Cape Town’s Top Tips for Saving Electricity on Earth Day

Cape Town’s residents have been called upon to save power at home on 22 April 2017

Last Updated: 6  April 2017

Capetonians are saving electricity, but could we do more? The City of Cape Town has called upon residents to go the extra mile, by finding new or additional ways to save power at home, in celebration of Earth Day, on 22 April 2017. Falling hot on the heels of the WWF Earth Hour (Saturday, 25 March 2017) challenge, Earth Day is aimed at encouraging individuals all over the world to be more ecologically and environmentally friendly.

The campaign proposes smart ways to save on water heating, which accounts for a whopping 40-60% of electricity consumption in the home. It also encourages Capetonians to collectively use 10% less electricity. Changes are suggested as a way of life and will help to future-proof the environment for generations to come.

Cape Town has very high carbon footprints due to coal-fired electricity usage, which creates air pollution and uses up scarce resources such as water. The knock on effect is that you are paying more for your electricity and face electricity supply shortages. By using your electricity more efficiently, you will help to reduce the carbon footprint and reduce the risk of power cuts in your area.

EARTH DAY TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE ELECTRICITY AT HOME

• Turn your geyser down a notch, it can be turned down to 55 degrees Celsius.
• Use less hot water.
• Switch off equipment when not in use.
• Reduce pool pump operating hours.
• Reduce excessive heating or cooling.
• Install an efficient shower head.
• Insulate geyser and water pipes leading to it.
• Install a water heater.
• Insulate the ceiling.

EARTH DAY TIPS TO HELP SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

• Do not use your vehicle, make use of public transport, walk, car-pool or share an Uber ride with friends and colleagues.
• Why not do your part by organising an area clean-up yourself? Get a few helping hands and some plastic bags and you’ll have the city looking spic-and-span in no time!
• Though Arbour Week is only celebrated in September, why not plant a tree now? Preferably pomegranate trees as they will be harvesting fruit, ready for summer.
• Last but not least spread the word and encourage everyone to do their part. The more people know about Earth Day the better!

Earth Day is seen as a day of action and also has a hand in creating a  change in human behaviour to make the world a better place to live in. Currently, the battle for a cleaner environment continues with increasing urgency, so do your part this Earth Day and remember, it could be years until we can officially move to Mars so let’s take care of Mother Earth while we can!

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Get your hands dirty and help the environment by planting trees in the deep south this Earth Day

Interested in other events this April? Then check out our overview of things to do during the fourth month of 2017!

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