Waterwise
and B&Q have teamed up to launch a new water efficiency campaign. As part
of this, B&Q has launched a range of water efficient products, bringing
them to the UK mass market for the first time. Water efficiency is easy to achieve
and this campaign is aiming to help consumers understand how they can contribute
and make a difference.
Although the water supply in Scotland is not currently under threat, climate
change could mean there will be a problem in the future if action is not taken
now. People often assume that Scotland would not suffer the same issues as the
South East of England, but a recently published Scottish Executive sponsored
study predicted significant changes in weather patterns: over the next 70 –
80 years summers will become generally drier with as much as a 40% reduction
in the South and East.
Scots use around 146 litres of water every day(2), and this is rising(3). But
small behavioural changes can make a real difference.
The key to water efficiency is reducing waste, not restricting use. Consumers
can help reduce waste by making small behavioural changes such as mending leaks,
not leaving taps running and by choosing more water efficient products.
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While it is raining regularly, it is the right time for people to start
collecting rainwater in water butts, ready to use during the drier months
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Saving water makes good economic sense and has environmental and social
benefits
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Water efficiency can save a third of water consumption. And when combined
with rainwater harvesting savings can reach 50%
Water efficiency does not have to be expensive and B&Q’s new range
of water-saving products varies from underground water butts to ‘click
save’ taps that greatly reduce the flow of water. Waterwise and B&Q
are also publishing a simple guide for consumers outlining easy and low-cost
tips for reducing water wastage.
Ian Cheshire, chief executive of B&Q, said: “This is a long-term issue
– climate change means that the whole of the UK can expect more floods
and droughts. B&Q has been committed to helping consumers reduce their impact
on the environment since the early 1990s and working together with knowledgeable
partners like Waterwise, we’re able to affect real long-term change rather
than looking for quick fixes. We are responding to a genuine consumer interest
in environmental issues by helping everyone to see that taking a few simple
steps they can save money and the environment, at the same time.”
Jacob Tompkins, Director, Waterwise, said: “Because Scotland is a rainy
place, we can be forgiven for not fully understanding the importance of water
efficiency. But each person in Scotland currently uses about 146 litres of water
every day, and this consumption level is not sustainable in the long-term. We
are pleased to be working in partnership with B&Q; their experience of retailing
environmentally responsible products is invaluable to the cause.”
Sarah Boyack MSP, Deputy Environment Minister, said:
“I am delighted to welcome this new campaign. Many of us know that climate
change is happening, but might not connect it with the need to save water. We
all need to make progress on using water sustainably, and wasting less. This
campaign will make it easier for consumers to save water, and I hope it will
see real savings. The Scottish Executive is working with Waterwise’s Saving
Water in Scotland Network.”
Posted 7th March 2007
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