Photo by Jon Izeta, IbizaPreservation
As we finally begin to emerge from the lockdown, the prospect of slowly returning to normality is exciting for all of us. But, as the politicians keep telling us, this will inevitably be a “new kind of normal”, where we have to adapt our work and social lives to new routines and patterns.
While it may seem like yet more unwanted disruption, it's also an opportunity for us to re-evaluate our lifestyles and make some small changes that may seem insignificant – but which, if we all commit to doing them, can make a big difference to the health of our planet and our precious supply of water.
Tips for more sustainable homes
IbizaPreservation is encouraging our community to adopt more eco-friendly habits through our “Sustainable Homes” campaign. Together with Be Blue, an initiative by Ibiza ferry company Trasmapi, and the Spanish non-profit Ecodes, we are sharing simple tips and advice on how families can reduce their environmental footprint, without even leaving the house.
Did you know that you can save six litres of water a minute, just by turning the tap off when you wash your hands or brush your teeth?
Or that having a shower instead of a bath saves 70,000 litres of water a year?
When it comes to use of our computers, screens use more than half their normal energy just sitting in standby mode. So, if you're not going to use your machine for at least an hour, think about switching it off.
Other simple energy-saving measures include:
turning the oven off five minutes before you finish cooking (it'll still remain hot enough to cook the food through);
unplugging your phone charger when you're not using it;
taking the stairs instead of the lift, if you live in an apartment that has one.
These are just a few quick and easy changes we can all make to our daily habits. And, once they become part of our routine, we'll begin to do them without even thinking about it.
For more useful tips, follow IbizaPreservation on Facebook and keep an eye out for our weekly posts using the hashtag #creahogaressostenibles.
Kids' drawing competition
Left: Emma Torres Cruz, aged 7; Top right: Shay O'Brien, aged 10; Bottom right: Ruth Mari Tellez, aged 9
In order to encourage the youngest members of the household to get involved, we're currently running a kids' drawing competition. The competition is open in two categories, from 8-12 and 13-16 years old, and pictures submitted about one of our weekly themes will be featured on our social pages.
The best in each age category will win return ferry tickets from Ibiza to Formentera with Trasmapi, for four passengers plus car, as well as a delicious hamper of local produce for all the family to enjoy.
We all want to get back to enjoying the great outdoors as soon as possible. But, in our absence, our surroundings have already begun to recover from the impact of human activity.
As we begin to return to a “new normal”, let's try not to return also to our same old, unsustainable habits - many of which contribute to climate change. It's often the smallest acts that can make the biggest difference.
You can find out more about IbizaPreservation and donate towards their work by going to their website: ibizapreservation.org. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
