The planet is getting warmer, and for those of us living in Zululand, we certainly don’t need the extra heat. But all this talk of solar panels and wind tunnels and organic this and that has me looking forlornly at my bank balance – with that lovely minus sign next to the big number – and I think ‘it ain’t gonna happen’.
Fortunately, there are some not-so-expensive ways to minimise your carbon footprint and play some part in mitigating the global warmth that is wreaking such havoc.
Here are a few ideas to get you on that path to hippie-dom, where it’s all-green all the time.
1. Sweat it out
When that February heat rolls around, don’t run for the airconditioner just yet. Instead, pretend you are on the set of ‘Survivor’ and see how long you can withstand the heat before passing out. Not only is it fun, but you might shed a few unwanted kilos in the process.
2. Mini showers
If you like to shower, then you’re going to need to participate in speed showering. What you do is lather up before switching on the water. Once you’re all soaped up and – as long as the municipality hasn’t switched off the water – you can turn on the shower BRIEFLY to wash off all the suds. If you’re going to sing in the shower, make it a quick one. No Bohemian Rhapsodys here.
3. Retain – don’t drain
Make that bath go a long way. Just because your husband and four sweaty kids have already used the same water, doesn’t mean you can’t too. You might come out dirtier than before you went in, but at least you’re doing your part.
4. (Very) grey water
Get even more use out of your bathwater by then scooping out the well-used water and placing it on your thirsty plants. This way, you get a bit more exercise as well. Going green is really going to do wonders for your figure.
5. Car pool
You probably find you don’t get enough of your colleagues at work, so why not extend that one-on-one, in-your-face time with them by organising a car pool as well. You can play carpool karaoke while you discuss the latest workplace gossip, all the while saving on energy costs!
6. Library time
Rather than killing trees needlessly by purchasing the latest John Grisham novel, you can visit your local library and just borrow the book instead. If you don’t read, now is the chance to start – remember, libraries tend to have airconditioning so you won’t even have to sweat it out!
7. Kiss plastic goodbye
Let’s face it – plastic looks gross, feels gross and is bad for the environment. So try remove it from your life wherever possible. No more plastic bags, no more plastic bottles, no more plastic surgery. You’re done!
So, there you have it. In just 7 simple steps, you have become an eco-warrior. You can now step onto your high horse and start ranting at all the simpletons below you about the joys of being green!
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