By Kgalema Madopi
Edited By Imaan Moosa
“Eating green and keeping the planet clean. The ways of the world need to change, so watch what’s on your plate.”
Research can bring a whole lot of information and introspection to help you make changes in your life. It can be hard, but with the right guidance, you can transform your lifestyle with the snap of your fingers.
In this case, snap those peas and bring some peace!
The current global crisis has inculcated many dynamic alterations to the ways in which people work, study, have fun, and eat. The silence of the world has pushed us to listen to the grass grow.
The Sustainable Food Movement is a growing lifestyle. People are becoming more conscious of what they put into their bodies, what they take from the earth and give back. Where we rise is where we fall.
To be kind to our bodies and the environment does not have to be hard. With the adoption of lifestyle alternatives, we can all create a culture of nurture and preservation. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
The twinkle of one star in the dark sky is a symbol of hope. Look out to the night sky and gaze at the radiance of constellations: there you will see the 3 R's — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Reducing is a sustainable skill where you minimise the materials and waste you produce. The idea is to focus on one's needs, living with resources that support one's lifestyle.
The extravagance and spectacle of a luxury lifestyle are ambitious, one that many dreams of, but how is this overindulgence crippling the resources of our environment? The revolutionary reality is to redefine the relationship with nature through restoration.
Mother Nature gives generously.
The fair distribution of resources, land, and materials is able to sustain the world, but others have more in this world. As my father puts it, "We are all equal, but some more equal than others." This is reality. A sad one at that.
The mass production of food and land sources to sustain a livelihood, as our global population is beyond measure, has resulted in the over-utilization of resources. This would be an arguable point if we were all eating from the same table.
The World Bank has estimated the poverty rate for 2021, using the term ‘extreme poverty' as a yardstick for the dreaded truth of society. The top of the list? The unequal distribution of wealth. These are the dynamics of disparity.
The global society is crippled by the flaws of the capitalist ideal. The idea is that those who have more, get to keep it, and those who don't… Well, strap up your boots and get to work.
Yet, the system is rigged by economic inequality that is advanced by institutions of racial, social, political, and gender inconsistencies. This also explains ecological disproportion.
Eat as you live. This is the savvy solution of reduction. The waste from food and its packaging is a contributor to the pollution that looms over the environment. Consider making purchases with minimal packaging. Go organic and local. This has many benefits, not only to one's health but for the land that cultivates it.
For those with the privilege, ponder utilising your garden area to grow your own produce. This is a great way to know exactly what is in your food because you made it!
Buying food in bulk is economic and environmentally kind, especially when you preserve it. The last and most important is to rethink your diet and find eco-friendly alternatives for sources of nutrients, like beans for protein instead of meat, and seasonal produce.
Food wastage is an increasing issue. Many of us see the best before date and we chuck it in the bin. Choosing what parts to eat and utilise, and discard the rest is for those who have the privilege to pick and choose.
People are hungry. Those who beg don’t have the opportunity to choose.
The World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa: Food Loss and Waste reported that one-third of the food produced in the country is thrown out. That’s 10 million tons of food. These are due to the actions of production and retail, as well as consumers. Many people feel the taunting guilt of throwing away food but still continue this bad habit.
Now, I’ve got one word for you: Kintsugi. The history of this art is embedded in its philosophical value. A beautiful example of seeing the potential in everything. The Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold is the idea of recycling in its magnificent form.
Never downplay the beauty and culture of Kintsugi but encourage the value of recycling. The trend of recycling glass, cans, plastic, and paper into diverse and extraordinary art and fashion. There has also been a growth in a market that monetises the collection of recyclable materials.
Bless the beautiful people who collect our plastic and glass bottles. They work tirelessly and dedicate themselves to creating a better life for themselves and conserving the environment in the most impactful way.
Create your own recyclable bins and storage spaces, and either give them to them or your nearest recycling plant. Paper, too or go the DIY route and create your own arts and crafts. Make more paper by using shredded paper, turning glass jars into vases, cardboards as canvases for painting, and many other creative ideas that take the broken and make them beautiful.
Embracing the flaws of materials and humanity creates an acceptance of imperfection, which is the first step to understanding our strengths.
One cannot ignore the distress the environment is under, which is holding up the survival of not only humans but every organism that lives. That is a lot of pressure, even for the greatest philanthropists of our times. The real conversation is that we should all be superheroes — working hard to save each other and the earth.
Human beings pride themselves on being the superior and dominant species. Our consciousness of our own existence and the compassion and sympathy that we extend to others, animals and the environment is rare.
Our gems are our hearts, and the treasures are buried in our minds. We have a duty to the world to save it and restore its nature. We all know that. So why are we not doing right by it?
To be eco-friendly is to be a friend to live with. Sustainable food habits and lifestyles should not be a trend, but progress to the success of our future.
Works Cited
(WWF-SA), W. W. F. f. N. S. A., 2017. World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA). [Online] Available at: https://www.wwf.org.za/?21641/Food-Loss-and-Waste-Facts-and-Futures-Report [Accessed 25 May 2021].
Anon., 2017. Move For Hunger - Reusing Food Waste, Scraps, and Leftovers. [Online] Available at: https://moveforhunger.org/reusing-food-waste-scraps-leftovers [Accessed 24 May 2021].
Bjarnadottir, A., 2017. Healthline - 19 Clever Ways to Eat Healthy on a Tight Budget. [Online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-ways-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget [Accessed 25 May 2021].
Isensee, N. K., 2016. Foodal - 11 TIPS TO REUSE FOOD REMAINS IN THE HOUSEHOLD. [Online] Available at: https://foodal.com/knowledge/how-to/reuse-food-remains/ [Accessed 24 May 2021].
K. A., 2019. Blue and Green Tomorrow - 7 Ways To Live An Eco-Friendly Life While Staying Healthy. [Online] Available at: https://blueandgreentomorrow.com/environment/7-ways-to-live-eco-friendly-life-while-staying-healthy/ [Accessed 24 May 2021].
Newcomer, L., 2012. Greatist - 33 Environmentally Friendly Eating Habits. [Online] Available at: https://greatist.com/health/33-environmentally-friendly-eating-habits#1 [Accessed 23 May 2021].
Spector, N., 2019. NBC News (Better by Today) - How to go green on a budget — and actually save more money. [Online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/how-go-green-budget-actually-save-more-money-ncna999636 [Accessed 25 May 2021].
The World Bank, 2020. The World Bank - COVID-19 to Add as Many as 150 Million Extreme Poor by 2021. [Online] Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2020/10/07/covid-19-to-add-as-many-as-150-million-extreme-poor-by-2021 [Accessed 24 May 2021].
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