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AT HOME:
We can all make small and simple changes in our
way of living at home which can help the environment.
The coal, oil and gas burned in our homes and
power stations give off carbon dioxide and other
gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect and
acid rain. By using less fuel, you can play a
personal role in helping combat these problems. Some
of these measures may cost more at first, but save
you money in the long term.
- Switch off lights, heating and other
electrical equipment when rooms are not in
use.
- Use draught excluders at doors and windows,
and install insulation in the roof in colder
climates, and around your hot water tank.
- Adjust your hot water geyser to a lower
setting; 55 - 60"C is adequate and
switch this off when going away for long
periods.
- Install solar panels. The initial cost may be
quite high, but you will reduce electricity
bills.
- Use fluorescent light bulbs instead of
ordinary incandescent bulbs. Although more
expensive to buy, they last eight times
longer and use much less electricity.
- When buying electrical equipment, make sure
they are energy efficient - ask the sales
representative for energy consumption
figures.
- Instead of boiling a kettle repeatedly, use a
flask to keep the water hot.
- Don't use the hot water tap unless you
actually want hot water and then use as
little as possible.
IN THE
KITCHEN:
- Use containers for keeping food in the fridge
instead of plastic wrapping which cannot be
re-used.
- Use recycling depots where they exist. Glass
jars, bottles, newspapers and aluminium cans
can all be recycled. South Africans throw
away 65% of all glass products made annually
-- all of which can be recycled.
- Choose glass over plastic when buying goods
as more local authorities recycle glass than
plastic.
- Use wax wrap instead of plastic or foil.
- Try to avoid throwing your waste down the
sink.
- Save fruit and vegetable scraps for the
compost heap.
IN THE
BATHROOM:
- Shower rather than bathing. This saves up to
a third of water used.
- Use aerosols sparingly and only those which
state they do not contain CFCs.
(Chlorofluorocarbons. See Enviro-Facts on Ozone).
- Avoid using colouring for toilet water as
these introduce chemicals into the sewage
system which can be dangerous and costly to
filter out.
- Much raw or only partially treated sewage is
being pumped into the sea, so avoid flushing
sanitary wear, cigarette butts and plastic
packaging down the toilet. Sanitary wear can
take 120 days to decompose and plastics can
take hundreds of years to break down.
IN THE
GARDEN:
- Start a compost heap in your garden with
left-over fruit and vegetable scraps and
garden debris.
- Choose organic fertilisers (e.g. horse
manure) and try to avoid pesticides
altogether.
- Encourage wildlife in your garden - put up
bird feeders, nest boxes and encourage wild
flowers to grow.
- Plant trees and plants indigenous (local) to
your area where possible as these are adapted
to local conditions. (local nurseries can
advise you).
SPEAK UP
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT!
- Voice your concern. Write letters to your
local, provincial or national elected
representative, and newspaper on
environmental issues that concern you. Ask
questions and insist on answers. 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.
FURTHER
READING:
- The Green Consumer Guide by J Elkington and J
Hailes. Gollancz, 1988.
- How to be Green by J Button, Century, 1988.
- Once is Not Enough, Recycling Directory,
Argus, 1990
- Your Guide to Green Living in South Africa, W McLintock,
Londolozi, 1990.
USEFUL
ADDRESSES:
- Wildlife Society, P O Box 44189, Linden,
2104.
- Earthlife Africa, P O Box 176, Observatory,
7935.
- Cape Recycling Network, P O Box 238, Hout
Bay, 7872.
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