think globally, act locally

It's environment week and you all know I'm a firm supporter of going green. Remember when I talked about saving the planet? Well I've done the research for you and have found a few of the easiest simplest ways in which you can make a difference.

• My number one favourite thing (as mentioned before) is the Carbon Free campaign. You purchase a Carbon Free card to have an indigenous tree planted in a protected sanctuary. You then get the GPS co-ordinates of your tree’s location so you can monitor it and watch it grow. With your card, you can also participate in additional programs to accrue points through retailers and suppliers. These points can be redeemed for additional trees.

Did you know that ONE indigenous tree can produce oxygen for EIGHTY people?

• Turn off lights and electronic devices when you’re not using them. It’s not about simply turning the off switch. Many electrical appliances continue to use a small amount of energy when turned off. This energy will add up over time. Switch it off from the power outlet.

Did you know turning lights off when not actively using them, would have a reduction of up to 25% in the amount of electricity used everyday?

• Insulating your home will keep your house warmer in the winter and help to cool things off in the summer.

Did you know that heating and cooling can make up to 50% of your energy bill each month?

• Switch as many bulbs as possible in your home to compact fluorescent bulbs, or LED bulbs. A while ago, Eskom sent around a bunch of volunteers to people's homes to swap their existing lightbulbs for these energy efficient ones. It was a great initiative! Fluorescent bulbs generally last up to seven years each. LED bulbs last even longer and use even less energy. They are also really going mainstream nowadays, which means they're cheaper and easier to find than ever.

Did you know lighting can make up to 25% of the average home’s electricity consumption?

• You can save water and energy in the bathroom by installing low flow showerheads, upgrading your toilet to a low flow model and insulating your water heater and pipes. You may associate a low-flow showerhead with one that reduces your shower to a frustrating trickle. Thankfully, technologies have improved so that you can enjoy a high pressure shower while saving water at the same time!

Did you know 41% of our indoor water use in the home goes toward flushing the toilet and 33% goes to bathing!

• Reuse and recycle. Buy products made from recycled materials. Reuse something for the same purpose for which it was originally intended or for another purpose. Give your unwanted items to others or to welfare organisations. The ways in which to reuse and recycle are endless and all beneficial.

Most people are worried about the environment but don't think they can make a difference. We seem to feel overwhelmed by the extent of environmental problems and can't do anything to help because after all, "you are only one person." You might not know this, but it's doing the little things every day in your home that makes a huge impact on the environment. It’s the cumulative effect. You can make a big difference even though you are only "one person."