Reach for the water these holidays – and recycle
Stay hydrated this festive season, and remember to recycle too!
As many Krugersdorpers brace themselves for the annual – and typically lengthy – drive to their end-of-year holiday destinations, they’d do well to remember to stay well hydrated whether in the car en route, on the beach, hiking in the mountains or game viewing.
This is the message from the CEO of the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA), Charlotte Metcalf, who pointed out that water – in all its forms – is a vital component of the human diet. And, particularly when temperatures reach their summer highs, South Africans should make certain they are never far away from a tap, a fridge containing a jug of water, a water cooler or a bottle of water.
“Sensible travellers and holiday-makers will ensure their suitcases contain sun screens and hats to protect them and their families from the summer sun, and water to slake their thirst and fend off dehydration,” she said.
“And, when they can’t get to a tap – as many travellers and holidaymakers can’t when they’re enjoying their December break – bottled water is the best packaged beverage option for the environment, as it has the lightest environmental footprint of all packaged beverages.”
Charlotte went on to say that bottled water cannot compete with tap water for share of mouth in South Africa, but is offered as a healthy beverage alternative. It competes with other beverages such as cold drinks and flavoured milks on the shelves of supermarkets, forecourt convenience stores and cafés, she said.
She added that if your water comes packaged as bottled water this December, and isn’t in a re-usable container, SANBWA urges you to recycle, as the bottle’s impact on the environment can be reduced immediately by 25 per cent when you do so.
SANBWA’s recycling tips include:
• Set up a holding area for your recyclables in your car – it could be a packet or a box in your boot.
• Bring it home. When you’re out and about and empty a plastic container (water, iced tea, cold drink, sunscreen etc), bring it home for recycling if there are no recycling options around you.
• If there is a recycling bin nearby, make certain it is for plastic, and not glass or paper. And make certain that you deposit the container securely in the bin.
• Keep the cap on. Make sure to not throw the cap in separately as it may get lost in the transportation process and become litter.
• Visit https://www.petco.co.za/ag3nt/system/recycling_06_drop.php to find a collection depot near you.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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