‘IT’S Our Turn to Lead’ is the theme for this year’s Earth Day, which calls on all citizens around the globe to unite and show support for the protection of a beautiful and green environment.
The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) is encouraging all South Africans to take this challenge of a clean environment head-on by reducing consumption at home.
Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April. Now in its 45th year, Earth Day is one of the largest observances in the world with one billion people participating in activities each year. The IWMSA urges South Africans to take a stand all year round and join its plight for a healthy future for everyone.
Dr Suzan Oelofse, president of the IWMSA, said: “To reduce personal consumption is not always an easy task to tackle, but there are a few doable steps you can follow throughout the year to help protect our environment for future generations. You may also save money in the process.”
Oelofse provided five easy steps to reduce consumption and make every day Earth Day.
– Sort your cupboards and closets. With the winter months approaching, sorting your cupboards and closets will help you to focus on the things you really need. Clothes that are too big, too small or simply don’t suit you any more can be donated to the less-privileged.
– Plan your shopping trip. Window-shopping only leads you to temptation to buy the things that you don’t necessarily need. Impulsive purchases are often left unused and eventually end up in the dustbin. Rather draw up a shopping list of the things you need beforehand.
– Set up a meal planner. When cooking food, try to use the oldest ingredients first before the shelf life expires. Regularly rotate or sort cupboards according to shelf life as it will help you to access your oldest stock quicker and easier. Prepare just enough food for the amount of people that will be enjoying the meal. If there is food left over, use it for a delicious soup or start your own home composting system. Cooking just enough food will cut your waste and even save electricity.
– Challenge yourself to see how little you can get by with. Rather than spending money on the latest and newest products, challenge yourself to see how little you can get along with. This will not only save you money, but save the environment’s valuable resources.
– Buy eco-products.
With these easy steps, everyone can make every day Earth Day. “Protecting our earth through reduced consumerism saves you money! It is a win-win situation,” added Oelofse.
