Get It - Dec 2012

Get it Promotion
Energy saving
WARRIORS
Saving electricity is really about changing attitudes. By simply making
small changes in our everyday lives, collectively we can make a massive
difference. 49M initiative aims to inspire and rally all South Africans behind
a common goal - save electricity and create a better economic, social
and environmental future for all. Get It Zululand chatted to some local
community ambassadors, who shared ‘bright’ ideas on conserving energy
daily
Duncan Pritchard,
Director of ETC-Africa (Environment,
Tourism and Carbon Consultants),
Richards Bay
To Zululand environmentalist Duncan Pritchard,
conserving electricity is not just about saving money, but also about
being efficient and trying to reduce ‘his’ impact on the planet.
‘Each kilowatt hour of electricity I use contributes to my carbon footprint
and has an impact on the entire planet,’ says Duncan.
‘The vicious storms we see every day on TV, the droughts, the floods,
the melting ice caps - in a little way - we all play a part in helping that
process. Managing your energy is about managing your carbon footprint
and this is probably one of the biggest global challenges the next
generation will face,’ Duncan explains.
Being mindful of the small things, says Duncan, plays a huge role in
bringing down the electricity bill.
‘Leaving the lights and TV on all add up and I find when my electricity
bill is higher than usual, it’s not because I was using more heavy
consuming electricity appliances, but rather because I ignored the small
things. ‘I don’t use tumble dryers and try to keep the pool pump to a
minimum possible running time each day. Use a gas stove, which is a
huge money saver.
‘Most importantly, just be aware of the little things.’
24 Get It Zululand December 12