INTRODUCTION

Individuals and conservation organisations are working at local, national and global levels to stop the destruction of this wonderful world in which we are privileged to live. Throughout the world we are destroying our greatest global assets, and the natural systems that give us beauty and keep us alive. Rainforests are being cut down, pollution from burning of fossil fuels is contributing to the greenhouse effect and changes in world climate, while thousands of species are threatened with extinction due to loss of habitat. But we have the awareness, the responsibility and the ability to stop this destruction

The most immediate appeal is for people everywhere to become conservationists in their daily lives. The pressure on our planet has now become so great that a vital and urgent rethink into how we behave is a necessity -- not a choice. We must correct yesterday's mistakes today for a better tomorrow.

Whoever and wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you can help the environment. Today we must all take responsibility for our planet.

ON THE COAST:

  • Our coastline is very vulnerable, take good care of it by taking your rubbish home. Around the world over 2 million seabirds and 100 000 sea mammals die annually - trapped or injured by discarded rubbish.

  • Anglers should always make sure they take home all their equipment. Discarded hooks, sinkers, lines and nets can be hazardous to humans as well as wildlife.

  • Keep vehicles off sand dunes - vegetation on dunes is very fragile and slow-growing.

AT WORK:

There is enormous wastage of paper and energy in the workplace. Does your organisation have an environmental policy? If not, start one! Contact your local municipality to find out if there are any recycling works -- you will be making a big personal contribution to the environment if you start to recycle today.

  • Thousands of trees are used to make the paper and other products which we throw away. Save resources by recycling.

  • Save energy and money by switching off lights and heating that is not in use, particularly over lunch hour and after work.

  • Is your workplace using environmentally safe products e.g. phosphate free cleaning agents? Promote this as a policy.

  • Support the use of recycled paper -- this uses less energy and produces less wastage and pollution than virgin paper.

  • Does your company or workplace have an environmental policy? Help develop one with other concerned people and make it official policy.

SHOPPING:

Next time you go shopping take a moment to think of the effect your next purchase could have on the environment. Be an informed consumer. There are safe alternatives to many of the products we buy today.

  • Buy pump-action sprays, particularly when refills are available. Avoid aerosols unless they state they do not use CFCs. + Buy recycled toilet paper, stationery etc.

  • If you can, buy in bulk - it saves packaging and money.

  • Avoid products designed specifically for a short life span, for example disposable items such as nappies - buy long-lasting items to reduce the amount of urban waste.

  • Take your own bag shopping. Billions of non-recyclable or non-biodegradable carrier bags are given away free and used only once. These can, for example, end up in rivers and seas where they can kill or injure wildlife. Re-use them as dustbin liners and take half-a-dozen along to the supermarket for re-use. Some supermarkets have introduced collection points for carrier bags - find out if yours has one.

  • Remember yours is the power of the purse - you can make a difference by selecting articles which are environmentally safe.

TRAVELLING:

Do you need to drive the car so often? Huge amounts of poisonous gases and substances are released by our cars and other motor vehicles each year, including nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons as well as lead which contributes to acid rain, smog, health problems and the greenhouse or global warming effect.

  • Try walking or cycling instead of the car. It also keeps you fit.

  • Use public transport when possible. If there is not a good service make sure your elected representative or local authority knows.

  • Consider sharing car journeys with friends or relatives or form a car pool.

  • Drive more slowly. Reduced speeds lead to less fuel being used and less pollution.

  • Have your car serviced regularly -- an efficient engine is a clean one.

  • Watch out for animals crossing the road, particularly at night when your vehicle's headlights may dazzle and confuse the animal. Slow down if you think you see an animal at the side of the road. In the United States it is estimated than more than one-million mammals and birds are killed by motor vehicles every day!

SPEAK UP FOR THE ENVIRONMENT!

  • Write to Your elected representative, local authority or local paper on environmental issues that concern you. Many improvements have been achieved through persistent public outcry.

  • Campaign for better public transport and recycling facilities.

  • Join an environmental group - they need your support.

  • Use less, reuse more and tell others to conserve our precious resources as well.

  • Spread the word amongst friends and colleagues - show them this leaflet.

FURTHER READING:

  1. The Green Consumer Guide by I Elkington and I Hailes. Collancz, 1988.

  2. How to be Green by J Button, Century, 1988.

  3. Once is Not Enough, Recycling Directory, Argus, 1990

  4. Your Guide to Green Living in South Africa, W McLintock, Londolozi, 1990.

USEFUL ADDRESSES:

  1. Wildlife Society, P O Box 44189, Linden, 2104.

  2. Earthlife Africa, P O Box 176, Observatory, 7935.

  3. Cape Recycling Network, P O Box 238, Hout Bay, 7872.

Created and maintained by: Jocelyn Collins
Last Updated: Thursday, February 01, 2001