Category Archives: Lifestyle

Why Bother with Energy Efficiency ?

Energy efficiency means to do more with less energy.
Why is it important to use less energy? The answer is simple; it’s not good for the environment. Many sources of energy are not renewable; once it is used it’s gone forever. Many forms of energy we use can also cause pollution, which is again not good for the environment.
The above does explain in short why we need to be more energy efficient, but below you can find a few more reasons why it is so important.
Energy Efficiency can save you money
Buying energy efficient appliances and having your home properly insulated will lead to using less electricity and water and therefore cut monthly costs. Cape Town has it’s cold winters now so investing in a pool heating Cape Town is a good place to start your energy saving efforts.  Using energy saving lighting and installing items like heat pumps or solar panels can reduce the amount of electricity you use each month and your monthly costs.
Simply by washing your clothes in cold water can save you a hefty amount each year. There are plenty of ideas that you can implement to save energy and all these energy efficient ideas will save you money.
•    Using solar or heat pumps for your home and if you have a pool.
•    Installing energy efficient LED lighting or other energy saving bulbs.
•    Making sure you have a pool cover to help prevent evaporation, to save water and to keep the water warmer.
Being energy efficient can help the economy
Everybody can benefit from reduced costs and being energy efficient, but for business it can have a huge impact on their overall budget. When a business or homeowner can lower their monthly costs the money that is saved can then be used elsewhere in the economy. This can then result in the formation of additional jobs. Increasing energy efficiency can also create local jobs by offering related services and thereby improving local economic development. A country being more self and energy efficient also relies less on foreign nations to supply the need.

A better way of life
Insulating your home for the colder months and reducing costs by implementing energy saving ideas all have benefits and contribute to a better quality of life. Installing solar panels or heating pumps can provide hot water every day at a much less cost than using an electrical geyser heating system. Saving money you can use on other important things.

Energy efficiency is good for the environment
By using less energy you can help fight global climate change. By using less power in your home, you are actually helping to reduce the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants and this helps to conserve the earth’s natural resources. Some power plants burn coal or other fossil fuels, but release toxic substances like carbon dioxide. Too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can have a detrimental effect on the environment. The ‘greenhouse effect’ is the natural result of these gases, causing things like a rise in temperatures, abnormal weather patterns, heatwaves and droughts.
Saving energy also saves our natural resources; because fossil fuels are becoming scarcer this makes it more expensive. Everybody doing their part will help to save the environment and conserve our natural resources. We will be able to continue to breathe healthy, fresh and clean air.

LED Lights

Increase your building resale value
Energy efficient homes or businesses usually have a longer lifespan; they will have lower maintenance issues and will cost less to manage. Pool covers Cape Town are another means of saving energy and water consumption. A more energy efficient home will have the benefit of lower energy bills and therefore be more attractive to buyers. The increased energy efficiency in commercial buildings can also add to increased productivity.
Helps keep you Healthy
The pollution that comes from energy sources can cause major health issues. Severe illnesses like lung cancer and asthma. Conserving energy makes it possible for a lower carbon footprint and in the long run will help to reduce cases of respiratory disease and other health issues.
Maintaining stable energy prices
Implementing energy efficient methods will help to conserve energy thereby lowering or eliminating possible energy shortages. A good energy supply will mean steady prices throughout the year or even lower the costs.
Having a positive impact
As an individual you can be energy efficient, but extend that to your family. Then get your neighbours and the rest of the community involved in energy conservation and the future of your community can be saved and improved.

Healthy Mind, Sober Living at Cape Retreat

Recovering from alcoholism and substance addiction is not an easy task, especially for those who have been addicted or alcoholics for years on end. Not having access to an alcohol and drug free living environment poses the biggest threat to derailing a person’s recovery process. Sober houses are becoming more and more popular as direct repercussion of the increase in people being treated for alcohol and drug addiction. Sober house facilities are for the most part operated and staffed by people from the mental health, counselling and substance abuse professions. One such establishment is the Scotswood sober living house in Cape Town. A destructive living environment can put an end to the recovery efforts of even the most dedicated individual who is trying to steer clear of drugs and alcohol. Sober houses were first formed in the 1980’s as a means to assist alcoholics looking to make a new start in a safe environments. Sober houses have changed somewhat since the 1980’s with most of them catering for drug addicts as well as alcoholics since substance abuse has grown rapidly in recent years. A sober house is not intended to be a permanent living arrangement for a recovering addict, but more of a stepping stone that gives them the opportunity to solidify their recovery once leaving a rehabilitation centre. Sober Living houses typically offer the following :

  • A safe living environment free of alcohol and drugs
  • Permission to stay for a period of time, provided house rules are followed
  • An in house counsellor available to assist with difficulties
  • Communal eating areas and availability of cooked meals
  • Information about nearby 12 Step meetings such as AA and NA

Developing new friends and companions is an essential component required to support ongoing sobriety and recovery. The sober house model promotes this in allowing those who share the same difficulties to help each other, as opposed to trying to struggle on in their recovery on their own. There is no particular standard or specific model for the sober house concept. They can range from apartment complexes to renovated homes in suburbs. Statistics do show however that the smaller, more intimate environments allow for more trust and intimacy, allowing friendships to grow more easily. These smaller sober houses have proven to deliver better results than the larger apartment complex styled ones. There are relatively few sober houses in Cape town that provide all the necessary components for recovering addict to reconnect with people, develop new friendships, learn to become a responsible and productive member of society once again. Scotswood is a relatively new sober house in Cape Town that does provide everything that a person serious about their recovery process requires. The Scotswood sober house is set in a tranquil environment occupying a renovated farmhouse. The home is peaceful and is well run with capable staff on site to keep a caring eye on the residents. Anybody looking for a sober house in Cape Town should click here to go to the Scotswood website and discover all the amenities they have to offer. Although it was fairly recently opened, Scotswood has rapidly developed a reputation for being one of the best sober living houses in Cape Town.