With loadshedding, high electricity tariffs, water shortages and rising fuel prices crippling the country, there’s no better time to focus on sustainability at home – it’s good for the environment and reduces your bills.  

Here are basic ways towards a more sustainable and budget-friendly lifestyle. 

Lower Your Carbon Footprint 

Reducing their carbon footprint is one of the most common ways businesses try to be sustainable, but as individuals we can all do our bit. To lower our collective carbon footprint, we need to avoid the use of fossil fuels, and there are simple ways to do this. 

• Use your car less. Carpool, take public transport, or commute by bicycle if it’s safe and your destination is close enough.  

• Eat seasonal produce. This lowers the demand to transport unseasonal fruit and veg from abroad, reducing the use of fossil fuels.  

• Hit the off switch. Turn off lights, heaters and air conditioning where possible – even when loadshedding isn’t doing this for you!  

Be Water Efficient 

Water shortages are a big problem in South Africa, and we’ve had to learn to be water conscious. Don’t forget though, that there’s a silver lining; if you’re smart about saving water, you’re also saving on your water bill. Here are some ideas:  

• Fit aerators to taps. They reduce water from a stream to a spray, which is great for washing hands, or rinsing the sink/basin.  

• Do dishes in a sink or large bowl filled with water, instead of running water.  

• If you use a dishwasher, ensure it is fully loaded before turning it on. This reduces the number of times you use it.   

• Choose a front-loading washing machine – they’re estimated to use three times less water than top loaders. 

• Get a water retention tank if you have outside space. It lets you store rainwater for later use, which saves on the cost of watering the garden or washing your car. 

Save Electricity 

Saving energy may not be able to help with loadshedding, but it can help plenty with your electricity bills. Check that your home appliances are energy efficient. 

• Use energy-saver lightbulbs in your home.  

• Modern fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, etc., carry an energy-saving rating sticker. A+++ is the best rating and G the worst. Energy-efficient appliances aren’t always among the lowest-priced options, but they’re more earth-friendly and you save money in the long run.  

• An LED television is a better choice than an energy-guzzling plasma screen model, which uses ±195 watts in comparison to LEDs, which use ±64 watts. 

Use Alternative Energy Sources 

You may not want a windmill set up in your backyard, but how about solar panels on the roof? Solar power is touted as the best option in the age of loadshedding, with banks offering funding and service providers offering deals on solar solutions. Another alternative is a portable power station, which can also keep essential appliances running when there are power outages.  

Switch To Vodacom Fibre 

Another easy way to keep your bills down is to move away from mobile data and go for secure and fast fibre. Check out Vodacom FIbre Vodacom Fibreto see if it operates in your area.