The town of Knysna is moving towards becoming the first nature-inspired town where we consciously draw on nature’s database of proven strategies, systems and processes to solve the various issues facing us – economic, infrastructural and socio-political.
At Hide Away Guest House we are making every effort to use as little energy and water as possible, an off-spin of which is a reduced carbon footprint. These are some of the initiatives we have in place:
- Hot water provided in the geyser is from solar panels located on the roof and timers attached to the geysers.
- Globes throughout the house have been changed to energy saving globes and numerous lights located around the property are activated by movement.
- We have installed cellulose fibre ceiling insulation throughout the house keeping warmth in in the winter and heat out in summer and should therefore reduce the usage of heaters/air conditioners, etc.
- Although not visible to guests, we do rain harvesting which water is used to clean the verandahs, fill the swimming pool and water the garden.
- Garbage is split into recyclable containers and we donate old linen, etc. to the Knysna Recycling Swop Shop.
- We have recently introduced earthworm farming and the resultant “compost” is used in the garden.
- Where possible we use biodegradable products for cleaning and general maintenance of the property.
- We collect plastic wrappers and normal plastic from food purchases and “build” these into bottle bricks which in turn are used to make a number of items which include houses! Our bottles are currently being used to build ottomons for the Knysna Education Trust – working hand in hand. These sort of initiatives create the opportunity for SMMEs to get involved
- In addition, we collect all our used toilet rolls, empty yoghurt containers, ice cream containers and egg boxes which in turn are given to the Knysna Education Trust for use in their Grade R school initiatives.