44 years ago, the nation celebrated its very first Earth Day. A vast variety of people and places have devoted themselves to the environment, even when it’s not Earth Day. Many people work throughout the year to help preserve the environment for generations to come. In fact, a number of celebrities are passionately committed. 

I asked TV/Radio Presenter Jen Su and Model/Author of The Jog Blog, Brigitte Willers what their take is on Mother Nature.

On an average day from the time you get up, how much waste do you accumulate? 

Brigitte - I generally try and eat natural wholesome foods that is mostly unprocessed so I don't feel that I accumulate that much. In saying that though convenience has become a reality in our busy daily routines.  So speaking of a family environment it’s inevitable that you will accumulate quite a lot of waste if you include general things like cosmetic containers body washes disposable nappies etc.

Jen - Quite a lot --our housing estate has a paper recycling programme and in a day, I can easily have many empty paper boxes of toothpaste, tissues, newspapers, magazines, egg cartons and packaging in the recycling bag.

 What do you think attributes to climate change?

Jen - There have been a number of research studies which have attributed extreme weather and climate change to the effects of human activity on the planet's climate systems. Floods, droughts, and heat waves -- for instance, can be caused by greenhouse gas emissions by kerosene lanterns which emit a huge amount of carbon dioxide in the air and can severely affect the ozone layer.

Brigitte - I think that climate change is at the end of the day is the result of us trying to make our lives easier. If you think about it all the resources we use to "process" materials into what we need to "survive" our daily lives. Eg burning cole for energy, burning fuels to drive our cars, factories processing masses of materials to produce x,y z is what is contributing towards climate change.

Do you feel global warming has affected us in any way?

Brigitte - Global warming is like a slow puncture, even though it doesn't happen overnight it is affecting us in the sense that weather has become a major issue and quite unpredictable, and we are obviously also not really committing to securing a future for the next generations.

Jen - Definitely. The extreme and bizarre weather, flooding, earthquakes, and tsunamis that we've experienced has been caused by global warming. Joburg had a period of intense heavy rains along with huge hailstorms -- which caused damage to my car and flooding in my home.

If there's one waste avenue you would like us to tackle what would it be?

Jen - Recycling waste. South Africa is making strides in improving waste recycling, with can recycling at approximately 69%,paper 59%, glass 25%, and plastic 17%. Sorting waste is key to successful recycling and also providing more recycling bins in public areas are important.

Brigitte - As an animal lover I would naturally say that we should be more conscious of what we are doing to the ocean, we are quite irresponsible in protecting our resources and keeping the ocean clean is definitely one of those situations. The waste that ends up in the ocean is a great example of how we literally just don't respect nature. Examples of this are oil in the seas, harvesting masses of fish, (up until recently whales) the dolphin slaughter in Taji etc.

How would you instill a good attitude towards the environment for your children?

Brigitte - The schools these days place huge emphasis on recycling and protecting the environment. In that respect I think we are doing well on education for our children. It is important though to drive a message home by leading with example. Your kids at the end of the day will do as you do not do as you say.

Jen - I show them our recycling bags for paper, cans and other waste, and I reward them for sorting out the items for recycling. 

Which luxury item, that creates a lot of waste and is impacting heavily on your environment, would you let go of?

Jen - My air conditioner. It actually makes too much noise in the room and so I've decided not to use it at all - a bit less poison in the ozone layer is probably a good thing!

Brigitte - Disposable nappies. It takes approximately a whopping 500 years to decompose. 

The truth of this matter is, you might not think that what you are doing will make any type of difference.  But just imagine that 100 other people are thinking the same thing and then multiply that by the billions of us living on this beautiful planet.  The small difference you make and your friend makes accumulates and attributes to the bigger picture.  

Start small just be recycling in your home, switching off what you don’t need, watching your water wastage, tightening those taps in and around your home (even your workplace) and your “little” difference will be thanked by so many and by your home, Mother Earth.

In ending off:  ‘A recent report by the Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change found that the earth is already feeling the effects of climate change and urges immediate action to mitigate the consequences.’

Kia ….

TV Presenter, Radio Personality, Producer, MC, Motivational Speaker, Voice Actress, DJ, Writer, Lecturer, Eco Warrior and Humanitarian. Kia Johnson  is ready for any challenge that comes her way.