Day for Water Conservation: Actively Touch, But Avoid Taking Over resources
In a bid to address equipment loss and improve the management of communal watering equipment, the cemetery administration of Meerbusch, Germany, has recently introduced a deposit system for watering cans. This innovative approach, which requires a two-euro deposit for green watering jugs, has been met with generally positive experiences and has led to fewer losses of watering cans [1].
The deposit system offers several benefits. By encouraging visitors to return watering cans in good condition, it fosters a sense of responsibility among users. This, in turn, helps cemetery administrations partly recover costs for maintaining watering equipment. Moreover, the system supports visitors in maintaining graves and memorial sites, fostering respect and upkeep of the cemetery environment [1].
However, implementing such a system is not without its challenges. Visitors may initially be hesitant to pay deposits for items they previously used freely. Handling deposits, returns, and potential disputes requires organizational work and potentially dedicated staff or automated systems. Maintenance and replacement of watering cans are still necessary, despite reduced loss, and the deposit may only partially cover these costs [1].
Accessibility concerns also arise. Visitors without coins or who are unaware of the system might experience inconvenience. Some elderly citizens and outsiders find the deposit system problematic, and the system is currently only implemented in certain municipalities [1].
Despite these challenges, the deposit system for watering cans at cemeteries balances resource preservation and visitor convenience. It addresses practical issues like equipment loss while fostering cemetery upkeep. Implementing such systems requires thoughtful management to handle the logistical and human factors involved [1].
For instance, in the Baden town of Bietigheim near Rastatt, a deposit system for rental watering cans has been implemented in its cemetery. This response to the principle "Trust is good, control is better" has been generally well-received, with citizens adjusting to the new system [1].
For more information about the deposit system, please contact Christoph Müller at c.mueller@our website or by phone at 0711 66601-182.
[1] Source: Local news report, dated July 4th.
The deposit system for watering cans encourages a responsible lifestyle by users, contributing to cost recovery for home-and-garden equipment maintenance. Effective management of the system is crucial to overcome challenges like initial reluctance, handling deposits, and accessibility concerns, ensuring both resource preservation and visitor convenience.
