Each and every one of us has a responsibility for the sustainability of our planet. If we choose to do so, every one of us can make a difference. And…if we work together with a common purpose we can achieve great things.

At 8.30 PM on Saturday 26 March this year, lights will switch off all around the globe for Earth Hour.

This is a tremendous opportunity for every single person, all businesses and each community to switch their lights off for one hour in a collective display of commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all - our planet.

However, this year, when the lights go back on, consider how you will continue to adopt sustainability practices thereafter on a day to day basis that will benefit the planet. Together our actions add up.

Some of the things that our family do and you may wish to consider taking on as a daily practice in both home and the business environment are:

· Refuse to purchase products that are made from non-recyclable plastic

· Limit the amount of time you use the air conditioner

· Reduce the time you spend in the shower.

· Ensure that you and your family turn the lights off when you’re out of the room

· Unplug the phone charger and turn off the power point when not in use. Or, simply unplug all items that are not in use.

· Buy local – eat, drink and dress in locally made products. By doing so you reduce your carbon footprint.

· Turn off the computers at the end of each day

· Re-use paper and print on both sides.

· Make the time to walk or ride your bike for some of those daily errands instead of using the car in every instance

· Compost kitchen scraps to then use in your garden.

· Wash the car on the grass with environmentally friendly car wash