Isn’t it nice to know that collectively we can all do something to protect the environment and preserve it for generations to come?

We all know the saying that we don’t own this world; we have only borrowed it from our children and grandchildren. As individuals we cannot really change the world, but when each of us does our part, it creates a snowball effect that can help make this world sustainable for future generations.

Here’s one idea: choose an environmental issue or topic and concentrate on it in a specific month of the year. For example:

February

Concentrate on the wetlands of the world on 2 February. Wetlands are known as the world’s “shock absorbers”. They reduce carbon and store and regulate water. Despite their utility, they are often under threat from development, drainage and conversion. Take note of the wetlands in your own area and campaign for the cleaning up of these areas.

March

Participate in Earth Hour on 25 March by switching off your non-essential lights as a symbol of your commitment to the planet. Use the 60 minutes of darkness to host an Earth Hour themed treasure hunt by torchlight. This is something people of all ages can enjoy and do together.

April

Celebrate International Mother Earth Day on 22 April, which was established for a reflection on the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit. Explain to your children and the children in your community how everything we do concerning our environment affects everything else.

May

Save The Rhino Day is celebrated on 1 May. Do your bit by talking to everyone you run into on this day about the importance of rhino protection and the irreparable damage when a species become extinct. If possible, donate to the cause and wear a rhino emblem during May.

June

The importance of oceans is highlighted on 8 June. Not only is the ocean important for our survival and as a means of transportation, but it is also an important source of food people around the world. Make a commitment to never contribute in any way to the pollution of our oceans. Bring all gear back after fishing as well as all plastic items so that it does not end up in the ocean.

July

On 11 July, we celebrate World Population Day. World Population day is an annual event that seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. In less developed countries, the main problem is a growth in population and a decrease in mortality, which leads to shortages of food and other resources needed for a good quality of life. Responsible family planning is key to solving the problem of over population. So, sit down with your spouse and start your planning.

August

Not only are the rhinos under threat of extinction, elephants are now also being targeted. World Elephant Day is on 12 August. Tweet #WorldElephantDay to spread the word about the plight of elephants or start a Facebook campaign among your friends. Never buy any ivory or wildlife products.

September

Arbor Day on 1 September is the ideal opportunity for individuals to make a significant difference. Just plant a tree, or two, or three…! Why? Trees keep the environment free from toxins, they supply life on earth with nutrients and combat the negative effects of harmful gases, to name a few of the benefits.

October

Nearly one in seven people worldwide are undernourished. On 16 October, World Food Day, people around the world come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. Hungry people have learning difficulties, are less productive at work, are sick more often and live shorter lives. Hunger leads to increased levels of global insecurity and environmental degradation. This year, support the small-scale framers in you region. Although small, they play an important role in food security.

November

Fish is an important food source for many people. World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on 21 November throughout the world by fishing communities. This day helps to highlight the critical importance of fisheries to human lives; water forms a continuum, whether contained in rivers, lakes, and ocean. Severe ocean, coastal and river pollution from run-off and from domestic and industrial activities carried out near-by has led to the depletion of fish stocks, requiring fishermen to fish farther and farther away from their traditional grounds. Should you become aware of any water pollution, please report it to the Department of Water and Sanitation hotline on 0800 200 200.

December

Threats to South African mountains are numerous but mainly fall under the headings of unsustainable land use practices and potentially threatening situations, not least of which is climate change. For example, if carbon dioxide levels double by 2050, some of the Cape fynbos will disappear as it will be unable to adapt to climate/atmospheric changes. On International Mountain Day, 11 December, you have the opportunity to do something about this. Reducing, reusing and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing and disposal, thus decreasing your carbon footprint.

 

Sources

World population problems. Retrieved from https://www.nap.edu/read/9543/chapter/5
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