Written by: Siphiwe Chris Mathebula
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Where I grew up, caring for our environment was never instilled in us as children. If anything, our daily routine had many aspects that were quite detrimental to the environment. For example, the frequent practice of relieving ourselves in undesignated areas was common practice. Little did we know that when washed out, human waste pollutes and contaminates main sources of drinking water, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in South African children, leading to approximately 20% of children not reaching their 5th birthday.
Young environmental activist
I am reminded of Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenage environmental activist, whose campaign has gained global recognition. Young as she is, given the opportunity to address the UN Climate Summit in New York on 23 September 2019, she had this to say, “The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say – we will never forgive you.”
Keeping leaders accountable
We must not fear taking our leaders to task, especially on things that concern future generations. I felt personally challenged by these words as I realised I also have a part to play in ensuring that my children, their children, and their children’s children inherit a well-preserved planet. It is not too late for any of us to play our part as devoted citizens in caring for our environment. After all, we have only one earth and we must do everything in our power to preserve it for future generations. A devoted citizen will make daily conscious decisions that will preserve the environment for future generations.
1. Water
Wasteful handling of valuable resources like water is one act we can address. Leaking taps and broken pipes should be fixed without delay. Our children (and everyone else for that matter) should be taught about the importance of closing taps tightly and not letting the tap run while we brush our teeth. A dripping tap or leaking toilet wastes up to 30 litres of water an hour on average. This, multiplied over thousands of leaking pipes and taps across South Africa, translates into an avalanche of wasted water.
2. Trees
How many times have you heard the expression “trees are life”? As the biggest plants on the planet, they provide humanity and animals with oxygen, store carbon, and stabilise the soil. They keep our environment cool, they trap and protect water overflow, and are sources of fuel, food, and medicine. Above all, they are a scenic splendour in our planet.
3. Waste
Littering of plastic waste, paper, jars, and bottles has a detrimental effect on the environment. It affects the quality of our drinking water, attracts pests and rodents, can be a fire hazard, and it kills aquatic life directly through choking.
What lifestyle changes will you and your family adopt as your contribution towards taking care of our planet?
The book is available on Amazon, Exclusive Books, Bargain Books, and Protea Books. Bulk orders can be made at info@hrm.org.za
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Date published: 31/08/2023
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com
SIPHIWE CHRISTOPHER MATHEBULA – Lead Pastor: Hope Restoration Ministries. Visit hrm.org.za
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