Apr.

22

My Blue Heaven

Cape Town's Hout Bay

Every year on Earth Day, I set a goal of trying to shift a habit–just one–and over the years I’ve realized that by doing my small part, I not only help the planet, but I’ve improved my family’s health and saved money. I started participating when one day it dawned on me that much of the stuff experts were asking us to do was encouraged previously by my parents and grandparents–turn off lights, close the refrigerator door, use full-loads for the dishwasher and washing machine, unplug appliances not in use, shop local farmer’s markets (or in the case of my grandparents, from their own land), and stop running water unnecessarily. Last year I reduced my shower time to 3-5 minutes unless I am particularly grimy or need to wash my hair. It does not sound like a lot of time, but I purchased a shower radio with a clock and I conducted a test–lather up, scrub down, no singing, no dancing–and when I looked at the clock, only 4 minutes had passed. Lightbulb moment! I had been wasting time and water.

The sea below and towering mountains rising above you

Chapman's Peak: The sea and towering mountains rising above you

In the future, it has been said, that water, not oil, will be the world’s major commodity. We are already seeing a shortage in water-stressed countries around the world. 1.1 billion people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water. Men, women and children are walking miles and miles for a bucket of water, when in America we have an abundance of free flowing water and even purchase it. Can you imagine what our lives would be like without water?

High sea cliff's edge: Don't look down, of course I did!

Growing up in a beach town, I have always connected with the ocean, so this year for Earth Day, I am supporting the Save the Oceans Campaign because less than 4% of the world’s oceans remain unaffected by human activities and the scientists at Oceana are working tirelessly to reverse the damage done and to improve marine eco-systems and a vital food source. I will make a donation, tell my friends (done!), reduce my use of plastics, and pledge to eat only sustainable seafood.

Boulder's Beach: Home of the Penguin Colony

And I am sharing an ocean photo tour taken during my trip down Africa’s Cape Peninsula last year. Starting in Cape Town and ending at the southwestern tip of Africa at Cape of Good Hope where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. As you can see from the photos, the ocean is a beautiful resource that we should not allow to be destroyed.

Simon's Town: A Seaside Village

On the drive down we stopped at Simon’s Town, a fishing village with a bohemian vibe of craft markets, street musicians, and fisherman hauling in their catch. Also, along the drive you see unexpected wildlife like antelope, ostrich, and baboons. The baboons are use to tourists now, so they may walk up and take your food or hop in your car, so you are advised to close car windows and lock car doors or you may have a surprise when you return to your car!

Cape of Good Hope!

One of the things we didn’t see were the “flying” white sharks at Seal Island. Apparently, the sharks are known to jump several feet out of the water and it is a sight to behold, although a very scary one, I’m sure. All in all, a drive down the Cape Peninsula was a fantastic way to spend the day in Cape Town.