Mar 7 2007
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.”