GOINGgreen The Botswana Gazette Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015
Going Green Supplement
Page 1
27 MAY - 02 JUNE 2015
SUPPLEMENT
G
Lame Malefho oing green is a popular term used to describe the process of changing one’s lifestyle for the safety and benefit of the environment. People who go green make decisions about their daily lives based on the impact their actions have on global warming, pollution, loss of animal habitats, and other environmental concerns. Most people begin living green by implementing three lifestyle changes: living more sustainably, switching to environmentally friendly (or green) products, and recycling or reusing as many products as possible. Sustainable living involves limiting the use of natural resources and increasing self-sufficiency. Riding public transportation, carpooling, conserving energy and buying local goods rather than imported items are all part of living sustainably. Buying and using only environmentally friendly products -- such as recycled paper products, nontoxic household cleaners and personal products, and organic foods -- is a major part of going green. Green products minimize the damage or harm some production methods can have on our air, water, soil, animal life and plants. Recycling packaging and building materials (such as glass, plastic, paper and metal) and reusing useful items minimizes waste. This helps decrease the need for landfill space and conserves energy. Composting food waste and plant matter is another way to recycle. There is some confusion about what “green” means. The term is sometimes used incorrectly in an effort to appeal to conscientious green consumers. The origins of the term green is unclear. Some believe it was borrowed from the 1970s green politics. Whatever the true origins, the term is meant to define the concept of renewable, sustainable and eco-friendly processes, products and energy. According to Art Horn’s, The True Meaning of “Go Green,” published in Pajamas Media March 2010, “The reality is that “go green” is a cover for the true message. The true message being to “go carbonless”. The idea of going green came from the belief that human industrial activity is harming nature by producing carbon dioxide gas. Part of that belief is that if we continue to pollute the air with carbon dioxide we will cause irreversible changes in the climate. The fundamental belief of all environmental groups is that the climate system reacts strongly to carbon dioxide. There is no
scientific evidence either in the past or now to support that. The environmental movement around the world is using this flawed opinion to arm its war machine. When they say they are “fighting global warming,” what they really mean is they are fighting your prosperity. Your prosperity has and will be directly related to producing affordable energy with fossil fuels. China understands this, India understands this. The environmental movement understands it also but does not care. Roughly 87 percent of everything we make energy from produces carbon dioxide gas. The goal of “go green” is to reduce the output of that gas. The problem is that there is nothing “green” on any scale remotely near what is needed to replace fossil fuels in the foreseeable future. The leaders of the environmental movement know this. They know that there will never be enough windmills or solar panels to power even a tiny fraction of the world we know today much less the future.” Some of the things that you can do to help create a greener world and leave a smaller footprint include: • Alternative fuel vehicles • Apply green building principles to new construction and remodeling projects • Avoid household carpets, rugs, furniture and other products that contain formaldehyde and chemicals, opting instead for green substitutes • Buy and grow organic vegetables, fruits, meats and poultry • Change harsh dish detergents and laundry detergents for green products • Go paperless • Install low-volume flush toilets or compost toilets • Invest in alternative renewable and sustainable energy • Opt for non-chemical personal hygiene products • Practice waste management by composting when possible and replacing plastic bags, plates, cups and utensils with biodegradable plant-based products • Reduce, reuse and recycle when possible • Replace household chemicals with green cleaning products • Replace light bulbs with more energy efficient and non-heat producing LED bulbs • Upgrade your home to be energy efficient • Use rechargeable batteries
Going Green Supplement
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Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015 The Botswana Gazette
Innovative ways of recycling and waste management
W
GOSEGO MOTSUMI ith the increasing world population and activities that create waste and are harmful to the environment there is an immediate need to recycle and manage waste well to reduce the harmful impacts of pollution. Environment pollution is one of the
Gaborone Branch 3951001 gaborone@haskins.co.bw
biggest problems the world is currently facing and according to the overview of the Southern Africa environment, most countries have struggled to keep up with legislation regarding pollution control and waste management systems. However waste management has climbed the environmental and political agendas and bright innovators in the industry have responded with progressive solutions to this global problem.
Francistown Branch 2412301/2/3 francistown@haskins.co.bw
Palapye Branch 4920300 palapye@haskins.co.bw
Kasane Branch 6250124 kasane@haskins.co.bw
Clinical Waste Solutions is one of the local waste innovators of note. The company supplies and services the region with an alternative methods of treating bio-hazardous waste. According to the company’s Director, Mooketsi Chinyoka, Botswana currently uses incinerators as the main method of treating clinical and other bio hazardous waste and this method has proven to be both costly and ineffective in dealing with this waste stream. Incinerators are oven chimneys and burn waste to ashes. The negative impacts of incinerators is that they cause air pollution, they can make people sick as they are mostly located in industrial areas and they produce dangerous ash which is more poisonous than the waste before it was burned. “In 2007 a unique technology was introduced into the Botswana waste management market. The chosen name for this technology is the ‘Converter’ simply because it converts and sterilizes entire bio hazardous waste into a useful granular fuel with an energy resource that possesses a calorific value of 6000 kcal/kg (higher than that of coal). The Converter output is dry and therefore not fementable. It contains no odour and suitable for long storage and easily transportable. Without any danger of dripping. The treated waste no loger contains pricking or sharp parts and it can be even be held by hand without any risk. The Converter treated output is an inert product that is easily disposable with a high heating power useful for producing energy or can be used as a fertilizer,” he said. Daisy Loo Botswana also recently introduced the Enviro Loo which is a waterless, on-site, dry sanitation toilet system that functions without water or chemicals. The Enviro Loo, it is designed for the benefit of all communities, and can be installed almost anywhere. It is an effective-solution to the numerous sanitation challenges facing Botswana. According to Daisy Loo is aclosed circuit system that is odourless. There are no expensive sewage treatment plants required, no flies, no power required (although not precluded), it has minimum monthly operating costs and it allows for indoor installation (indoor installations require a low wattage electrical fan). “The Enviro Loo toilet is a dry composting toilet which operates in such a way that waste is disposed of in a natural and environmentally friendly manner. As the air moves through the system it dehydrates the solid waste as it migrates down the sloped, ridged, perforated drying plate. It causes the liquid which has drained to the bottom of the container to evaporate. At the same time, sunlight absorbed by the black inspection cover increases the ambient temperature within the container. The intense heat, prolonged retention periods and oxygen-rich air drawn in via the toilet bowl and side air inlets, dehydrate and decompose the waste. At the end of this process the human waste is converted; via the stimulated bacterial and biological activity; into an inoffensive dry stabilised material. At this point it is reduced to roughly 5% of its originality,” said Nonofo Modikwa of Daisy Loo. The Enviro Loo toilet is environmentally safe and designed to meet the same standards as waterborne systems. It was the winner of the OAU Gold award in 1996 for the best African invention. It is patented product with international recognition.
Going Green Supplement
The Botswana Gazette Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015
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Going green in the automobile industry
W
Lame Malefho ith “Go Green” becoming a trend for many industries, investors are more aware of how the daily operations of companies have become more responsible. The automotive industry has always been criticized for its negative influence on the environment and its role in global warming. On an economic note however, the automotive industry accounts for about 2% -3% of national GDP in several countries like the US and China. Since fuel efficiency of cars is highly related to CO2 emissions, carmakers have experienced risk coming from increasing oil prices and government regulations of CO2 emissions. Not only has the EU published policies on cars and CO2 emissions, other countries, like Japan and US, are also concerned about CO2 emissions of cars. According to research, fuel efficient car producers had a superior position in the market, especially when the economy was suffering. However, companies like General Motors, Chrysler and Ford, who primarily made fuel inefficient cars in the US market, suffered in terms of financial performance. Also, when governments turned towards stricter CO2 emissions regulations, lower fuel efficiency carmakers suffered more than their fuel efficient peers. Besides the CO2 emisions from the use of cars, the whole supply
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chain of cars has a huge impact on the environment, including every phase from pre-assembly to post-use. Several automobile makers initiated various green operations innovations focusing on using green supply chain management techniques that look to solve corporate social responsibility issues the automobile industry is facing. Since many green operations practices such
as buildings, eco design, green supply chains, green manufacturing, reverse logistics, and innovation of alternative fuel solutions for cars, had been pursued by car makers, they have also benefited from this hard pursuit of corporate social responsibility. “We at Peugeot have started making cars that are environmentally friendly. Our vehicle range starts with the smallest
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car called the Peugeot 107 (Passenger Vehicle) through to commercial vehicles being the Peugeot Partner and Peugeot Boxer. Our cars are environmental friendly in the sense that the amount of carbon emitted into the air is relatively low, therefore we say they support “Green Environment, ” says Olefile Mokgadi, Sales Executive from Peugeot. Eco friendly vehicles are intended to cause as little harm to the environment as possible with cleaner and fewer emissions. Fewer emissions means that Eco friendly vehicles feature more efficient gas mileage. With gas prices on the rise, having a car that can drive far on a tank of gas is of high importance. Eco friendly vehicles can save drivers a lot of money in the long run due to their efficiency and reliability. These recent events have changed the landscape of the automotive market, but they have also created large amounts of opportunities for aspiring business owners to capitalize on the recent transformation of the automotive industry. As fuel prices remain high and there is greater concern for the environment, more energy efficient cars are increasing in demand. Moreover, as part of their bailout specifications, the Big Three automakers are required to quickly release more energy efficient vehicles to the market. This increasing popularity for hybrid and electric cars are going to affect the industry in big ways as it will create a new market for businesses to cater to these new forms of vehicles.
Going Green Supplement
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Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015 The Botswana Gazette
DELTA BUSINESS PROMOTIONS (PTY) LTD T/A CLINICAL WASTE SOLUTIONS WAS FORMED TO BRING 21ST CENTURY WASTE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY INTO THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN REGION
O
ur company was created in order to supply and service the region with an alternative method of treating bio-hazardous waste. Botswana was chosen as the pilot country for the technology into the region, given its central location, current methods of clinical waste treatment and its centralised waste management structure. Currently Botswana uses incinerators as the main method of treating clinical and other bio-hazardous waste. This method has proven to be both costly and ineffective in dealing with this waste stream. Several reports have been commissioned regarding the situation of health care waste management in the country ranging from the GTZ, German Technical Cooperation in 1996, to the most recent report being done by Global consult and John Snow, Inc, in 2006. All of which have identified the current clinical waste management system inadequacies in the handling and segregation of waste, as well as, the safe and complete destruction of the waste. Currently due to the poor enforcement of regulations and the standards set for the quality of the incinerators used in the Botswana, none have equipment or systems in place, to ensure, both the complete and total destruction of the waste, whilst ensuring the impact of this treatment process on the environment is minimal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) identified medical waste incineration as the single largest source of dioxin air pollution in the United States of America. The international Convention on the Elimination of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) lists medical waste incinerators among the main dioxin sources in the environment. Medical waste incinerators emit a wide range of pollutants besides dioxins and furans. These include heavy metals (lead, mercury and cadmium), fine dust particles, hydrogen chloride, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants like Products of Incomplete Combustion (PICs) into the atmosphere. They also generate highly contaminated ash that is potentially hazardous to human health. It is scientifically acknowledged that these pollutants can have serious negative effects on the health of incineration plant personnel, the general public and the environment. Until recently, incineration was the almost exclusive method of treating hazardous medical waste in Botswana. However due to deepening global concerns for the environment, stricter emission limits for medical waste incinerators have been introduced not only in Botswana but throughout the globe. This has resulted in the closure of many incinerators and an increase in the number of non-incineration facilities for treating infectious medical waste. Although incineration is
still widely used, non-incineration technologies are winning increasing support around the globe. This problem of pollution caused by the incineration of medical waste has been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In its policy paper entitled “Health-care Waste Management” (March 2004) the WHO states that a long-term goal shall be: “Effective, scaled-up promotion of non-incineration technologies for the final disposal of health-care wastes to prevent the disease burden from (a) unsafe health-care waste management and (b) exposure to dioxins and furans.” In 2007 a unique technology was introduced into the Botswana waste management market. The chosen name for this technology is the “Converter”, simply because it converts and sterilizes entire bio-hazardous waste into a useful granular fuel with an energy resource that possesses a calorific value of 6000 kcal/kg (higher than that of coal). The Converter plant is a small fully automated and totally sealed system. The Converter provides treatment sterility with any level of bacterial charge to certified levels of 1045. Bearing in mind that sterility is not the only disinfections effect. There is also a reduction of waste volume to 70% average and a reduction in weight of 30%. This makes the output material easier to handle and transport. There is No release of polluting liquids, toxins/dioxins, odours, or vapours from the process, making it safe for our staff and most importantly the surrounding environment. The Converter plant output is dry and therefore not fermentable. It contains no odour and suitable for long storage and easily transportable without any danger of dripping. The treated waste no longer contains pricking or sharp parts, and it can be even be held by hand without any risk. The Converter’s treated output is an inert product that is easily disposable with a high heating power useful for producing energy, or can be used as a fertilizer.
CLINICAL WASTE SOLUTION EXPERTS
COLLECTION OF MEDICAL WASTE BEFORE TREATMENT
We at Clinical Waste Solutions encourage you to do your bit to save our environment. The services we offer include but not limited to: • Clinical Waste Collection and Disposal • Supply of Red plastic bags, Sharps containers and other consumables • Collection and Transportation of Clinical Waste • Training • Consultancy
Don’t Burn it, Turn it! Yours Sincerely, Mooketsi Chinyoka (H.M.I.C)
WASTE CONVERTED OUTPUT
Going Green Supplement
The Botswana Gazette Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015
Page 5
WHY YOU SHOULD SAY NO TO
INCINERATORS
What are incinerators ?
I
ncinerators are ovens with chimneys. To
incinerators have more health problems. These
the more poisonous pollution it will make.
‘incinerate’ means to burn something until
people get sick easily and they have a high risk
The air pollution will affect the health of the
only ashes are left over. Incinerators burn
of getting cancer. They also may find it difficult
community. This will cost the community a
waste (rubbish) to ashes. They can be very
to get pregnant and have children.
lot of money in terms of visits to doctors and
simple drums, or machines which cost millions
Many of the substances which come out
buying medicine.
of pula.
of incinerators are very poisonous. These chemicals can enter our bodies when we
Incinerators are used to burn:
What do OTHER governments say?
breathe in polluted air, or when we eat food that has been contaminated (touched by dirt
Many countries do not want to incinerate (burn)
•
Industrial waste (from factories)
or poison). For example: these chemicals can
waste anymore because of all the problems
•
Medical waste (from hospitals)
settle on grass, and then cows eat the grass.
with incinerators. The Philippines government
In Botswana, medical waste incinerators are
When we drink the cows’ milk or eat beef, these
has banned incineration. In America far more
the most common type of incinerators. There
chemicals enter our bodies.
incinerators are being closed then are being
are also some industrial (or hazardous) waste
3. Dangerous ash comes out of incinerators
built. The British government has said that
incinerators.
The ash which is left over after waste has
incineration will never be a good way to deal
been burned in an incinerator is much more
with waste in the future, and that there are
poisonous than the waste before it was burned.
no other good ways to use incineration. The
This is because new substances are made when
South African government has also said that
Some people think that when you burn waste
the waste burns – such as dioxins, furans and
it too should stop using incinerators, and use
you destroy it. This is wrong! When you burn
heavy metals. This means that incinerator ash
different Medical Waste Disposal Systems.
rubbish it doesn’t go away, it changes into
still has to be thrown away safely on a special
something else. Incinerators change waste into:
dump for dangerous waste (hazardous landfill
(1) toxic gases (poison in the air) and tiny bits which
site).
float into the air and make it dirty (air pollution)
4. Most incinerators are in industrial areas
Insist to Ministry of Health to use other safer
(2) toxic ash and other left-over pieces which
Incinerators are usually built in industrial areas.
technologies for treating waste to make it
must be buried underground, which can make
In Botswana these are usually located far from
less toxic, such as microwaving and steam
nearby soil and water dirty or poisonous (soil
residential areas. This is because incinerators
sterilization for medical waste.
and air pollution).
make pollution. People who are wealthy and
Does burning make waste go away?
What can we do?
educated know that pollution is unhealthy.
What else can you do?
What does GOVERNMENT say?
Fight against the development of incinerators
What is wrong with incinerators? 1. Air
Pollution
in your community. GOVERNMENT claims that incinerators reduce
Call the Department of Waste Management
All types of incinerators cause some air
the volumes of waste. This is not true. If you
and
pollution. One incinerator can put as many
put together all the ash, leftovers and dirty air
Join
as 190 different chemicals into the air. Many
coming out of an incinerator, you would find just
which
of these chemicals are very dangerous to our
as much waste as you put into the incinerator.
Go
health. Some chemicals can cause cancer.
Pollution
Control
and
community are to
speak
organisations
against public
out
complain. incineration
meetings
against
and
incinerators
There are many ways to make incinerators send
GOVERNMENT also claims that incineration is
Teach people not to burn their rubbish
out less pollution, but these are not used in
cheaper than treating the waste in a proper
Buy
Botswana.
Medical Waste site. This is only true when
or recycled and not get thrown away
sick
the incinerators are very old or very cheap.
Wherever possible, reuse, recycle, and compost
Incinerator workers and people who live near to
The older and cheaper the incinerator is,
your waste
2.
Incineration
can
make
people
products
CONTACTS Tel : 3165 286 | Fax : 3165 289 | Email : cws@gmail.com
which
can
be
re-used
Page 6
Going Green Supplement
Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015 The Botswana Gazette
Water conservation tips from WUC
B
otswana has been experiencing a serious shortage of water lately, due to low annual rainfall. This has resulted in water being rationed by Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) nationally, while dam levels continue to drop every day. The corporation has since cautioned users to use water wisely as the challenge of poor rains persist. Here are a few tips prepared by WUC on how to conserve this precious resource;
In the kitchen
When washing dishes, don’t keep the
tap running, fill a sink or bowl with water. Collect the water you use for rinsing vegetables and re-use it on potted plants. Don’t use running water to thaw food. Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean. Don’t fill your kettle to the brim when boiling water for one or two cups. Only fill the kettle as necessary, and you will save water and electricity.
In the bathroom and toilet When bathing, brushing your teeth,
or shaving, never let the tap run continuously. Fill a glass with water for mouth rinsing. Rinse your razor by filling the bottom of the sink with a few centimetres of water. Time your shower under 5 minutes. If you prefer baths, fill the tub only one quarter full. Use a water saving device in your toilet. A brick or plastic bottle filled with water and placed in your cistern will reduce the amount of water in each flush. A whistling toilet wastes a great deal of water, make sure that all leaks are repaired immediately. Save a flush. Every day save about one
third of all household water by flushing only when necessary. Fit new washers to dripping taps. Did you know that a dripping tap wastes a litre of water an hour?
In the garden Either water early in the morning or after sunset to avoid evaporation. Water your lawn in several short sessions rather than one long one. Use a watering can or bucket rather than a hose-pipe for small areas that need water. Plant indigenous and drought tolerant plants. Remember that more plants die from over watering than under-watering. Be sure to water plants only when necessary.
Latest dam levels Gaborone Dam: 2.1% Failed Molatedi Dam: 12.5% 22 Months of supply without inflow Bokaa Dam: 12.3% 3 Months of supply without inflow Nnywane Dam: 78.5% 11 Months of supply without inflow Letsibogo Dam: 56.1% 15 Months of supply without inflow Shashe Dam: 97.9% 23 Months of supply without inflow Ntimbale Dam: 96.2% 15 Months of supply without inflow Dikgatlhong Dam: 84.1% - Months of supply without inflow Lotsane Dam: 67.4% 23 Months of supply without inflow Thune Dam: 44.3% - Months of supply without inflow
The Botswana Gazette Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015
Going Green Supplement
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Going Green Supplement
Wednesday 27 May - 02 June 2015 The Botswana Gazette
LANDSCAPING ARTIFICIAL TURF MAINTENANCE SWIMMING POOLS
Tel: (+267) 393 2774 email: greenafrica@botsnet.bw greenafrica1@yahoo.co.uk