Choosing to go green has never been this easy as the sixth annual Sustainable Living Exhibition kicks off on Friday, 14 August 2015.
The Expo will run until Sunday, 16 August 2015 at the Durban Exhibition Centre where over 280 exhibitors will showcase their services and products.
Entrance is free.
The Exhibition is the City’s premier greening event and promises to show residents just how easy it is to live a green lifestyle.
Everything from water and energy-saving devices to solar- powered gadgets and ozone-friendly prizes will be on offer.
There’s something for everyone at the event with activities for both young and old planned including talks, demonstrations, puppet shows, quizzes and movies.
Car enthusiasts will get a chance to see the BMW i3on up close when BMW Supertech Durban demonstrates the features of the eco-friendly car.
The event is hosted by the Ethekwini Municipality and the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
EThekwini Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo said the Expo was a proud moment for the Municipality as it was a platform to share ideas and information that would have a positive impact on the planet.
The Mayor commended residents for showing commitment and promoting awareness of environmental matters since the launch of the first Sustainable Living Exhibition in 2010.
“Climate change is the most widespread and complex problem humanity has ever faced. This exhibition is the ideal platform to bring together businesses, individuals, government departments and non-governmental and non-profit organizations to showcase, inspire and share solutions to living more sustainable lifestyles. It opens doors for learning while also providing a fun environment and networking opportunities,” Nxumalo said.
Cotga MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the Exhibition, now an established institution in the eThekwini Metro, was taking place against the backdrop of a prolonged and devastating drought in the province.
“The drought has added a new dimension to this Exhibition by creating a need to showcase ways in which our people can live more sustainable lifestyles. By making a case for the latest advances in water conservation and water harvesting, the Exhibition provides a much needed platform for our businesses, municipalities, schools and communities to display and share ideas about sustainable living,” she said.
The MEC said it was the simple things that could make a difference.
“Harvesting rain water for use in your household and gardens is the kind of solutions that the Sustainable Living Exhibition reminds us of. It is these small, everyday solutions to big challenges that have made the Exhibition so popular with the public,” she said.
Some activities on offer at the Exhibition:
Indigenous Plant Fair
Hundreds of indigenous and water-wise plants will be on sale at discounted prices.
Experts will also be on hand to advise visitors of their indigenous gardening needs.
New to the Plant Fair this year is the ‘The Plotting Shed’ where informal chats and demonstrations will take place.
Open Forum Discussion on Living beyond Water Shortages
The EThekwini Municipality will host an open forum discussion to address the severity of the current water shortages and possible interventions that could address this challenge.
The discussion will take place at the Coast of Dreams, Durban Exhibition Centre from 11h00. Those interested in participating can contact Sindile Dube on 031 311 4281 or e-mail Sindile.dube@durban.gov.za
DUT Fashion Show
Design students from the Durban University of Technology were challenged to create garments made of recyclable material which will be debuted at a fashion show at the Exhibition.
Donate your unwanted items
Imagine Durban is calling for all residents to bring along all their unwanted clothes, shoes, books and toys to the Exhibition. The collected items will be donated to worthy charities identified at the end of each day.
EThekwini Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo said donating to charities fitted perfectly with the theme of living sustainably as it was recycling unwanted items.
“The Exhibition allows us to reach out to those who are less fortunate while contributing to our vision of creating a caring and livable city,” he said.
