Grey water

•    Laundry
•    Washing machines
•    Baths
•    Showers
•    Hand basins

Every day, each person can go through hundreds of litres of water in the simple tasks of washing ourselves and the environment around us. Allowing this water to run down the plug is not necessary. Rather, it can be conserved for other uses, making it (known as grey water) a useful tool in our ongoing efforts to be environmentally conscious and responsible.

There is also the increasing problem of water shortages in countries like South Africa, Australia, and South America. It is frequently argued that the problem is not a literal shortage of supply, but bad distribution of available water and poor management thereof. In South Africa, for example, the main issue is that there is not enough room for more dams and reservoirs to catch the available water. Therefore, in these and other lands, the use of grey water can potentially have enormous positive effects on the protection of water, a crucial element of human, animal and plant life.

Currently, the largest proportion of water wastage is due to the discarding of grey water. Up to half of the water consumed in the home for washing and cleaning is discarded. By saving this water and using it for flushing the toilet and for gardening or irrigation, you will be displaying a green-minded attitude towards the conservation of the earth’s natural and undeniably valuable resources.

When using grey water, be careful not to store it as it is particularly susceptible to bacteria and gas production. Therefore, do not attempt to have a tank for this type of water. Rather, let it run directly from the bath or washing machine into the garden or collect it in a bucket and use it immediately. Stagnant water may also attract flies and mosquitoes and potentially be harmful to your health. Because you have already used the grey water to wash your body, home, clothing or dishes, it will already have a fair amount of bacteria in it.

To prevent the water particles from atomising (breaking down into its atomic components and, therefore, not having the same value as the water compound), grey water should be sprayed through a low-pressure nozzle. Spraying it is also advantageous as it means that the grey water does not hit the ground with enough force to penetrate it deep enough to reach the natural water below and spread its ‘unnatural’ bacteria further.

When shopping for washing powders, fabric softeners, body soap and dishwashing liquids, look for ones that are environmentally-friendly and free of phosphates. Such environmentally-aware products are kinder to the earth, having little or no negative impact on the plants and soil onto which they ultimately land.

The reuse of grey water may take a little preparation and forethought. However, when one considers the economic benefits as well as the enormous advantages to your immediate environment, it is certainly worth the preparation.

In many countries, the government or local municipalities have set up a formal recycling system, where each household gets different containers in which to put food waste, paper, glass, plastic and tin. This is, however, not standard practice in all countries. Therefore, householders are encouraged to implement their own waste removal and recycling systems, so that they are able to have a positive role in the preservation of their local environment.

The first step to creating an effective recycling system in the home is to become educated regarding your local resources and the legal requirements for recycling. Some communities may accept mixed items (glass, paper and plastic in one container), which they will then separate, while others have no such system in place, in which case you will need to separate the items yourself. Some municipalities will also not accept certain items, such as milk cartons, as they have foil lining. Then you will need to find out if your local government has specific containers in which recyclable items should go. They may provide you with special bins, or you might need to get plastic bins yourself. You should have one for plastic, paper, tin, food and ‘other’ (which will likely contain items such as batteries). If possible, get a food container that has a removable inner, so that it is easy to clean and sterilize on a regular basis.

Assign a special place (or more than one place) in your home as the recycling corner. Mark each bin clearly, so that everyone in the house knows what goes where. If you have small children, you may want to paste appropriate pictures from magazines (of soda cans, for example) on a card and stick it on the bin, so that they are able to tell, at a glance, what that bin is for. If you have different sized containers, ensure that the bin for paper is the largest. The kitchen is probably the best place for such items. But, if there is limited space or they look unattractive, consider putting them on a balcony or porch. Be careful that they are not in an area where they are at risk of being stolen.

Rinse your containers on a regular basis to prevent any unpleasant smells (from leaked sodas, traces of meat or blood on plastic packaging, and so on). Consider spraying in and around them with an antiseptic and a bug repellent, so that they do not attract cockroaches and flies.

Food peels, cores, pips and so on should be kept in a sealed container for your compost heap, if applicable. Never put these foodstuffs into a recycling container.

Some useful recycling tips are:

• Crush your cans, boxes and plastic packaging so that more fits into your drums, rather than having it overflow more regularly.
• Before discarding anything, try to think of another possible use for it. For example, toilet roll inners and cleaned tin cans can be fabulous craft items for children and surrounding schools.
• Consider donating items such as old furniture, crockery and cutlery before simply throwing them out.
• Set goals for yourself on how much you want to recycle (in terms of volume) and set achievable time frames. This is both motivating and rewarding.
• Sign up for local recycling newsletters so that you are aware of any changes, needs or limitations in the industry and environment.

Here are some ways in which you can be greenminded in your conservation efforts:

• Report any incidents of animal poisoning that you encounter. At the moment, poisoning is one of the chief causes of deaths in raptors in South Africa. Poisoning has a domino effect. Rodents and insects are usually the prime targets, since these ones are blamed for the destruction of crops and for being pests in the home. With bodies full of poison, they become prey for other animals, such as snakes, birds and even mammals. These hunters, who are not part of the initial problem that caused the prey to be poisoned, then succumb to the poisoning too. This threatens entire species in certain areas and cannot be overlooked. Of course, the poisoning of animals like lynx, vultures etc… in order to protect crops and animals, for use in traditional medicine and so on is also an enormous part of this problem. All poisoning should be reported to the Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Programme on the Nashua Mobile Pesticide Helpline 082 802 6223 or on 011 486 1102, extension 208.
• Refrain from using pesticides and insecticides that contain harmful chemicals. These only pollute your air, soil and water, kill off more species than intended and decrease the balance of the ecosystems around us, leading to more (unforeseen) problems in the long term. Either consider living with a few extras bugs and beetles or switch to natural repellents that keep the animals at bay rather than killing them.
• Report any raptors and cranes that you spot with colour marking. Scientists use this method of identifying these birds to track their movements and to keep an eye on their delicate population stability. All ringed crane sightings should be reported to crane@ewt.org.za while colour-tagged vulture sightings should be reported to andreb@ewt.org.za.
• Contact the Eskom-EWT Strategic Partnership on 0860 111 535 or wep@ewt.org.za to report birds that have died as a result of flying into power lines or other animals that have climbed into the lines from ground level. This is a common problem as large birds have a massive wingspan. If their wings make contact with the power lines at speed (during flight), they can be badly injured or even killed by the impact.
• Do not litter and always try to pick up and dispose of the litter of others. Animals can swallow, be poisoned, drowned, tangled or strangled in the careless remnants of humans. Birds frequently get their feet and wings tied in plastic, string or wool, succumbing to predators or dying as a result of injuries. Aquatic animals are poisoned or suffocated, while scavengers often choke on packets and plastic. In like manner, ensure that the rubbish in your home bin cannot harm animals if your bin is torn open. Cut long pieces of string, dental floss and so on into short pieces to prevent tangling.
• When you are shopping or deciding on the products that you will use in your own life and home, remember that your choices affect the environment. Opt for organic, Fair Trade and environmentally friendly options rather than disregarding the benefits for a cheaper price or more convenient packaging.
• Pick up stray animals and take them to a local shelter so that they can be cared for and, hopefully, reunited with their owners or rehomed.

Glass, made from melted sand particles, has been used for centuries for a wide variety of applications. These range from vessels (like wine glasses, jars and dishes) to décor, design and even industrial uses. Glass is also used extensively in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

Over the years, glass packaging has been replaced on a wide scale by plastic; which is lighter, more durable and cheaper. However, the benefits of glass far outweigh those presented by plastic, and should be considered very seriously, particularly by those with social, emotional or financial investments in the greenminded status of our planet.

One of the most significant advantages to the use of glass when compared to practically any other substance (wood or plastic, for example) is that glass can be cleaned thoroughly, restored to a completely sterile condition if washed in the appropriate temperature and with suitable detergents or chemicals. Its smooth, hard surface does not allow for bacteria to penetrate it or be absorbed, as is the case with so many other materials. The ability of glass to be made sterile means that it is the best option in environments in which such sterility is essential – such as in restaurants (drinking glasses, for example), medical and pharmaceutical fields.

Another major advantage that glass has over plastic is that glass is easily and widely recycled. In fact, some countries legally require it. It is more greenminded to recycle glass than plastic, since glass does not release harmful fumes into the atmosphere, damaging the air we breathe and the ozone layer.  It is also more energy efficient to recycle glass than plastic.

Glass has no reaction with or effect on the substance it contains. This is very different to plastic, which can alter the properties of certain liquids due to the chemical reactions taking place over time, particularly if there is any sort of acid in the liquid.

In addition, glass maintains temperatures over longer periods of time than plastic. It does not shrink or expand enough to cause any negative effects on its contents, unlike plastic bottles. Glass ensures that its content stays warmer or cooler (whatever the case may be) for an extended period of time.

Plastics containing bisphenol-A (or BPA) have been proven to be very harmful to humans and their hormone levels. When these plastics are heated (in the dishwasher or microwave, for example), the BPA can seep out of the plastic and into the food or liquid it holds. This is dangerous for young and old alike. Glass containers, on the other hand, do not contain any such substances, and have no effect on the food they hold.

Other advantages to using glass include:

• Glass is versatile. It can be made into any shape, size, style, and colour, even transparent.
• Glass does not take on the odours of its contents once cleaned properly.
• Glass cannot rust.
• It is completely waterproof.

Hemp has received much exposure, not only for its coming from the Cannabis genus (and, therefore, or questionable value and origin), but also for its versatility and the many uses for which it is known. The variety used for these purposes is hardier than the variety that is used for recreational and medicinal drugs. However, because of the close relationship and many similarities between the two, hemp production has not always been allowed or encouraged.

The world leader in terms of the production of Hemp is China, followed by Europe, Chile and Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea). In the last few years, particularly since 2007, the commercial awareness and success of this valuable product has increased exponentially. Today, it is used to manufacture paper, plastics that are biodegradable, textiles, manufacturing materials, food and fuel.

There are several advantages to using hemp:

• Hemp grows quickly and has a large yield. In fact, one hectare of hemp can produce an annual yield of about 25 tonnes of dry matter. Of this, almost all of it, or the vast majority, can be decorticated (husk etc…removed) and used effectively.
• Hemp requires very few insecticides and no herbicides to be grown naturally and healthily. This creates healthier soil, air and water for the plants, animals and people living near to and working with this plant.
• Hemp is particularly versatile, ideal for so many different aspects of production.

Some of the many applications for hemp include:

Textiles
Hemp produces a strong textile that can be used for clothing and décor items. It is sometimes combined with cotton or silk in varying proportions. Hemp textiles can be dyed any colour and are just as easy to work with as most other fabrics.

Food
The seeds of hemp need only be shelled before being eaten raw, made into hemp milk, boiled as a tea, used in baking or ground into flour. The oil solidifies on standing and can be used as lard for cooking. Animals, like birds and fish, are also well sustained by adding hemp to their diets. Hemp seeds are very good for us, providing a great source of dietary fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, phosphorous, manganese, antioxidants and chlorophyll. There are no known allergies to hemp foodstuffs.

Medicine
Hemp has healing properties and is often used in moisturisers, balms and so on because of them. However, the oil in the plants is also an effective anti-inflammatory.

Fibre
The fibre of the hemp plant, called bast, is important and extensively used. The fibres strengthen the plant and usually measure between 91 centimetres and 4.6 metres in length. This part of the plant is used to make paper, sail canvas and rope. Hemp fibre is also used to make a biodegradable type of plastic, which could revolutionise the world in terms of the landfills and pollution, as well as for the composite panels in cars and trucks.

Hemp can also be used for:

• Jewellery
• Animal bedding
• Water purification
• Soil purification
• Weed control
• Fuel

Rooibos can be drunk as is or with milk and sugar, and is great hot or cold. For a tasty alternative, add a little honey, lemon and ginger. Significantly, it is safe for all ages. In fact, babies and pregnant mothers can benefit enormously from including Rooibos tea into their diets.

Benefits to Babies:
In addition to providing a source of minerals that are essential to the growth and development of the baby’s body and immune system, Rooibos tea also aids in the treatment and prevention of:

• Colic
• Stomach cramps
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Sleep difficulties
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cradle cap
• Allergic reactions
• Nappy rash
• Digestion problems and abnormal stools

The very low levels of tannin means that your baby can enjoy optimal iron levels and can absorb protein effectively. There is also calcium, magnesium and zinc in Rooibos tea, which all aid your newborn infant, baby and toddler to be as strong and healthy as possible during these important formative years.

General Health Benefits:

• Rooibos tea is a brilliant source of antioxidants (the most active of which is the unique aspalathin, only found in this leaf), which help the body to fight against the attacks of germs, viruses and bacteria, as well as more serious diseases.
• It slows the aging process, making the drinker look and feel healthier, energetic and more radiant for longer. An important part of this benefit is that the tea also aids in preventing dementia.
• Rooibos tea actually prevents many forms of cancer (particularly cancers of the liver, skin and oesophagus).
• It decreases the risk of heart disease and has a calming effect, actually promoting a healthy heart in a more proactive way.
• Rooibos tea has antimutagenic properties, which means that it prevents the changing of the human structures (such as DNA), which is the cause of a host of health problems (including cancer).
• This tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, which make it very valuable for the treatment of burns, scratches, cuts, and so on.
• Rooibos is free of caffeine, which makes it a far healthier alternative for young, old and those who suffer insomnia.
• The calcium, manganese and fluoride present in Rooibos tea aids in the building of strong teeth and bones.
• This tea is great for the skin since it contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc.
• When applied directly to the skin, it can reduce and treat acne, eczema and sunburn.
• The lack of oxalic acid means that even those suffering from kidney stones can drink Rooibos tea.
• It is crammed with vitamins and minerals (such as zinc, copper, calcium, manganese, magnesium and potassium).
• Rooibos aids in digestion and reduces associated cramping.
• Some have found that it has decreased their asthma symptoms.
• Rooibos tea has almost no kilojoules when enjoyed black and with no sugar. Its naturally sweet taste makes it delicious, even without these additives.

There is no doubt, then, that the bathroom is a chief priority when it comes to implementing greenminded measures in your home. Here are some ways in which this can be done:

Toilets
When it comes to the residential toilet, there are not very many viable options available to the average person. Long drops and composting toilets are, by far, the best ways to save water and help the environment (by creating nutrient-rich sewerage), but are impossible (for logistical and hygiene reasons) for the vast majority of people living in urban areas. Dual flush toilets give the user two options – a smaller flush and a larger one, depending on their need. This does save some water, since urine requires less water to eradicate from the bowl than solid matter. This type of toilet also does not require special plumbing or design, which is a great advantage. Some homes are now implementing waterless urinals in their bathrooms, which replace water with a thicker, more effective liquid that gets rid of any urine and odours. There are some varieties that are suited to both men and women. These urinals require maintenance, but are very effective in saving on water use.

Showers
Replacing your ordinary shower head with a low-flow alternative can decrease the amount of valuable water running down the drain. Low-flow shower heads can be attached to the existing shower fixture quite easily (after unscrewing the normal shower head). The good quality low-flow heads even replace the water with pressure, ensuring that you still receive a powerful spray without the extra water. These should spray about one gallon (or 3.8 litres) of water per minute to qualify as effective low-flow showers.

Taps
Aerators can be attached to your tap so that far less water comes out of it per minute. The water volume is replaced with air, which still allows you to get your hands and body completely wet without having the entire flow consist of water. This is often used in shopping malls and cinemas, but is also highly effective in the home. An aerator is estimated to save a household approximately 3 500 gallons, or 13 249 litres, of water every year!

Whether you are a business owner or are simply an employee that is committed to being as greenminded as possible in every sphere of your life, there are a number of initiatives that you can take to be more greenminded during office hours. These not only ensure that you are being more eco-friendly, but also save you and the company money in the long run. Implementing greenminded measures in the workplace raises awareness amongst your colleagues and / or employees, who are likely to be more considerate of their impact on the environment after being exposed to it in the everyday work setting.

Here are some ideas to help you to be more greenminded at work:

• Purchase only what you need so that unnecessary excess waste is not created.
• Put recycling bins in accessible areas that experience high traffic density. Provide different bins for paper, plastic and metal, and encourage employees and colleagues to use them. If you notice that they are not being used, send out an email reminder to everyone. It is often a case of the initiative slipping their minds more than their unwillingness to cooperate.
• Purchase products (paper, boxes, folders, etc…) that are made from recycled products. They are usually just as durable, but sell for less than brand new supplies.
• Reuse what you can, including packaging and stationery. So much waste is generated by throwing items out that could simply be straightened, patched up and used again for an extended period of time.
• Explore whether or not it is possible to receive more of your current snail mail via email so that you do not waste paper and money. Email your bank, cellphone company, and others to request this service if it is not already being offered.
• Instead of making use of the air-conditioning and heating systems to regulate the temperature, encourage those in the office to open their windows for a cool breeze or make use of a knee blanket to warm up.
• If you do have to make use of air temperature control systems, try to keep them on a low, even setting, and always turn them down or off when they are no longer necessary.
• Install motion-sensitive lights in the store room, basement, toilets and other areas that are not permanently occupied so that lights only have to be on as and when necessary.
• Encourage your staff members and colleagues to switch off any lights and appliances that are not being used as a matter of habit.
• Give each person a flask of boiled water in the morning so that the kettle does not have to be switched on and off for coffee breaks throughout the day.
• If possible, get solar power panels installed for all of your power / energy needs.
• Purchase a geyser blanket so that, once the geyser is hot, it can be turned down (but not off) and remain hot for the entire day. Geysers can use a huge amount of electricity.
• Write a newsletter once a week or month outlining the greenminded efforts being made in the office and how each person can help. This is a strong motivator.

Here are some tips to help you, your friends and your family to have a green-minded Christmas in style:

• Use a fake Christmas tree ONLY IF you are prepared to keep it for at least 10 years. Although we may be under the impression that a real tree produces less waste and is biodegradable (which is all true), the effects of having to use a new one each year is actually more damaging to the environment than using a fake tree for a decade.
• To solve the tree problem completely, use a living tree (indigenous) that is in your garden or a large pot and simply decorate that. After Christmas, it can continue to grow and thrive. It will also be a unique feature.
• Christmas cards use an extraordinary amount of paper and then have to be transported all over the world. This is very damaging to natural resources. Opt for electronic cards, explaining your reasoning to the recipients of your modern sentiments.
• If you are committed to sending out physical cards, use recycled papers and consider making the cards yourself. Otherwise, buy them from a charity store that will donate the proceeds to a good cause.
• Get creative and make your own Christmas gifts rather than purchasing items. These are sure to be more meaningful and personal, giving the recipients a sense that you truly considered their tastes and needs, rather than just having bought them something due to the fact that it was December. The following suggestions are designed to get your creative juices flowing:
• Home-made granola, fudge or cookies presented in hemp bags.
• A recipe book of all your favourite organic recipes (simply hand-write or type these and bind together in a folder).
• A beautiful plant pot with a bag of seeds that will sprout indigenous trees, fruit or vegetables.
• A coupon book of IOU’s that recipients can redeem at their leisure. IOU’s can include dinner at your house, your babysitting services and a shopping spree or day on the golf course. This will work out cheaper, more fun and longer-lasting.
• If you do purchase a gift, here are some suggestions:
• Magazine subscription.
• Gym or library membership.
• A spa treatment.
• Something from a local market, supporting this community.
• A solar-powered item.
• A geyser blanket.
• Package your gifts in newspaper, recycled wrapping paper or old magazines. This can actually look really stylish and does not cost extra. It is also putting waste paper to good use.
• Serve organic food for your Christmas dinner and consider only using vegetarian products to create your spread. This may require creativity, but is sure to be memorable (as only Tofu Turkey can!). Remember that chickens, turkeys and many other forms of meat are usually raised in cruel, environmentally harmful ways.
• Support the farmers’ market when shopping for ingredients.
• Set aside skins and pips for a compost heap.
• Do not use polystyrene or Styrofoam in your cooking or serving, as these are very difficult to dispose of.
• Give each guest a card explaining your green-minded initiatives in your choice of menu, gifts and tree so that they may be more willing to emulate your efforts next year.

The fact that children are spending more and more time in front of the computer or television has not escaped the notice of most parents and teachers. This has been as a result of a combination of factors; including the digital age, the danger of being hurt or snatched outside and the ever-decreasing time in the parents’ schedules. However, it is of utmost importance that parents inculcate a sense of environmental responsibility in their children if we are to enjoy the luxury of having future generations inhabit a safe planet.

Here are some practical ways in which this can be done:

Restrict Digital Access
The average child in America spends more than seven hours per day in front of the TV and / or computer. Evaluate how much time your child(ren) spend there and you will likely be surprised. Instead of banning such entertainment completely (which is only necessary in extreme cases), rather set healthy limits as to the amount to which they have access. One to two hours per day should be ample. This will mean not having TVs and computers in the children’s bedrooms and offering healthy alternatives (in the form of books, games, and so on). For the remainder of the time, the children should be encouraged to explore the outdoors, relax and spend time getting closer to their parents.

Get Gardening
Children love getting dirty, so put this to good use by starting a vegetable garden together. This gives you valuable time with your young ones and teaches them the importance and satisfaction of growing their own food. This also saves you from having to maintain an entire garden on your own. They will learn responsibility and self worth as they watch their seeds sprout into healthy plants.

Whet Their Appetite
Make sure that, from a young age, you rouse the curiosity and appreciation of your young ones for the world around them. Make them aware of the way a bee performs special dances to tell the other bees where the nectar is, encourage them to touch the soft underbelly of an earthworm and stare at the painted wings of a butterfly. This usually comes quite naturally to children, so do not discourage this interest because it builds a lifelong appreciation for their world.

Go Camping
Camping is a fabulous way for the family to spend time together while they make the most of their natural environment. Your children will learn how nature actually helps them to survive when you look for water, collect wood for a fire and wash your hands in the river. It also keeps them away from the television and computer.

Stare at the Stars
If the stars are clearly visible from where you live (depending on pollution), showing the glittering wonders to your child(ren) will instil a sense of awe in them for the grand scale of the universe. This is great for teenagers as well, who might become interested in the movements of the stars and their distance from earth.

It is our responsibility to create a generation of people that love and value the planet we occupy. This starts in each child, in every home and school.