Environment
Sr Ann Wigley, in thanking Management for the gift she received, wrote: I thank you and I thank you still more for the privilege and honour of working at LITTLE EDEN over the years. It has brought me a real gift of faith, hope and love to work alongside the faith, hope and love I experience in you, in the staff and in the residents.
An analysis done on the total paper collected by the LITTLE EDEN recycling initiative since December 1995 shows that 1 127 tons has been collected to date. This is equivalent to saving 19 161 trees. Furthermore, the following beneficial environmental impacts have also been affected by this recycling initiative: • A saving of 3 381 cubic meters of landfill • A saving of 3 268 Gigajoules of energy • A reduction of 1 127 tons of coal-based emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere • A reduction of 2 029 tons of electricity-based emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere • A reduction of 11.27 tons of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere
where they can watch the birds and insects that are attracted by the wetlands area. A few residents took it upon themselves to feed the birds daily and it gives them great joy. The children also walk, or are pushed in their wheelchairs, through the sensory garden and the labyrinth where they can pause and sit by the waterfall for a while. The labyrinth and waterfall have proved their effectiveness in aiding relaxation. They also have a calming effect and are especially beneficial to the children with dual diagnosis.
LITTLE EDEN is mindful of the impact of our operations on the environment. We have systems in place at both Homes to encourage the community to participate in the appreciation of, and respect for, the environment. The Society does not use disposable nappies, which is harmful to the environment, but washes 2 500 nappies every day! All detergents used at LITTLE EDEN are environmentally friendly.
Ahmed throws some paper in the recycle bin after LITTLE EDEN had reached the 1000 ton mark
A glass recycling initiative is also ongoing at the Edenvale Home and LITTLE EDEN continues to make the general public more aware thereof and to encourage the community to recycle. We were approached by a tertiary institution that visited our wetlands and has shown interest in undertaking a research project on our system of water recycling. In the immediate community and surrounding areas, a couple of individuals have also visited our wetlands and are looking to follow our example.
Residents walking the labyrinth
A new, additional septic tank which was sponsored by students from Wits University is now operational. This was a necessity due to the increase in number of residents and staff over the past couple of years. The environment continues to form an essential part of the ongoing therapy programme at Elvira Rota Village. The residents walk down to the wetlands
LITTLE EDEN Annual Report 2011
Children and staff by the waterfall
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