How to be ECOLOGICAL in Angola

Angola is still in a very premature state of development, with challenges in solving the problems of environmental sanitation, hunger, poverty, among others.

However, this does not mean that we cannot develop in a more sustainable way, using resources and energy rationally and compensating with ecological attitudes, to reduce impacts we have on the environment. Because every impact we have on the environment also ends up impacting ourselves.

It is for this reason that it is essential that each of us adopt responsible and conscious habits, which despite being “small” can make a huge difference on the planet when added together.

Being ecological in Angola is a challenge, and there is no doubt about that. But every challenge also has alternatives and solutions. Being ecological means thinking twice before each action, and thinking consciously: Will this impact something or someone? In what way? Does it help or make it worse?

The high rate of poverty, the lack of environmental education and few alternatives that create conditions and incentives for the population to behave more sustainably, are the main challenge for citizens in Angola. Still, here are some tips that any individual can adopt in their daily lives, to become a more ecological citizen:

-Save water when bathing, cooking, watering, washing clothes or dishes, among others;

-Reduce meat consumption and introduce more local vegetables into your diet;

-Don't follow trends. Choose long-lasting, timeless clothes that you really enjoy wearing. Avoid buying new clothes, instead, try to buy second-hand clothes (in bundles), or by exchanging with friends. Don’t throw away your clothes, use your clothes to the fullest, sell them or donate them;

-Whenever you buy a new product, choose local ones - they are usually cheaper, more sustainable and contribute to the local economy too;

-Say no to plastic bags (Rule No. 1)! Whenever you go shopping, take your own reusable bag or basket to put your purchases in and always refuse disposable bags offered;

-Do not use plastic straws. When you go to a restaurant or bar, always order your drink without a straw. If you like using them, try to get a reusable straw that you carry with you when you go out. There are already options for sale, such as bamboo, metal and glass;

-Separate your waste at home - cans, containers and plastic and glass packaging can be separated and collected by companies or collectors who can sell and subsequently treat this waste, helping these to have a livelihood;

-Do not throw away food scraps, make natural compost (organic fertilizer) and reduce waste, making soil more fertile (perfect for vegetable gardens /home gardens);

-Try to grow some foods at home, in a home garden. Helps your health and the environment;

-Always have a reusable canteen/bottle with you and avoid buying bottles or cans of drinks;

-Avoid using disposable dishes. You can even have a set of regular tableware with you for when you go to eat in places you know usually offer disposable tableware, including parties;

-Keep the lights off when you are not in a space and during the day try to make the most of natural light;

-Do not leave electronic devices plugged in for a long time. Turn off the TV, computer and other household appliances when you are not using them;

-Whenever possible, keep the windows open during the day instead of using the air conditioning;

-Take your lunch/snack from home to work or classes and avoid buying food, which is usually delivered in disposable containers.

These are general tips for rethinking our consumption and habits and thus reducing our ecological footprint. But, at the same time, one of the main tips I can leave you with is: investing in awareness.

For these tips to become habits, we need to understand the impact that these small actions can have on our lives, our health, biodiversity, our community and our environment.

Remember that being ecological starts by leaving your bubble, it starts by realizing that we are a fundamental part of the world in which we live and the community in which we are located, everything that what we do impacts something and/or someone.

And don't forget: learn and transmit! Transmit good values, transmit knowledge about consciousness, share your experience, challenges and solutions with others. Deep down we are all environmentalists and we can be ecological, we just need to want to, be patient with ourselves and with the process - because society is formatted to be consumerist.

Source: Goetheinstitut

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