2econd World

Kitchen:

* Use apple cider vinegar as a glass, surface and window cleaner. Diluted can be used to wash fruit and veggies.
* Use Hydrogen Peroxide to clean porous material such as wooden cutting boards, wooden utensils.
* Avoid chlorine Bleach! Chlorine bleach breaks down into dioxin, a toxic poison that never bio-degrades and can easily contaminate water sources and harm animals. Swop to hydrogen peroxide – this is a natural agent that eradicates bacteria.
* Wait until you have a full load to run your dishwasher – avoid half loads in washing machines.
* Install a timer on your geyser to turn off at night and switch on again early morning.
* Turn your geysers off when going on holiday!
* Close the door every time you take things out of the fridge – also check the seal on your fridge door.
* Boil only the water you need in your kettle not the full jug.
* Use baking soda to clean your drains

Bathroom:

* Use essential oils to add to your bath rather than foam baths and soaps full of chemicals.
* Use herbal toothpaste – did you know Flouride is a highly toxic chemical we are not meant to ingest!
* Make your own soap – see www….
* Use natural beauty products where you can – remember your skin absorbs all the chemicals in shampoo and face products directly into the bloodstream…
* Read ingredient lists on products – if you are skeptical do research on the internet.
* Reduce the temperature on your geyser – this will save water as you will need to add less cold
* Avoid aerosols – these all end up in landfills! Rather opt for sprays, liquids, powders or roll-ons.
* Don’t let the water run whilst brushing your teeth
* Take showers instead of baths

Closet:

* Support local fashion
* Research local designers with an eye on environmentalism
* Buy vintage clothing and shop second hand
* Trade with friends
* Cut, sew, alter your garments to keep up with trends
* Save electricity by doing all our ironing at the same time
* Hang up your clothes to dry rather than tumble dry

Garden:

* Plant your own vegetable garden, plant your own herbs
* Start a compost heap – select an un-used are of your garden, throw away food wastes( leftovers, spoiled foods etc), mix with dirt, every week or so turn pile over, in a few weeks it will turn into rich nutritional soil you can use in your veggie garden!
* Feed the birds – this not only brings nature to your backyard but also solves some bug problems… give them some water whilst you’re about it!
* Plant trees
*

Other general tips:

* Save on winter heating costs by snuggling up under a blanket on the couch!
* Close shutters, blinds and curtains during the night
* Switch off lights, appliances and wall sockets when they aren’t is use.
* Change all light bulbs in your house to energy saving bulbs
* Do research into disposal of hazardous waste – things such paint, pesticides and weed killers should NOT be washed down the drain…
* Recycle your electronic goods
* Don’t leave your TV on standby
* Have more romantic candlelit dinners and baths!
* If doing renovations find an environmentally conscious builder

Abundance Recycling is a social responsibility undertaking by Abundance Yoga Centre run by Gary and Cynthia Fort. Their aim is to educate people on the need to recycle and to offer an easy, inexpensive opportunity to do so. They rely on sponsorships from businesses as part of their social responsibility. They have managed to secure trailer sponsorship from Dayway Trailer Hire, banners from Budget Banners, computers from local business and members of the public, and maps and logistical support from the council. They have had a tremendous response from the public and very positive support from local business. They are confident that we will have Cape Town recycling with no extra drain on an already overburdened civic refuse collection system.

Abundance Yoga and Recycling Centre has started a recycling initiative in your area to encourage people to recycle. For only R20, R30 or R40 a month (depending on distance from the recycling depot) they will collect all your recycling once a week on a specified day (depending on the area). All that you need to do is place you recycling in a bag, that we will provide, and we will do the rest.

The recycling will go to Oasis Recycling depot where people with intellectual disabilities are given an opportunity to work and gain a sense of self worth: many of the 365 adults currently working there are primary breadwinners. The project currently recovers 140tons of waste per month, which is a substantial saving of landfill space. A percentage of the money will go to the Yoga Accessibility fund which has enabled Gary and Cynthia to send Busiswa Qobo (a Xhosa lady from an underprivileged background) to India to study yoga. The fund now enables Busiswa to teach yoga for free in underprivileged areas such a Khayelitsha, helping people to find the balance to gain strength, vitality and a respect for self and others.

For further information please go to Webiste: http://home.telkomsa.net/abundanceyogaEmail: Gary Fort abundance@telkomsa.net