A bushveld safari is the quintessential image associated with a visit to Africa the world over. The disturbing reality is that if we don't take action today to conserve our wildlife heritage, the safaris of tomorrow might look something like the 'Joke of the Bushveld' video snippet attached. (You can view the full version of 'Joke of the Bushveld' on http://www.ewtrust.co.za/joke.)
It's no joke. Today's actions make tomorrow's environment.
The sheer scale of global warming and the associated ecological disasters which may face humanity are daunting and many people, when confronted with the reality of the situation, shrug their shoulders and say 'I'm just one person, what difference can I make?'. Well, the good news is - we can all make a difference as individuals. And if enough of us take action, catastrophe can be avoided.
So what can you do?
Out Shopping :
- 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:
- FishMS: Eat responsibly and safe 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 (Endangered Wildlife Trust 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!
What can you do right now?
- Share the 'Joke of the Bushveld' with your friends and colleagues. For a larger version of the file - go to http://www.ewtrust.co.za/joke
- Become informed - education and knowledge are our most powerful tools in averting the looming climate change crisis. Sign up for the EWT newsletter to find out more about their conservation efforts in South Africa - Subscribe to the EWTalk Newsletter. Alternatively, visit http://www.ewt.org.za for daily news and updated articles on issues of conservation importance during World Environment Week.
- Take action - make the small changes today that can reduce your own ecological footprint.
- Become involved - be an urban eco-campaigner in your community and help them implement eco-friendly practices.
With World Environment Week from 4 - 8 June 2007, we need to stand together as individuals and communities to ensure that 'Joke of the Bushveld' does not become a reality.
Regards
Yolan Friedmann
EWT CEO