latest “flower power” magazine…or is it?
For many people the concept of “going green” may bring to mind thoughts of expensive solar heating and water tanks. Here’s the thing though: The best way to go about making a transition towards a greener way of life is to find a route that fits your lifestyle. If you have the desire and the budget to convert your house into a lean, mean, energy saving machine, do it. But, the average South African also needs to consider school fees, and bonds, bills and groceries. As electricity prices continue to soar and water becoming a scarce commodity; now is a great time to think about going green.
Our planet is in trouble. It can be tempting to throw our hands in the air and assume that we can’t do anything to improve the situation. But that’s exactly where we’re wrong! You don’t need an “all or nothing” approach to make a difference. Every action counts and when multiplied by a global chorus, becomes exponential in its impact.
Simply put, going green should not be a fad or an impulse decision – it should be a shift in your thinking, actions and everyday life.
Here are a few things that will make a difference:
- There are many companies offering weekly pick up services for recycling. Find one in your area, or recycle through centres located at schools or other venues.
- Shop virtually. Buying online involves less energy use and fewer carbon dioxide emissions than in-store shopping. Look for products with minimal to no packaging.
- Do green gardening. Plant water wise plants and trees. Plant marigolds in your garden to ward off pests. Water your garden with leftover bath or sink water.(so called “grey water”)
- Use natural cleaning products. Lemon is a natural detergent that cuts through grease, baking soda helps to scour surfaces, and vinegar removes mould, bacteria and germs.
- Carpool or use public transport, or better yet, if in any way possible, ride a bike – great for your health too! For every 100km not driven, 28kg of CO2 emissions is saved.
- Work from home where possible.
- Make use of a microwave oven instead of a conventional oven or stove.
- Use water saving devices such as a low flow shower head.
- Drink tap water.
- Throw out air fresheners – open a window.
- Turn lights of when leaving a room.
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Unplug infrequently used appliances.
- Mug-to-go. Carry a mug with you wherever you go for takeout beverages.
- Replace disposables. Buy reusable razors, food storage containers, batteries, ink cartridges (buy refill ink), coffee filters etc.
- Share with friends. Share books, magazines, newspapers and games.
- Buy only what you need to make sure that nothing goes to waste.
- Savour the season. Eat fruit and veggies that are in season. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing the distance the produce has to travel to get to your plate.
- Use containers to store food instead of foil or cling wrap.
- Buy organic fruit and vegetables which means they were produced without the use of synthetic pesticides.
- Don’t wash dishes or brush teeth, with water running continuously.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and hang clothes outside to dry.
- When hiking, pick up trash along the way.
- Plant a tree.
- Cherish the old stuff. Try to repair a problem before running out to purchase a new one.
“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed” – Mahatma Ghandi. What have you done so save our planet today?
Source: wwww.indiacelebrating.com, www.wikihow.com, www.gov.za, www.environment.gov.za, www.directaxis.co.za, sa-venues.com, www.sagoodnews.co.za, www.drivesouthafrica.co.za, www.globalstewards.org, www.goodhousekeeping.com, www.coolclicksplanet.com, greatest.com, www.realsimple.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
