Known as Somerson’s water warrior, an 80-year-old resident of this retirement village in Summerstrand is showing the community of Nelson Mandela Bay that you can save water, and virtually live mostly off the power grid, if you put enough effort into it.
Calling herself the foot soldier and harvester at the village, Lynette Peers has been doing everything to save water and electricity and has been encouraging her fellow residents to do the same.
The former teacher-turned-pharmacist has two rainwater tanks catching run-off from two roofs which she uses for flushing the toilet and watering the garden.
Neatly stacked in a row in her backyard are several three-litre juice bottles filled with harvested water that she also uses for household purposes.
Peers said that since she has a Bachelor of Science degree, the scientist within her has prompted her to keep track of how much electricity she uses.
She now also has a diary where she jots down how much electricity she is saving every day with her solar panels, and according to her notes, from November 26 until now she has used only electricity generated by her panels.
“I grew up on a farm and my father was a great conservationist who taught me to be mindful of the environment, and it is thanks to his influence that I have this mindset. I really hope that wherever my father is today, he is saying: ‘well done, my daughter,’ ” said Peers.
The mother of two explained that she believes in foresight, so when the country first started to experience loadshedding in 2008, she knew that things would only get worse.
“I started with two solar panels to service my geyser; then added six more. I don’t want to preach solar power because it is very expensive, and everyone may not be able to afford it, but it will benefit everyone in the end,” she said.
Although she lost her husband in 2010, and her son and daughter are in Ireland and Germany respectively with their children, Peers has not been completely alone throughout her water saving journey.
Her 13-year-old Border Collie, Jake, has been by her side as she walks through the complex to encourage others to join her cause.
“Jake is my baby and has been with me since he was two months old. There are 85 units in this complex. I can tell you exactly who lives where and which units are vacant. Jake is also well-known by everyone as he goes everywhere with me. I love walking and being active and so does he, although his hind legs aren’t as strong anymore due to his age,” she said, as she gave him a loving pat on the head.
Moving to the kitchen, she opened up the fridge and produced a big bottle of juice, holding it up proudly.
“I love drinking juice and I specifically buy these ones so that I am able to fill them with water afterwards.”
Peers said that she is aware of how some people say things, but then don’t practise what they preach.
“I talk a lot, but I do practise what I preach. I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk. I am also happy that other residents in the village have also invested in solar power. Maybe one day all of us will have solar power and rain tanks everywhere,” she added.
“I am extremely grateful to be in a position where I am able to save water and electricity, and grateful for my upbringing that instilled these values in me.”
