As we are living in an era where huge attention is being given to the state of our environment, it is logical that we are to make greener choices. This is a very worthy field to be attracting this amount of attention. After all, we are intrinsically connected to our external environment (whether we are conscious of it or not) and the state of our environment is FUNDAMENTAL to the state of our own individual health and wellbeing. Everything we need to survive (air, water, food, energy) comes from our natural environment and everything that we create to make our lives easier, convenient and more comfortable (electricity, homes, cars, etc.) also comes from our natural environment.
Our environment is certainly being taxed by the collective impact of our individual, business and corporate footprints. This is the result of the way in which resources are extracted, produced, transported and disposed of in the increasing need to satisfy our consumerist demands.
The way to make greener and more sustainable choices in our everyday lives to effect a healthier world is simple … when we know how.
Energy:
First REDUCE the amount of electricity you use – turn off lights in unoccupied rooms; turn off unused electrical appliances; wrap a geyser blanket around your electric geyser if you can’t afford a SWH and install a timer switch (water uses the greatest amount of energy to heat up); install LED lights wherever you can; use energy efficient appliances wherever possible.
REDUCE the amount of fuel you use in your travels or plant trees to offset your travel footprint.
Water:
First REDUCE the amount of water you use – turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your hands;
Harvest rainwater where you can.
Waste:
Prevent toxic landfill build-up by separating your organic (biodegradable) from your non-biodegradable waste. The next level would ideally be to compost your organic waste … but simply start with separating your waste.
Food:
Grow some of your own food – on a veranda, in a tyre, on a wall, on a roof. Green leafy vegetables are the easiest to grow and they are PRIMARY sources of nutrition.
REDUCE animal protein in your diet (for a healthier body and a healthier environment).
Air:
REDUCE your carbon footprint and improve the quality of our air by planting trees. Trees are unarguably the lungs of our earth. Sponsor tree planting programmes such as the Precious Tree Project. Keep air-purifying plants in and around your home.
By adopting these basic practices routinely in our lives, collectively we will make a difference towards effecting a sustainably healthier world.