26 March 2012

Are You Part of the Solution?

One of the things I love about our planet is our natural environment.  So when a recent study ranked South Africa at only 128th out of 132 countries in what is called the "Environmental Performance Index," I was disappointed to say the least. While SA does rank well when it comes to biodiversity, forest cover, and land set aside for nature reserves, we are one of the biggest polluters in the world.  There are many reasons why we rank so low, including the fact that most of our electricity is produced through coal, but the way each of us as individuals live our lives can make a difference.  Whatever little each of us can do, will make our land a better place for our children and grandchildren, as well as our wildlife.  And it goes without saying that our environment plays an essential role in our own health.  So to help in the cause, I have attempted to play my role.  I have planted about 12 small water-wise and wildlife-friendly indigenous trees in the last 6 months, helping to absorb the excess carbon produced by modern living. Also, I have once again found a reliable paper recycling service, so the numerous sheets of head-rest paper which we use every day does not contribute to our ever-growing mountains of refuse.  There are many other things that we can do individually, but every little bit will help.  As the old saying goes, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem."  So are you part of the solution?

http://epi.yale.edu/dataexplorer/countryprofiles
http://www.growwild.co.za/
http://witkoppenwildflower.co.za/
http://www.paperpickup.co.za/default2.asp

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