Looking for ways to live a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle? Here are a few easy tips on how to lighten your environmental footprint…

1. Choose reusable shopping bags

Buy a few reusable shopping bags so you don’t have to purchase plastic ones. Keep them in your car so you always have them on hand, whether you’re doing your weekly grocery shop or simply popping into a store for a few necessities.  

2. Use less plastic

According to the Two Oceans Aquarium, “There is no natural process that destroys plastic – even after hundreds of years in the sun, it just breaks up into small pieces.” So, avoid using plastic wherever you can, particularly single-use plastic. For example, say no to straws, use reusable glass water bottles and coffee flasks instead of disposable plastic ones, and avoid buying overpackaged products where possible.

3. Recycle

Instead of throwing milk bottles, egg cartons, cardboard boxes and plastic containers into the bin, try to recycle as much of your household waste as possible. You can then either drop it off at your nearest recycling depot or sign up for a service that will collect it from your home for a fee.

4. Save water

We live in a water scarce country where every drop really does count. Here are a few water-saving tips to try: take showers instead of baths, don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth, don’t flush the toilet after each use unless you need to, and only run the washing machine when you have a full load.

5. Save electricity

As South Africans, we’re well aware of the importance of saving electricity – not just for the planet but also because our power grid is under strain. So, while you probably know the drill, it’s worth mentioning some energy-saving tips again: turn off lights in rooms you’re not using, switch off electronics like TVs or laptops at the plug rather than leaving them in stand-by mode, hang up your laundry rather than tumble dry, and avoid using power-hungry appliances during peak times.  

6. Look for eco-friendly products

Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products instead of strong chemicals – faithful-to-nature.co.za stocks a wide range which you can purchase online. Or, if you really want to go as green as possible, try a few natural methods – white vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda are natural cleaning agents that can be used for a variety of tasks, while microfibre cloths are a great cleaning tool to keep on hand. 

7. Dispose of expired medications safely

Do you have a stash of old medications that you want to get rid of? Don’t throw them into the bin or flush them down the toilet. Instead, check with a few of your local pharmacies to see whether they’ll take them for safe disposal.