Tag Archive for: Recycle

Andrew Stegmann

Relo Originals: The Importance of Recycling

At Relocation Africa, over the years, we’ve recognized the importance of a strong recycling culture at our head office, and of motivating team members to get involved in our efforts to be kinder to the planet.

As we all know, sustainability has been a hot topic for some time now, with many companies looking for ways to put the environment higher up the priority list when it comes to operational decisions. Climate change is an ever-looming threat to the well-being of future generations, and the world as a whole is already well behind with where it should have been, with emissions targets not having been met, and waste disposal, especially of non-biodegradables, being at far too high a level for the long-term.

At our head office in Cape Town, we’ve decided to take a multifaceted approach to sustainability. This includes:

  • Striving towards a paperless office, be encouraging team members to use digital notes, and collaborate on documents in the cloud, rather than printing things that would waste paper.
  • Having dedicated recycling bins around the office, in which staff are to place recyclable items, instead of throwing them in the regular garbage cans.
  • Having a regular drop-off at our local recycling depot, which we have been using for years. The Oasis Association, which runs the depot, uses its income to support those in South Africa with mental disabilities, through support workshops, day centers, and group homes.
  • Encouraging staff members to use sustainable items.
  • Doing annual litter clean-ups in the area around our office, and taking the items collected off the street to our local depot for recycling.

Oasis Recycling Depot

From left: Tanja Glatz, Marlyse Wood, Chantelle Butcher, Lucy Smith, Joy Jackson, Eloise Williams, Inaaz Arend, Nausheena Hoosain, Rene Stegmann, Lynn Mackenzie, Quintin Coetzee

 

Even though individual efforts may seem small, when they add up on a company-wide scale, they are truly impactful. And if more companies join in, we may stand a chance at reaching those elusive targets. We hope our initiatives inspire more businesses to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Let’s all join together to reduce waste, and have a positive impact on our natural environment.

Gallery

 

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

Andrew Stegmann

Relo Originals: Being Water-Wise

Written by Quintin Coetzee

Cape Town, where our head offices are located, is currently going through a severe drought. As a result, residents are having to think of new and inventive ways to save water, both to avoid being fined, and to try and help the environment. Many other cities around the world are currently facing similar problems.

There are many ways that one can be more water-wise, and this article outlines a few recommendations.

As you can see in the image above, we have recently installed a water storage tank in our office garden. This tank is linked to the gutters, and collects rain water for storage and later use. Whenever needed, we can take buckets to the tank, and retrieve clean water to use wherever we like. These storage tanks can be professionally installed if you’d prefer not to DIY, and can be purchased in different sizes from Builder’s Warehouse. Prices can be found here.

We also have a special drip system set up to water our rooftop vegetable garden, which you can read more about here. The system involves a number of rubber tubes that route from a storage source. These tubes slowly release water into the beds of vegetables, and can easily be tied to prevent water flow. The water storage is even contributed towards from waste water dripping from air-con condenser units.

Drip Irrigation System

 

 

Other tips for saving water are:

  • Storing recycled water and using it to flush toilets, by pouring it into the cistern or bowl. (Water stored for long periods of time should be treated).
  • Stacking dirty dishes and washing only once per day.
  • Only washing clothes when you have a full load.
  • Showering instead of bathing, and reducing shower times.
  • Watering your garden when the sun is low, to prevent lots of evaporation.
  • Fix all drips and leaks at home and in the office.
  • Install a water meter or monitor your bills to track your usage, and set goals for yourself each month.
  • Invest in appliances that are rated for efficient use of water.
  • Lobby your city to invest in sustainable water solutions.

There are numerous places around the world where the demand for water is not met. The problem affects an estimated 2.7 billion people for at least one month of every year, across every continent, and is particularly pressing in cities, as the global urban population grows. Currently, almost four billion people live in cities, with a further 2.5 billion expected to join them by 2050.

Over the past few years, both Los Angeles and São Paulo have been impacted by major droughts affecting their surrounding states. In response to the absence of snow, California governor Jerry Brown announced mandatory regulations that prohibited the watering of ornamental grass, required new homes to use drip irrigation, and directed water agencies to set up new pricing structures to maximize conservation.

Further east, Singapore, Kuwait City, Abu Dhabi, Doha have some of the lowest access to freshwater in the world, and make use of desalination plants, which convert ocean water into freshwater.

Much of western Queensland, Australia experienced drought between 2013 and 2015, affecting agriculture as well as residents. In response to further drought warnings in the area earlier in 2017, the Queensland Farmers’ Federation offered online advice to farmers on assistance available to them in their local areas.

As we attempt to combat climate change, saving water helps people the world over. Not only does doing so benefit the environment, it can also save you money.

For more water tips and information relevant to Cape Town’s water situation, visit the City of Cape Town website.

For more information about how we can assist you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, and Remuneration needs, email marketing@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4].