Top tips for greener living in Johannesburg

Environmental concerns are becoming an increasingly integrated component in the South African property market and South African property owners are going green, especially in the upcoming year.  

Follow these eco-friendly tips to go green in your home:

Light bulbs  

Switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Save electricity by switching off lights when not using them.

Electrical appliances 

Electrical appliances around your Sandton home account for a large part of electricity consumption. Save energy and money on your electricity bill by purchasing energy-efficient appliances and electronics.

Reusable shopping bags 

Replace plastic shopping bags with reusable shopping bags which are available at many local stores.

Shop locally for food 

The average meal travels about 1 200km from the farm to the plate. Food that is grown closer to home will therefore have fewer transportation emissions associated with it, and also be fresher as well as provide support to local farmers. As the distance food travels decreases, so does the need for processing and refrigeration to reduce spoilage. Also, start your own vegetable garden at home.

Reuse, reduce, recycle 

Separate your domestic waste into categories comprising biodegradable – fruit, vegetables and egg shells which can be used to make compost – and recyclables which include plastic, glass, aluminium cans and paper.