- 1 - Planning for success
- 2 - Getting Smart
- 3 - Practical parenting
Global data collected by Oxford University has shown that South Africans log the most hours at work in the world.
While this doesn’t leave much free time to devote to trying to live in a more green and eco-friendly way, it doesn’t have to be impossible.
With a few time-saving hacks, you can enjoy the benefits of green living whilst still juggling your other commitments.
1 – Planning for success
Whether you’re busy with work or with family life, a little planning can go a long way.
With groceries accounting for nearly one-third of the household budget in some parts of Africa, it’s one area in which some careful planning can make a big difference, not only to the environment but also to your finances.
Subscribing to food planning services and getting meals delivered can reduce food waste, as well as providing inspiration and saving you valuable time and money.
You can also arrange for your household’s recycling to be collected, again saving you time and effort, while doing your bit for the planet.
2 – Getting Smart
Africa is set for large-scale investment in smart tech during the coming years, with 75% of consumer tech spending expected to be on smart home technology among other things.
By investing in controllable lights or thermostats, you can reduce energy wastage in your home, wherever you are. Solar panels are also going smart, enabling you to control and monitor them remotely, ultimately improving their efficiency.
3 – Practical parenting
As a busy parent, you might be concerned about your child’s footprint on the planet.
While disposable nappies and wipes may seem quicker to use, they have a long-lasting impact on the environment, taking 500 years to decompose.
By choosing to buy reusable cloth nappies and wipes, you can help to preserve the planet, and with a little planning, you could do a few large washing loads per week to save time and water.
You could also arrange swaps within your neighbourhood for pre-loved kids’ clothes or toys so that you can help to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill; even just a monthly community event can provide a good opportunity to share and swap items, whilst making friends and letting the children play.
All-in-all, finding greener ways to live is becoming increasingly important, but it is sometimes assumed that it requires lots of time and effort to do so.
In fact, adapting your household to be more eco-friendly can be easily fitted around work and family life. Small changes can make a huge difference to the planet.
