Share This Article
Every cloud has a silver lining, the old saying goes; but when it’s dark, cold and it’s the third time you’re experiencing loadshedding this week, it becomes challenging to stay optimistic and to believe that there’s (literal) light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
By all accounts, loadshedding is here to stay – at least for the foreseeable future – so best we look on the bright (or is light?!) side of the situation. Here’s a roundup of five positive things we can take from loadshedding.
-
Reconnect when you disconnect: We all spend too much time on our devices and while there’s plenty to embrace and enjoy about the ability to instantly access information and entertainment, and to connect with others virtually, there is still a lot to be said for in-person interaction. Of course your phone and laptop still work during loadshedding but how about using the blackouts as an opportunity to put the devices away? You could even challenge yourself to just enjoy the time being disconnected digitally, but using it to connect with friends and family.
-
Ignite your creativity in the kitchen: Preparing dinner around the loadshedding schedule can be very challenging, which is why it helps to turn the problem on its head. Rather than wait for when there is power, challenge yourself and those in your household to experiment with no-cook recipes. It’s a great way to expand your culinary repertoire and add something new to your everyday menu.
-
Off-the-grid weekend getaways: There’s nothing like a weekend getaway to reset and re-energise yourself for the last bit of winter. Gather your loved ones and book a stay at one of the many Airbnbs around the country that are fully off-the-grid, which means you’re also escaping loadshedding for a while.
-
More awareness about energy security: While loadshedding is a South African problem (though other parts of the continent also experience rolling blackouts), energy security is a growing global concern. And as with all global challenges, change starts with awareness. Experience of the impact of loadshedding means we know exactly how critical energy security is to individuals, communities and economies.
-
Helping hands everywhere: Sometimes it pays to remember that, real as the challenge of loadshedding is to you, that you’re not in it alone. Individuals, companies and organisations around the country are all struggling but also working to mitigate the impact. One example of this kind of collaboration is Airbnb’s partnership with Takealot to offer Airbnb Hosts discount on selected loadshedding products such as rechargeable lights, inverters and solar geysers, to ensure they can keep Hosting guests, and thus keep benefitting from the tourism economy.