Climate change is wreaking havoc across the world, there’s no denying it. The World Bank has warned that climate change could force more than 216-million people into migration by 2050 if we do not take action to reverse it.
Seeing the climate emergency’s impact on the planet, it is imperative that we, ordinary people, do something to reverse it. And there really is so much you can do without changing your lifestyle too drastically.
I have made a few lifestyle changes and plan to do so much more.
Much of my garden is devoted to indigenous and succulent plants, and I removed the lawn to make way for a food garden. I have solar lights throughout the garden, use no pesticides and have a compost patch for all the kitchen and garden waste.
I’ve started what I hope will become a massive spekboom forest in the back of my yard and I give cuttings as gifts to family and friends.
I’ve asked some Flowstars to share what they are doing to lessen their impact on the planet.
For all of us, the big benefit has been less driving, as we are now working completely remotely.
Flow managing director Tiffany Turkington-Palmer says, “I think remote working has been a big step in doing what we can for climate change – fewer cars, less petrol, less electricity and water, far less paper.
“A few weeks ago we invested in solar geysers. It was a big step for us. The next step is to convert our water tankers to collect rainwater.”
Production manager Christelle de Beer has also replaced her geyser with a solar version, and has invested in a JoJo tank. She uses fabric shopping bags and glass and paper packaging instead of plastics.
Chuma Siswana, PR account director, says: “I’ve finally got rid of plastic shopping bags. I now use reusable bags. I’m also changing out all my plastic Tupperware to glass containers.”
Nadia Moore, Flow’s marketing manager, says she has stopped using disposable plastic razors: “I use those old-school razors with the blade. It’s been good.”
Senior writer and editor Sue Blaine has taken several steps to reduce her family’s impact on the Earth: “We eat meat only twice a week, use shampoo bars (similar to soap bars) instead of bottles, and no shower gel.”
Fellow senior writer and subeditor Libby Peacock has substituted plastic packaging for reusable beeswax wrappers to wrap sandwiches for lunch boxes and store leftovers. “My friend brought them from the UK, but now you can get them at Woolies, too.”
Flow CEO Tara Turkington says, “We save all plastic bottle tops. St David’s [Marist Inanda] has an initiative, started by a learner, where they trade them in and with the money buy wheelchairs for kids who can’t afford them. Please, please save ALL your bottle tops. I will collect them from you.”
Here are a few recommendations for Earth-friendly products that Flowstars swear by:
Faithful to Nature for personal and household products
Checkers’ Simple Truth household products
Made by Nature Earthsap household and beauty products
I leave you with this poem in the hope that it encourages you to do your bit: