FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO REDUCE THE HOUSEHOLD'S IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The average South African household has a large impact on the environment on how it uses scarce resources through to the types of products bought by the household. The good news is that this Impact can be lessened by making small changes which can be lasting .

Here are some ideas:

1.Energy use

A way to save on the household's impact on the environment is to reduce energy use and thereby greenhouse gas emissions. The main culprits that cause these emissions are used for heating and cooling. It comes down to better designed houses but also taking the time to conserve energy where possible and finding alternative solutions to both warming and cooling the house.

Simple change - use the heater and air-conditioning less and fit a geyser timer switch.

2.Water use

Reducing water usage helps to put less pressure on dams and on the municipal infrastructure. Changes that can be implemented to reduce usage include taking a shower rather than a bath, collecting the shower water into buckets and planting drought-tolerant plants in the garden.

Installing a water tank is useful to catch rain water. This saves thousands of litres which can be used to water the garden. Drilling a borehole might be an option, however in many security and golf estates in Gauteng, having a private borehole is not allowed. For instance, residents who live in Silver Lakes Golf and Wildlife Estate are prohibited from drilling a borehole as only the golf course is allowed to have boreholes with the borehole water being used to irrigate the golf course.

Simple change - plant indigenous flora and collect rain water.

3.Consume less

Another way to be more sustainable is to look at the food purchases for the household. Eating less meat and dairy, also buying foods that are made locally, preparing meals at home and growing own vegetables will all help.

Simple change - take cognisance of what is bought.

4.Reduce waste

Landfills are overflowing. Buy less, buy quality products that last, buy bulk products that use less packaging, donate old clothes including household goods and always try to repair broken items rather than opting for the "throw away" option and then buying new.

Simple change - repair faulty appliances and consider joining the local Buy Nothing Facebook Group.

5.Recycle

Be familiar with what can and cannot be recycled. Avoid certain plastics that cannot be recycled. Compost food scrapes. This is not only reduces the garbage load but is good for the garden. Dispose of e-waste through correct collection points.

Simple change - compost food scraps.