Ditch the Heater, Cuddle the Canine: Sustainable Living Hacks from a South African Home.

The winter’s blanket of cold frost covers the landscape. A few mountain peaks in the distance proudly gleam with snow-white tips. Nature remains blissfully unaware of the struggles of the power grid, stretched to its maximum by humans trying to stay warm at night. Me? I sleep warm and cozy, but there’s no electric blanket here. Instead, I cuddle with my three furry canine companions – a small, but comfortable contribution to sustainable living that I make with gratitude (and maybe a little sacrifice during the day).

These adorable doggy warmers need the freedom to roam outside throughout the day, which means my front door remains open, welcoming the winter chill like an old friend. No heaters in the house to drive out the chill. A warm jersey and a jacket are as warming and sustainable as any heater, and they don’t dry out the air or cause sudden temperature changes.
This isn’t just more sustainable, it’s also more healthy – a natural immune system boost that sends shivers down the spines of those pesky winter bugs.

Water conservation is another pillar of sustainable living, and here in the arid Western Cape, it’s second nature. No warm baths wasting gallons of water. You jump in, get wet, close the tap, soap up, and rinse clean. Sustainable living means reducing your energy consumption footprint and saving scarce resources like water.

But for us living in the Western Cape, South Africa, it’s not just a choice, it’s a way of life.  For all of us, though, adopting these practices, big or small, can make a big difference for our planet. Stay warm and stay healthy!

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024