WITH the country in the grip of a serious drought, eThekwini Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo is urging all businesses with sustainability products to participate in the 7th annual Sustainable Living Exhibition. This greening showcase will be at the Durban Exhibition Centre from Friday, 19 to Sunday, 21 August.
“We need to encourage people, now more than ever, to conserve our precious resources. The lack of rain over the last few years and excessive water usage has slowly eroded the water reserves in our natural systems. Everyone has been affected by the drought, and therefore this exhibition is a critical one that raises awareness of climate change, issues of sustainability, and encourages our communities to take sustainable living seriously,” said Mayor Nxumalo.
“We encourage all businesses, NGOs, schools and other civic bodies to register to participate and showcase their environmentally friendly products and services to the public,” he added.
Last year, the exhibition attracted 380 innovative exhibitors and 17 500 visitors over the three-day period. Exhibitors showcased everything from water and energy-saving devices, recycling innovations to food gardening methods. The Exhibition Centre was abuzz with talks, demonstrations, puppet shows, quizzes, that both adults and children found entertaining and educational.
Apart from showcasing new and innovative products, the exhibition is also a great platform to network, market business and create linkages with others.
Project manager, Dorothy Lutchmiah, said that owing to the success of the previous expos, exhibition stands are quickly being taken as this is an ideal opportunity for organisations and individuals to showcase their greener-living ideas under one roof. “This year the city plans to host the first Durban International Summit on Co-operation. The summit will see our sister cities not only attend the summit but also exhibit,” she said.
Schools are also encouraged to showcase and promote their greening ideas. The Exhibition is the city’s premier greening event that is held in conjunction with the BotSoc Indigenous Plant Fair.
To book your stand, contact Dorothy Lutchmiah on e-mail at Dorothy.Lutchmiah@durban.gov.za or directly on 031 311 4277.
