Practical ways to live more sustainably
ROSEBANK – Founder of Thought Africa Joel Kaplan unpacks ways to live sustainably on a budget.
How can we live more sustainably without going to impractical extremes?
These were the types of questions asked by the founder of Thought Africa, Joel Kaplan at the final Keyes Art Mile Pantry Market of the year on 23 November.
Thought Africa an organisation that shares skills, knowledge and resources to achieve a more sustainable Africa.
Kaplan began the discussion by explaining that he was no expert on sustainability, but he believes that encouraging global citizens to adopt a moderate approach to living a more sustainable life was more helpful.
“Many of us try to be eco-conscious but feel limited with the technologies available today,” said Kaplan, comparing the current experience to that of Alexander Graham Bell’s efforts at communication before the invention of the telephone.
He played a clip of Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg explaining the need to fight for nature under the devastating effects of climate change today.
Kaplan said while this was a noble cause, it was not possible for millions of impoverished people worldwide, who cannot afford to participate in some of the inaccessible solutions.
“A simple, practical solution for all is to plant a tree… or create a worm farm at home,” said Kaplan.
He also unpacked some of what Thought Africa does to educate children, combining technology and sustainable living solutions such as creating worm farms or planting vertical gardens at home.
Kaplan demonstrated how to create a worm farm at home, disposing of organic waste in the form of tea bags, eggshells, banana peels and more, which the worms eat. The ‘worm wee’ is then drained from the contraption and used to fertilise vegetables grown from home.
Community members shared other practical tips such as reducing plastic consumption and refusing to drink take-out coffee, encouraging one another to live more sustainably.
Details: Visit www.thought.africa to find out more.
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