Letter from the Editor - Sep 2019
Sustainability
Sustainability
Liewe Leser
As ons volhoubaarheid wil aanmoedig, sal ons by onsself moet begin. Kyk maar: jy kan alle mense op aarde in twee groepe verdeel: die wat blameer en die wat verantwoordelikheid neem.Dis mos maklik om vinger te wys na die vorige bedeling, die huidige regering, jou ouers of ouma of selfs jou kys van 30 jaar gelede.
Wonderlike onderwys, tesame met geen skuld of onderdrukking, sal nie noodwendig volhoubaarheid aanmoedig nie – maar hand aan eie boesem slaan en sélf ingryp, sal.
Nou hoor ’n mens al die klakouse se stem
Wel, meneer of mevrou, terwyl ons dan saam spaar vir daardie sonpaneel of gryswatersisteem, kom ons begin solank op kleiner skaal ‘n verskil maak: Dra maar die herwinbare inkopiesakkies winkel toe, spaar maar die water en ondersoek gerus die alternatiewe aanboumetodes.
Ons kan nie meer kop in die grond druk soos ‘n volstruis nie - elkeen van ons moet verantwoordelikheid neem om die fyn balans tussen natuur, mens en ekonomie te handhaaf.
Volhoubaarheid, sustainability. Dis nie meer net ’n gonswoord nie, dis iets wat integraal tot ons toekoms staan. Die tyd is NOU om verantwoordelikheid te neem en na ons hulpbronne om te sien, hetsy dit geld, die natuur of jou naaste is.
Ek groet met seënwense vir milde reëns - en voorspoed aan al di
Dear Reader
Encouraging sustainability will have to start at home, like charity. You see, one can divide people into two groups: those who blame and those who take responsibility.It’s so very easy to point a finger at the previous regime, the current government, your parents or grandmother, or even your childhood sweetheart.
Great education, with zero debt and oppression, will not necessarily promote sustainability - but self-examination and stepping in, will. Rather do something yourself to make the world a better place.
One can just hear the moaners and groaners: "But it costs too much. Choosing sustainability is simply too expensive."
Well, sir and madam, while we save together for that solar panel or grey water system, let us start by making a difference on a smaller scale: Take along your recyclable bags to the shops, save water where you can and take a good look at green construction alternatives.
Playing the ostrich game is no longer feasible – each one of us needs to take responsibility to maintain the fine balance between nature, humans and the economy.
Sustainability is no longer a buzz word. It is integral to our future. The time is NOW to take responsibility for our resources, whether money, nature or fellow earthlings.
May we be blessed with soothing rain and may all Namibian farmers keep their chins ups while feeding the nation. May this Spring bring happiness to your home.
KEEP IN MIND:
"The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." (Proverbs 12:10)
Gerty Basson
