Green fatigue, a luxury for people with plenty water

Green
Green (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

When I was travelling through to the Richtersveld, a dry semi–desert region, I stopped at the town of De Aar. On entering the restroom at a restaurant in the centre of town, I found the wash basin hot water tap running full blast.

This is probably the result of a low-information mindset and culture. It’s got to be because how can you waste water in such a water-stressed area? Continue reading “Green fatigue, a luxury for people with plenty water”

Catering for the water-wise customer makes business sense

Water misuse in De Aar, Northern Cape
Water misuse in De Aar, Northern Cape (Photo credit: Chesney Bradshaw 2013

After a long time trying to persuade businesses to use less water, sitting on panels discussing water scarcity and consciously attempting to reduce my own water footprint, I came across an example of unbelievable water waste while on a stop-over visit to the water-stressed town of De Aar.

The afternoon was a scorcher – the temperature was up to 35°C. I stopped the car at a restaurant to get some coffee and splash my face with cold water to keep alert for the long drive still ahead towards Carnarvon.

As I opened the toilet door I immediately was confronted with an appalling sight – the hot water tap was on full blast. Someone had left it jetting out. Continue reading “Catering for the water-wise customer makes business sense”