GGH3701
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 9 APRIL 2025
, GGH3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 9 April 2025
State of the Environment in Southern Africa
QUESTION 1: Personal Environmental Footprint (Based in Mthatha, South Africa)
Introduction:
I am a resident of Mthatha, a town located in the Eastern Cape province of South
Africa. Mthatha is historically significant and acts as a commercial and administrative
hub for surrounding rural areas. However, like many towns in South Africa, it faces
environmental challenges such as poor waste management, pollution, and increasing
energy demand.
1. Five Common Resources I Use Daily:
Electricity: Mainly for lighting, charging electronic devices, and cooking (via
kettles or microwaves).
Water: Used for cooking, bathing, cleaning, and drinking.
Plastic (Packaging & Bottles): Found in groceries, takeaway containers, and
shopping bags.
Paper: For writing, printing school materials, and packaging.
Petrol (Fuel): For minibus taxis and private vehicles for commuting.
, 2. Calculation of Personal Environmental Footprint:
Using the Global Footprint Network’s calculator:
Result: My lifestyle requires 2.4 global hectares.
If everyone lived like me, we would need 1.4 Earths.
3. Biggest Contributors to My Environmental Footprint:
Transportation: Minibus taxi rides and private vehicles are common,
contributing to carbon emissions.
Energy Usage: Frequent use of electric appliances and limited access to solar
energy increases fossil fuel reliance.
Plastic Consumption: Plastic bags and packaging are widespread due to
limited recycling facilities.
4. Steps to Reduce My Footprint:
Use Public Transport More Efficiently: Carpooling and using eco-friendly
transport options.
Switch to LED Bulbs and Solar Panels: Promoting clean energy sources in
households.
Limit Plastic Use: Carry reusable bags, water bottles, and containers.
Water-Saving Tactics: Install low-flow taps and collect rainwater for non-
drinking use.
Promote Digital Use: Shift to electronic notes and reduce paper printing.
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 9 APRIL 2025
, GGH3701
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due Date: 9 April 2025
State of the Environment in Southern Africa
QUESTION 1: Personal Environmental Footprint (Based in Mthatha, South Africa)
Introduction:
I am a resident of Mthatha, a town located in the Eastern Cape province of South
Africa. Mthatha is historically significant and acts as a commercial and administrative
hub for surrounding rural areas. However, like many towns in South Africa, it faces
environmental challenges such as poor waste management, pollution, and increasing
energy demand.
1. Five Common Resources I Use Daily:
Electricity: Mainly for lighting, charging electronic devices, and cooking (via
kettles or microwaves).
Water: Used for cooking, bathing, cleaning, and drinking.
Plastic (Packaging & Bottles): Found in groceries, takeaway containers, and
shopping bags.
Paper: For writing, printing school materials, and packaging.
Petrol (Fuel): For minibus taxis and private vehicles for commuting.
, 2. Calculation of Personal Environmental Footprint:
Using the Global Footprint Network’s calculator:
Result: My lifestyle requires 2.4 global hectares.
If everyone lived like me, we would need 1.4 Earths.
3. Biggest Contributors to My Environmental Footprint:
Transportation: Minibus taxi rides and private vehicles are common,
contributing to carbon emissions.
Energy Usage: Frequent use of electric appliances and limited access to solar
energy increases fossil fuel reliance.
Plastic Consumption: Plastic bags and packaging are widespread due to
limited recycling facilities.
4. Steps to Reduce My Footprint:
Use Public Transport More Efficiently: Carpooling and using eco-friendly
transport options.
Switch to LED Bulbs and Solar Panels: Promoting clean energy sources in
households.
Limit Plastic Use: Carry reusable bags, water bottles, and containers.
Water-Saving Tactics: Install low-flow taps and collect rainwater for non-
drinking use.
Promote Digital Use: Shift to electronic notes and reduce paper printing.
