Go Make a Difference to help conserve our environment
There is only one world, and we are all responsible for looking after it. But what can we, as individuals, really do to make a difference?
Even in today’s busy world, we can choose small actions that can make a vast impact. Simple deeds like recycling waste and saving energy can influence the world we live in.
Here are some ideas* that you can do every day to help our planet:
At the shops:
Go bare: Nowadays almost everything we buy comes swathed in layers of excess packaging. Indeed, 90% of the material used in the production of, or contained within, consumer goods becomes waste within just 6 weeks of sale. Shop with a critical eye, and avoid buying over packaged goods. Also, reduce the amount of disposable products you buy, and always look out for alternatives that will last.
At work:
A cooler Glass of Water: Instead of using plastic cups, always use a glass when you take a drink from the water cooler. This will save on the wasteful use of disposable plastic cups, and will also save your company money!
Put a plant on your desk: Indoor plants are a natural air conditioner and can remove up to 87% of indoor air pollution in 24 hrs.
Don’t print your emails: Avoid printing out your emails if you can. And when you send an email, include a reminder at the top, such as: “Don’t print! Save trees!”
Eating out (In a restaurant):
FishMS: Eat responsibly and save our oceans’ fish stocks. When choosing your fish dish in a restaurant, sms the species name or common name to 079 499 8795. An immediate response will tell you whether the fish is GREEN (best choice) ORANGE (caution) or RED (no sale). While GREEN fish can be eaten with a clear conscience, ORANGE fish are either rare/over fished, fished in an eco-unfriendly manner, or there is limited information available. A RED fish is a specially protected species, and it is illegal to buy or sell these species. Brought to you by SASSI, the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (the Endangered Wildlife Trust is the implementing partner in Gauteng).
At home:
Give your flowers coffee and watch them grow: Did you know that coffee grounds are perfect compost material? Next time you’re about to empty the coffee pot, tip it into the flower bed instead of the bin.
Use a fly swat: Houseflies are a nuisance and a health hazard. But resorting to chemical sprays doesn’t solve the problem in the long run. Cover food and secure domestic waste, and if you can’t get rid of one annoying critter – use a fly swat!
Grow your own:
Don’t buy it from the supermarket - grow your own! Home-grown food contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions caused by transporting food around the world, minimizes packaging that ends up in landfill, composts green waste effectively, and enables you to try out a whole range of non-commercial organic varieties which challenges the supermarket mono-culture. Tending a garden also relieves stress, and reduces environmental pollution – particularly in cities. It can also be a great educational tool for children. Better still, it’s cheap and the feeling you’ll get when you see your first tomatoes on the vine, or apples on the tree, will surpass any sugar high!
*Most of these ideas and many more can be found in the book with the same title
‘Go make a difference’:
For more information buy your copy of
Go make a Difference
At your local book store or visit www.thinkpublishing.co.uk
This book was made possible with the help and support of many organisations and individuals.
