GO GREEN WITH A TABLET DEVICE

A TABLET PC WILL SAVE YOU TIME
A Tablet PC will free you completely from your office and allow you to cut your administrative time dramatically by eliminating paper from your life.
• Because you are able to sign documents and contracts on a Tablet, there is no longer any reason to deal with the burdens of paper. Think about the amount of time you currently spend faxing, copying, FedEx-ing or driving documents between clients, service providers, your broker and others you work with. With a Tablet, you are freed from office and paper based business processes that force you to spend valuable selling time performing administrative tasks.

A TABLET PC WILL HELP YOU REDUCE RISK
Generally speaking, an electronic environment is more secure than dealing with paper. In fact, some E&O insurance carriers now offer discounts for companies that employ what is commonly referred to as "digital document management."
• Typically, paper documents are transported from field to office in the back seat of a car. Once in the office, they are touched by any number of people, who may make copies for themselves or others. They end up at some point in a manila envelope on a broker's desk for review and are then filed in a place where administrative staff or other agents have access to them. At any point in this process, documents may be faxed, couriered or mailed to clients, service providers or other agents.

TABLET PCS ARE FUN!
A Tablet is a serious business tool, but frankly, it's also a heck of a lot of fun. Doodling, sending handwritten emails, using a pen to instant message a friend and marking up maps is neat stuff. A Tablet is interactive in a way a standard PC is not and provides a human element that makes computing just a little more pleasurable.

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER EYEWITNESS NEWS

PROCESS OF CONVERTING AN ENTIRE STAND-ALONE BUILDING FROM ESKOM POWERED ELECTRICITY TO SOLAR POWERED ELECTRICITY

Newsclip Media Monitoring is embarking upon a green solar energy campaign, which will revolutionise the face of its business in the environment. The idea came about after conversations regarding the COP17 Climate Change conference, which will be taking place in Durban later this year.

When the Newsclip building in Roodepoort was built in 2004, it was created to be as eco-friendly as possible, with large glass windows to allow for natural light, and energy-efficient light bulbs installed throughout. As times changed, of course, so did the need to improve the existing infrastructure and, with that, the opportunity to lower the carbon offsets.

• Installation of 220 solar panels at our head office in Johannesburg
• These panels will provide up to 85 % of the energy the company will need to run (206 staff members)
• The solar installation is a photovoltaic system using a grid method, whereby the solar power will be connected to the Eskom grid. Eskom will supply extra power when the solar panels are not providing enough
• This solar farm will not work on a batter system – ie there will be no storage of power
• During times when the solar panels are providing excess power, this will go back into the grid and bought and used by Eskom
• These panels will offset around 92 tonnes of C02 per year
• These panels produce up to 50kWp DC power
• They generate 90,000 Wh AC electrical energy per year. (All subject to solar radiation level)
• The solar farm will also include rescued aloes and indigenous plants
• The interior of the Newsclip building is also going greener – recycling, new LED lights etc
• We are in the process of training internal green ambassadors to teach and educate visitors, as well as inform and educate internal staff members on how to go green and preserve our earth.

GUEST: KATE KEARNEY TRATEGIC MARKETING CONSULTANT NEWSCLIP MEDIA MONITORING

A PICTURE TO APPRECIATE THE UNIVERSE AND HELP PROTECT IT

What was green is now more often than not covered in concrete and dust. 6000 year old trees have been replaced with 600 billion sky scrapers. Beutiful animals are being replaced with machines... at the rate we’r4e going there soon wont be much of a planet left!

Capturing our remarkable living planet for future generations and choosing to share the images with the world is missing planets aim.

Initially Denny was going to give away all these glorious nature images for free but then he remembered that the reason the earth is in a distressful state is that humans have failed to appreciate what it gave us for free.

• A range of pictures are now available to anyone, on one condition: you have to donate R500 to a cause you are passionate about.

Then send missing planet the proof of payment, they verify it and email them you a digital high res image.

In so doing Missing Planet hope more people are encouraged to do good either through conserving the environment, reducing poverty or saving an animal in distress – all in the name of preserving what we currently have for future generations.

WEBSITE: www.missingplanet.co.za

GUEST: DENNY MO MISSING PLANET: FOUNDER & PHOTOGRAPHER

CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERSHIP AWARDS (CCLA)

AWARDS:

- Corporate Climate Change Leaders
A trophy, a certificate, a first edition stamp, coverage on Talk Radio 702 and Cape Talk 567, coverage on this website, inclusion in media releases, invitation to CCLA 2012 tree planting for carbon offset event and acknowledgement as a Climate Change Leader!

- Climate Hero
The Community /Individual Prize winners
First Prize: Gold - R50 000
Second Prize: Silver - R30 000
Third Prize: Bronze - R20 000

School/Youth Group Prize winners (gift cards sponsored by P&P)
First Prize: R20 000
Second Prize: R10 000

• Global Carbon exchange will also be giving away prizes to all of the gold prize winners.

The CCLA contribute significantly to inspiring and promoting awareness and action towards a low carbon economy, and thus a healthier society and a more sustainable planet.

CALL TO ACTION:
Get people to enter/nominate people for the CCLA by going to www.ccla.co.za and registering.
There are also corporate tables for sale, R12000 per table of 10 for the awards event on 29 March 2012 at the Sandton Sun Hotel.

Please contact Bonnie Moore-Boyle @ info@ccla.co.za / 083 278 8089
WEBSITE: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za/greenday

GUEST: INGRID MECH GCX (GLOBAL CARBON EXCHANGE) MARKETING & COMMUNICATION MANAGER

THE AFRISAM-SAIA AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) has once again partnered with AfriSam (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd for the biennial AfriSam-SAIA Award for Sustainable Architecture 2011/2012,

Entries, which are now open, can be made in two categories -
- built work that has been beneficially occupied since 15 March 2010
- works of social importance, including research.

Last year, the winner was Koop Design’s Dalton Private Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands .

Only paid up corporate members of SAIA can enter. The closing date for entries is March 16, 2012. Award recipients will be announced at a function to be held in Johannesburg in October, 2012. Qualifying projects will form part of an exhibition to be held at the SAIA Biennial Convention, AZA2012 in Cape Town in September next year.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

DON'T LITTER – IT’S AGAINTS THE LAW!

IN JHB
Huge amounts of waste are usually dumped over the festive season, and Pikitup is urging Joburgers not to throw away their rubbish carelessly.
Dumping litter along the side of the road may not seem like a crime but it is, and offenders can be fined - or sent to jail for up to six months.
• Over the years many inner city streets have become illegal dumping sites, with huge volumes of rubbish left on the streets and pavements.
• Dumping and littering is a persistent and widespread problem in Johannesburg. And now the City is emphasising that it is "illegal to dump waste on any vacant property, open spaces and pavement".

IN CAPE TOWN
Illegal dumping is one of the City’s biggest problems and costs hundreds of millions of rands a year to clean up.
• Although the City tries to prevent illegal dumping by providing facilities around the city for the diversion of waste (such as garden waste, recyclables, residential waste and builders' rubble), the dumping of waste on public or private properties still occurs.
• Illegal dumping is a punishable offence in terms of the by-laws that are implemented for this purpose.

GUEST: KATY KATOPODIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EYEWITNESS NEWS

COAL ROAD MAP

On the 4th of November the Fossil Fuel Foundation releases their phaae 1 report of the Coal Road Map for SA.

• This is a vital opportunity for anyone interested in our energy and environmental future to give input into they way that SA will develop over the next 25 years.

Some points:
- SA is almost entirely reliant on coal for our energy
- There is no practical, economic alternative to coal in the medium term.
- The enviornmental impact of coal is enormous and is far more than just the climate change impacts
- Currently, we have no cogent plant for managing our coal resources and our legal framework favours ad hoc, hasty exploitation of coal fields.

As a counterpoint to this, GreenPeace is hosting a True Cost of Coal seminar at 10h30 on October the 27th.

www.fossilFuel.co.za

www.greenpeace.org

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GIVE SMALL GIFTS

Gift cards, concert tickets, restaurant certificates and movie vouchers are great alternatives to holiday presents heavily packaged and wrapped in expensive and hard-to-recycle paper. You'll also reduce the time, stress and energy associated with traffic, crowds and long checkout lines.

Other money and energy-saving ideas: Draw names among family and co-workers and limit the number of gifts and paper. Or give the gift of time -- make up gift certificates on your computer for baby-sitting, special favors or a date for a special event.

How many gifts do you give a year? If you average R20 for wrapping paper, ribbon and labels for each, think of how much you can save, not to mention the recycling costs.

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECH REPORTER

BIRDING IN SOWETO

• Raymond Rampolokeng a resident of Soweto and a former employee of Birdlife South Africa now conducts exciting bird tours in Soweto along Klipspruit wetland on any given day throughout the year.
• Raymond's major customers are International back-packers, birders in general, private/public institutuins and schools.
• His aim is to be an environmentally responsible enterprise which provides quality service and creates employment.
• To obtain accreditation to produce services and maintain standards set to operate in a competitive market.

Raymond has been assisted by the Tourism Enterprise Partnership: Tourism is a key pillar for economic growth with a target of 225,000 jobs by the year 2020. Strong public-private partnerships are required and TEP’s Enterprise Development Portfolio offers a credible solution that allows any interested organisation or corporate entity to invest funds with TEP.
TEP currently has over 4,000 small tourism businesses registered throughout South Africa.

To date TEP has successfully invested over R450 million in the tourism industry, creating jobs and improving the turnover of small tourism businesses by more than R5 billion.

URBAN TRAIL CODE
• Always use the services of the local guide to good views.
• Respect all property,wildlife and trees.
• Don't litter.
• Be cautious.
• Prevent grass fires.
• Adhere to park signage.
• Be prepared-carry water,wear comfortable shoes and watch the weather.
• Trail groups of 5 more or join local community group walk especially in isolated areas.
• Avoid carrying valuables like jewellery.
• Bicycle tours to bird sites are encouraged to offsett carbon emmissions and exhibit a healthy lifestyle.

SITES

Orlando dam offers swifts,swallows,martins,european bee-eaters,african hoopoe,black collared and crested barbet etc. found in gardens and parks:status common residents and summer visitors.

Sontonga hills-wals can be arranged and taken as one or in a group on the beautiful prestine koppie named after Enoch Sontonga who is said to have visited the area to meditate which visitors still do today.

Thokoza park and Moroka dam an attractive park with a dam,wetlands,various bridges and short trails in the midddle of the sprawling township.it is well usde by community and has links to the historic Regina mundi Catholic Church.

Lenasia vlei is an isolated ares bordering Soweto and Lenasia with open water bodies and exciting waders and little brown jobs(LBJ's) i.e. orange throated long-claw, orange breasted waxbill, marsh owl, African spoon bill which are our specials.Waliking trails 60-2 hours.

GUEST: RAYMOND RAMPOLOKENG TOURISM COORDINATOR BAY OF GRACE TOURS

SPEAK2ASCIENTIST: EARTHCHILD HOTBOX WORKSHOP

Earthchild Project is a Non-Profit Organisation working in schools in the Western Cape which focuses on the holistic development of children, teachers, schools and communities.
• Their programmes include environmental education (e.g. organic gardening, hiking, worm farming), healthy living (e.g. tuckshops, growing sprouts), life skills (e.g. yoga, meditation, affirmations).
• Their third term theme was the environment and so they set up many Living Classrooms: Each class gets a worm farm and container garden which becomes a learning tool for the teacher. They're teaching kids fun and practical ways in which to grow their own food as well as reduce, reuse and recycle their waste.

ECO-FRIENDLY HOT BOX WORKSHOP

• This is a workshop where you can learn how to make your own eco-friendly, energy saving, handy Hot box.
• Most of us cook our meals on the stove or in the oven and that's that. But with a low-tech, insulated hot box, meals can be started off on the stove then transferred hot into the hot box where your food will slowly finish cooking over the next couple of hours, saving you electricity or gas. The design also makes it ideal for taking on picnics as you tie it up around the pot – hot food on a winter picnic. Spend two and a half hours making your own hot box, eat hearty soup prepared in one and arm yourself with a new way of saving more than just energy costs.

Date: Saturday, 5th November 2011
Time: 11:00 - 2:00pm
Venue: 117 Hatfield Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Cost: R250 including your own Hot Box & a yummy Lunch

BOOK YOUR SPOT NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
WEBSITE: www.earthchildproject.org

GUEST: JANNA KRETZMAR EARTHCHILD PROJECT DIRECTOR

SPEAK2ASCIENTIST: ‘REPAIRING THE FUTURE: THE BUSINESS OF SAVING THE WORLD’

At a time when greed, corruption and a disregard for the natural world in the endless quest for profit have been blamed for many of the world’s environmental problems, it seems counter-intuitive to turn to capitalists to find solutions.

According to Jason Drew, author of The Protein Crunch, this is exactly what we should be doing if we want change to happen quickly. In fact, he predicts that the next Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg will make their fortunes in the business of the environment.

As we move out of our industrial revolution mindset into the thinking needed to spark the sustainability revolution – capital and ecology will be natural partners in our shared future..

Jason Drew has been a capitalist all his life, although the term he now prefers is eco-entrepreneur.

“Before my journey into the environment, I understood neither the unbelievable risks we are running nor the extraordinary opportunities for entrepreneurs and eco-capitalists like myself,” he says. “We need to harness the energy and capital of entrepreneurs and businesses to deliver the change that is needed.”

“It doesn’t matter if their motive is profit. There is nothing wrong with making a profit in a sustainable way. We don’t have a choice: either we change the way we do business or our planet will die. It is that simple.”

According to Jason Drew, we must use the strengths of the capitalist system to encourage action-oriented thinkers to address the challenges of repairing the environment and our eco-systems in innovative, sustainable ways.

He is putting his money where his mouth is, in three businesses, one of which – AgriProtein - was developed in conjunction with Stellenbosch University.

AgriProtein is leading a new industry called nutrient recycling. It recycles abattoir waste into useable protein for animal feed at a fraction of the price of existing protein sources.

At present, one third of all the fish we take from our seas are ground into fishmeal and used in farming of fish and chickens as well as in pet food.

In one of those leaps of logic that are obvious when someone else does them, the Stellenbosch researchers decided to see if they could develop industrial scale production of fly larvae which are a natural food of fish and fowl.

After much trial and error, they developed a large-scale fly farming operation that develops fly eggs into larvae fed on waste nutrients. These larvae are then harvested and dried to make Magmeal - a high protein and natural replacement for fishmeal.

GUEST: BERYL EICHENBERGER, HIPPO COMMUNICATIONS

USE OUR KID-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS

Simon took his kids (aged 5 and 8_ to Sci-bono this weekend and was blown away by how good the exhibition was.

There is more than enough going on to keep kids going for a couple of hours, with really well trainied, gentle and pleasant facilitators on hand if you want a guided tour.

Simon had so much fun that his son and him started thinking about other weekend outings and he realised that there is a wealth of museums with a science / enviornmental bent throughout Jo'burg.

- The Origins Centre at Wits
- Yebo Gogga coming up in mid October, also at Wits
- The Natural History museum in Pretoria is within walking distance of the Pretoria Gautrain station

Unfortunately Cape Town's science centre lost its funding last year and hasn't recovered but Cape town is obviously chock a block full of cool things to do with kids on the weekend so this focus is more on Jo'burg.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

MOVING PLANET MOVEMENT

Saturday the 24th of September marks a world wide event to move away from fossil fuels.

The goal is to get moving beyond fossil fuels—both symbolically by pouring into the streets in the thousands on foot, bicycle and other means of sustainable movement, and politically by bringing powerful demands to our leaders that day to move beyond fossil fuels to a 350ppm world.

• Mobilizing for individual and community solutions will continue to be important—but one of the main goals for Moving Planet is to demand government action, especially in places where governments are stalling on climate action despite the overwhelming urgency of the science.

 

website: www.350.org and the event site is www.moving-planet.org

GUEST: LOUIS DU PLESSIS 350.ORG ORGANISER GAUTENG

GDS 2040 MAYORAL OUTREACH PROGRAMME [ENVIRONMENT THEMATIC WEEK - 19 TO 23 SEP 2011

City of Jo’burg’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040 Smart City Week .

• It will be run for 5 days at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens Environmental Education Centre, Cnr Thomas Bowler & Olifant Road, Emmarentia.

They are looking for any ideas or inventions that may be of use in making Jo’burg a more sustainable City.

Google keyword is GDS2040
www.joburg.org.za
Facebook www.facebook.com
Twitter@gds2040
YouTube www.youtube.com
Suggestion Box - gds2040@gmail.com

Things Simon would like to see a focus on:
• Public transport and dedicated bus/taxi lanes
• Cycle lanes, like they are building in Durban at the moment
• City wide separated waste.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

A MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT ACHIEVED WITHOUT BUDGET AND USING INTERNAL RESOURCES

Budgetary constraints are not always an issue when it comes to sound environmental practice – there’s always a chance to be flexible, resourceful and to re-use!

One can get creative in a cash-strapped situation, though - it’s challenging but a lot of fun, especially when you achieve results.

Local Environment Officials are one particular example!

MSUNDUZI CITY & THE IAIAsa AWARD:
Msunduzi Environment officials (Pietermaritzburg) won an award: the IAIAsa Hidden Talent Award (recognising innovation) at its recent National conference.
- A wetland of great importance to the city had been totally degraded and in the absence of any budget the Environment staff had to look to the city and its natural resource base for answers.
- Two city projects at the time were underway whereby we could tap into spare resources – 1. Boulders from a road upgrade and 2. Cyperus reeds from a dredging project. (Such projects no doubt occur in most cities and similar rehab methods can thus be applied elsewhere should the need arise).
- The gentlemen who degraded the wetland system were the very ones instructed to fix it and today the system has recovered - boulders served to dissipate water flow; Cyperus vegetated area to prevent erosion and encourage species. (Occasional maintenance in the form of weed-clearing).
- Positive change in our internal working relationship with stormwater engineers – education and understanding.
- This project has influenced other rehabilitation projects in the city. A positive process all-round.

There’s a definite need to show the good work that local government is doing on a daily basis. Too often the bad is exposed and sensationalised.

Every inch of country is governed by a Municipality. We therefore need good people at a local government level – to restore good governance & environmental management on the ground.

WEBSITE: www.msunduzi.gov.za, www.iaia.co.za

GUEST: MARK ANDERSON RISO AFRICA MANAGING DIRECTOR

ENERGY EFFICIENT PRINTERS

Why choose the Ecocopier

FASTER - Efficiency is all about having the speed when you need it and energy to spare.
• Get more work done in less time! EcoCopiers are the fastest on the planet yet only use as little as 40% of the power than that of a conventional copier of half the speed.
• Ultra-swift processing from the IS900C RIP delivers variable data with deadly accuracy

ABOUT RISO
Since inception, Riso has fostered the belief that technological advance need not go against nature. This commitment to the environment is a core value engrained within the Riso culture, and is evident in our development of products that are designed to work in close, harmony with nature, from our most basic models to the latest EcoCopier range.

WEBSITE: www.ecocopier.co.za | Search “Riso Africa” on Facebook

GUEST: MARK ANDERSON RISO AFRICA MANAGING DIRECTOR

THE TOUCH RUGBY BALLS THAT TOUCH COMMUNITIES

TOUCH is an initiative that touches communities by training unemployed seamstresses to make TOUCH rugby balls using recycled billboards. The balls are stuffed with between 25 and 30 plastic bags (collected from the streets of the community) so they help to deal with two issues at once, a lack of work and litter.

• Sponsored by EnviroServ this initiative aims to harness the energy around rugby in 2011, giving communities a tangible reason to get excited about the rugby event.
• This initiative will provide training and equipment to ensure that women, who have been out of work for some time, are enabled to produce quality TOUCH products. The seamstresses are paid for each ball that they make that meets the TOUCH quality measures. The job creation NGO “LIVE” is the fulfilment partner for this project.

This is an initiative that really takes rugby to the community and the support from many quarters is growing. Prime Media Outdoor have donated R54 000 worth of old billboard material to the project.

• Balls cost R50, with R30 going directly back into the community and the balance contributing to “LIVE” operating costs.
• For more information visit Facebook page: The Touch Initiative. To order balls email hosia@winwin.co.za or call 072 288 9088.

GUEST: THURLOW MOORE FROM THE AGENCY WINWIN, ON BEHALF OF ENVIROSERV

HOW TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF MEDICINE DISPOSAL BEGINS WHEN YOU BUY MEDICINES

• It is not necessary or desirable to stockpile medicines at home!
• Unused medicines and unwanted medicines expire and need to be
discarded.
• When buying over the counter medicines, buy only the amount needed
• For a reasonable time period.
• When buying medicines for a first aid kit or to keep in case it is
needed, e.g. painkillers, buy the smallest quantities.
• In most areas, especially urban areas, it is unnecessary to buy
larger quantities because there is always a nearby pharmacy where you can buy more medicine when you need it.
• When you get medicine on prescription, your doctor usually
• Prescribes a defined course of treatment for a particular condition.
• Take the medicine regularly and as directed - in most cases you
shouldn't have leftovers that need to be discarded later
• If you do end up having expired, unwanted or unused medicine, take
it to your pharmacist for safe destruction.

WEBSITE: www.pssa.org.za

GUEST: LORRAINE OSMAN HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA

THE IMPORTANCE OF URBAN TREES

It is Arbour week and therefore it’s apt to discuss the importance of urban trees…

South Africans need to know about efforts towards improving air quality, protecting water resources, saving energy and improving economic sustainability!

For today’s Green Tip, Kevin from Global Carbon Exchange is going to tell us about:

• Forestry carbon projects

• How to choose which trees to plant

WEBSITE: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za

GUEST: KEVIN JAMES CEO GLOBAL CARBON EXCHANGE (GCE)

GREEN TIP: HAOSA CONFERENCE 2011. “HERBS FOR WHOLENESS – CONSCIOUSNESS WITHIN NATURE”

The Herb Association of South Africa was founded in 1986 with the express purpose of sharing knowledge with its members and the general public about every facet of herbs.

HAOSA CONFERENCE 2011. “HERBS FOR WHOLENESS – CONSCIOUSNESS WITHIN NATURE”

DETAILS:
DATE: 27 August, 2011
VENUE: Doonholm Herb Farm, Midrand
COST: R700

AIMS 7 OPPORTUNITIES:
• Dynamic lectures from experts in the field
• Encourage and facilitate networking opportunities
• Learn new things, share knowledge & integrate new concepts into your business & lifestyle

MERITS OF COMFREY IN COMPOST HEAP
• soil must be alive and living in which to grow health herbs for preventative, nutritional and medicinal plants.

How to temp snails to compost heap:
• In early spring pick a bunch of comfrey leaves .
• Place them in the centre of the planting area.
• Snails will come en-mass to the pile networking more snails every evening.
• A week later remove as many of the slugs from the pile of leaves.
• Place into a bucket of soapy water then dispose
• Allow the remaining slugs to build up in the pile for a few more days
• Dispose of all incorporating into your compost pile
• After this you can place a barrier trap of comfrey leaves in a border around your garden to trap any migrating slugs that are left.

WEBSITE: www.haosa.co.za

GUEST: JANET VISEE (VZAY) HERB ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA CHAIRPERSON

GREEN TIP: PLANT A BAMBOO FENCE

Bamboo makes a beautiful fence, and because it grows so quickly (as much as 1 ft. a day or more, depending on the species), it absorbs more CO2 than, say, a rosebush. Most homeowners have to restrict its growth, lest it get out of control.
• Do this, however, and you reduce bamboo's capacity as a carbon sink.
• Only large-scale plantings, which absorb CO2 faster than they release it, can favorably tip the scales. How big is your yard?

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER EYEWITNESS NEWS

GREEN TIP: THE ‘RETHINK THE BAG’ CAMPAIGN

Hayley is promoting & actioning banning the plastic shopping bag in South Africa. She will give reasons to your listeners why this is not only a good idea but actually essential with regard to our environmental impact.

WEBSITE: www.rethinkthebag.org

GUEST: HAYLEY MCLELLAN

GREEN TIP: EARTHWORM INTEREST GROUP OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (EIGSA)

Earthworms are truly our best friend – and especially now when it’s so important to minimise our waste….

According to a Sapa article published on iNet news yesterday, Johannesburg mayoral committee member Ros Greeff, at a seminar on resource sustainability in Newtown, said that “Residents of Johannesburg must realise that separation of waste at source will in future no longer be an option, but a necessity.”

Yesterday’s Consumer Forum looked at waste management, today’s Green tip goes a step further by discussing the importance of earthworms.

EIGSA’s moto is the 5 R’s – we all know the 3 = reduce reuse and recycle. This deals mainly with what we call dry waste – paper, metal, plastic, glass.

However, before we can actually do this – we need to change our mindset.
This is EIGSA’s FIRST “R” : RE-THINK.

• A good way to do this is to have 2 bins at home, at school – everywhere. Before we throw anything away, we need to ask the question – is it recyclable, reusable?

Then it can go into the first bin. The one for the “dry” waste.

The second bin is for the “Wet” waste. Such as the compostable things. And of course, what better way to use this than by having an earthworm compost unit or a Bokashi unit.

The 5th (and most important) R of the 5 R’s is REGENERATE.
This is what earthworms do. They are the only creature on the planet whose “poo” (waste) is ten times richer than what they ingest. They close the loop in the cycle of life, taking our waste and regenerating it into a micro-organism-rich nutrient for the soil. Healthy soil is the basis for life. From healthy soil we get healthy food, healthy bodies and a healthy environment.

Studies have been done that show that for every ton of carbon (compost) we put into the soil, 3 tons equivalent of Carbon Dioxide is removed from the atmosphere. And we have the humble earthworm to thank for this, for they help to increase the beneficial micro-organisms that give LIFE to the soil.

The EARTHWORM INTEREST GROUP OF SOUTHERN AFRICA’s open day is at Hecker’s nursery in Boksburg and our guest speaker is Dr Danuta Plisko – a world authority on earthworms (and specifically the indigenous ones of Southern Africa).

Did you know we have 300 species in our country alone? There are more than 3 500 species of earthworms on the planet. Come find out more – and get caught up in the earth-moving change to save our planet.

WEBSITES:
www.eigsa.co.za
www.fertilis.co.za

GUEST: CARMEN NOTTINGHAM EARTHWORM INTEREST GROUP COMMITTEE MEMBER

GREEN TIP: WOMEN MAKE A STATEMENT AND WEAR GREEN EYE SHADOW

This one is for the ladies in Womens’ month.
Bright green may not be in this season, but eco-friendly makeup has trend written all over it.
Cargo Cosmetics launched PlantLove, a botanical lipstick packaged in a 100% biodegradable tube made of polylactic acid—a corn-based renewable resource.
When the tube is empty, plant it in the ground, and it sprouts flowers.
The product represents only a sliver of the $50 billion industry in the U.S., but it's growing fast. The market for organic personal-care products will increase more than 8% this year.

Website: www.cargocosmetics.com

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER EYEWITNESS NEWS

GREEN TIP: SAPRO COMPETITION - SAPRO BEST RECYCLED PRODUCT COMPETITION

1. Second year of the SAPRO Best Recycled Product Competition
2. Acknowledge products made from recycled plastics
3. Winners of 2010 include:
• Tufflex railway sleepers for underground
• Blomo Ride-on scooter toy
• Vorplast fencing droppers
• Tuffy refuse bags
• Polyplank pallets
4. Closing date 24 August
5. Winners will be announced at a gala evening on the 15th of September in Midrand

WEBSITE: www.sapro.biz

GUEST: ANNABÉ PRETORIUS GENERAL MANAGER SAPRO – SOUTH AFRICAN PLASTICS RECYCLING ORGANISATION

GREEN TIP: GREENING PLAY AT THE SPRING SHOW

Greening play which covers the following
• Climate change and Global warming
• Recycling and waste Management
• Recycling and job Creation
• Nature conservation

The play was an initiative from Jahmy Recycling with an intention of education the community about the importance of our environment for our survival.

• The primary target of the is schools. Jahmy has been in different schools around Gauteng and currently performing and educating learners at the Science week exhibition at Sci-Bono in Newtown.

• During the Spring Show, over 4000 learners from over 40 schools are expected to see the show and learn from it.

• The challenge is lack of sponsorships and Jahmy are appealing for all individuals and companies interested in supporting this course to contact us for more information.

WEBSITE: www.jahmy.co.za

GUEST: MPHO MOHALE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JAHMY RECYCLING

GREEN TIP: THE BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION

Biodynamic (and of course organic) agriculture is about the paradigm shift within the farmer to move towards farming FOR LIFE. Working with and listening to nature.
So, if I were to give a ‘practical and useable green information and advice’ to listeners, I would say (in order of difficulty):

• support an organic / biodynamic market
• hug an organic and biodynamic farmer
• visit a farm where organic and biodynamic food is produced

WEBSITE: www.bdaasa.org.za

GUEST: LIESL HAASBROEK NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR THE BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

GREEN TIP: ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BRICKMAKING TECHNOLOGY

The VSBK project

The VSBK Project is a technology transfer initiative from Asia where this technology has been used for many years. As part of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation's (SDC) Climate Change Mitigation Programme in South Africa, SDC is funding the project, which is being implemented in this country by Swisscontact and SKAT.

A large percentage of South Africa’s GHG emissions come from housing

• In residential housing up to 40% of GHG emissions stems from the construction phase, including the manufacturing of raw materials
• As much as 60% comes from the life cycle use of the building, i.e. electricity for heating and cooling, cooking, maintenance and general upkeep

The VSBK Project aligns with the three dimensions sustainable development:

• The Economic benefits derive mostly from costs savings in the manufacturing process due to reduced energy consumption.
• Socially, VSBK offers improved working conditions and skills development.
• Environmentally, VSBK allows for an increased reduction in GHG emissions and other gases, by as much as 50%

Website: www.sdc.org.za

GUEST: KEVIN FRUIN PROJECT INITIATOR AND DIRECTOR OF NAMAKWA STENE SA-VSBK AND NAMAKWA STENE

GREEN TIP: TRAINING COURSES THAT INTRODUCE DOMESTIC WORKERS TO GREEN PRACTICES

Greentouch is all about teaching domestic workers on how to keep a green home.

Teaching them the following:
• how and why to use green detergents,
• how to cook in a wonderbag,
• how to maintain worm farms,
• basic environmental education,
• energy saving and water saving tips

Greentouch is every home's answer to understanding the environment and supporting it to a comfortable level that suits you needs.

Greentouch will assess your home and teach you about basic environmental issues that are simple, effective and inexpensive.

This non radical concept of converting your home to 'green' has been proved to save money on basic yet necessary elements like water and electricity.

Website: www.greentouch.co.za

GUEST: KERRY DAVIS OWNER GREENTOUCH

GREEN TIP: JANE GOODALL IN SA

• Jane Goodall is coming out to support the Jane
• Dame Dr Jane Goodall is coming out to celebrate 50 years continual research at Gombe and 20 years of Roots & Shoots. The environmental programs in Joburg include food gardens in Lehae Soweto
• There will be a dinner on Friday at the Sadnton Sun and there may be a few tickets left at R500 per head – contact margi@janegoodall.co.za – I’ll be MCing
• More info at www.janegoodall.co.za
• Media who would like to interview her can contact Devo Oosthuizen through the 5050 Facebook fanpage
• I’ll do a quick review of her book – Hope for Animals and their world

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: A WATER HARVESTING SYSTEM FOR LOW COST AND SUB-ECONOMIC HOUSING (SAVING AND PROVIDING WATER FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN RDP AND OTHER TYPES OF LOW COST HOUSING FOR DOMESTIC AND OTHER USES)

The Mahala Manzi system is a patented low cost kit that can be used to harvest rain water in a simple and effective manner.

• The kit requires no special skills to install and is suitable for fitting to 'corrugated steel' or ‘IBR’ roofing commonly used in most economic and sub-economic housing.
• The kit once fitted to the roof will typically provide a run-off area of about 20 square meters that will yield about 200l of water for every 10mm of rainfall.
• The water is stored in the Drum, which has a fitted tap, to dispense the water as required.
• Water collected is for domestic use, especially for veggie gardening.
• Suitable for drinking only if treated.

Patented gutter system.
The core of the product is the use of standard Soil and Vent Pipe ( UV tolerant 110mm white plumbing pipe) slit along its length that is then slid over the edge of the roof to create a gutter. The gutter is then blocked on one end and at the other end has a discharge point that is connected to a down pipe to the 210l storage drum.

GUEST: ANDREW CATTO OWNER MAHALA MANZI (A DIVISION OF MILESTONE EQUIPMENT (PTY) LTD)

GREEN TIP: BE-LEAF IN ALEX PROJECT

Sustainable lifestyle project in Alex will teach parents students and young adults about maintaining food gardens in discarded tyres.

• WE describe the process (leaves, waste food, compost, plant, leaves).

• Water bottle in centre. Alex is barren, Northern Johannesburg is leafy.

• We want leaves in Alex- ‘leaf- gold’, for compost for mulch.

• Also people who can assist with demonstration workshops on healthy cooking for kids.

• Rats are a huge problem contributing to the 80% failure rate of food gardens. Ideas on killing rats in a humane way also welcomed.

WE will share some tips we have been told eg. Burning carcass, mixing with water and spraying around perimeter of garden. Etc.

• Beleaf in Alex is part of MamaEarth’s drive to promote sustainable lifestyles whether through recycling, food gardens, water harvesting or use of Renewable energy products.
• Beleaf has several projects operating in these spheres.
• The goal is to turn Alex into a green tyre town, converting the old misuse of tyres for protesting to proactive use of tyres for progress.

GUEST: DR RUTH RABINOWITZ DIRECTOR MAMAEARTH FOUNDATION

GREEN TIP: HEATER SAFETY

There have been a couple of stories circulating about heater fires and paraffin fires in informal settlements are a feature of this time of the year. Just a couple of tips regarding heater safety:

• Heat the room, not the person: Place the heater away from furniture etc and seal off the room to heat the space, rather than squashing the heater close in to where you are sitting.
• Put a switch off heater check into your evening ritual.
• Insulate your house properly – aerolite, draft excluders, heavy curtains.
• Hot water bottles or microwave bean bags for bedrooms – NOT heaters.
• Bolt cutters in the bedroom for emergencies

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: HAVE A GREEN WEDDING

You won't be able to stop global warming on your wedding day, but your choices can lessen the carbon footprint of your event. For example, if your guests are traveling long distances, offset the carbon emissions from their trips with a donation to renewable—energy projects.
Wherever you celebrate, you can reduce your CO2 impact and often save money by giving your wedding a local touch.

• Buy wine from a nearby vineyard or beer from a neighborhood brewery.
• Get your wedding cake from a local bakery, and use seasonal flowers, not imports.
• Why eat food or drink wine or beer that has traveled thousands of miles when you can choose local options that are just as good?
• Anything you do to make your wedding a little more modest—from wearing a borrowed wedding dress to choosing recycled paper or a website for your invitations—will lower its contribution to carbon emissions. Consider it your wedding gift to the planet.

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER EYEWITNESS NEWS

GREEN TIP: ECO-KIT SOLAR POWERED SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEM

• The Eco-kit is a energy efficient solar powered system which supplies power to the Eco- Lite (Light)

• Ecovest currently manufactures and supplies the Eco-Lite aimed at off-grid inhabitants and supports the World Bank Lighting Africa initiative.

• Many people in South Africa are off-grid- This means people will burn anything to create light, often at the expense of the environment- tyres/cardboard/candles/wood/grass etc

• With the Eco-kit, businesses can run for longer hours, children can study and people can avoid using harmful products such as kerosene lamps and candles which often cause veld fires.

• The Eco-lite uses a energy efficient LED bulb manufactured by Lemnis, that will last for 15 years- initially, after a rapid payback the Eco-Lite reduces lighting costs drastically!

• Today, one of the largest threats to our environment is Carbon emissions/Green House Gases. The Eco-Kit system acts as a Carbon displacer, as it emits none! by using the Eco-kit lighting solution, in just a few years we could drastically reduce the damage done to the environment!

• Ecovest has initiated project Bamba Ilanga- a Human capital development project, which aims to provide many workers and their dependents living off-grid with light. Companies can now purchase the Eco-Lite at a reduced price to give a gift to their workers this year end!

WEBSITE: www.ecovestsa.com
GUEST: KEZIAH BAR (PRONOUNCED KEZ-E-YA) MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER OF ECO-KIT WHICH CONSISTS OF THE ECO-LITE, ECO-VISION & ECO-COOLER ECOVEST

GREEN TIP: OWL BOXES AND RODENT CONTROL AFTER PICKIT UP STRIKE

People with owl boxes should have them serviced as we are expecting a good occupancy rate this year as a result of the high rodent numbers after the Pick it up strike.

ABOUT ECOSOLUTIONS
• Ecosolutions is an environmental company that specialises in finding innovative and cost effective solutions to environmental issues in urban areas.
• Ecosolutions provide a range of environmental services including, Biodiversity Surveys, Greening Reports and Pigeon Control consultations.
• In addition to this, Ecosolutions manage the Urban Owl Box Project, now the largest project of its kind in the world.
• Along with the Urban Owl Box Project Ecosolutions conduct a number of Environmental Education programs for schools and Eco-estates.

WEBSITE: www.ecosolutions.co.za
GUEST: JONATHAN HAW DIRECTOR ECOSOLUTIONS

GREEN TIP: STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT

Until we can travel by fireplace, Harry Potter-style, the only way to get from Johannesburg to Cape Town is by carbon-spewing jet airliner.

One simple change can help: adjust the exit and entry points each nation sets for its airspace so that planes can fly in as straight a line as possible.

• Last year the International Air Transport Association negotiated a more direct route from China to Europe that shaved an average 30 minutes off flight time, eliminating 84,800 metric tons of CO2 annually.

• Unifying European airspace as a "single sky" could cut fuel use up to 12%.

• Pilots could also change the way they fly. Abrupt drops in altitude waste fuel, so experts are advocating "continuous descent" until the plane reaches the runway—where it could be towed instead of burning fuel while taxiing.

• Of course, the best way to reduce plane emissions is to fly less. At least until the fireplace is ready for takeoff.

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER EYEWITNESS NEWS

GREEN TIP: DAME DR JANE GOODALL’S VISIT TO JOHANNESBURG; CELEBRATING 50 YEARS CONTINUAL RESEARCH AT GOMBE AND 20 YEARS OF ROOTS & SHOOTS.

The environmental programs in Joburg include food gardens in Lehae, Soweto

Event info:
Dame Dr Jane Goodall will be visiting JHB for a very short visit, join us for dinner on 29th July - Cost R770 per person, limited seats available

WEBSITE: www.janegoodall.co.za

GUEST: MARGI BROCKLEHURST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE SOUTH AFRICA

GREEN TIP: RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS COURSE

South Africa is the world’s 12th largest emitter of greenhouse gasses and the largest emitter per unit of GDP in the world (US Department of Energy); this is mainly the result of our heavy reliance on coal fired electricity generation which accounts for over 50% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in South Africa.

• Although Southern Africa has an abundance of renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, biogas and tidal, there has been a very small uptake of these technologies with the region being heavily dependent on coal fired electricity.
• In addition to this, the entire SADC region is in the midst of an electricity crisis, where demand very nearly outstrips supply, thus making energy security one of the biggest problems facing the region as it threatens to compromise economic growth and sustainable development.
• What are renewable energy systems?
• Which renewable energy systems are relevant for residential use and how practical are they?
• What sort of incentives are there for installing renewable energy systems.

WEBSITE: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za

GUEST: KEN ROSS HEAD ENERGY ENGINEER GLOBAL CARBON EXCHANGE

GREEN TIP: WHERE DOES THE ASSUMPTION THAT BEING GREEN WILL DEFINITELY LEAD TO JOB CREATION COME FROM?

Where does the assumption that being green will definitely lead to job creation come from?

This point of view can be seen as very controversial, but the general consensus that “greening the economy will lead to job creation” is in Marco Lotz’s opinion controversial to start with. “I by no means endorse the idea that South Africa should stay a high carbon intensive economy, but let’s be clear about our objectives and motives.

Answer the following question and from there we can continue the discussion: If there is a binary choice between being green or job creation which one will you support?”

Website: www.nedbank.co.za

GUEST: MARCO LOTZ NEDBANK SUSTAINABILITY CARBON SPECIALIST NEDBANK

GREEN TIP: GRAHAMSTOWN FESTIVAL GREENING

It’s festival week and the Grahamstown Arts Festival continues on its trend of exploring more environmental issues.

They went a long way to formalising this relationship last year and their thinking and initiatives can be found here:

• www.myvirtualpaper.com

Urban sprout has a superb summary of what is going on in Grahamstown this year so their blog is well worth a read this week:

• www.urbansprout.co.za

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: BEING GREEN' = 'LIVING GREEN' + 'EXPERIENCING GREEN'

'Being green' or 'environmentally friendly' is not just about doing the right thing, sometimes it is about experiencing the right place as well. Being in 'green' environments, especially when you're normally not, makes you appreciate and understand why it is important that we all contribute together towards preserving these places.

1. 'Being green' = 'living green' + 'experiencing green'
2. In order to raise awareness about another 'green space' that is available, and a 'green activity' Technogym Wellness Centre has started the annual Polar Bear Run.
3. The Polar Bear Run will take place at The Toyota Cycle Park in Bryanston (1A Libertas Road) / www.cyclepark.co.za from 06h30 on Friday 1 July.
4. The event is a 3km run which must be completed with shoes, shorts and a T-shirt only - no gloves, beanies or warm tops alowed (min temp for this Fri predicted to be 1C)!
5. Participants will 'enter' with a R20 donation which will go towards buying blankets for people who are REALLY cold.
6. Coffee and hot chocolate is available at the bike park and showers are available at Technogym Wellness Centre.
7. Anyone unable to participate is still welcome to make a small donation which will be gratefully used (please mail Wayde for details - wayde@pentanet.co.za); but rather than just making a monetary contribution, get outside and do something in a good, natural and green environment - climb Table Mountain, walk along the promenade in Sea Point, or just go and sit in your local park and be happy that it's there.

GUEST: WAYDE KENNEDY TECHNOGYM WELLNESS CENTRE OWNER

GREEN TIP: GREEN ORGANISATIONS

Green Peace are protesting outside Eskom today so I thought it might be a good opportunity to give three very different but important organisations a punt:

Green Peace:
Led by a South African – Kumi Naidoo
Heavily anti-nuclear but with activities in all sectors of environmental protest
Local chapter recently opened
Generally pretty well organised and sophisticated
www.greenpeace.org

Sea Shepherd:
Led by an American, Capt Paul Watson
Very militant anti-whaling organisation but with concerns on all sea related environmental issues
New SA chapter recently opened
www.seashepherd.org

Endangered Wildlife Trust / WWF
Strong South African NGO – CEO – Yolan Friedman
Focus is on scientific research and monitoring of endangered animals
More conciliatory role
www.ewt.org.za

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: LET EMPLOYEES WORK CLOSE TO HOME

Sitting in gridlock wastes your time and the planet's fuel.

• The only solution, it seems, is to move your home next to the office. But what if you could move the office a little closer to home?

• That, in essence, is the concept called proximate commuting. It works best for companies with multiple locations in one metro area.
• Gene Mullins, a software developer in Seattle, created a program that helps firms slash the time employees spend driving by matching them with work closer to home.

GUEST: FERIAL CARELSE TRAFFIC REPORTER EYEWITNESS NEWS

GREEN TIP: GIVE WATER TO A COMMUNITY

• Can you imagine not being able to fill a glass of water and have a sip of the most basic necessity of life? A child dies every 15 seconds from either not having water or from water that is contaminated in one way or another. H2wOw has identified this as a core issue that needs immediate action.

• Locally, schools may have municipal water, but for various reasons the water often disconnected for days at a time, resulting in kids not having a the use of flushing toilets, drinking water and in extended periods, not being able to attend school at all.

• Our intention is to facilitate the delivery of drinkable water through either bore holes or Playpumps and for now specifically to schools.

• Alongside the delivery of water, we are developing vegetable gardens with the intention of providing a food source for the kids and surrounding community and using that garden to educate the kids to take that knowledge and use it at home.

• Tips on how to get involved:

o Visit our website at www.h2wow.co.za
o To make a direct donation, go to www.indiegogo.com or make a donation into our local bank account (see the website for account details)
o Spread the word, join our Facebook page and add your friends: www.facebook.com or share the link with as many people as possible.
o Alongside the water supply projects, we also need the following:
* Donations of vegetable seedlings, plants, gardening equipment/tool, fertilizers, hosepipes etc. Anything that can be used in the garden.
* Donation of skilled labour (Plumbers, carpenters, electricians etc)
* Donation of time and skills for development of vegetable gardens.

GUEST: JUSTIN COOPER PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND FUNDRAISING H2WOW

GREEN TIP: SOUTH AFRICAN GROWN BAMBOO IS THE FUTURE

ACID MINE DRAINAGE

• Bamboo plantations are a long-term solution to the rehabilitation and remediation of contaminated soil
• Bamboo can thrive in acidic soil
• Bamboo can take-up unwanted contaminants - traces of mercury, cyanide, uranium and other heavy metals have been found in bamboo root & leaf systems
• Bamboo is an ideal plant species for phytoremediation (a passive, eco-friendly solution for environmental clean-ups

WATER POLLUTION
• Some domestic water purifiers use bamboo activated carbon (charcoal) within their filtration system
• Aquariums also use bamboo charcoal
• Removal of dyes from industrial waste water
• Bamboo's adsorption credentials are excellent - at a molecular level, 1 gram of activated bamboo carbon has a surface are of approx. 1300 sqm!!

WEBSITE: www.vssbamboo.co.za

GUEST: TREVOR SIMS FOUNDER MEMBER VIRTUAL STATE SOLUTIONS

GREEN TIP: TIPS FOR EFFICIENTLY HEATING YOUR HOUSE

• Insulate – if you haven’t already, put insulation in your ceiling. While you’re up there, put a geyser blanket on your geyser

• Pick one room where you spend the most time in the evening and heat it with a gas heater. Close all the doors and put draft excluders against doorways.

• Clear any trees hampering direct sunlight into your home.

• Open curtains the second there is direct sunlight coming in and close your curtains early – by 5pm, you trap heat in your home

• Don’t bother heating your bedroom. Use a hotwater bottle and an extra blanket to heat your bed only.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: JUST SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS

The plastic bags you bring home from the supermarket probably end up in a landfill. Every year, more than 500 billion plastic bags are distributed, and less than 3% of those bags are recycled.

• They are typically made of polyethylene and can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade in landfills that emit harmful greenhouse gases.
• Reducing your contribution to plastic-bag pollution is as simple as using a cloth bag (or one made of biodegradable plant-based materials) instead of wasting plastic ones.
• For your next trip to the grocery store, BYOB.

GUEST: FERIAL CARELSE TRAFFIC REPORTER EYEWITNESS NEWS

GREEN TIP: NEDBANK’S SOLAR-POWERED GEYSER REPLACEMENT SOLUTION

• Nedbank Group’s insurance division, Nedgroup Insurance, has launched a pilot project that offers a seamless facility for its home owner clients to install solar geysers as replacements when their existing geysers burst or malfunction.

• A portion of home insurance revenue generated, will be channeled to the Green Trust, which champions sustainability issues and projects.

• In light of World Environment Week, this initiative is a further example of Nedbank’s ongoing commitment to innovating green products and promoting sustainable business practice and behaviour.

GUEST: BRIGETTE BURNETT HEAD OF THE SUSTAINABILITY PORTFOLIO FOR NEDBANK ENTERPRISE GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE

GREEN TIP: DO WE NEED CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE?

Simon Gear was widely quoted in the Eastern Cape press last week on comments that I made to local government at the launch of the Eastern Cape Climate Change Response Strategy (ECCCRS). I’d like to take the opportunity to perhaps explain a little about what I was on about:

His argument is that, especially in dysfunctional environments like the Eastern Cape, a special climate change RS is unnecessary.

• The best response to climate change is to strengthen all our communities and ecosystems.
• So a CC RS should look at doing your (local government) day job better, not producing yet another document with talk of programs that empower women and engage stakeholders.

Some top things that we should be doing:

Saving electricity:
- Provide RDP houses with proper insulation and solar geysers (more a human dignity issue but with massive climate change ramifications)

Saving water:
- Spend money on maintaining our sewage infrastructure
- Encourage rainfall capture in houses

Protecting the environment
- Enforce the excellent environmental laws we already have in place

Education
- A climate change response urgently needs top engineers. We will never achieve this until we sort out basic education at the Grades 1 to 3 level

Sound familiar? These are all things that Minister Manuel recommended on the show yesterday.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: THE GREENEST EVENT

In one day, THE GREENEST EVENT, in association with Environment magazine, explores the challenges and opportunities that we face.
Simon Gear, environmental scientist and media specialist, with the help of industry experts and panellists provides insights into how South African businesses can develop an integrated approach to sustainability.

• Our oceans and the life forms therein are diverse and incredible, but they are in trouble.
• World Oceans Day is an opportunity to honour the oceans and products they provide.
• It is also a chance to build an awareness of the role of the ocean in our lives,
• and how we can help.
• Destructive fishing practices are causing a radical decline in fish and the sea life we depend on.
• The coral reefs are dying as a result of climate change.

Each one of us can take action to help our oceans.
• BUY FISH THAT IS SUSTAINABLE
• WEAR BLUE. TELL TWO.
• DON’T LITTER.

Date : 22 June 2011
Venue : Sandton Sun Hotel

For more information and to book email taryn@thefuture.co.za or call 011 803 2040

GUEST: DR JOHN LEDGER, EDITOR OF ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE

GREEN TIP: PRIMEDIA REDUCES CARBON FOOTPRINT BY 10% YEAR ON YEAR

This month is Environment Month and we have been focusing quite a lot on environmental issues… As partners in the Climate Change Leadership Awards, Primedia pledged to get its own house in order and to do what it could to reduce its carbon footprint…

As part of our themed Lead SA Bill of Responsibilities programming focussing on Environment Week.
• Michelle is on the radio to report back on Primedia’s Primeplanet plans that were put in place last year.
• She will focus on how the company has reduced its carbon footprint by 10% year on year; how they did it, the challenges they faced; and the strategy going forward.

GUEST: MICHELLE SAMPSON: IN STUDIO CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER – PRIMEDIA BROADCASTING

GREEN TIP: STOP THE LITTER

Want to go green but don’t know how? Faithful to Nature is your answer.

The online store will not only support your green household by providing eco-friendly alternatives at reasonable prices BUT they will also ensure that:

• You get a pocket guide to safe shopping listing contentious ingredients to avoid so that you can be sure of what you are bringing into your home
• You have access to their recycling index; informative and inspiring monthly newsletters; blog and popular facebook group with daily tips and quotes to help you stay on the green path

Litter hurts animals. Many small animals crawl into bottles or jars and get stuck and slowly starve to death. Animals get caught in plastic six pack rings, plastic bags, fishing line and a multitude of throwaways. Birds that are stuck, can’t fly away from danger.

Litter reduces the quality of air and soil.

Litter carries Germs : Scavengers, such as rats are drawn to lots of litter. Rats are carriers of many types of diseases that make people ill.

Litter cost communities . Clean communities have a better chance of attracting new business and residents and tourists.

Litter hurts people. Every year there are numerous vehicle accidents caused by litter. People in these accidents are injured and sometimes even killed in their attempts to avoid litter in the roadways. Young children fall on litter in playgrounds, get cut and need medical attention.

Litter harms water quality . Careless dumping of hazardous waste seeps into surrounding soil and cause ground water pollution.

Litter is Expensive : The amount of money being spent picking up litter could be used in repairing roads, hiring more fireman and police.

Litter makes people sad.

WEBSITE: www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

GUEST: ROBYN ASTL (PRONOUNCED, AS-TIL) FAITHFUL TO NATURE – WWW.FAITHFUL-TO-NATURE.CO.ZA CO-FOUNDER

GREEN TIP: TAKE ACTION WITH GREENPEACE AFRICA TO REPLACE FOSSIL AND NUCLEAR FUELS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SOUTH AFRICA

• More than 90% of South Africa’s electricity currently comes from coal
• It is time for SA to quit its addiction to fossil and nuclear fuels
• There is no technological barrier to SA achieving a pathway towards 100% renewable energy
• The latest Greenpeace Africa report (the Advanced Energy [R]evolution) is a blueprint towards achieving the pathway to 100% renewable energy, and illustrates that Kusile (one of the largest coal-fired power stations in the world) and 6 new nuclear power stations do not have to be built
• Instead South Africa should be investing in large-scale renewable energy and energy efficiency for a sustainable future based on green jobs
• So what can ordinary South Africans do?

Ask your municipality [or supermarket] for more energy efficiency in public buildings, or to go completely renewable. Change happens one step at a time, and knowing about the issue is the first step, taking action is the next very important step for South Africans to take.

GUEST: MELITA STEELE CLIMATE AND ENERGY CAMPAIGNER GREENPEACE AFRICA

GREEN TIP: MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA & GENERATION EARTH & LEAD SA

Together in partnership with LEAD SA Ella Bella Founder of generation Earth, United Nations Environmental programme Youth Ambassador and Educational Officer for Miss Earth SA is out and about this week visiting schools and promoting the importance of celebrating National Enviro Week.

• As young citizen’s of Earth we have a responsibility to take care of our natural heritage and to care for the environment around us at home and at school.

• Generation earth and Miss Earth South Africa visited schools around Gauteng today from Mondeor Primary through to Palm Ridge in Katelhong.

• Generation earth and Miss Earth South Africa rollled out visits, tree plantings and educational programmes throughout the week in partnership with LEAD SA ending off the week in Dobsonville where 25 trees will be planted and the Grade 7’s Lead the way to a greener SA.

www.generationearth.co.za / www.missearthsa.co.za

GUEST: ELLA BELLA FOUNDER GENERATION EARTH AND MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA

GREEN TIP: EXCELLENT VEGETARIAN OPTIONS FROM THE HARE KRISHNAS

Simon Gear has come across really superb, affordable vegetarian meals from two hare Krishna kitchens. They call it “Karma free food”.

In Jo’burg:
Rohini’s
Cnr 1st Ave and Rivonia in Morningside
083 381 1159

In Cape Town
A Higher Taste
Lesley Social Science Building
082 838 5878

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT TALK RADIO 702 & 567 CAPE TALK

GREEN TIP: L.E.D. TECHNOLOGY

A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a semiconductor device which converts electricity into light. LED lighting has been around since the 1960s, but is just now beginning to appear in the residential market for space lighting.

• At first white LEDs were only possible by "rainbow" groups of three LEDs -- red, green, and blue -- by controlling the current to each to yield an overall white light.
• This changed in 1993 when Nichia created a blue indium gallium chip with a phosphor coating that is used to create the wave shift necessary to emit white light from a single diode.
• This process is much less expensive for the amount of light generated.
• Lumen output
o Increase over time
o Current lumen output
• Phosphor
o What the phosphor does
o How the phosphor effect efficiency
• Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT)
• Colour Rendering
• Reliability
• Directionality of LED technology and advantages
• LED for consumer lighting
• LED for street lighting
• Light effect on human body
• Human eye sensitivity

For more information , please visit www.osram-os.com

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECH REPORTER RYAN HUNT COUNTRY MANAGER OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTOR

GREEN TIP: MAPPING SOUTH AFRICA’S GREEN BUDGET

South Africa’s National Treasury is yet to finalise its position on the implementation of an outright tax on carbon emissions and the business community is anxious to quantify the impact on their bottom line. However, the national budget already includes an array of taxes and subsidies designed to shape and incentivise environmentally responsible growth.

KPMG Climate Change & Sustainability Services outlines the pressures and incentives of doing business in South Africa and how the country can prepare for an increasingly resource-constrained economy.

MAKING THE POLLUTER PAY

The 2011/2012 national budget includes a range of taxes which increase the effective price of carbon intensive goods. It is now significantly more expensive to own and use a vehicle in South Africa.
• Whilst the CO2 vehicle emissions tax increases purchase prices (to the tune of approximately R6 000 on average for a light passenger vehicle and R10 000 for a double cab), the fuel levy (18% of the latest pump price on petrol according to KPMG analysis) makes driving and the transportation of goods more costly.
• It is unclear whether these measures will cause a change in driving behaviour or encourage route optimisation.
• However, the trend of increasing environmental taxes is clear and present, evidenced by the planned consideration of minimum national standards for an environmental tax component in provincial motor vehicle licensing fees.

REWARDING EFFICIENCIES
If environmental taxes are the ‘stick’, then subsidies on and financing for investments in energy efficiency are the ‘carrot’. There is a growing range of financial incentives available to promote environmentally-friendly growth in South Africa:
• Eskom’s rebate on solar water geysers reduces the ‘pay-back period’, so households and small businesses alike can pocket more of the savings on their electricity bills;
• Eskom’s Energy Efficiency Demand Side Management (EEDSM) Standard Offer Pilot Programme actually ‘buys back’ energy savings from commercial and industrial energy consumers over a period of three years;
• Alternative clean energy sources are being incentivised through the renewable energy feed in tariffs and tradable renewable energy certificates;
• From a global perspective, despite the uncertainty surrounding carbon trading, the market is increasingly interested in African carbon offsets and the government is facilitating capacity building in South Africa to take advantage of this;
• Government’s ‘New Growth Path’ identifies opportunities in the green economy to create 660 000 new jobs with over R200-R500 million in funding per annum being allocated for this purpose over the next three years.

The early bird catches the worm
Whether increasing costs are mostly due to government interventions or market forces, the net effect is the rising costs of doing business in South Africa. These pressures will most definitely continue to increase as South Africa attempts to achieve its global climate change commitments and the impacts of an increasingly resource-constrained global economy reach us. Companies that invest in creating efficiencies and innovation now will reap the rewards later.

WEBSITE: www.kpmg.co.za

GUEST: NEIL MORRIS DIRECTOR OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES KPMG

GREEN TIP: WATER CONSERVATION

A water footprint analysis helps you understand exactly how much water your company, or the production of a specific product, uses.

The product water footprint refers to the amount of fresh water used to produce a specific product, calculated across the entire supply chain. The indicator is extensive and multi-dimensional as it shows water consumption volumes according to source; polluted water volumes by type of pollution; geography; and time.

• Importance of water conservation

• Biggest users of water in SA

• What is a water footprint? Why should it matter to you?

• Details of GCX Water Management course bursary

WEBSITE: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: ALLOW YOUR POOL TO GO GREEN THIS WINTER

Do not bother to clean your swimming pool this winter as you will not be doing much swimming.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: IMPORTANCE OF EXPLORING VIABILITY OF ENERGY ALTERNATIVES FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Alternative & renewable energy are hot topics in the daily news. But there are so many questions left unanswered:
• Which options are economically viable?
• Are there options that can play a significant role in meeting South Africa’s energy needs?
• Which are most suitable for South Africa? What are the obstacles to implementing alternatives?
• What research is industry currently conducting?

To meet our goal of increasing public awareness and engagement with science, Sci-Bono has invited Dr. Vosloo, a chemical engineer by training who is currently responsible for overseeing all the alternative energy projects being researched by SASOL Technology to be our Speak2aScientist for this month.

Dr. Vosloo has a very pragmatic approach to exploring renewable/alternative energy options and will present information about what options are currently being investigated and will share his opinion on what are or are not economically viable options for South Africa.

Speak2aScientist will take place at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre on Thursday 2nd June, 2011 at 6:30 for 7:00pm.

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is located on Miriam Makeba Street between Jeppe and President, Newtown, Johannesburg. Safe, lit parking is available directly in front of the building.

Please RSVP to speaktoascientist@sci-bono.co.za
or contact Refilwe Pico at 011 639 8448

WEBSITE: www.sci-bono.co.za – twitter name @scibono

GUEST: THANDI O’HAGAN SENIOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER THE
SCI-BONO DISCOVERY CENTRE

GREEN TIP: CONSUME LESS, SHARE MORE, LIVE SIMPLY

The chance to buy a carbon offset—in essence, an emissions indulgence—appeals to the environmental sinner in all of us.

• But there is an older path to reducing our impact on the planet that will feel familar to Evangelical Christians and Buddhists alike.
• Live simply. Meditate. Consume less. Think more.
• Get to know your neighbours.
• Borrow when you need to and lend when asked. E.F. Schumacher praised that philosophy this way in Small Is Beautiful: "Amazingly small means leading to extraordinarily satisfying results."

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECH REPORTER

GREEN TIP: THE GREENEST EVENT ON 22ND OF JUNE AT THE SANDTON SUN HOTEL

The event is aimed at the corporate market whereby each attendee will leave at the end of the day with an integrated approach to sustainability and a plan of action for change both from an individual and corporate perspective.

Leading experts in their field will provide a guide to the threats and opportunities facing our country from a human population, wildlife, water, energy, waste and climate point of view and thereafter selected CEOs will provide a case study on how they have implemented change in their business.

To book tickets to the event, visit www.thegreenestevent.co.za or contact Taryn Westoby on 011 803 2040

GUEST: RICHARD LENDRUM MANAGING DIRECTOR FUTURE GROUP

GREEN TIP: GREENING YOUR LAUNDROMAT

Everybody knows that laundry and dry-cleaning is not the cleanest service around, if you can excuse the pun.

• All our chemicals and packing materials are related to petroleum industry and petrol price and this it can be quite costly to run this service but we can all try and make a positive impact on the environment and also save money for our clients as well as our companies.
• A relative busy store will use about 400 kg of plastic bag packaging a year - this just gets thrown away as very very few people keep their clothes in the bags for a long time.
The same goes for the wire hangers - we purchase around 350kg of wire hangers a year and maybe get 80kg back from "good" clients - the rest ends up in dustbins or in cabinets when people move.
• Bring your regular laundry in a square basket or a re-usable laundry bag - after cleaning and folding it can be packed and sent back in the basket - it does not have to be wrapped in plastic that you will throw away as soon as you get home.
There are so many different types of re-usable containers with lids or zipper bags
• Bring your own hangers - or return the ones we give you. There are very good hangers available made from re-cycled paper if you want to go that route
• If you do get stains on your clothes bring it in the same or next day - leaving it too long will mean we have to use some nasty chemicals to try and get it out.

At home:
• Do not buy cheap laundry soaps - it contains fillers (chemicals that are known human carcinogens) and it can cause reproductive, growth and birth defects, and cause harmful irreversible pollution once it is washed down the drain and back into the water supply.
It is better to switch to cleaning products that are biodegradable, irritant-free, phosphate-free, petroleum-free, and otherwise environmentally safe.

GUEST: ESTELLE GEORGIEV STORE OWNER EDENGLEN AND NORWOOD PRESSED IN TIME DRY-CLEANING AND LAUNDRY

GREEN TIP: SASOL BIRDS AND BIRDING FAIR

With masses of free activities, exhibitions, workshops and guided walks on offer at this year’s Sasol Bird & Birding Fair, Johannesburg Zoo is the place to be on 28 and 29 May 2011.

• This partnership between Sasol, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg Zoo and Africa-Birds & Birding magazine offers a weekend of fun and learning for the entire family. Entrance to the zoo has been reduced to R35 for the duration of the fair and once inside, all fair activities are free, including lectures by leading birders, a beginner bird photography workshop and a host of exhibits are on offer.

• It is an ideal platform for people to improve their knowledge of birds and to learn about some of the measures being taken to conserve this country’s birds

• The star of this year’s fair and “Bird of the Year 2011” is the Barn Swallow, one of the most widespread species of swallow in the world. After breeding is complete and the summer comes to a close in Europe, much of Asia and the majority of North America, over 100-million barn swallows migrate to Africa, many of them to southern Africa.

GUEST: Nikki McCartney Events Manager BirdLife South Africa

GREEN TIP: SIMPLE STEPS FOR HAPPINESS AND GREENESS

Make your goals measurable and achievable on the timescale of a day to a week. (eg - start separating waste, replace an exotic with an indigenous plant, install drip irrigation)

- Recognise the difference between cause and effect. Goals must be cause related, not effect related (eg, I will pack my own lunch for work - NOT "I will lose weight" / I will install a low-flow shower head - NOT I will save water / I will meet friends once a week

- NOT I will be happier)

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP:MAKE YOUR COUNCILORS WORK FOR YOU

Project 90 by 2030 did a comparison of SA’s major political parties’ election manifestos to see who had the greenest manifesto

All the major parties’ Election Manifestos were all disappointingly silent on environmental and climate change issues.

Politicians are failing to see the very strong links between the protection of our environment and the well being of our people.

ANC
The ANC 2011 Election Manifesto was quite thin on environmental and climate change issues. They were however, the only party that addressed food security issues, promoting community and local food gardens. The ANC also made mention of the Green Economy and they plan to create work opportunities and support domestic manufacture of components in the green economy through the installation of solar-water geysers in low cost homes. However no figures or targets were given for this.

DA
The DA 2011 Election Manifesto was the strongest on environmental issues and also gave the most detail on what they plan to do. They were particularly strong on water saving and energy efficiency. The DA supports individuals being able to sell excess power they have generated through wind or solar into the grid – something that Project 90 is calling for.

IFP
There was nothing in the IFP 2011 Election Manifesto about climate change or the environment, but this may be due to the fact that it was very short and more in the style of a poster. I therefore had a look on their website to see if I could find anything on the subject. The IFP wanted to see an immediate shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and supports a national environmental protection strategy.

UDM
The UDM had the least information in their Manifesto out of all the parties, only mentioning the integration of proper environmental practice in terms of the daily operation of the party and planning and project management. They also would promote woman and youth in job creating environmental projects.

ACDP
The ACDP had some great ideas in their 2011 Election Manifesto, including holding businesses accountable for pollution, especially acid mine drainage. This party had a fair amount of detail on environmental issues and were very strong on water saving issues. They also supported programmes to allow people to generate their own energy, which they envision would also provide opportunities for income generation.

For more information please visit: www.90x2030.org.za

GUEST: OLIVIA ANDREWS OPERATIONS MANAGER

GREEN TIP: MAKE YOUR COUNCILORS WORK FOR YOU

Do yourself a favour. Pay attention to the names of the councillors for your ward this week.
• Check the names on the election posters and write them down if you have to and then keep the winner on file.
• These are the guys that you can harass over issues like illegal dumping, rights for cyclists, park maintenance and all the other street level green issues that crop up from time to time.
• Make sure that you remember whoever wins for your area and give them a call or drop them an email on Monday morning, introducing yourself, wishing them luck, and gently reminding them that they haven't got a free ride.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR

GREEN TIP: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Plot: A range of energy saving devices now exist such as torches and radios that do not require batteries to be changed. A good example is the environmentally friendly torch.
It contains rechargeable batteries that can be charged by winding the handle for several minutes. As the handle is turned a small electrical generator produces electricity that is stored in the rechargeable batteries. The electricity can then be used

There are several advantages of a torch of this type:
• The batteries never need replacing and they can be recharged at anytime. As the batteries do need replacing - this means that are not thrown away, saving environmental damage.
• They work at low energy levels because they rely on LEDs rather than bulbs for light. Bulbs need replacing occasionally whereas LEDs never need replacing. Ultra bright LEDs are much brighter than bulbs.
• Winding the handle to generate electricity makes the user aware of how our personal energy consumption and the need to save energy and protect the environment.
website: www.technologystudent.com

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECH REPORTER

GREEN TIP: DON’T DRINK BOTTLED WATER, DRINK TAP WATER INSTEAD

• Avoid buying bottled water – drink tap water instead.
• Say no to bottled water at home, at school, on the go, and in restaurants – wherever you have access to clean and safe tap water.
• Buy a reusable bottle and keep it filled for when you’re on the road.
• Install a water filtration system if you don’t like the taste of tap water.
• Lobby your local council to install public water fountains in schools, offices, sports stadiums and parks.
• Opt for tap water in jugs in communities, restaurants, at work, social functions and promote the serving of tap water.
• lobby for prices that reflect the true environmental cost of bottled water and policy restrictions on bottled water

DID YOU KNOW

• It takes 3 times as much water to make a bottle as it does to fill it.
• A litre of bottled water generates up to 600 times more Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) than a litre of tap water.
• For every 1000L of tap water consumed, 1.78 kg CO2e is generated. For every 1000L of bottled water consumed, 320kg CO2e is generated. A litre of bottled mineral water generates up to 600 times more carbon dioxide than a litre of tap water. Even the best performing bottled water scenario, which uses and recycles a light-weight bottle, has global warming effects 46 times greater than the best performing tap water scenario.
• Bottled water can cost anywhere from 500 times to 1000 times more than tap water. In South Africa a 1000 litres of tap water costs ±R16, whereas bottled water can cost as much as R13,200 per 1000 litres!

GUEST: OLIVIA ANDREWS OPERATIONS MANAGER PROJECT 90 BY 2030

GREEN TIP: COMRADES GOES GREEN

•Separate Collection of waste at the 48 runners refreshment stations – green & black bags for sorting and recycling.

•The Amabeadibeadi Charity - Wildlands Conservation Trust - will be planting 22 000 trees at the Ferncliffe Nature Reserve the 3 days prior to Comrades – Comrades challenges every road runner to plant a tree or two.

•Lead cars – Toyota Prius – zero carbon emissions for the leading men and ladies on race day.

•Comrades has been recycling waste at the refreshment tables for the past 3 years.

•Comrades through the Wildlands Conservaton Trust has planted a tree for every runner at the Bufflesdraai landfill site in the past two years. 2009 – 13 000 and 2010 - 23 000 trees. These trees are grown by their “trepreneurs” who then sell them back to Wildlands in exchange for clothing, school supplies and other necessities.

For more information please visit www.comrades.com

GUEST: GARY BOSHOFF GENERAL MANAGER COMRADES MARATHON ASSOCIATION

GREEN TIP: KEEPING UP WITH GREEN ISSUES!!!

The first is a song by Tim Minchin, encouraging us not to use plastic bags: www.youtube.com

Can be downloaded from here:
Fileztreasury

While you are on the net, check out two excellent websites:

• SA’s top green blog, www.urbansprout.co.za

50|50’s FB page where we have uploaded a lot of excellent videos and talks:
Facebook

And finally, the Green book every parent should read to every child:
The Lorax, by Dr Seuss

"Mister!", he said with a sawdusty sneeze,
"I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees.
I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues,
And I'm asking you, sir, at the top of my lungs" –

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It's not.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT RENEWABLE ENERGY

Most renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun. Sunlight, or solar energy, can be used directly for heating and lighting homes and other buildings, for generating electricity, and for hot water heating, solar cooling, and a variety of commercial and industrial uses.

Solar shingles are installed on a rooftop. Credit: Stellar Sun Shop

• The sun's heat also drives the winds, whose energy, is captured with wind turbines.
• Then, the winds and the sun's heat cause water to evaporate.
• When this water vapor turns into rain or snow and flows downhill into rivers or streams, its energy can be captured using hydroelectric power.

• Along with the rain and snow, sunlight causes plants to grow.
• The organic matter that makes up those plants is known as biomass. Biomass can be used to produce electricity, transportation fuels, or chemicals. The use of biomass for any of these purposes is called bioenergy.

GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS AKI ANASTASIOU TRAFFIC AND TECH REPORTER

GREEN TIP: USE NATURAL BODY CARE PRODUCTS

Look after yourself, read the labels of the cosmetics and body products you buy. So many companies do 'green washing'. They use images of nature to make us believe that their products are natural, and they are not. I know I can't mention these companies on air, but Body Shop, L'Occitane, etc. Many companies use an ingredient like Aloe Vera and then put in chemical preservatives that are carcinogenic to preserve the products. Completely defeating the purpose of that specific product. Some of the baby products we buy have as many as 5 parabens in them. We poison our children from their very first breath with the products we put on their skins.

• Take personal responsibility for yourself and your environment.
• Each individual CAN make a difference, lots of little actions make a huge impact.
• When we as humans look after ourselves in a natural way, we automatically take care of our world.
• Be alert about what you buy, become involved and educate yourself. If you find it difficult to relate to having ANOTHER responsibility, think about your children, or your favourite niece or nephew, and think about what you can do to make their world better when you yourself is not here anymore.
• Not testing on animals
• Not polluting through water and other avenues.
• Lighter footprint.

For more information please visit www.meadowsweet.co.za

GUEST: ELMA RIVERA CO-OWNER AND PRODUCT DEVELOPER MEADOWSWEET

GREEN TIP: TIPS TO HELP YOU SAVE ELECTRICITY THIS WINTER

• Lighten up
Open blinds or curtains on north-facing windows during the day to let in the sun. Close them in the evening to add a bit more insulation

• Bundle up
Be sure to dress for the weather - wear layers of warm clothing (long underwear, sweaters, socks, hats, scarves, gloves) and use a blanket instead of switching on a heater. It’s cozy. And don’t forget: house slippers go a long way to keeping you warm!

• Energy-efficient heating
If you still need more warmth, use an energy-efficient two-kilowatt fan heater or a gas or small-bar heater to heat single rooms. Use heaters that have thermostats.

• Insulation saves electricity
The more insulated your home, the easier it is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. If you want to be warmer in winter (and cooler in summer), make sure your ceiling is insulated, as about 40% of heat loss takes place through the roof.

• Heat one room
Only heat the room you are using. If you are going to be working at your laptop while a meal is being cooked, stay somewhere near the stove to feel its heat.

• Use a fireplace
If you have a working fireplace, there's nothing cosier than a blazing fire while the wind howls and rain pours down outside.

• Flooring
Wooden floors are warmest. If you have tiles on the floor, invest in some cosy rugs.

• Exercise
Winter tends to make us lazy and laziness makes us colder. When we exercise, our body temperatures go up, we drink more water and we feel better. Try to walk or cycle to and back from work. It will take a lot longer for you to feel cold again when you arrive back home and that will translate into savings. An exercised body needs less artificial heating around it and will be more resistant to winter maladies such as colds and flu

Website: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za

GUEST: KEN ROSS HEAD ENERGY ENGINEER GLOBAL CARBON EXCHANGE

GREEN TIP: BUY 100% ORGANIC COTTON GARMENTS

There is no difference between the end product of conventional (normal) and organic cotton but Organic cotton is different to conventional cotton in the way in which the cotton crop has been produced. Organic cotton is grown without all of the environmentally unfriendly chemicals with which normal cotton is grown.

• The most extreme forms of conventional cotton farming can be compared to hydroponic growing, using “dead dirt” as the growth medium. Because of depletion and / or pesticides, the soil is often nearly sterile.
• This means that everything the cotton needs to grow must be delivered to it, including synthetic fertilizers and vast quantities of water.
• In contrast, organic cotton farming seeks to restore and build up the soil, increasing its organic matter content, which in turn increases its water retaining ability.
• The rich, moist earth results in stronger plants, which improve the soil still more. The downstream benefits are very literal.
• Far less water runs off organic fields, and what does is not polluted with pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

BENEFITS

• Organic cotton growing has a positive ecological impact
• The main advantage is to the environment and the surrounding community where the organic cotton is farmed
• Organic cotton uses natural fertilisers, pesticides and farming methods that prevent the release of toxins into the surrounding air, river, soil
• Other benefits of organic cotton are by using environmentally friendly fabrics the customer and EARTHCHILD are contributing to a more sustainable way of life.

For more information please visit: www.earthchild.co.za

GUEST: TELEPHONIC JARED KAHN DIRECTOR EARTHCHILD CLOTHING GROUP

GREEN TIP: WINTER WEATHERPROOFING

For an average home in a cold climate, reducing home energy usage by just 15 percent saves the equivalent of 500 kg of coal a year. Even if your home is insulated, small cracks can add up to big losses. The following projects are not high-tech or expensive but can provide significant savings:

• Hold a lit incense stick near doors and windows to find leaks, then caulk them.
• Add a storm door.
• Install weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Seal patio doors with rubber compression strips and door insulator kits.
• Seal entry points for TV, phone and water lines with expanding foam insulation.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: CUT DOWN ON E-CLUTTER

Simon Gear would like to encourage people to think before you forward on emails. While it may seem harmnless to you, forwarding hoaxes, even inadvertantly, creates enormous work for people further down the line to dispell the incorrect information given.

• Also, by forwarding a hoax email, you do significant damage to your own credibility. Some tips:

If the email contains the line "Please forward to everyone you know" - DON'T! It's probably the best indicator that it is a hoax.

• If the email contains no official person's contact details, it is likely a hoax
• If the precise details of the incident (names, dates, a reference to a specific newspaper article etc) are absent, it's likely a hoax.
• Use of emotive language, multi coloured and varied fonts are all good give aways to a hoax.
• Finally, pick a phrase from the email (or even better, a name, if one is mentioned) and put it and the word 'hoax' in Google. If you get any results, don't send it on!
• Please don't forward emails like this to myself, or David O'Sullivan or any of the other presenters or anyone in a position of authority asking if the email is real or not, until after you have tried out all the above steps (especially Google).

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIO TRAFFIF AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER

GREEN TIP: CAPE PARROT COUNTING DAY 2011

The Cape Parrot is the largest parrot of the African genus Poicephalus. It is a short-tailed medium-sized bird with an oversized beak used to crack all sorts of hard nuts, especially those of yellow pine (Podocarpus sp.), and various palms.
• The species is sexually dimorphic, with females sporting the bright orange frontal patch on the forehead.

The accepted classification describes three subspecies of the Cape Parrot. Recent (unpublished) DNA findings might indicate that the nominate Poicephalus robustus robustus may be split as a different species from the other two subspecies, but this is not widely accepted.

The range includes portions of West Africa, East Africa, and south from there to South Africa, including the eastern Cape region.
• Their habitat range includes Podocarpus forest, riverine woodlands, savanna woodland, montane forests, and lowland forests depending on the subspecies. Aviculture

Their low numbers seem to make Cape Parrots fairly unavailable as pets. But those that are kept as pets have demonstrated wonderful personalities, and a talking ability that rivals their larger cousin the African Grey Parrot.
• It is hoped that responsible and legal breeding can help to increase their numbers.
• The ultimate goal would be to provide them needed protection in their native habitat.

Volunteers needed to assist the Cape Parrot Working Group with the annual Cape Parrot count.

For more information please contact Prof. Colleen Downs on email downs@ukzn.ac.za

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: WIND POWERED ENERGY BANK BRANCH, DU NOON

Nedbank has established Africa’s first partially wind-powered bank branch in the area of Du Noon in the Western Cape.

• As Africa’s first carbon neutral financial institution, Nedbank is furthering this vision by applying wind powered technology in banking.
• This is one of the many green initiatives that the bank has implemented in its continuous efforts to create a sustainable model for doing business.
• Powered by a Kestrel e300i 1kW wind turbine which converts wind energy into electricity, renewable clean energy is supplied to the branch and reduces the consumption of electricity from the national grid.
• In addition, clean energy is stored to supply the branch during any power failures, ensuring business continuity.

Nedbank using creative ways to reduce pressure on the electricity grid. This is Africa’s first Wind powered Bank Branch.

Website: www.nedbank.co.za

GUEST: PEDRO RHODE REGINAL MANAGER NEDBANK

GREEN TIP: FOUR THINGS TO DO DURING GREEN OFFICE WEEK

The week 18 to 21 April is national Green Office Week in South Africa. Offices nationwide are called to participate in adopting green behaviours and making eco-friendly choices.

The spokesperson for the week Ana-Maria Valente of Dictum Publishers, says : “What we need to do is simply focus on four things during the green office week which has the theme Care 2B Green:
• Start saving paper usage at the office on Monday;
• Start looking out for green suppliers of office items on Tuesday;
• Start a plan on Wednesday to save electricity and on
• Thursday look into making intelligent use of technology when holding meetings now and in the future.
“For this reason we have given each day a focus title:
• Make it happen Monday,
• Choosy Tuesday;
• Wattage Wednesday and
• Thoughtful Thursday.
This may like its small steps but they can make a big difference...
• Says Prof Mervyn King, goodwill ambassador for the week: “ There is no doubt that to reduce, reuse and replenishing an office is very important and offices around the world are starting to realise this – because not only does it make worklife more efficient but because it costs less to work like that and improves the bottom line: its good hardnosed business – and of course you taking a step to make life on earth sustainable.

WEBSITE: www.greenofficeweek.co.za

GUEST: ANA-MARIA VALENTE SPOKESPERSON FOR GREEN OFFICE WEEK (GOW) A DICTUM PUBLISHERS INITIATIVE

GREEN TIP: GREENING BEYOND THE OFFICE

Check out www.greenofficeweek.co.za to download toolkits to take you through the simple things that you as an office should be doing for Green Office Week.

The idea is that you use this week to make all the small changes that your office should be doing to save paper, water and electricity.

But as a tip, I'd like to encourage you to go beyond what you are doing in your office.
• It's nice to be saving paper and switching off lights, but all of that is meaningless of your business is open cast coal mining or your factory is polluting the local river.
• Get behind green office week as it is an excellent start, but if it isn't already, put the environment onto the agenda of your next board meeting and make sure it stays there.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: HOW TO START A UNIVERSITY ECO SOCIETY

Most students are not involved in social-justice societies. However, there is a plethora of things you can do at university to make some kind of difference, and one of them is setting up and/or joining an environmental society or campaigning group.

1. Choose a remit
Many universities already have geography societies but few have environmental ones. The best thing to do is stand out as unique from other societies - focus upon current issues of concern such as renewable energy and climate change and keep the focus of the society fresh and contemporary. Additionally, keep it interesting for yourselves as a committee, as the more fun you're having, the less like work it'll be.

2. Spread the Word
Advertise on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, in university magazines, anywhere you can think of. Plaster posters around the university, send e-mails to academic departments and get them to pass it on to their entire student base. Get the student unions to do the same.

3. Liaise...
...with other societies, and societies in other universities. It doesn't matter if they're not strictly environmental in focus. What is important is that you collaborate with other forces in university student life, allowing you to pool your resources - useful for organising nights and days out.

4. Don't get preachy
Shoving messages down their throats and guilt-tripping people will put any prospective members off! With the exception of a core group of die-hards, the majority of your followers represent the public at large and will have only a passing, casual interest in the environment. Your aim is to change this by getting them thinking about their own actions, but only gradually.

5. Make it fun
Do cool stuff. Arrange environmentally-focused days out, visits to the parks, exhibitions and wildlife centres, but also just go clubbing, pubbing and have movie nights. The camaraderie in your group will keep what will be initially a small society trundling along and conversations borne of growing familiarity will get people talking about the environment.

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIO TRAFFIF AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER

GREEN TIP: SOLAR POWERED AIRCONDITIONER

Solar Air Conditioner
• Solar assisted – powered by electricity and solar power as ancillary for electricity saving
• Equivalent to standard A/C split wall mounted units including remote panel
• Operation – night and cloudy and rainy conditions

Electric Heating Kitchen Faucet
• Saves waiting for your geyser to turn on and send hot water to your tap = “hot water on demand”
• Saves electricity by not having to turn your geyser on
• Saves water by not having to run the water for a while to get hot to the tap

For more information: Please email SINKOFC@GMAIL.COM

GUEST: TELEPHONIC SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: TURNING BUILDINGS INSIDE OUT

Yesterday I was driving back from the Lowveld and stopped off at the Alzu Petropoort on the N4.

- I was blown away by a simple design feature which immediately connected the building with the land around it.

- Above the the urinals, a window looked out onto a neighbouring waterhole that had been set up as a bird sanctuary.

- The window ledge itself was being used as a roost by swallows so I had the unique experience of being able to eyeball a swallow from 30cm away while I had a wee.

By designing the building like this, the architects have managed to make sure that the buildings owners and customers are more connected with the landscape through which they are travelling. Energy efficient design can do this as well:

- Pick n Pay on Nicol has large windows to allow natural light in
- Woolworths in Palmyra Junction (Cape Town) has automatic opening slats in the roof to allow in fresh air and sunlight when the weather is fine.

- Penryn College in Nelspruit make excellent use of natural air flow in almost all their large buildings, connecting pupils to the indigenous forest on their grounds.

- The interprative centre in Mapungubwe uses local materials, thus blurring the feel between indoor and outdoor space.

So my tip is, as a building designer, don't be afraid of the outdoors. Embrace it and give the future users of your building a sense of place.

GUEST: TELEPHONIC SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: NATURAL FARMING METHODS

“Decades of indiscriminate use of Chemical Salt based fertilizer and poisonous sprays have wreaked havoc on the unblemished living soils our forefathers knew,” says Grieve.
• “Our responsibility is to return these soils to that state and express this purity through the range of Avondale wines.”

“Obviously, no chemical herbicides or pesticides are used - not even herbicides which are certified organic,” says Grieve. “Instead natural pest decimators are used to get rid of the unwanted critters, including our slug-hungry ducks and swarms of mealy-bug eradicating wasps.” It’s all about getting nature to do the work and asking the simple question, does mother nature approve?

According to Grieves, farming naturally is intensive and time-consuming, but fun.
• “It is so rewarding to see our workers – from the vineyard teams to the marketers – practically living this philosophy with so much enthusiasm,” he says. “And of course, we see it in the wines. The grapes are so healthy, they seem eager to give themselves over to the picker’s secateurs!”
• And once in the cellar, the natural processes continue. Only natural wild yeasts. Minimum added sulphur.

Main Points:
• A system approach called BioLOGIC®, this is a combination of Organics, Biodynamics and Modern Science.
• No synthetic chemicals used.
• Approach production without the chemical mind set, rather look for natural ways
• Read nature and get her to do the work, She’s the wise old lady who has all the answers!
• Eat and drink naturel nutrient dense produce. These have all the nutrition, flavors and of course none of the chemical residues! This is how it should be.

Website: www.avondalewine.co.za

GUEST: MR JOHNATHAN GRIEVES PROPRIETOR AVONDALE WINE

GREEN TIP: ECO-FRIENDLY FOOD SHOPPING

If you have a good farmers’ market or a conscientious food co-op that sells meat and seafood as well as produce, then most of the work is done for you. If you have to search farther afield for what you need, however, these simple guidelines will help to keep you on the straight and narrow in your goal to buy eco-friendly foods.

1. SHOP LOCAL
Buying from local farmers helps to support the preservation of small farms and undeveloped land. And not only does local food taste better and have higher nutritional value because of its freshness, but you know exactly what you’re getting—unlike with products from far away, where details about pesticides, land use, and working conditions are hard to come by. In contrast, local farms are transparent places where people are usually welcome to buy goods or take tours.

2. BUY ORGANIC FOODS
It’s common to see organic foods at the supermarket, but don’t rely on the label alone. Organic food is grown without pesticides, but it can have other environmental drawbacks. Food labeled “organic” often comes from large farming operations that devastate the earth where it’s grown; is flown in from thousands of miles away, creating more carbon emissions; and is processed to stay preserved during transport.

3. SERVE SEASONAL PRODUCE
Try to eliminate out-of-season produce, such as asparagus and strawberries in winter that must be brought in from far away. Reducing air and ground transport for food cuts our use of fossil fuels and alleviates air pollution.

GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS AKI ANASTASIOU

GREEN TIP: AVIS HOLISTIC APPROACH TO THE ENVIRONMENT – WINS THE CCLA AWARD.

Avis has adopted a holistic approach to its “Green Journey of Sustainability” which has resulted in a number of initiatives and savings for the company.

1. Following over 3 decades of support for nature conservation, in 2007 the company decided to do more in the areas of reducing its impact on the environment.
2. Started with a focus in a couple of areas, water use and energy use which caused Green House Gas emissions.
3. Driven from the executive management level, we learned a lot –
a. firstly, Avis were shocked to learn about the extent of water used through our car wash process – up to 250 litres / car washed. Over 2000 cars washed on our busy days – this is hundreds of millions of litres of water per annum. Water is a serious issue in SA – we had to do something.
b. Secondly, we unpacked and learned about the issues surrounding Global Warming, Green House Gas emissions and what the extent of our businesses carbon footprint was – 9974 tonnes CO2 / annum.

4. It is an exciting journey, but it is just that, a journey of learning more about the waste and negative impact we have on the environment. It is about a moral approach to business and the resultant savings thereof.
It is a journey that must be driven from the top of an organisation. Do not over complicate it. Tackle the one or two areas that your business impacts on the environment. Find the champions within your business to drive the sustainability culture – they are there within your teams. They will create the positive energy, all they need is your support, interest and effort. Give the program a theme, name and have some fun while you’re going about it.

GUEST: WAYNE DUVENAGE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AVIS RENT A CAR

GREEN TIP: GREEN OFFICE WEEK IN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE BENEFITS OF GREENING YOUR OFFICE

When scouting for office furniture look for items made from reclaimed materials (for example, recycled railway sleepers, plastic or metal) or wood that’s been grown and harvested sustainably. Make a point of choosing furniture that’s durable.
• Staple less. Friends of the Earth, an international environmental organisation, calculated that, if each person on the planet used one less staple a day, we’d save as much as 120 tonnes of steel each year. Be conscious of what you consume and how much, from pens to glue sticks, paperclips and rubber bands. It all adds up.
• Make your next monitor a flatscreen model. Not only will it free up desk space, a LCD monitor uses less than half the energy of its cathode-ray tube counterpart.
• Computers use substantially less energy while computing than they do when idling – the energy you save by turning off your computer overnight could laser print two reams of A4 paper. Consider getting a laptop, which can use as little as 10 percent of the electricity a PC needs (and will come in handy during bouts of load shedding).
• Storing documents in electronic format makes them easier and faster to search, and cuts down on your paper consumption. If your computer's memory isn’t very big, discuss the possibilities of an external hard drive with your computer consultant.
• Use environmentally-friendly supplies. Recycled pencils and a sustainable bamboo computer mouse may be hard to find on the local front but you can easily opt for envelopes made from recycled paper.

Website: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za

GUEST: KEVIN JAMES CEO Global Carbon Exchange 0711 987 876

GREEN TIP: RECYCLING POSSIBILITY FOR NEIGHBOURHOODS

SA is running short of landfill sites.
Pickers scavenge material off existing waste fills.

Much of the plastic that gets tossed out, lands up in the sea or in rivers.
• Dumps aren’t the end of the story.
• Hazardous material flows into the water table and hence back into our food chain.
• MamaEarth together with an Alex NGO Mveledzo which already gathers waste and sells it on for re- production have a project whereby they provide any organized community in the Jbg Sandton area with coloured bins, one for each type of waste .
• People are asked to dump their waste material there and the bins are cleared once a weak.
• This is a free service. All that is required is a point person to organize with the community and someone to stay abreast of the site and check that it is well handled.

Plastics are recycled between 16 and 30 %.
• There are currently concerns that material from the plastic affects hormone regulation in the body with worst impact being on children.
• Plastic only degenerate in sunlight.
• On landfills it remains buried and lasts forever and a day.
• There is national legislation requiring municipalities to recycle but its expensive and not many have comprehensive program yet.

Website: www.mamaearth.co.za

GUEST: CATHY PLEWMAN DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS MAMAEARTH

GREEN TIP: EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT PAPER

When trying to help save the planet, people often confuse issues. One such confusion is that we can save the planet by reducing paper use. Actually, only the opposite is true.
• Plants, in particular trees, are the most important means we have of absorbing carbon to reduce global warming – commercial forestry companies are the biggest planters of trees and expanders of forests in the world. 1.5 million football pitches are added to Europe’s forests each year due to responsible management.

Using paper allows more trees to be planted and more carbon to be absorbed. Sappi plants 35 million trees each year in South Africa.
• They absorb carbon as they grow and become products that keep carbon out the atmosphere long after they are harvested.
• Added to this, their waste becomes green energy which means less fossil fuels are used and less electricity is bought from Eskom.

Replacing paper with e-mail just increases our use of fossil fuels.
• Paper is made from a renewable crop and is easy to recycle. No-one should feel guilty about using paper – but they should feel guilty if they do not recycle. Using new paper and recycling used paper extends the period that the carbon captured by our trees is stored.
• Paper companies only survive by protecting nature. If they act unsustainably, they will go out of business.

GUEST: ANDRE OBERHOLZER, GROUP HEAD CORPORATE AFFAIRS SAPPI

GREEN TIP: THE ENDANGERED RIVERINE RABBIT

This Easter to benefit endangered Riverine Rabbit

• The Riverine Rabbit – one of South Africa’s most endangered mammals – will benefit from bunnies of the chocolate kind when a percentage of sales from traditional Lindt Gold Easter Bunnies over Easter will be presented to the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Riverine Rabbit Programme.
• With only a few 100 left in the wild, the Riverine Rabbit is one of South Africa’s most endangered mammals and is endemic to the semi-arid Great Karoo and parts of the Little Karoo and, in response to the animal’s vulnerability, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) established the Riverine Rabbit Programme in 2003
• One of the few non-governmental conservation institutions in SA, the EWT is coordinating all conservation efforts on the critical Riverine Rabbit population while also helping to build capacity and leadership in previously disadvantaged local communities of the Karoo.

By protecting this little animal we are also protecting other plant and animal species and help to combat climate change. We do this in a way that benefits the local communities and landowners and ensures that our work is more likely to be successful in the long run.”

Studies have determined that the only way to secure the Riverine Rabbit’s long term survival is through protection of natural habitat such as at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Montagu in the Little Karoo which functions not only as a refuge for the Riverine Rabbit but provides ongoing research to ensure the rabbit’s continued survival

Website; www.ewt.org.za

GUEST: DR VICKIE NEL PROGRAME MANAGER RIVERINE RABBIT PROGRAMME ENDANGERED WILDFILE TRUST

GREEN TIP: CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Climate Change Leadership Awards
• Winner of Climate Hero School/Youth Group Piet N. Aphane High School from Polokwane Through its vast impact of feeding over 5000 people and educating 10000 individuals the winner is Piet N Aphane as well as the introduction of tree planting, food gardens and water conservation measure..
• Judges grand Prix Award: Chris Hani District Municipality shining light by developing and rolling out an environmental and climate change mitigation and adaptation blueprint which can be replicated across the continent - congratulations to Chris Hani District Muncipality

Private Sector Agriculture and Food Sector
• Backsberg For their inventive use of a light weight plastic bottle and ongoing leadership around climate change mitigation and adaptation, the winner is Backsberg
• Private Sector Small / Medium Enterprise
• Rocking the Daisies By continuing to break boundaries through providing further green initiatives and raising significant environmental awareness among their party goers, winner is Rocking the Daisies
• Private Sector Financial Services
• Joint winners
• 1st winner – Nedbank After twenty years of weaving sustainability into the fabric of the organisation
• 2nd winner Santam Having identified and positioned the company to manage the risks and threats associated with climate change for this organisation
• Private Sector Retail
• Winner Woolworths Leading the retail sector through its Good Business Journey initiative, sourcing sustainable and local food produce and energy efficiency at its green stores the winner is Woolworths
• Private Sector ; Corporate Services
• Winner Avis Extending its sustainability initiatives beyond carbon offsetting to include innovation in improved water, energy and fuel efficiency

GUEST: KEVIN JAMES GLOBAL CARBON EXCHANGE

GREEN TIP: EARTH HOUR - GO BEYOND EART HOUR

• Earth Hour was a fantastic success
• We are now asking people to use the momentum from EH to Go Beyond the Hour
• Take your commitment beyond the hour – make a resolution on one behavioural change – carpooling, recycling, solar geyser, meat-free Mondays, saving electricity, etc.

Website: www.earthhour.org.za

GUEST: CAROLYN CRAMER MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER SOUTH AFRICA (WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE)

GREEN TIP: EARTH HOUR - WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO ACTUALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE

So Earth Hour came and went and there is plenty of feel good corporate backslapping and a few earnest news reports around which buildings didn’t have their lights switched off. All of this would be completely fine but we know that come 8pm tonight, all the best Earth Hour participants will have their lights on again, even with no one in the office. So, three easy tips to ACTUALLY make a difference to our country’s carbon footprint:

• Walking the talk would be a good place to start:
• If you can switch your lights off on one Saturday night a year, why not every night?
• Solar geysers everywhere
• Organise group discounts for your staff
Solar geysers on all office water tanks (or no geysers at all – most offices don’t need hot water)
• Solar showers for staff to encourage cycle commuting
• Make a noise about NERSA’s proposed 25% decrease in the REFIT tariff for renewable energy
• Government are proposing additional increases in Eskom’s rate and a concomitant decrease in the rate for renewable energy, further entrenching coal power in SA.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO PLANT TREES

The importance of trees should never be underestimated - not only are they regarded as the earth's lungs, but they are directly involved in rainfall production.

Global deforestation is one of the most serious threats to our environment.

Trees provide us with the following:
1. Building materials
2. Fuel
3. Sap
4. Food such as fruit and nuts
5. Rubber
6. Alcohol
7. Coal from decayed remains and
8. Pulp for paper

Trees also:
1. Slow down runoff by holding or absorbing water
2. Provide shelter for people, animals, and other plants
3. Reduce the devastating effects of flooding
4. Provide nutrients and shelter for a variety of organisms while decomposing
5. Protect the world's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide (too much contributes to the Greenhouse effect)
6. Provide certain habitats with the stable conditions necessary for life, and offer us beautiful scenery

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIO

GREEN TIP: SIGN UP FOR EARTH HOUR AND MAKE YOUR PLEDGE TO GO BEYOND THE HOUR

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) today called on South Africans to pledge their support for Earth Hour 2011 and to go beyond the hour.

Earth Hour is the largest mass participation environmental event in the world. Every year WWF encourages people all over the world to turn off their lights for one hour in a symbolic gesture to pledge their commitment to combating climate change. This year Earth Hour takes place from 8.30 – 9.30pm on Saturday 26 March.

Beyond the Hour marks the start of a new phase for the Earth Hour movement. In 2010 hundreds of millions of people across the world took part in Earth Hour, but switching off their lights was only the beginning. This year Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

• Earth Hour is happening this Saturday at 20:30.
• Sign up your support at earthhour.org.za
• Turn off your lights on Saturday evening (various events happening around the country) – Soweto concert, JHB zoo, V&A Waterfront, uShaka marine world, etc
• Take your commitment beyond the hour – make a resolution on one behavioural change – carpooling, recycling, solar geyser, meat-free Mondays, saving electricity, etc.

WWF EARTH HOUR TO BE CELEBRATED IN SOWETO
Grammy award-winning artists, a global conservation organisation and an iconic Soweto landmark will underscore the commitment of millions around the world to action on climate change on Saturday 26 March. WWF’s Earth Hour will see Orlando Stadium darkened for an hour, from 8.30pm, along with many buildings and landmarks around the country and the world.

For more information go to: www.earthhour.org.za

GUEST: CAROLYN CRAMER MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER WWF SOUTH AFRICA (WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE)

GREEN TIP: THE GREEN ECONOMY BREAKFAST HOSTED BY MAMAEARTH

The country is hotting up with preparation for COP 17, the world is hotting up generally and we the public want to contribute.

This year COP 17 will be held in Durban. SA’s commitment to job creation, climate change and a low carbon economy will be showcased on the world stage.
• The input of civil society is hugely important in influencing government’s agenda on issues that affect us deeply, like energy and health, but to lobby we need to be informed.
• This breakfast is intended to provide the latest on information about energy efficiency measures, taxes and incentive for going green, the cost of going green and the pay back on those costs.
• MamaEarth also have an adventurer Ray Chaplin who will tell us about his plans to circum navigate the world using human power and we will have prizes and gifts of environmentally friendly products.

MamaEarth, a foundation for Sustainable Living, is hosting an informative breakfast on 11th April 2011 at La Toscana, Monte Casino, Fourways, Main Road Johannesburg at 0800 hrs.
• Nimrod Zalk, DDG and head of greens policy of Trade and Industry, will talk on “THE BENEFITS TO BUSINESS OF GOING GREEN IN 2011,”
• Peet du Plooy an expert in energy economics on “THE COST AND PAYBACK TO BUSINESS OF GOING GREEN” and adventurer RAY CHAPLIN will speak on his human powered CIRCUM NAVIGATION OF THE WORLD.
• Tickets are R250 Enquiries 011 8837573/011 8021826.

For more information please visit: www.mamaearth.co.za

GUEST: DR RUTH RABINOWITZ DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER MAMAEARTH

GREEN TIP: FOOD WASTE - THE MISSING RECYCLABLE

In South Africa “going green” is no longer an option for individuals and companies.
• But the one product that is not being managed is food-waste. There is talk of building bio-gas generators in land-fills.
• But these plans are at their infancy.
• And in the end, will probably not be as wide-spread to be able to manage the millions of tons of food-waste that enter landfills every year.
• Earth Probiotic is a start-up business which is focussed on recycling food-waste. They utilise probiotic bacteria to ferment the waste and then turn it into an all natural fertiliser.
• Most of us are familiar with probiotic bacteria. Doctors prescribe it for diarrhoea, many natural yoghurts promote their live bacteria credentials, and this bacteria is being extensively utilised to remediate polluted rivers and lakes.
• But less is known about the bacteria in the management of food-waste.

GUEST: KAREN HERON EARTH PROBIOTIC RECYCLING SOLUTIONS AND RECYCLING FOOD

GREEN TIP: WORLD WATER DAY

The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.

3 things you can do today to improve your water footprint:
- put a brick in your cistern
- insert a flow restrictor into your shower head (and shower rather than bath)
- switch off the timer on your irrigation

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: DO'S AND DON'TS OF GOING PAPERLESS AT HOME AND IN THE OFFICE

With the big push to "go green", many people and companies are going paperless, but there are dangerous extremes on both ends of the spectrum. You may be wondering if it is a good idea to go paperless, and what the exceptions to paperless should be.

DON'T keep paper Monthly Bills and Account Statements.
• many companies offer online statements, either via e-mail or download from their secure website.
DO keep paper Medical History Records.
• Unlike monthly bills which are repetitive in nature and easily accessible, medical history records are unique to individuals and may not be as easy to re-create.

DON'T keep paper To Do / Shopping Lists

GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU

GREEN TIP: USING WATER-FREE URINALS

As much as 5% of fresh water consumed is currently used to carry away urine. Each Falcon Waterfree urinal typically saves up to 40,000 gallons (151,000 litres) or more of fresh water per year.

This amount of water does not need to be transported to the urinal or away from it to the water treatment facility, saving energy. No energy need be used to treat this water, nor does it produce carbon dioxide emissions as a byproduct of its treatment.

Finally, by reducing total load on treatment plants, the Falcon Waterfree system can reduce the need for costly water treatment capacity and reduce the incidence of overflow events at treatment facilities. At the same time it contributes to our environmental well-being, the Falcon Waterfree system is economically advantageous. It saves 100% of the water going through urinals, and therefore, 100% of the water and sewer charges.

There is very little maintenance cost on a Falcon Waterfree urinal as there are no moving parts and no flushometer. Drain lines remain free of calcification as no hard water is running through them..

The advantages of a green bathroom:
•There is a measurable reduction in water usage
•The water reduction results in decreased water costs
•With the pending water crisis urinal costs are locked in
•There is a reduction in maintenance costs
•There is an increase in hygiene and reduction in harmful bacteria’s

The Good Earth Environment Company was formed in 2009 by a Cape based company who acquired the sole distribution rights for Falcon Waterfree Technologies in Southern Africa. Our company specializes in flush water savings i.e., toilets and urinals.

For more information please visit www.thegoodearth.co.za

GUEST: Mo Rosenberg Director The Good Earth

GREEN TIP: HOME COMPOSTING OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE

Home composting is growing in popularity and every home owner can immediately contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.

• 50% of household waste can be turned into compost.
• Grass cuttings, leaves, tea bags, coffee grinds, egg shells and boxes, fruit, veggie scraps can all be composted.
• Composting requires 3 basic ingredients 1) Moisture for the microbes to survive 2) good balance of waste ie greens and browns 3) darkness to encourage insects and earthworms.
• For best results waste needs to be cut into small pieces for more contact areas for microbes to decompose waste.
• Composting takes on average 2-3 months to decompose. The longer you compost the faster the decomposition as the microbes multiply.
• The green genie has a capacity of 150ltr and is sufficient for a family of 4 composting 2kg of waste per day

ABOUT THE GREEN GENIE
The Green Genie mission is to eliminate wet waste to landfill by making products available to both the Home market and corporate markets to address cooked food waste.
• Green Genie is growing by approx 20-30 new outlets countrywide each month.
• Feature article by “Die Burger” as the product to see at the cape home expo in Sept last year.
• Green represented in 6 provinces and currently supply approx 180 nurseries.
• Significant focus on dry waste ie paper, plastic glass etc.. however minimal strategy around wet waste which accounts for 50% of household waste.

For more information please visit: www.greengenie.co.za

GUEST: STUART LINDLEY GREEN GENIE MANAGING DIRECTOR

GREEN TIP: GREEN OFFICE WEEK

• Office workers everywhere now have the opportunity to add their contribution to eco-friendly workplaces.

• Green Office Week in South Africa, and is intended both to raise awareness of the importance of eco-friendly offices as well as inform office workers that they too can make a positive impact on the environment whilst at work.

www.gowithgreen.co.za takes you to the official Facebook page for the SA event

The EU page (www.greenofficeweek.eu)has excellent tips for your Green Office Week themes:

Monday – Act on energy
Tuesday – Act on transport
Wednesday – Act on waste
Thursday – Act on Purchasing
Friday – Act on opportunity

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: GREENWASHING INDEX WEBSITE

Every day, people all over the world are bombarded with advertising about environmentally friendly goods and services. But how many really are green, and how many are just pretending to be green?
According to the Greenwashing Index website, greenwashing is when a company spends more time and money claiming to be environmentally friendly than their business practices actually imply.
How to spot Greenwashing
• There are many different ways to spot a company that may be greenwashing. Here is a list of things to consider when buying a product to tell whether it’s really green or just advertising humph
• Poor use of scientific facts or the lack of any scientific facts.
The use of buzz words like ”carbon intensity”, “sustainable development”, “carbon offsets”, “clean technology”, ‘renewable’, ‘environmentally safe’, ‘energy-efficient’, ‘carbon neutral’ eco friendly and biodegradable. These terms may be used to distract consumers from researching further into the product.
• Look at the seal or environmental label on the product. Some labels like “Green Seal” (not available in SA) and a few others labels are credible. They are backed by a strict independent certification. All other eco labels on products are unregulated and the manufacturer has the authority to use them even if the products are not green. There is no certified environmental agency in South Africa.
Use common sense. If the claims don’t feel right they may not be.

FOR more information please visit: www.greenwashingindex.com

GUEST: AKI ANASSTASSIOU

GREEN TIP: SAVE UP TO 40 000 LITRES OF DRINKING WATER PER ANNUM BY INSTALLING A RETRO FIT DUAL FLUSH TOILET MECHANISM.

Water, it’s been said, is the "oil of the 21st century". The demand for water is leading some to compare water to oil. Yet the comparison between oil and water only can be stretched so far. Life needs water to live; life doesn't need oil to survive.

• It’s time to start saving water instead of trying to find more water.
• The Retro-Fit Dual Flush is applicable to lever handle or “front flush” toilets only.
• About 650 000 lever handle toilets are installed in SA annually.
• Most toilets have cisterns with a water capacity of 9 litres. (some older toilets have 12 litre cisterns)
• With each flush, regardless whether for a no 1. (urine) or a no. 2 solids), approximately 9 litres of water is used to clean the toilet bowl (toilet pan)
• In most instances, one can drink the water in your cistern as it is the same water which runs from your tap. We are flushing away millions of litres of drinking water a day.
• Retro fit means the toilet inners are placed without having to dismantle the toilet cistern. The toilet handle is discarded and replaced with a dual flush button.
• The small flush is pushed to clean the bowl of fluids, and the bigger flush cleans the bowl of solids.
• By using the small button after urinating, only half the water in the cistern is flushed away. An immediate saving of water of 50%
• An average house hold of 4 will save approximately 56 litres of water / day. X 30 days x 12mths…….
• If an estimated 500 000 toilets can be converted, the monthly saving will be 810 000 000 litres of water.
• The beauty of this product is that in most cases the house owner can fit it himself, and water saving is INSTANTANEOUS.
• All toilet mechanisms’ seat washers start perishing after a couple of years. Water can trickle into the toilet bowl unnoticed for months, even for a year or two

For more information visit: www.watersavingsa.co.za

GUEST: TELEPHONIC RENIER VORSTER TECHNICAL ADVISOR WATER SAVING S.A.

GREEN TIP: MAKE GREEN CHOICES IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE

There is a lot of evidence that making green choices yourself influences your neighbours to do the same:

• Research from China showed that the deciding factor for farmers to preserve panda habitat was that others were also doing it.
• The way to combat litter is to pick it up yourself. Don’t make a fuss when you see someone drop something. Just make sure that you pick it up and put it in the bin. They’ll get the idea.
• Shopping at a green store increases the likelihood that shoppers will recycle their bags:
o Woolworths example from their new green store in Cape Town.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: HOW TO USE THE INTERNET IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY WAY

The protection of the environment has become a hot topic in recent years. Many individuals are attempting to "go green" in their everyday lives by establishing habits and using products that are environmentally friendly. While you may not think of it initially, it is possible to use the Internet in a green manner, whether for your business or personal use. Below are steps to help you conduct green online activity.
Sign up for environmentally-friendly Internet access. Internet providers such as Green ISP (see Resources below) run their company with solar powered offices and even plant a tree on your behalf when you sign up for their broadband service.
Start a blog on your website that discusses how individuals can go green in their everyday lives. Also provide examples of how you or your business is implementing environmentally friendly techniques as well.
Join an Internet forum on green activity. Contribute your ideas and learn ways that you can change to more green habits from others.
Provide links on your website to green organizations and more information on being environmentally friendly. The more resources people have, the better they will understand the impact a change in their lifestyle can bring.
Donate to online charities that support the environment.
Turn your computer off when you're not using it for an extended period of time to conserve energy. Even the small things that you do make a difference.

GUEST: AKI ANASSTASSIOU TRAFFIC AND TECHNOLOGY REPORTER

GREEN TIP: THE BIRDER ONLINE ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE

The e-zine is very environmentally friendly as it is a paperless publication which is distributed to subscribers via e-mail.
• It therefore uses less trees, less carbon emissions (no delivery vehicles), no ink, no storage facilities needed.
• It can be read online in PDF format or using one of the new palm-top type book readers - works very well on the new Galaxy cell phones too.
• It makes a great, environmentally-friendly gift.
• It also has no advertising, so files are under 5 MB in size and the zine provides only information and real value-for-money to our readers.

Birds are indicator species - because they are mobile, they indicate the condition of the natural environment and thus birding is a very important hobby which contributes to our knowledge of the state of the environment.
• It is important for birders and concerned members of the public to be informed about unsustainable developments (e.g. the open cast coal mining threat to Mpumalanga, the hydraulic fracturing threat to the Karoo, etc) as strong public opinion against inappropriate development can result in it not going ahead
• There are a number of conservation NGOs, conservancies, bird clubs and private individuals involved in various projects across South Africa working to preserve wild birds and habitats everywhere. This adds up cumulatively and makes a big difference in the long run.

Visit www.thebirderonline.com for more information

GUEST: BRONWYN HOWARD EDITOR - THE BIRDER

GREEN TIP: WATER CONSERVATION

Suddenly it has become so clear; the world is running out of fresh water. Humanity is depleting, polluting and diverting this life critical resource at an alarming rate. We’d like to believe there’s an infinite supply of fresh water and many of us have used water as if it would never run out.

• The truth is that the abundance of fresh water is an illusion that the privileged have long enjoyed but which billions of people living on less than a dollar a day have long since known is the rarest of jewels in the balance between life and death.
• Of all water on our planet 97% is contained in the Oceans, more than 2% is locked up in the polar ice caps and only half a percent is currently available for human consumption.

According to the Department of Water Affairs (DWAF) more than 50% of water in South Africa is used for Agriculture while only 10% is used by residential consumers. This means nearly 40% is used by business and industry.

Companies can derive considerable benefits from embarking on a Water Efficiency Audit including, but not limited to, the following:

• Reduced Operating Costs: Reduce operating costs associated with water usage
• Increase Operational Efficiency: To gain a better understanding of where water can be reused and recycled and in so doing reduce consumption through the implementation of a Water Management Strategy
• Differentiated Marketing and Communication: Capitalize on the significant marketing and media opportunities associated with water aware companies.
• Enhanced Brand Equity: Improve your companies reputation by differentiating it’s offering and positioning it as a water efficiency leader in its sector.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Reduce your companies carbon footprint as water is a component of this
• Regulation: Understand the potential impacts of water legislation and potential punitive tariffs for polluters.

For more information visit: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za

GUEST: KEVIN JAMES CEO - GLOBAL CARBON EXCHANGE

GREEN TIP: GREENING THE GARDEN THISSEASON

It is change of season so now is a really good time to make some fundamental changes to your garden to make it greener:

• Cut down on grass. Our obsession with Kikuyu is an enormous waste of water. If you have areas that are not used regularly, convert them back into natural grassland or indigenous bush.
• Harvest rainwater. Use the roof closest to your veggie patch to harvest rainwater and feed onto the veggie garden. The rest of your garden should be coping well without additional watering. If it isn’t you need to rethink what species you have planted.
• Throw away the leaf blower and the petrol engine lawnmower. The leaf blower is just the most ridiculous tool ever invented and electric mowers are more efficient than petrol ones.
• Create chameleon sanctuaries in your back corners – plant dense shrubs in these areas and break small holes at the base of your corner walls to enable small animals to transfer between gardens.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: REUSE OLD PLASTIC CONTAINERS

Making something useful out of something useless is helpful when trying to conserve. Reusing everyday items is one of the three keys to conservation. Over 85 percent of our garbage is sent to a landfill or dump. You can contribute to the effort by reusing takeaway plastic containers. You can creative with your ideas, and you can come up with many ways to use all them.

• Keep those berry baskets you get at the grocery store. Use 2 held together with a rubber band as a basket in the dishwasher to hold baby nipples, cup stoppers or other small items during washing. Add moss to a basket for a small potted plant holder.
• Reuse any empty food dish such as butter, yogurt or Beleaf salad dishes for a fun project for your kids. They can creatively construct an entire city out of these by stacking them. Have them decorate with stickers or markers to make them colourful.
• Freeze meals such as spaghetti in small yogurt cups for individual servings for you or for your kids. Just pour them in a microwave safe bowl and reheat when needed.
• Organize your garage with smaller dishes. You are able to separate the various sizes of nails and screws.
• Ask your local schools or daycares. They may have an art project in which they would need plastic containers.

GUEST: AKI ANASSTASSIOU

GREEN TIP: GREEN LEAF ECOSTANDARD & GREEN FASHION CHOICES

If you are proactively ‘greening your home’, does that also include ‘greening your wardrobe’? Look at the outfit you are wearing right now: If you are wearing a pair of jeans for example, it consumed 1500 Litres of water to produce before you wore it for the first time. This point is a means to illustrate that the fashion industry is a crucial industry in worldwide of consumption of resources

• First principle: [“Less is more” will not do as it may elicit an unwanted response from a teenage girl wearing a skimpy outfit “Mom, I’m green”] Therefore buy fewer items of clothing is more appropriate..think really hard about whether you actually need that extra pair of jeans or new shoes. Earlier this week, Redi, you had interviewed a professional organiser who gave really good tips on how to organise your wardrobe, and many of those tips spill over as green tips
• Second principle: support local industry in their international ambitions: support local designers and local manufacturers who use environmentally friendly methods and use natural fabrics like cotton, hemp, bamboo (and be patient, as change takes time to put in place)
• Support eco-brands and find out what is behind a brand. Ensure that you buy from suppliers who do business responsibly and are vocal and transparent about their sustainability practices. Be sure that the company’s philosophy is focused on driving behavioural change within their organisations and that they’re supported by robust science.
• Look out for innovative clothes and accessories: From a laptop bag with fabric like solar panel, smartphone protecting covers with built in solar panels, biomimicry butterflies inspiring pigment free colouring, shark skin for swimsuits, bio-mimicry aloe plants for clothes hangers etc

More Information
• In South Africa it is a technologically sophisticated industry and it is moving towards becoming a preferred international supplier of locally manufactured textiles and clothing.
• If you marry that ambition to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development report that highlights business focus over the next 20 years will be on becoming eco-efficient in order to remain economically viable, it presents large scale opportunities in the industry for ‘eco-innovation’, job creation, social upliftment, BEE etc.
• The role of Green Leaf Environmental Standard is to work with businesses in the fashion industry to find innovative ways of executing processes so that we can become eco-efficient..... and to do go about this pragmatically and in small, measureable steps.
• Green Leaf is part of the Wilderness Foundation. The WF is a Non-Profit Organisation which was established 50 years ago by the iconic dr Ian Player and his mentor Magqubu Ntombela. They have both done phenomenal work in bringing people and business closer to nature..
• The WF has implemented many successful programmes....and have won the Rolex award for enterprise with their Umzi Wethu programme.
Through its Green Leaf Programme, it has engaged with various players in the fashion industry, to work with them to re-establish the balance between business and nature.

For more information go to: greenleafecostandard.net

GUEST: NIKI GLEN, HEAD OF GAUTENG OPERATIONS, GREEN LEAF ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARD

GREEN TIP: EMBRACE WATER WISE TECHNOLOGIES

The main purpose of technology is to enhance convenience and civilization, while retaining the main purpose of getting the job done. Water is a limited natural resource, intertwined with large consumption industries and regenerative resources such as electricity, but most importantly it is the basis of life. According to the WWF; Freshwater is one of South Africa's most limited resources and its wise use is critical to the sustainable development of our emerging economy and that under current water use practices, it is estimated that South Africa's water demand will exceed availability by the year 2025, if not sooner. It would be wise of us to be proactive, rather than reactive; trusting that we have learnt from the electricity situation that was presented a decade in advance.

Hence, WHC's green tip is to embrace water wise technologies and as a South African company why it produces products and provides services that meets the government's objectives and well aligned to WWF priorities without compromising the quality of our economic growth and citizens' lifestyles.

For home and small scale:
Use alternative technologies to reduce water consumption i.e.
• Water efficient shower heads,
• Dual-flush toilets,
• Well adjusted sprinkles and efficient watering methods.
• Accompanied by all the clichés; bucket water car washing, closed tap teeth brushing etc.

For industry and large scale:
• Water Conservation, rehabilitation, recycling , filtration etc
• Extraction of hazardous chemical and substances from water effluents
• Water ionization and rehabilitation for potable grade water
• Downstream benefaction activities linked to water being recycled such as Agroecology aquaculture, duck farming, agriculture etc

For more information, go to : www.whcpty.com (currently being updated), or send an email to: info@whcpty.com

GUEST: PASEKA LESOLANG, INNOVATOR, FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, WHC [WATER, HYGIENE, CONVENIENCE]

GREEN TIP: PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY AND MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE MAKES FOR HAPPIER STAFF WHO ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE.

• Merrypak run a packaging factory which makes paper carrier bags and boxes, with a staff of 150.
• Most of the staff are semi-skilled and unskilled workers.
• Almost all of the staff commute to work by public transport often over long distances.
• In 2008 they built a gym with showers for factory staff and got a biokineticist to help put together an exercise programme.
• A nursing sister provides screening for basic health problems on the premises.
• Merrypak allocate two time slots per week for each worker to work out in the gym during paid work time.
• The result has been a more enthusiastic work force with lower absenteeism and higher productivity.
• Julie challenges business owners to invest in their staff like they would new machinery or computers as it makes good business sense (and feels like the right thing to do!)

• While many middle class employees had gym memberships, many of the workers could not afford them and also came in from quite far off – some come from Malmesbury and one comes in from Wellington – so they would not have time to attend the gym after hours.
• Their accountant thought it was a bad idea… as they intended to allow staff to attend the sessions during work hours, not during their free time. This was to ensure buy-in.
• They also had some internal competitions such as “the biggest loser” and had different departments competing against each other.
• The result? Productivity went up 40%, absenteeism was reduced by 70%…

For more information go to: www.merrypak.co.za

GUEST: JULIE TOBIANSKY, PART OWNER OF MERRYPAK & PRINT

GREEN TIP: DYING GREEN

We live in a society where people can’t afford to send their children to university and retire on a pittance, and yet, every Saturday, the cemeteries overflow with shiny black Mercedes and funerals fit for kings. There is nothing more wasteful on the planet than taking a hand crafted, luxury coffin and burying it in a hole in the ground. But the first problem is that we need to start loving ourselves while we are alive instead of indulging in the ego of a big funeral.

The first step is to budget accordingly.

Do not buy a funeral policy until you already have:
• A retirement annuity
• An investment aimed at paying at least a part of your children’s education.
If you don’t set money aside for a big funeral, you are less likely to waste it.

If you do want a big send off for a relative, consider the following:
• Plant a tree instead of a gravestone
• Ditch the marquee, the drinks, the meal and everything else and donate the money spent to that relatives favourite cause. (If the mourners kick up a fuss, they clearly weren’t there to celebrate the deceased, but rather for the free booze and food.)
• Look into a cardboard coffin rather than the ostentatious variety

And most important, tell your relatives now that this is what you want so that you aren’t landing them with unnecessary debts after you die.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR OLD MAGAZINES?

Blogger Gloria Campos gives us some ideas of what to do with old magazines.
Gloria has decided that until magazines businesses begin to use more environmentally friendly ways to print their issues she will not buy them.

In the meantime, what does she do with her piles of old magazines?
• Recycle
• Freecycle
• Keep to cut out
• Do some crafts

Look it up - how-to craft with magazine project instructions are all over the Internet. Here are some examples:

Making Beads. Beads are useful for making jewellery and other accessories
bracelets, necklaces, earrings, buttons etc. To make beads cut magazines pages into different shape strips, triangles strips, rectangles strips, squares strips, etc. Before rolling the strip into a bead apply glue to the strip, for the exception of one end. Then with a thin round object (ex: a pencil, a crotchet needle, straw, etc) roll up the strip, starting from the unglued edge. The different shaped strips make different shaped beads.

Decorative containers. Bowls, baskets, coasters, vases and colorful boxes can be crafted from magazines as well. The steps to making these sort of decorations are similar to bead making, but instead of cutting a page into strips the whole page is used. Each page is folded into a long thin strip and then coiled. Other strips, depending on the decoration that needs to be made, are then added on the top, over, beside or added inside another strip.

Magazine Mosaics. Anything can serve as a base. Trace a mosaic design onto the surface of a selected object (ex. glass jar). Cut out different colored pieces from magazine pages. Then glue them on to the object by brushing the top and the bottom with the glue water mixture recommended in the instructions.

For more information: globalcarbonexchange.co.za - go to courses.

GUEST: AKI ANASSTASSIOU

GREEN TIP: SIMPLE WAYS TO GREEN YOUR OFFICE

Millions of people worldwide go to work every day without realising the massive impact their daily activities have on the environment. More significantly, they don’t realize the huge difference they can make by making small changes in their office environment.
Many businesses are under the false impression that going green is an expensive, slow-returns exercise, but this is not the case. Some changes do require investment, like retrofitting the lighting system of an entire office block, but the changes that make the most difference are the small daily actions that cost very little or absolutely nothing and land up saving costs and time. It has been proven in many studies that staff loyalty and productivity increase within organisations that have good environmental and/or social practices
A function of all working environments is purchasing. We purchase stationary, office equipment, food, cleaning products etc, but how many businesses consider the environmental impact of their product choices? Purchasing has a significant impact upstream, due to the manufacture and transport of the products we use, as well as impacts downstream, when they become waste.

Here are 10 questions all your colleagues/staff should be required to consider before purchasing any product for the company:
• Do we really need this product?
• Can we find an alternative solution to meet the need?
• Can we find this item anywhere else in the company rather than buying more of the same?
• Can the need be met by renting, sharing or borrowing instead of purchasing?
• How was it made?
• What ingredients or materials is it made from? Are they environmentally friendly?
• Where was it made? Local is usually best
• How did it get to you?
• How must it be disposed of? Is it recyclable?
• Can the product be used in any way after its primary use?

Course
• Global Carbon Exchange (GCX) has launched a 1 day Green Your Office course to help people understand their own offices’ impact on the environment and what changes they need to make in order to convert it into a sustainable workplace.
• This comprehensive 1-day course covers all aspects of the daily office routine, from purchasing to recycling, office equipment, cleaning, energy efficiency, suppliers, transport and commuting.

For more information: globalcarbonexchange.co.za - go to courses

GUEST: KEVIN JAMES, CEO, GLOBAL CARBON EXCHANGE

GREEN TIP: LEARN ABOUT AND JOIN THE SANPARKS HONORARY RANGERS

• This is a voluntary organisation made up of civilians who care about South Africa’s natural environment and wildlife.
• The Honorary Rangers work alongside the South African National Parks (SANParks) on a wide variety of initiatives from counter-poaching to fund raising and environmental education.
• Wildlife television personalities Simon Gear and Megan Emmet will be the first guest speakers at a dinner aimed at raising awareness about South Africa’s wildlife heritage.
• Megan Emmett from 50/50 and co-author of “Game Ranger in your Backpack”, will guide a virtual night drive exposing the secret lives and behavioural traits of frequently encountered yet less well-known nocturnal creatures including civet, genet, African wild cat, chameleons, owls, nightjars, and some of the larger predators.
• Once the creatures which draw us to our National Parks have been explored, Simon Gear from 50/50 will delve into the vital behind-the-scenes research that ensures the protection of biodiversity in South African parks.
• This promises to be a highly entertaining and fascinating evening. The public is invited to round up their nearest and dearest, their friends and colleagues and to make a night of it.

The cost of entry includes a delicious, hearty dinner. A cash bar will be
available.

Time & Date: 19h00 on 24 February 2011
Venue: War Museum, 31 Erlswold Way, Saxonwold, Gauteng, S26.16403°,
E28.04290° / S 26°09’ 50.5”, E 028°02’34.5”
Cost: R120 including a light meal (cash bar)

For more information go to: www.sanparks.org

GUEST: ALISON ESTERHUYSEN, CHAIRMAN, SANPARKS HONORARY RANGERS: JOHANNESBURG REGION

GREEN TIP: DIVORCE DOUBLES YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

I originally included the following in my book, Going Green, as a slightly humorous aside but the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that this is the best thing that you can do for the environment:

Fall back in love – divorce doubles your carbon footprint

• Getting divorced is seldom a great option, financially or health wise.
• You increase your stress, decrease your disposable income and, in many cases, measurably shorten your lifespan.
• you also double your environmental impact.
• Moving out means going from one fridge to two fridges,. Two beds, two houses, two power bills and two full grocery trolleys.
• You’re also far more likely to be growing your own veggies, being involved in community green projects and hammering up solar panels if your home life feels secure and safe.
• No one doubles your carbon footprint faster than a divorce lawyer.
• So do your bit for the environment this evening. Get a babysitter, book a restaurant and treat you and your partner to a little alone time.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: STATE OF THE GREEN NATION

Yesterday during his State of the Nation Address, the president mentioned a few green tips of his own.

• Zuma emphasised the future of renewable energy and said that this will help to foster a nation with energy security.
• He said that government's infrastructure development programme had enabled government to expand access to basic services and to improve quality of life. This included projects for the provision of water, electricity and housing.
• "Energy security is critical for economic development and job creation. To ensure the security of electricity supply for the country, Eskom has invested more than R75bn, mainly on the new stations Medupi, Kusile and Ingula, as well as the return to service and transmission of other projects," the president said.
• He asked everyone to save electricity: Turn off lights you are not using, save by switching off the geyser….
• "We must all save energy so that we do not have to resort to load shedding again as a saving measure," he added.
• He spoke about the expanded public works program and said that the government will concentrate on the maintenance of windmills, reservoirs and fences on farms. This will have an effect on the environment too, even though that is not the primary intention.

Did you notice how much the president referred to facebook and his 'interactive government'?

GUEST: AKI ANASSTASSIOU

GREEN TIP: THE TIME FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERS & HEROES IS NOW!

The time to act is now - if not for you, then for future generations. Time is running out and your planet needs you! This is the call for action from Jeunesse Park, founder of Food & Trees for Africa, on behalf of the Climate Change Leadership Awards (CCLA). South Africa is the 12th largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world and one of the largest per captia on the planet. As the country gears up to host the United Nations COP17, the important climate change conferences that seek to reach fair and legally binding climate change commitments from countries around the globe, bold leadership is needed.

The state of the planet
• According to Motshoanetsi Lefoka, CEO of The South African Post Office, one of the key Climate Hero sponsors, “As South Africa heads towards a more carbon intensive society, the rest of the world is moving towards a lower carbon economy.
• This means that South Africa will be increasingly isolated as a trading partner unless steps are taken to reduce our impact. To encourage mass participation in the fight against climate change, we have pledged prizes to the value of R100 000 to community or individual entrants to the CCLA.”
• Bronwen Rohland, Director of Sustainable Development for Pick ‘n Pay, sponsor of the Climate Hero Schools or Youth Groups category says:
• “Our quality of life and our planet’s ability to sustain the natural resources our growing population requires is under siege. We have pledged R35 000 in Pick n Pay gift cards for schools or youth groups who are concerned about the crisis that threatens our planet’s existence.”

The CCLA will be adjudicated by a group of carbon experts, including Kevin James, Val Geen, Jonathan Hanks and Harmke Immink. Adjudication will be convened by the Carbon Protocol of South Africa.

The CCLA is a carbon neutral event with the footprint being assessed by Global Carbon Exchange and Food & Trees for Africa will be planting trees for disadvantaged communities to offset the event.

How it works
• Companies who are taking the lead and implementing activities to combat climate change will be applauded and rewarded by the CCLA, a Lead SA initiative, on 31 March 2011 at the Hyatt Hotel in Johannesburg.
• Community-based organisations, individuals, schools and youth groups can enter the Climate Hero award and stand to win great prizes from the South African Post Office and Pick n Pay.
• Those that have not entered yet should be so before 24 February 2011.

For more information, entry forms or assistance, please tune into Talk Radio 702 and Cape Talk 567, visit www.ccla.co.za, or e-mail info@ccla.co.za

GUEST: JEUNESSE PARK, FOUNDER, FOOD & TREES FOR AFRICA

GREEN TIP: DRAINAGE PITS TO ALLEVIATE EXCESSIVE STORM WATER RUNOFF

• There are many problems in our built up cities with the covering of such high proportions of open ground
• During storms, the water that would naturally drain into the ground is forced by the bricks/tar/concrete to run off into the stormwater system, and into the streams and rivers
• As there is such an excess, these systems cannot cope and the stormwater systems burst, the streams become rivers in spate and the rivers become torrents causing erosion, damage and danger to people forced to live near the rivers. AND POTHOLES!!!
• Suggestion: if, wherever there is an expanse of hard ground cover i.e. bricks/tar/concrete there could be drainage pits, some of this excess water could be naturally absorbed by the earth. Where it is supposed to go.
• Making these pits need not be a hugely expensive process. 1m sq. x 1m deep – backfillied with stones and pebbles to enhance drainage. The pits would need to be covered by a strong surface covering (such as described on the greenward website) or even air bricks. Ideally, our recycled plastics industry could get involved.
• If industry and residents alike adopted a responsible attitude of ‘managing SOME of the own water, many of these problems could be alleviated.

Website: www.greenward.co.za (this is a product that can be used to cover the pits to allow vehicles to pass over them)

GUEST: JILL HUMPHREYS, MEMBER OF THE BEDFORDVIEW GARDEN CLUB

GREEN TIP: DRAINAGE PITS TO ALLEVIATE EXCESSIVE STORM WATER RUNOFF

• There are many problems in our built up cities with the covering of such high proportions of open ground
• During storms, the water that would naturally drain into the ground is forced by the bricks/tar/concrete to run off into the stormwater system, and into the streams and rivers
• As there is such an excess, these systems cannot cope and the stormwater systems burst, the streams become rivers in spate and the rivers become torrents causing erosion, damage and danger to people forced to live near the rivers. AND POTHOLES!!!
• Suggestion: if, wherever there is an expanse of hard ground cover i.e. bricks/tar/concrete there could be drainage pits, some of this excess water could be naturally absorbed by the earth. Where it is supposed to go.
• Making these pits need not be a hugely expensive process. 1m sq. x 1m deep – backfillied with stones and pebbles to enhance drainage. The pits would need to be covered by a strong surface covering (such as described on the greenward website) or even air bricks. Ideally, our recycled plastics industry could get involved.
• If industry and residents alike adopted a responsible attitude of ‘managing SOME of the own water, many of these problems could be alleviated.

Website: www.greenward.co.za (this is a product that can be used to cover the pits to allow vehicles to pass over them)

GUEST: JILL HUMPHREYS, MEMBER OF THE BEDFORDVIEW GARDEN CLUB

GREEN TIP: THE BABY THRONE

The Baby Throne is toilet training system endorsed by the baby clinics and suitable for ages 4 months to 4 years. Proven to have saved 2200 nappies for one child before the age of 2 – that is R6500 per child before the age of 2! Save time, money and the environment. Keep South Africa green!

• A typical baby uses 3 650 nappies from birth to 2 years (this is about 1.5 tons of nappies entering our landfill for each child)
• 20 million nappies are used in South Africa each day – nappy mountains are a world wide issue
• Conservatively we can reduce this number by half and save 10 million nappies entering our land fills just in South Africa each day!
• At present pricing each disposable nappy costs R3,12
• That is a total of R11 400 spent on each baby from birth to 2 years!
• The Baby Throne and the Baby Throne Technique has proven it can save 2200 nappies for one baby
• That is a saving of R6 875 for each baby!
• Did you also know it has been claimed that it can take 200 years for a disposable nappy to degrade?
• Save time, money and keep South Africa green!
• Put baby on the Baby Throne…
• The Baby Throne is made from recyclable materials
• We use an environmentally friendly manufacturing technique – the first in Africa for this type of material and done by a mother
• Remember even using towelling nappies you are adversely affecting the environment by washing as this pollutes the sea and uses electricity
• The sooner you start with the Baby Throne the sooner your savings and the easier and kinder it is for you and baby – not before 4 months; that is as soon as they can hold his/her head up and sit comfortably
• Why train baby to go in their nappies in the first place?
• We are not saying do not use nappies – just be more efficient with them: who wants or has the time to change more nappies than they need to? It is far kinder to baby – if babies could talk I am sure they would tell us they do not like sitting in their waste – or perhaps they are already telling us this? We are taught as mother’s that if baby is crying check to see if they are hungry or if they have a dirty nappy. They are talking to us!

The obvious cost savings for parent both time and financial are very attractive. More importantly the environmental green aspect of saving our planet from so much unnecessary waste is extremely important. If we can help spread the word we are not only helping the parents (and babies!) but also the planet especially when it has been reported it can take some 200 years for a nappy to degrade. Nappy mountains are a world-wide issue.

It is also worth noting that manufacture is with environmentally friendly production techniques – the first in Africa – took a girl to do this…

For more information, go to: www.babythrone.com

GUEST: ZOË DURBACH, DIRECTOR AT KNIGHT’S BABY TRAINING

GREEN TIP: LOOK INTO HYBRID CARS

When buying your car - Look beyond the Co2 and make your decision with all of the facts (Hybrids are a better environmental choice than any other competitor)
The recently introduced carbon tax on new car prices targets carbon emissions only, this is also the main area of interest for most environmentally conscious people, however, as with most 'green issues' the impacts of your vehicle choice are further reaching than it would first appear.
Before buying, investigate the environmental impacts of your car using recognized and independent web sites such as www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk

Electric cars only move the production of the pollution to the power station and away from the car
• The impact from using electricity generated by a coal fired power stations may be worse than using the petrol in the first place, however clean (wind / thermal etc) power generation would make environmental sense
• Diesel cars are efficient fuel burners and as such use less fuel and produce less Co2 than their petrol equivalent (a small turbo diesel will have similar consumption to that of a hybrid) but
• Diesel cars produce more NoX which has a direct impact on individual health, contributes to smog and acid rain
• Diesel cars also produce particulates – South Africa has only recently introduced 50ppm diesel and still lags the rest of the word (10ppm or less)
• Until the commercial availability of fuel cell vehicles such as the Honda FCX Clarity, There is no perfect solution, a number of car manufactures are now coming out with Hybrid solutions which have the lowest current environmental impact and will provide an intermediate solution.
• The Honda FCX Clarity

Runs on an electric motor powered by hydrogen.
• The only emission is potable water
• The hydrogen can be provided in a clean manner using the Honda solar powered hydrogen station

For more information go to: www.honda.co.za

GUEST: GRAHAM EAGLE, SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, HONDA SOUTH AFRICA

GREEN TIP: LOOK INTO HYBRID CARS

When buying your car - Look beyond the Co2 and make your decision with all of the facts (Hybrids are a better environmental choice than any other competitor)
The recently introduced carbon tax on new car prices targets carbon emissions only, this is also the main area of interest for most environmentally conscious people, however, as with most 'green issues' the impacts of your vehicle choice are further reaching than it would first appear.
Before buying, investigate the environmental impacts of your car using recognized and independent web sites such as http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/

Electric cars only move the production of the pollution to the power station and away from the car
• The impact from using electricity generated by a coal fired power stations may be worse than using the petrol in the first place, however clean (wind / thermal etc) power generation would make environmental sense
• Diesel cars are efficient fuel burners and as such use less fuel and produce less Co2 than their petrol equivalent (a small turbo diesel will have similar consumption to that of a hybrid) but
• Diesel cars produce more NoX which has a direct impact on individual health, contributes to smog and acid rain
• Diesel cars also produce particulates – South Africa has only recently introduced 50ppm diesel and still lags the rest of the word (10ppm or less)
• Until the commercial availability of fuel cell vehicles such as the Honda FCX Clarity, There is no perfect solution, a number of car manufactures are now coming out with Hybrid solutions which have the lowest current environmental impact and will provide an intermediate solution.
• The Honda FCX Clarity

Runs on an electric motor powered by hydrogen.
• The only emission is potable water
• The hydrogen can be provided in a clean manner using the Honda solar powered hydrogen station

For more information go to: www.honda.co.za

GUEST: GRAHAM EAGLE, SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, HONDA SOUTH AFRICA

GREEN TIP: RESPECTING WETLANDS COULD HAVE SPARED LIVES DURING FLOODS

Last month, floodwaters caused the loss of life and property in South Africa. One of the towns worst hit in KwaZulu-Natal was Ladysmith. Parts of Ladysmith adjoin the floodplain of the Klip River and since the town’s establishment in 1847, it has flooded 29 times. Despite the Qedusizi Dam being built in 1998 to protect the town, the recent heavy rains in the region resulted in 100 homes being flooded in the town.

• Floodplains are the most productive and diverse wetland ecosystems on Earth.
• Being flat with fertile soils, they are often farmed or targeted for urban development, much like the town of Ladysmith.
• Unscrupulous or poorly planned developments come at a cost when heavy rains result in flooding. Climate change predictions for South Africa are depicting an increase in intensity of drought and floods and the costs of these natural disasters are not only financial, but impact on peoples’ livelihoods and lives.
• Healthy wetlands play an important role in protecting people and this critical ecosystem.

Wetlands are able to perform a number of functions, known as “ecosystem services”. They are a river’s safety valve and are able to reduce the severity of droughts and floods by regulating stream flow. Wetlands spread out the water, slow it down and absorb it like a sponge, preventing the dangerously high peaks from occurring. It is these high peaks which cause most of the damage and wetlands help to reduce these peaks.

This is especially important near urban areas. Urban development with its tremendous increase in impervious surfaces (roads, driveways, parking lots, and buildings) and loss of wetlands, cause more water to run off the land during and immediately after rainstorms. This raises the floodpeaks, increases the frequency of destructive floods and escalates the cost of damages. Wetlands are able to purify water and regulate streamflow during dry periods.

They also provide habitat for critically endangered wildlife such as the wattled crane or vegetation which has a commercial or subsistence value to rural communities. Wetlands are thus vitally important in the lives of people and are worthy of protection.

ADD YOUR VOICE TO CONSERVATION. SEND A R20 SMS TO 40706 WITH THE KEYWORD 'WESSA'. Terms and conditions apply. See www.thumbtribe.co.za

GUEST: VAUGHAN KOOPMAN WESSA/WWF MONDI WETLANDS PROGRAMME

GREEN TIP: ORGANIC ITALIAN VEGETABLE GARDEN A FIRST FOR SANDTON CENTRAL

“Sought After Seedlings” founder Linda Galvad has brought her organic know-how to the heart of Sandton with the establishment of a unique Organic Italian Vegetable Garden, governed by a strict permiculture ethos and with the organic process top-of-mind.
• The site, a prime 700 m2 stand in Sandown, is planted entirely with seeds from the world-renowned Italian Franchi Sementi Heirloom and Organic Seed ranges and is set to become a hotspot for lovers of everything organic. Utilising strict organic protocols and companion planting to protect the plants and encourage growth, the Organic Italian Vegetable Garden also has recycling at heart – including a unique pathway paved with recycled tin cans.
• Galvad has big plans for this unique ‘inner-city farm’.
• visitors can already purchase seeds of vegetables grown in the garden via, other exciting elements are also in the pipeline
• next up, cookery classes, where visitors will be able to pick certified organic ingredients and whip up a host of culinary delights on-the-spot before enjoying a sumptuous lunch at a magnificent wrought-iron Italian style table under the sunny Sandton skies.

For more information, go to: www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za

GUEST: LINDA GALVAD, FOUNDER, SOUGHT AFTER SEEDLINGS

GREEN TIP: USE THE NEW ONLINE CALCULATOR FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Simon tells us about the new online calculator at www.sustainability.co.za.

Reviewed by Urban Sprout who had this to say:
• Online calculators of the carbon variety have been around for quite a while and vary in their suitability to the SA energy scenario and ease of use.
• The sustainable.co.za calculator is a bit different to a carbon calculator. It measures how much electricity you can save by calculating the energy expenditure of your old high-consumption lighting and water heating fittings/appliances and suggesting eco-friendly replacement options. So it's not measuring your carbon or overall ecological footprint but specifically looks at your electricity use and highlights the products that you could purchase from their online store to save you energy (and money).
• The calculator has an easily usable interface and does what it says, quickly. You put in your average electricity expenditure and select the current (non-energy efficient) products you want to look into replacing.
• It can be used to provide a forecast of Eskom rate increases and shows what your electricity is likely to cost in years to come. At the moment (summer) our household spends around R 200 on electricity a month (thanks to our energy efficiency measures and a bit of free electricity from the City of Cape Town ;-). With the projected Eskom increases, according to the calculator, this will cost R 390.63 by September 2013. And will hit R 1235.53 by Jan 2021. Obviously this is a bit of crystal ball gazing, but illustrates the point: significant electricity price hikes are likely to be a yearly phenomenon.
• Tip: to see what your monthly bill is likely to be in future put in your amount and before adding any products, select the [Show / Hide detailed Calculations] button in the bottom right. This then shows a timeline of your future electricity bill before any cost savings are taken into account.
• Emailing you the calculations is a great feature so that you have a copy of the details in your inbox. Here it would be useful for sustainable to include the number of hours you selected in your scenario in the email too.
• Overall I think this is a good tool that pushes the envelope a bit for SA environmental online calculators. Lets hope we see more.

For more information, listeners can go to: www.sustainable.co.za

GUEST: SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: A LOOK AT HOW THEY DO GREEN IN AMERICA

Since 1892, the Sierra Club has been working to protect communities, wild places, and the planet itself. They are one of the the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organizations in the United States.

You too can start a green club to inform concerned citizens how to contribute to a sustainable environment. Members of the Sierra club have access to green tips, laid out by topics. They also get:

• An email newsletter and online communities.
• Outings program and local hiking information
• blogs and a magazine
• access to the action centre to start making a difference – and get involved with community projects

 Here is an example of some of the green tips they have available on their site:

The Dirt on Dry Cleaning

Although no water is involved in the dry-cleaning process, liquid solvents are. They contaminate our soil and water, and are likely carcinogens linked to a host of health problems.

• The simplest (and probably cheapest) solution is to avoid clothes that require dry cleaning.
• Machine-washable suits exist, and many cotton, linen, and silk clothes can be safely hand-washed in cold water - yes, even if they say "Dry clean only."
• For clothing that must be dry-cleaned, greener alternatives include wet cleaning and liquid-CO2 dry cleaning.

Remember the Bag
Whether you've made your own sacks from recycled t-shirts or purchased totes that support a good cause , the reusable bag is a shopping must-have. Amassing a collection of eco-friendly bags is the easy part - remembering to bring them every time you go to the store can be tricky.

• Be prepared for spur-of-the-moment sprees by storing extra canvas or hemp bags in your car, bike basket , and office cubicle .
• Stash a small reusable bag in your purse or briefcase so that if you decide to swing by the farmers' market on your lunch hour, you won't have to juggle fruit to avoid the ol' plastic bag .

Green Your Date - Places to Meet and Mingle
Are you turned off by a beau who doesn't recycle? Is it a deal-breaker if she orders a steak? Here are a few ways to meet your green soul mate.

• Get involved: You're more likely to encounter someone with similar interests if you're doing something you enjoy. Meet up with your local Sierra Singles group to explore the outdoors with likeminded people.
• Network: Chat with environmentally aware professionals at a Green Drinks event. Even if you don't find the man or woman of your dreams, you might score a few business contacts.

Plant some love: Instead of presenting cut flowers, give your date a potted plant that she or he can keep alive for much longer.

Show your stuff: Ask your date to bring a bag of old clothes and visit a Goodwill or Salvation Army. Before donating, peek inside the bags; share stories about each item and laugh over misguided fashion choices.

GUEST: AKI ANASTASSIOU

GREEN TIP: BEWARE FAKE FUNDRAISERS

There are a number of fraudulent fundraisers out there. There are however also many legitimate NGOs that need public support for their projects. We’ve put together some tips on how to ensure fundraiser credibility:

We frequently hear of people who are raising funds on our behalf, although we know nothing about the fundraising effort or person. We also hear of fundraising efforts for a specific cause, but the organisation is not a registered NGO. Digital medium has also made it easier for imposters to raise money fraudulently. The rise in rhino poaching over the last few years has also seen an increase in people apparently raising funds for rhino conservation. This has led us to be proactive in helping potential funders ensure that their money is going to a legitimate and worthwhile cause.

How to Spot a Fraudster
• Always look for a Non Profit Organisation (NPO) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) number. PBO numbers in particular require the holder to submit audited statements to the South African Revenue Services, which means you can be sure the organisation is a legitimate charitable entity.
• Look for a Section 18(A) certificate, especially with larger donations, since not only does this mean your donation is tax deductible under the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act 58 of 1962), but also that the organisation must be a legitimate Public Benefit Organisation.
• Ask the organisation for its audited financial statements. Any legitimate NGO should be transparent and open with sharing their audited financial statements.
• Ask the organisation what your donation will be used for. Ask to see project plans which should have a clear objective and a plan of how it will achieve that objective.
• Find out whether the organisation works with a broad network of partners such as other NGOs, government organisations, community groups, companies and relevant individuals. This is a good indication of an organisation that has the potential to have meaningful impact.
• Ask whether the organisation is BBBEE compliant and how this could benefit you as a donor. This is particularly relevant to companies.
• Ask the organisation what its governance structure looks like. Good governance is based on a structure that supports accountability andbbtransparency.
• Check the organisation's website for more information its work and location. The website should also offer information on its administration and partners. This will give you an indication of the impact the organisation is making and whether the project for which it is raising funds may be successful.
• If you receive an electronic fundraising appeal, check that the email address from which the email is sent is legitimate and is associated with the organisation sending out the email.
• Individuals raising money on behalf of an NGO should be given a letter from that NGO confirming that they are acting on its behalf. This letter should be an original, signed document on an official letterhead with accurate contact details.
• Ask questions about the commission the fundraiser is taking. The greatest percentage of your donation should be going directly towards the cause.
• Check what percentage of the donation will be spent on administration. This is a crucial element of all donations and supports NGOs paying for audits, bookkeepers and so on, but the percentage should be reasonable and defensible.
• Check whether the organisation provides its donors with feedback on the project. You have a right to know how the project is doing.
• If in doubt, contact the organisation's offices and find out whether the fundraiser is in fact legitimate.

If you encounter anybody raising money using the Endangered Wildlife Trust's name and you suspect that this may not be legitimate, please let us know on 011 486 1102 or ewt@ewt.org.za

GUEST: HAYLEY KOMEN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

GREEN TIP: USE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PAINT

• Most mainstream paints contain high levels of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) mostly derived from petrochemicals.
• These chemicals are volatile (evaporate easily) allowing the paint film to adhere to the surface.
• Lead was banned in July 2010 but VOC’s cause major pollution and adverse health effects such as damaging nerve connections, blood and brain disorders, cancers and lung disease.
• Paints release these toxins for years after the application, and when scraped off for repainting, get released into the soil and groundwater, further affecting plants, animals and humans.
• VOC Content Ratings -The Green Buildings Council of South Africa (GBCSA) stipulates maximum allowable VOC content for wall paint & wood stains at 75g/Lt.
• Low VOC paints usually meet the 50g/L threshold
• USA’s EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) stipulates that paints with 5g/Lt and less are regarded as containing Zero VOC’s.
• 66% of VOC emissions in California are generated from paints and coatings – California Air Resources Board
• Warnings from SAPMA (The South African Paint Manufactures Association) - the members must display warnings on labels when product contains harmful substance, but in S.A manufacturers are not required to state what exactly the harmful contents are.

Paint Attributes
• Fire retardancy A critical element of Zero VOC paints regards a building on fire - paints containing combustible elements act as fuel to the fire and most deaths occur from smoke inhalation and poisonous fumes released by the fire. Zero VOC paints are fire retardant ie. does not assist with the spread of fire, and noxious fumes do not get released.
• Breatheability (allowing damp to escape to prevent peeling and bubbling).
• Disposal of leftover paints – completely safe for the environment.
• Less ‘down time’ – paint today –sleep tonight

For more information, go to: www.ecopaint.co.za

GUEST: RONELLE PORTER OF ECO PAINT SOLUTIONS

GREEN TIP: PROTECT OUR CYCADS

CYCADS are now our most endangered plant and mature 100’s of year old specimens of these highly protected species are being ripped out the veld daily and out of provincial nature reserves by unscrupulous collectors or dealers much in the same way as the Rhino poaching. King pins could even be linked. Trucks, helicopters etc are used for this multi million illicit trade. Plants disappear from shear rock faces on mountains

Many species do not occur in the wild anymore
• Legislation is not in place as it was opposed by Cycad growers and a monitorium placed on it
• There are a number of factions involved – Conservationists, Cycad growers\ nurseries and collectors
• SANBI are trying to get the regulations updated and implemented but progress is slow
• As with Rhino unless we act soon a few more months or years will be to late for many species
• The major question is how do we mark them in the wild and in collections – Micro chips have been used for some time but criminals use scanners to find them
• We do not have the expertise or limited expertise in provincial departments to correctly identify and manage permit systems
• Some provinces do not have the manpower or funds to do regular censuses of the existing plants in the wild
• Key provinces for specimens in the wild are Limpopo, Mpumulanga, Western and Eastern Cape and KZN
• We are losing these natural assets that came from the time of the dinosaurs
• In other parts of Africa the plants have been decimated by collectors from all over the World

GUEST: JOHN WESSON, REGION MANAGER NORTH WEST WESSA - NORTHERN AREAS

GREEN TIP: FAIRTRADE COFFEE

Simon has recently been to Kilimanjaro and he thought that it might be fun to reflect on my perceptions of organic/fair-trade coffee:

• Fairtrade coffee is a means for poor rural farmers to have access to far more hard currency than they would otherwise be able to as subsistence farmers
• In addition to shortening the supply line between farmer and consumer but also channels profits back into community development projects
• The vast majority of fair-trade farmers also grow their coffee on organic principals, meaning the retention of large canopy trees, no pesticides and careful water management
• A good example of Fairtrade coffee in South Africa is that imported by Bean There.
• Tribeca and Woolworths import coffee from the Kilimanjaro Native co-operative Union (KNCU) which, while not necessarily certified fair-trade, ascribes to all the same principles.

GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT

GREEN TIP: GIVE A GREEN GIFT – MEMBERSHIP OF BIRDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA

We have the perfect present for your family, friends, colleagues and clients– gift membership to BirdLife South Africa.

There are several reasons why you should consider giving gift membership:
• Gift membership to BirdLife South Africa is a “green” gift.
• The recipient will be reminded of your generosity throughout the year when they receive the bi-monthly Africa Birds & Birding and the monthly BirdLife South Africa e-newsletter.
• This gift will be your contribution to spreading the conservation message.
• You will help us grow bird-watching in South Africa.
• More members means a louder voice for BirdLife South Africa when we advocate for the conservation of our natural heritage.
• More members means more revenue for BirdLife South Africa to do its important bird conservation work.

There are two gift membership options, Wings One and Wings Two.
WINGS ONE - includes, among other benefits, one year’s membership to BirdLife South Africa, six issues of the award winning Africa Birds & Birding magazine and the monthly
BirdLife South Africa e-newsletter (R320).
WINGS TWO - includes, in addition to the above, the 2010 Commemorative Edition of the beautifully illustrated field guide Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa. (R470)

When you purchase the gift membership we will send the recipient an elegant 3D gift card, which can then be redeemed by the recipient for BirdLife South Africa membership. Alternatively, we can post the gift cards to you, for your personal onward delivery to the recipient.

For more information go to: www.birdlife.org.za

GUEST: MARK ANDERSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BIRDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA

GREEN TIP: RECYCLING THROUGH BUY-BACK CENTRES

• Tissue and packaging giant, Nampak recognises the impact that packaging has on the environment and as part of their environmental policy initiates and participates in extensive recycling initiatives
• Nampak is continuously investing time and resources into the development of more sustainable products in terms of the company’s carbon footprint and product lifecycle assessment process.
• Nampak is invested in educating consumers about recycling “Buy-Back Centres”. Buy-Back centres are shops created to buy recyclables (used paper, boxes bottles, etc) from street hawkers and businesses (retailers and offices) around a specific area.
• Nampak is currently involved in approximately 20 centres based in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto and Cape Town.
• These centres are operated by selected entrepreneurs like whole earth and various other individuals chosen by Nampak.
The process
• Nampak, being the end user of the product, purchases and collects the products from the buy back centres once a week which then funds the next week's activities.
• The company also provides scales, bins, bags, and training for the staff that run the centre in order to ensure that the waste is separated properly.
• Once the materials are bought by Nampak from the Buy-Back Centres, the tissue grades are recycled into jumbo reels at the Nampak Tissue paper mills, which are then sent to the converting plants to be manufactured into various tissue products: toilet paper; roller towels and related products.
• The kraft grades are sent to the Nampak Corrugated mill for recycling into brown paper, which is then converted into corrugated cartons. The use of recycled as opposed to virgin paper has environmental and cost benefits, as it places less strain on forests as renewable resources.
• This in turn creates a market for recycled products and opportunities for thousands of waste collectors countrywide.
Job crestion
• The job creation opportunity for the disadvantaged community is one of the great benefits of the Buy-Back Centres.
• There is a sense that the people who participate in providing constant supply of recyclables to the centres are able to generate a sustainable income.

How can consumers contribute to the Nampak Buy-Back centre scheme?

For more information, go to: www.nampak.com

GUEST: SRINI NAIDOO, DIRECTOR OF RECYCLING OF NAMPAK

GREEN TIP: GREEN CAREERS FOR 2011

Green Career for 2011 - what are the job opportunities and training options out there?

• Growth of green industry in SA (Greenpeace report and SA's Green Paper)
• Corporate response to green training
• Green job opportunities in SA
• Short term training categories available
• GCX courses available in 2011

For more information, go to: www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za

GUEST: KEVIN JAMES (PLEASE GET TITLE)

GREEN TIP: A NATURAL SKIN DIP FOR FLEAS AND IRRITABLE SKIN FOR DOGS

1. prepare a basin of boiling water - add 5 - 8 bags of rooibos tea
2. add 1/2 a cup of apple cider vinegar
3. add 1/2 cup of Khakibos flea spray (or fresh khakibos )
4. add fresh rosemary from home - OPTIONAL
5. add chamomile flowers or chamomile infusion - OPTIONAL

Once the water has cooled, soak your pet for 8 - 10 minutes. Repeat a few times per week.

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
The skin is the largest eliminatory organ in the body, which is why skin and coat problems are often the first indicators of poor health and care. Yet, almost every pet suffers from some sort of skin condition. Chemicals and poisons, that are commonly used on our pets can be dangerous and will have a dire effect on skin.
Vondis has a 5 step holistic solution to skin and flea problems which can be viewed on our website under "itchy skin". It includes advice on building immunity through nutrition and supplimentation, the use of natural shampoos and flea repellents.

Step 2, "a natural skin dip for dogs",presents an easy to prepare natural solution for skin and flea problems. Those with small and medium sized dogs can easily soak their pets regularly in a bath or basin and those with large breeds can easily spray the solution on their coat.

The result is effective and is certainly safe.

Paul Jacobson is a Pet Food Nutritionist and qualified chef and owner of Vondis Holistic Pet Nutrition. Vondis has been producing natural pet food for 14 years and is a registered nutritional pet food. Vondis is actively involved in educating the public on the benefits of natural diets for pets and a holistic approach when treating them.

The product is promoted and stocked by a wide spectrum of vets, homeopaths, health stores and pet shops.

GUEST: PAUL JACOBSON OWNER VONDIS HOLISTIC PET NUTRITION

GREEN TIP: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS' GREEN TIPS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

• Ride your bike or walk to school.

• Use last year's school supplies.

• Buy a canvas and cardboard binders instead of plastic.

• Buy recycled paper to cover books and use scrap paper for drawing

• Use reusable water bottles instead of plastic.

• Use a lunch box, not paper bags.

• Donate last year's clothes instead of throwing them away.

• Buy organic food.

• Turn your computer off when you're not using it.

• Decorate your lunchbox.

• Carpool to sports.

• Use refillable pens and pencils.

• Reuse your backpack. Decorate it with cool patches

GUEST: AKI ANASSTASSIOU

GREEN TIP: EDUPLANT SECURES FINANCIAL STABILITY

EduPlant is the national schools Permaculture food gardening and greening programme that aims to motivate schools and their communities to grow good food naturally, manage their natural resources sustainably, become more aware of the environment and green schools. Co-ordinated by Food & Trees for Africa, EduPlant is a national programme, teaching g educators, learners and communities how to sustainable grow their own food.

Eduplant’s new funders provide financial stability:
• The year 2011 sees the EduPlant programme entering its seventeenth year.
• Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), the creators and co-ordinators of the programme, are delighted to welcome Absa and Engen to the EduPlant family.
• They join the Woolworths Trust who started funding the programme in 2004.
• For the first time in the history of the programme, there is financially security for the next three years.
• These three funding partners have committed a total R12 million to EduPlant over the next three years.

The aims of the EduPlant Programme:
• To be the leading national school food gardening, implementation, awareness and education programme
• To contribute to food security, improved nutrition (and thus health), wealth creation opportunities, skills development, sustainable resource and land use (thus improved environments) and capacity building for schools and their surrounding communities where Permaculture gardens are developed
• To raise awareness of the benefits of Permaculture in schools and their surrounding communities in each province
• To encourage schools and communities to start or develop their natural food gardening projects and network with other schools and organizations to share information and resources

EduPlant intends to actively empower South African learners and educators to move towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Such empowerment is to be achieved through education, awareness and the growing of organic food for:
• improved nutrition;
• improved environment;
• food security;
• sustainable development;
• poverty alleviation; and
• skills and capacity building.

For more information, go to: www.trees.co.za

GUEST: Joanne Lee Rolt, EduPlant Programme Manager

GREEN TIP: FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

Dr Yesheen Singh, Medical Doctor and Functional Medicine Practioner

For more information go to www.healthnation.co.za