THINK BLUE

OUR COASTLINES ARE UNDER INCREASING PRESSURE. HOW CAN WE SUSTAIN THEM FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS? BY THINKING BLUE.

By 2010, 80% of us will be living close to the sea. Yet less than 1% of global initiatives are currently seaboard focused. Recent comprehensive mapping of our oceans reveals the scale of the problem. We need cleaner water and less pollution. We need to give more thought to utilities, landscaping, marine eco-systems. We need integrated coastal developments if we are to create the best possible future for our children and live in harmony with our seas. Blue Communities will direct a spotlight on this vital global issue for the first time and provide the blueprint needed to live in partnership with the sea.
"Blue Communities is a call to action for the world."

NAKHEL – ALREADY ACTING BLUE

Here are just 6 examples of how Nakheel are building Blue initiatives into their development at the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

• Centralised chiller plants are reducing energy consumption by 35% compared to conventional air conditioning
• Savings of over 50% have been made in the use of irrigation water through new, water retaining soil technologies
• Creating a computerised link between irrigation systems and weather stations, to optimise evapo-transpiration of plants
• The use of a vacuum based sewage treatment that improves efficiency compared to traditional pumps and provides an odour-free environment, with water recycled for irrigation
• The largest artificially created rocky embankments in the world – providing new opportunities for local marine life to establish colonies
• The building of a monorail transit system that will integrate with Dubai public transport and reduce dependence on cars

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10 more ways to be smarter in the way we use water

1. GET CLEVER WITH YOUR ICE CUBES

We all drop one on the floor from time to time, right? Well, don’t throw it away – use it to water house plants.

2. NEAT HAIR IDEA

Turn off the water while you’re shampooing your hair and you’ll save up to 150 gallons a month. And doing the same while brushing teeth saves another 25 gallons. That’s enough to fill a 12’x3’ swimming pool in a matter of hours.

3. GET IT COVERED

Own a pool or spa? Make sure you keep them covered to prevent evaporation. And regularly check for leaks around the pumps.

4. SLIME’S JUST FINE

Next time you clean out your fish tank don’t just pour the old water down the drain – recycle it on your plants. They’ll love the nutrient rich contents.

5. PLUG YOUR TUB

Showers take less water than baths. But if you really need a good soak, plug your tub before you switch the taps on, and then adjust the temperature as the bath fills.

6. STOP THE SEEPAGE

Water seeping from your toilet cistern into the bowl can waste an astonishing 1,000 gallons a month. Put food colouring into your cistern and if you see coloured water, then you’ll know if you need to get the leak fixed.

7. BEACH LITTER IS A KILLER

From the fish of the Arabian Gulf and the turtles of the Americas to the albatross of the central Pacific, marine life is dying because of litter dumped on beaches. If you bring it, bin it.

8. CUT YOUR CARBON

From car sharing to energy saving light bulbs, there are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Visit carbonneutral.com to calculate your footprint and discover new ways to reduce it.

9. LIGHTEN THE LOAD

When choosing a new washing machine or dishwasher insist on a model with cycle and load size adjustments, so you can optimize both the water and energy efficiency for each load.

10. LOCATE YOUR MASTER TAP

You never think of it till you need it, but knowing where your master water shut-off valve is located – and how it works – could save water and prevent a lot of damage and tears if your home were to flood.

THINK PROTECTING MARINE SPECIES

It is estimated that 80% of life on earth is found in the sea. the space beneath the waves comprises 99% of our planet’s living space.

Thinking Blue is about helping endangered marine species and replacing stocks damaged by over fishing. There are 4,000 coral reef species, yet their habitats are coming under threat.

See more on www.bluecommunities.org.