South Africa is a country of exceptional beauty.
Her people, her colours, her scents make her one of the most sublime places and
travel destinations ever. One of South Africa’s most significant drawcards is
her biodiversity. How phenomenal is it, that if you go on a road trip through
the nine provinces of the country, you will travel through eight different
biomes? These are various ecological life zones, that have the same geography
and climate, and in which plants and wildlife form an ecosystem. It is of
interest to all of us to preserve the abundance we have in this world.
Maintaining a green lifestyle means permanently
hunting for the latest info. It never ends. Before I buy anything, I research
what its impact on the environment and society at large is. I aim to do better.
My ethical and eco-friendly lifestyle is a work in progress. Where I am at
today, is based on years of research, thought, reflection, adjustments and
changes.
The importance of biodiversity, the use of
pesticides in agriculture, the impact microplastics have on our organisms and
the environment, once I started reading and learning about it, there was no
going back. Honestly, I can't ignore what can be done better. I am driven by a
happy and positive idealism ever since, and I see it as a challenge to do
better.
A green life? Start to buy less
I often hear people say it is too expensive to live
a green life, whereas the reality is more, the greener you live the less money
you are going to spend. Quality comes at a price; one can’t forget that
somebody somewhere pays your “everything cheap”. You become more aware of how
you spend, and you start to buy less. Your relationship with goods will change
over time. I know there are all the ones out there who will say that what I do
is all nonsense, and nothing is ever good enough. They are probably the same
ones who will also say that I’m a dreamer. OK then. I keep on visualising and
trying hard to change things. It is helpful if everyone starts somewhere, it is
better than doing nothing at all but complain all the time. If I want to change
the world, I must change myself. I put a lot of time and effort into it, and
I’m not saying it is easy; what I know for sure is that it is an enjoyable and
exhilarating journey. I love to learn about how to do better and inspire each
other.
How does your lifestyle affect the environment?
Urbanisation, deforestation, agriculture, and
energy use are major issues and problems the environment faces worldwide. Next
time you are about to buy new things, think of the penguins you saw at Boulders
Beach in Simon’s Town, think of the lions you once saw in the Kalahari, or that
Leopard up in a tree in the Kruger. Think of fynbos, the sandveld, the savanna,
the rivers, zebras, warthogs, elephants, hyenas, think of everyone and
everything big and small. Hold yourself accountable to ask how your lifestyle
will affect the environment.
TravelChatSA:
– Green South Africa (Travelling Green)
On the next #TravelChatSA we talk about Green South
Africa (Travelling Green). Come along to chat. Everyone is welcome. The more
the merrier. This is not a competition, and this is not a place to show off and
look down on others. We will inspire each other and find out how to travel more
sustainable in the future. Let us make plans what each one of us can do to
protect South Africa’s nature. Here you can already find the questions we are
discussing during the chat.
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| Q1 How do you describe green travel to somebody who never heard of it, in a few words? Via @DoroLef #TravelChatSA |
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| Q2 Please share practical tips of what can be done to ‘travel green’ when on holiday as a family. Via @Winelands #TravelChatSA |
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| Q3 Can you suggest the most unconventional mode of transport/ travel that’s sustainable to use especially in city escapes, why? Via @r_kambule #TravelChatSA |
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Q4 Are there any
initiatives that support green travel in South Africa? Via @blogauthentic
#TravelChatSA
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Q5 Please share photos
of green travel experiences in South Africa #TravelChatSA
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#TravelChatSA
is a not-for-profit community Twitter chat
#TravelChatSA is a not-for-profit community Twitter chat. Every Wednesday at 7pm (SAST), it promotes travelling to and through South Africa and its neighbouring countries. Everyone can join, and everyone is welcome to join. The more the merrier. Everyone has got a story to tell, no matter whether you are a seasoned South Africa tourist or plan your first trip to the region. Please contact us, if you have any questions or suggestions for further #TravelChatSA topics. Feedback is highly appreciated.
From Berlin with love