As early as 2012 the World Economic Forum (WEF) warned that water security was one of the most significant risks to the planet and its people. Water concerns in one form or another have ranked among the top five risks of the WEF Global Risks Report ever since. In South Africa, the national government's Water and Sanitation Master Plan has informed much-needed amendments … [Read more...]
Cape Town relying on water saving to prevent another day zero
Cape Town citizens are encouraged to keep saving water until the City finalises a long-term plan to ensure water security. That despite the announcement of Deputy Mayor, Ian Neilson, to move water restrictions from Level 6B to Level 5 from the 1st of October 2018. But will this be enough to prevent Cape Town from another Day Zero scare? 2015 and 2016 saw 2 consecutive years … [Read more...]
Clever kids use rainwater to clean windscreen
It’s an idea that could one day help save billions of litres of water. Instead of simply wiping raindrops off our car windscreens, why not collect and reuse the water via the washer jets? Brother and sister Daniel and Lara Krohn were travelling in the family car last summer when the heavens opened. But when their dad Gerd, who was driving, tried to clear away the smears, the … [Read more...]
World Water Day puts the spotlight on marine pollution
There has never been a better time to act against marine pollution. This is the opinion of Charlotte Metcalf, executive member of the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA). Statistics quoted by organisations like Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund highlight the dangerous levels of marine pollution and, together with her member bottlers, are striving … [Read more...]
Cape Town’s water restrictions: a necessary, new way of life?
“The drought that has impacted many regions within South Africa for a considerable length of time now has exposed the poor, or lack of, water management (monitoring and control) ability of many water institutions, as well as the difficulties and inability of municipalities and their consumers to be able to reduce their consumption when required” says Steve Gillham, General … [Read more...]
Drought adaptation DIY style: steps to save water
January was not for chickens in the Cape – extreme drought and fires saw the gardens shrivel up and die. So sad to witness and feel the distress all round. Once our veggie plants got stressed the diseases followed. Watching your water consumption with Stage 3 water restrictions and growing food without the farmer’s concessions calls for innovation. How to capture each … [Read more...]
Coming together for water crisis awareness and solutions
Water is essential to sustaining all forms of life on Earth – a heavenly gift. Yet, driven most critically by climate change, water crises are on the rise and access to safe, clean water for drinking and for purposes of sanitation – as well as, of course, agriculture – is becoming increasingly problematic in many parts of the world, including our own. It is also becoming … [Read more...]
Significant dates of the year for the earth
For many of us our environmental passion emanates from a deep reverence for Creation, based on our faith or spiritual conviction. Hence we are happy to support our fellow green tribe at the South African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute. See their plans for 2017 and good work linked to the upcoming special environmental days. If you attend any environmental event and … [Read more...]
Bringing eco education to the leaders of tomorrow
The vision of the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Resource Management Department (ERMD) is to ensure that sustainable and equitable development is combined with sound environmental practice for a healthy local environment, which sustains people and nature, provides protection for our unique resources and brings about an enhanced quality of life for all. The vision of the … [Read more...]
New city festival builds enthusiasm for water conservation
Cape Town’s fresh water supply is under major threat. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) most analysts predict that South Africa’s water demand will outstrip its supply by 2025. Already the demand for water has overtaken supply in 60% of South Africa’s water management systems. However, according to water scientists, changing our everyday behaviour … [Read more...]
Working together to conserve water
This year, National Water Week takes place from Monday, 17 March until Sunday, 23 March 2014. The National Department of Water Affairs have released the following key messages. Water is a scarce resource – let us work together to conserve it! Water scarcity is a global challenge that effects many regions in the world with Southern Africa being the hardest hit. South … [Read more...]
New showers ensure water saving for cyclists
Annually, Hansgrohe Africa joins forces with the Absa Cape Epic as the official shower accessories sponsor. Currently in its third year running, all the riders and crew members who partake in the exhilarating eight day event have the pleasure of using the shower trucks at the end of a long day. The Hansgrohe shower trucks are equipped with EcoSmart overhead showers to ensure … [Read more...]
Every community deserves safe & reliable water
South Africa’s greenest Ambassador, Miss Earth, understands the importance of clean, safe and reliable water for every community. 1 in 9 people around the world, totaling 780 million people, lack access to an improved water source. These frightening stats quoted by Miss Earth 2013, Ms Ashanti Mbanga, at the installation and handover of a 2500L JoJo rainwater harvesting … [Read more...]
