|
Well, our Multiple District Convention Umzimkulu was a great success and yes, that was also affected by load shedding. In fact our guest, Second International Vice President Eberhard Wirtz, said that he had never given an address in the dark before. Subsequently load shedding has been abandoned for whatever reason but we are still faced with the fact that we’re going into winter with the prospect of peak demands far in excess of the power we use during the summer time. Should we be concerned? I believe we need to be concerned and we need to minimise power usage, especially where the most power is used. This does not make sense if that saving is to be wasted at home so save power as much at home as you can and save as much in the office, workshop, your business or your farm or on the mine. In any case, the less you use the less it costs you.
While talking about the convention, I noted that use of a marquee for all of the events meant the saving of power on air conditioning and ventilation a good plus point. I also need to thank all those Lions from every district on their tips for power savings, recycling, green project ideas and I also feel a little humbled by the marvellous feedback to the Environews that I’ve received. The International President’s award also makes it all so worthwhile but even that pales when compared with the good your efforts are doing for our environment. Thank you.
One of our club branches – Overstrand – have a superb project that they support called “The Swap Shop”.
Underprivileged children are encouraged to collect bottles, cans or newspapers and bring these into the swap shop where these can be exchanged for second-hand or new clothes which are sourced in various ways. I can picture the urchin dragging a plastic bag partly filled with collected bottles into the shop wearing little but the thinnest of summer clothing and emerging with a warm jersey or pair of slacks.
Overstrand, try putting out collection boxes at your public library as an appeal for winter clothing so you can keep your project thriving!!
2008 has been declared the “International Year of Planet Earth” by the UN General Assembly. In South Africa the IYPE Committee has earmarked September for projects and events so why not get green and organise your environmental event in September. Not only can you watch the press for details but ask them to publicise your environmental projects.
Visit the following websites:
“Stealing with your eyes” is always a great way for Lions to expand their own club projects and some South Coast clubs have done sterling work in Kwazulu Natal in adopting conservation areas and even beaches. We can all learn from them so think up some of your own environmental projects.
Perhaps some final tips for the most economic heating of your bedroom in winter.
- Minimise the area requiring heating.
- Insulate your ceiling, one room at a time, rather than attempt to do the whole house.
- It’s surprisingly easy to diy the job with detailed instructions from your hardware store.
- A hot water bottle uses less power than an oil heater run for an hour, so go to bed to minimise your heating requirements.
- An electric blanket is also economical providing this is not left on all night (this is in any case dangerous).
Keep warm but minimise your costs and power consumption.
5th June is World Environment Day!
Gerry F. Kuhn
| 
