Perhaps taking it back to the basics is what we need to do to prevent the earth from further sinking in the muck we have created
Whenever the conversation about climate change takes place, we are always told about how our hazardous habits are destroying the earth. We have unhealthy practices that have a huge and life-threatening impact on the earth. As a result, entire species of animals are being wiped out, there are extreme weather events, increased temperatures, ice melts, rising sea levels, lack of food security and so much more. Because we created this mess, we figured we need to make some changes. Here’s how:
1. Use shopping bags
Instead of spending 60 cents, or more, on a plastic bag, rather spend about R50 on a reusable shopping bag. It might sound ridiculous, but have you thought about how much you spend on plastics whenever you shop?
2. Go digital
Opt for a soft copy of documents, which makes it easier to archive important things like bank statements, academic transcripts and receipts.
3. Save water
Learn to not flush the toilet at night after peeing – you’ll do it in the morning. Use a cup when you brush your teeth instead of letting the tap run; spend less time in the shower – save the singing for when you apply lotion; make sure that water in the bath tub or plastic basin covers your feet but doesn’t exceed your ankles; don’t pre-rinse dishes; use a bowl to rinse all your vegetables.
4. Plant something
Apart from the oxygen trees generate, they also clean the air, are great for sunny days and they, apparently, increase the value of your property. Some trees, also, have medicinal benefits.
5. Recycle at home
Have a refuse bag that’s intended for recyclable material. For example, glass takes longer to recycle so you can have a bag that’s strictly for glass containers that aren’t reusable.
6. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Try cutting down on items you throw away. Use products you can refill. Also find innovative ways of reusing containers. Ice cream tubs can be used to store leftovers, and mayonnaise bottles can be used for pot plants.
7. Use energy-saving lightbulbs
Not only are they cheaper, they also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Don’t forget to switch off the lights in rooms that aren’t occupied.
8. Recycle your clothes
Charities and thrifting are an excellent way of doing this. So, instead of throwing your clothes away, you can give them away. What other people do is reuse their clothes for domestic purposes. Shirts can be cut and used as dusters.
9. Don’t waste food
Use vegetable/fruit peels as compost for your garden. If you happen to slaughter an animal, make use of the whole animal, just as we’ve always done in African cultures.
10. Do not litter
The waste clogs up water drains and most of it lands in the ocean, killing sea life. It’s also just messy and gross.