2023: What lifestyle changes can YOU make to make a difference? 

A lot of people think that their small contribution to keeping the Earth free of litter, reducing pollution, and avoiding catastrophic global warming would be a drop in the ocean, so why bother? Just carry on as always … well, that’s the problem we, and past generations, have collectively been a part of creating for a long time. 

Consider this: your R20 donation to a charity would not make any difference to their finances, but if 500 people each donated R20, that’s a very helpful amount. As the saying goes, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” 

Springbok Online Casino compiled a list of suggestions you can easily implement to live a greener and more sustainable lifestyle. At the very least, you’ll be able to teach your children good values and be able to tell your grandkids that you did your best not to mess up their chances of a great future. Here are some ideas that will allow you to tread more lightly on our beautiful planet. Props to you if you already include some of these practices in your daily lifestyle. 

REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE

The idea here is to firstly use less of the problematic materials that are creating an unsustainable environment, the biggest of these being single-use plastics. Buy bottled water only when you absolutely have to. Most people’s tap water is safe to drink, so buy your own re-useable water bottle to fill at home or work. Or buy spring or reverse osmosis water in re-used 5 litre bottles. Recycle all paper, tins, glass and plastic, bearing in mind that only 10% of all plastic worldwide actually ends up being recycled! Best to try and avoid buying plastic in the first place. Use net bags for buying loose fruit and vegetables, buy cold drinks in cans rather than plastic, and take your own shopping bags to the supermarket. Electronic or computer equipment can be recycled at municipal waste depots, or if still in working order, donated to charity. 

COMPOST ORGANIC WASTE

If you have a garden, start composting, either in a composting bin, or even in a small space provided for that. Fruit and veg skins, eggshells, leaves, dead cut flowers and cooked food (no oil or meat) are acceptable. If these are put in your rubbish bin and end up in the landfill, they produce a significant amount of methane, one of the gasses that contribute to global warming. Use this compost to start a veg garden ­– there is nothing more satisfying than growing and picking your own tomatoes. 

EAT LESS MEAT AND DAIRY

Talking of methane, the farming of animals for meat, dairy and egg production produces significant amounts of methane. Not only that, but the untold mountains of animal waste finds its way into rivers and other water sources, often ending up in the sea and creating dead zones with no marine life. Limiting your intake of animal products, even by a couple of times a week, is not only a healthier choice but contributes to a more sustainable future. Contrary to popular belief, there IS life after bacon! 

DONATE OR SELL EVERYTHING YOU DON’T NEED OR USE

Many people are sitting on piles of valuable and/or useful stuff that no longer suits your lifestyle. Are your camping days over? Sell all your equipment. Tennis, bowls or squash not on your to-do list anymore? Sell or donate your gear. Same goes for electronics, clothing, furniture and other household items. Consider this not only a life-improving move, but distributing your treasures so that others need not buy more new stuff that they can’t afford is also a benefit to the Earth. 

BUY SECOND HAND

As above but in reverse, consider buying as much as you need second hand. Not only will charity shops benefit from your thrifting, but so will the environment. Whether it’s a washing machine, crockery or a winter coat, check out the many ads and outlets advertising an astonishing array of used items. 

GIVE USEFUL GIFTS

Instead of that novelty singing trout that will be funny for five minutes, consider only gifting presents that you know people will like and use. From homemade preserves, to a gift pack of wine to a book voucher, the planet will thank you for not adding more junk that will end up in a landfill. By the way, gift wrap is not recyclable – rather don’t wrap at all or use re-useable gift bag that can be re-used among family and friends. 

LIFT CLUB TO WORK AND SCHOOL

One car is better than two. Not only does it save money ­– a lot, considering the price of petrol ­– but also halves exhaust emissions. Carbon dioxide is the other important global-warming gas, so the less we use our cars, the better. Go grocery shopping with your neighbour or, better still, order in with a delivery service that utilises scooters. Especially if you have a double-cab gas-guzzling SUV. 

FLY LESS

Air travel is a huge contributor to carbon emissions. Lockdown proved that not all meetings required a face-to-face format, instead we relied on Zoom and MS Teams, etc. to conduct business. Do we really need to fly across the world to have a relaxing holiday, when we have so many fantastic destinations right on our doorstep (that other people fly halfway around the world to come and enjoy)? Also, think of the long, boring, frustrating hours spent on planes and in transit you won’t have to endure. It’s a win-win solution! 

There you have it ­– hopefully, if you haven’t already, you may find some of our suggestions easy to adopt and make you feel a little better about yourself. Of course, being a Springbok Online Casino player, you are already doing something to reduce your carbon footprint ­– by staying at home or enjoying your gaming entertainment wherever you are. 

Here’s wishing you all a great 2023!