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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 too.

I started participating when 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.

So, last year, I reduced my shower time to 3-5 minutes unless I am particularly grimy or need to wash my hair. I know, it doesn’t 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!

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

In the near future WATER not oil will be the world’s major commodity. We’re already seeing a shortage in water-stressed countries around the world.

Think about it: One billion people in the world don’t have access to clean drinking WATER, and in underdeveloped countries men, women and children are walking  tens of miles for just one bucket of WATER. In America, we have an abundance of free flowing WATER and even purchase it, so can you imagine what our lives would be like without WATER?

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

I’ve always felt connected to the ocean, so this year for EARTH DAY, I’m 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 and improve marine eco-systems. I plan to make a donation, tell my friends (done!), reduce my use of plastics, and eat only sustainable seafood moving forward.

Boulder’s Beach: Home of the Penguin Colony

I’m also sharing an ocean photo tour taken during my trip down Africa’s CAPE PENINSULA last year. The tour starts in CAPE TOWN and ends at the southwestern tip of Africa also known as the CAPE OF GOOD HOPE where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Simon’s Town: A Seaside Village

On the drive down we stopped at SIMON’S TOWN, a fishing village with a bohemian vibe full of craft markets, street musicians, and fisherman hauling in their catch. 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’s a sight to behold, although a very scary one, I’m sure.

Crashing Waves at Cape of Good Hope