One of my biggest character that ‘I’m-out-at-a-restaurant- and-I’m-trying-to-be-fancy’ kind of way. No. Every day, I drink sparkling water, so much so that one of my biggest fantasies is owning one of those kitchen taps that dispenses sparkling water. Stay with me, I’m going somewhere with this… Unfortunately, I don’t have one of those taps, so for a long time, I would buy – eco-warriors, avert your eyes NOW – plastic bottles of sparkling water weekly. It weighed on me, but I also figured that everyone is allowed at least one guilty pleasure, right?
But I also believe in karma, and as a lover of documentaries and Sir David Attenborough, I found myself at an impasse after being made aware of what plastic is doing to the environment. Watching doccies like Seaspiracy and A Life on Planet Earth shook me and made me realise that if I wanted to enjoy my daily bubbles, I was going to have to do it in a way that leaves me with pleasure and not just guilt. So, I got a soda machine, ditched the plastic, and bought a permanent glass bottle, and I now enjoy my sparkling water without worrying about dolphins choking in the ocean because I like my nose to be tickled by bubbles.
I say all this to illustrate that while this issue is dedicated to sustainability, nobody is perfect, the journey is long, and committing to being eco-conscious means letting go of what you’re used to and possibly seeking out brands that align with your values. Through people like Chef Mokgadi Itsweng (page 56), I learnt why it’s important to seek out local farmers who only sell produce that’s in season, not shiny GMO fruit and vegetables without pips.
Environmentally conscious products that used to be difficult to source are now readily available; there’s Stella McCartney who refused to use real leather and now works with brands such as Bananatex™ (page 22) to create incredible designs that bolster eco-fashion.
If, like me, you love wine, you’re going to enjoy Richard Holmes’ feature on the South African wine estates leading in viticulture sustainability (page 48); while we also showcase three fine-dining sustainable restaurants (page 52), and an eco-friendly home on the West Coast (page 54).
From circular fashion and hybrid cars to global campaigns like Earthshot (which takes place this month in Cape Town), sustainability is about acknowledging that we all share one home, Planet Earth. If we decide to enjoy the things we consume mindfully, we have a chance to change the world for good.
As always, luxury is your right, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the environment.
