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 Are you worried about the environment but not sure what to do to make a difference and reverse the damage? The Redi Direko show will make it easy for you. Every day we will offer you one tip, an easy and practical solution to everyday environmental challenges. With each tip we will guide you towards a greener way of life and hopefully ensure a healthier and safer planet.
Podcast the latest Green Tip of the Day - click here
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GREEN TIP: TEDxSOWETO 2012
The inevitable future is here; for the first time in living history much of what we thought impossible now seems totally doable.
New technologies have given us a plethora of possibilities, which in turn have allowed us to experiment with the most improbable ideas – in the arts, media, health services, communications, transportation, education and in every other facet of life.
The results are often delightful, occasionally challenging and consistently surprising. But the inertia of tradition, convention and habit remains persistent.
• Will Africa seize the moment and find new ways to close the gaping wealth gap?
• Will we harness renewable energies to develop in a more sustainable trajectory?
• Will we build a digital Ubuntu and export our ideas to the world?
This October, TEDxSoweto invites you to close your eyes, open your mind, take a deep breath, and Leapfrog!
TEDxSoweto Ideas for a new planet
• The energy efficient house - Architect Denver Hendricks
• Cooking culture and conversations - Miche Fabre Lewin
Website: www.tedxsoweto.co.za
GUEST: KELO KUBU CONVENOR TEDXSOWETO
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GREEN TIP: THE ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST LAUNCHES STORE IN THE V&A WATERFRONT
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) announced the launch of their store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
The store offers wildlife lovers from around the globe the opportunity to stock up on exciting products that demonstrate their passion for wildlife and, at the same time, increase their support for the EWT’s conservation activities.
Initially, the store will primarily stock products which support the rhino conservation cause but will also include a fun range of clothing, beautiful artworks, photography and sculptures and a range of exciting educational items for kids.
• Members of the public are invited to show their support for conservation by purchasing the South African made, high quality merchandise.
According to Shayne Ramsay, the project founder, “The idea for the shop originated from my alarm at the ever increasing numbers of rhinos being poached and the desire to do something to combat this.
Inspired by Braam Malherbe’s “Do One Thing” initiative, the opportunity to establish a Rhino Charity Shop at the Waterfront was not to be missed.
The original idea was to have an umbrella organisation of reputable charities under one roof all having the similar purpose of raising awareness and funds, to save rhinos from their beleaguered plight. Braam then introduced me to Yolan Friedmann, CEO of the EWT, and the original concept for the shop evolved into the EWT’s retail store.”
GUEST: VANESSA BEZUIDENHOUT THE ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST
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GREEN TIP: COMMUNITY CONSERVANCIES
The Klipriviersberg community south of Johannesburg launch their conservancy, KUBiC (Klipriviersberg Urban Biodiversity corridor) on the 31st of October. The initiative is launched by SOJO, the umbrella business organisation for the south of Johannesburg.
Check out the details on www.sojo.co.za
Benefits of this sort of thing include:
- Protection of biodiversity
- A united voice to handle development issues
- Maintenance of local housing values
GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIROMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP:
CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU
It's New York Comic Con this weekend so I thought we'd chat about this - a new Eco-friendly comic book series. Plus the new season of the Emmy-winning show, The Walking Dead (based on a comic book), hits SA screens this Sunday on Top TV so it's even more reason to be comic-centered this week.
Eco Comics announced this week the launch of a comic book series featuring the Green Man, a character who has been around for hundreds of years. He has been around for hundreds of years. Today he is regarded as an ecological emblem. But this is the first time there's been a whole series dedicated to him.
You can get the first issue online - released in a variety of digital formats in order to have minimal impact on the environment - the details are on www.mohawkmedia.co.uk.
In keeping with this theme - the latest addition to the hit zombie apocalypse TV show, The Walking Dead, based on the comics, is a Zimbawean American actress called Danai Gurira. She says who we become when faced with tough issues is part of what attracted her to the role...
You could say the same about our approach to looking after the planet!
GUEST: ON SKYPE NADIA NEOPHYTOU US CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: ORGANIC VEG GROWING COURSES IN KZN
Organic Vegetable Growing Course part of series of national courses done around the country held on 5th and 6th November over two days.
At Hotel Izulu in Ballito, KZN
Also in December on the 5th and 6th at Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse in the Drakensburg.
The course will teach one on how to prepare soil and garden to grow vegetable seeds organically to enable growth of crops under the best conditions, to produce food that is so essentially good for your health.
“Once you have eaten your organically grown fresh vegetables you will always yearn for that standard. It is nothing like store bought produce.”
It is more and more important for people to grow thier own food. Firstly for health’s sake, especially children's health, as it is now well documented that store produce is grown with chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
There are hormone preservatives in packaging and who knows what else? These chemicals adversely effect our health and the health of the planet with the run off pollution.
People are often discouraged from trying to grow their own vegetables due to past bad experiences, but it is usually the bad quality of the seed or soil that has not been properly prepared, and not the gardener.
WEBSITE: www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za
GUEST: LINDA GALVAD SOUGHT AFTER SEEDLINGS OWNER
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GREEN TIP: COOL THINGS TO DO IN PARKS
This weekend Simon Gear made his Park Run debut at Delta “which was just fantastic”, he says. It brought home to him that we actually live in a spectacular city with amazing parkland.
While he was there, he came across a permanent Disc Golf course. IT struck that adding activities to parks creating a use for them:
Park Runs – really great fun, 5km runs/races held every Saturday at 8am. Check out www.parkrun.co.za
Disc golf – there is a permanent course set up at Delta but I see no reason why you couldn’t make your own – www.sadga.org.za
Permanent orienteering course – a brilliant way to get to know other parks - www.orienteering.co.za
I’ll be on my cell or the CMP landline number (which I unfortunately cannot remember right now –but call me)
GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT ON CMP LANDLINE NUMBER (CALL TO CONFIRM)
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU
This week's Celeb Green Tip comes from the bassist for the rock group Linkin Park.
The band will be performing two stadium shows live for the first time ever in South Africa on 7th November at Cape Town Stadium and 10thNovember at the Soccer City Complex, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.
The group has been around for 12 years - and burst onto the scene with their debut, Hybrid Theory, and recently released Living Things.
The band is known for its active charity efforts - starting with their Music for Relief organization and continuing with their latest effort Power For All, an initiative sanctioned by the UN to help people get access to energy around the world.
Linkin Park has pledged to help 1 million families gain access to sustainable energy throughout this year. One of the ways is through a solar suitcase, which helps childbearing mothers and babies.
1.3 billion people don't have access to electricity - this says bassist Phoenix, is what ignited the band's interest in helping to find solutions...
GUEST: ON SKYPE NADIA NEOPHYTOU US CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: WASTE GENERATORS TO START REGISTERING AND REPORTING IN 2013
The National Waste Information Regulations 2012 have been passed and will take effect from 1 January 2013.
• The purpose of this revised legislation is to control the collection of information on waste and waste management in South Africa to fulfil the objectives of the National Waste Information System (SAWIS).
• One of the most telling new requirements under this recent legislation is that generators of hazardous waste in excess of 20kg’s a day are required to register on the SAWIS.
• From January 2013 anyone generating this volume of used oil per day will need to apply to the SAWIS to be registered.
• As used oil is a hazardous waste, generators will be required to report to the SAWIS through a Hazardous Waste Manifest, a document that will track the used oil from cradle to grave and offer a clear snapshot on how it has been managed.
Web: www.rosefoundation.org.za
GUEST: RAJ LOCHAN (PRONOUNCED “LOTION”) CEO ROSE FOUNDATION (RECYCLING OIL SAVES THE ENVIRONMENT)
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GREEN TIP: 2012 ECO WARRIOR OF THE YEAR, BRAAM MALHERBE
Extreme conservationist and adventurer, Braam Malherbe has received the prestigious “Eco-Warrior Award” in recognition of his unrelenting efforts to protect and preserve the Earth and its eco-systems, at the Eco-Logic Awards, hosted by The Enviropaedia and SABC3, at The Cradle of Humankind, in Maropeng on September 27, 2012.
• The Eco-Warrior award is one of 11 Eco-Logic accolades, which recognise and honour individuals, organisations and communities that practice eco-logical thinking and values through products, services or initiatives.
• Braam’s conservation actions relentlessly defend nature, its resources and eco-systems.
• He has been involved in counter poaching operations as an Honorary Ranger for SANParks, co-founded the Table Mountain National Park’s Volunteer Firefighting unit, and is actively involved with numerous conservation groups, such as the “EWT MyPlanet Rhino Fund”, making it his life’s mission to fight poaching, environmental irresponsibility and the destruction of our precious planet.
• Besides his numerous conservation projects, Braam is known as an extreme adventurer, specifically for his tremendous feats of running 4218km on the Great Wall of China, running the entire 3200km coastline of South Africa, and racing 768km to the South Pole, to raise funds for ‘Operation Smile’ and to create awareness about environmental issues such as climate change.
Web: www.braammalherbe.com
GUEST: BRAAM MALHERBE EXTREME ADVENTURER, CONSERVATIONIST, YOUTH DEVELOPER, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, TV PRESENTER AND AUTHOR OF THE BEST-SELLING BOOK, “THE GREAT RUN”
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GREEN TIP: WADDLE YOU DO TO SAVE A PENGUIN
The 'Penguin Promises' campaign is aimed at getting people to commit to an action that will assist with saving the penguin and ultimately our wonderful planet.
• Awareness of the plight of the African penguin and the reasons is the first step.
Enabling people to come up with an action that will assist in saving the penguin is the next part of the campaign.
Researching of this type of campaign works and the behavioural change in people, is the scientific part of the project.
• How South Africa’s penguins are doing?
• What is the biggest threat to our penguins ?
• What we should do if we find a penguin away from its colony?
• Education opportunities at the aquarium for people to learn more about penguins.
Web: www.penguinpromises.com and www.aquarium.co.za
GUEST: HAYLEY MCLELLAN, ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST THE CAPE TOWN AQUARIUM
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GREEN TIP: THE FLY AND HOW IT CAN SAVE THE WORLD
The Story of The Fly and How It Could Save the World is a book written by Jason Drew and Justine Joseph and it will take you behind the pesky reputation and inside the brain and body of the much misunderstood fly.
It investigates the insect as a pest and how man has tried (tirelessly, often unsuccessfully) to kill it – exploring everything from how it walks on ceilings to how it survives Ice Ages and outsmarts all manner of fly swats, toxins and traps.
The book also reveals how, throughout history, innovative humans –
including Napoleon Bonaparte’s surgeon - NASA, various forensic entomologists and the UK National Health Services – have harnessed and researched the fly to help mankind.
But ultimately it introduces the fly as a future hero that could help save the world.
How? By recycling waste nutrients and generating sustainable protein to spare the fish in the ocean and feed the ever-growing number of people on our Earth.
That’s a story worth telling. And one worth reading, too.
GUEST: JASON DREW INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER AND SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR TURNED ENVIRONMENTALIST AND AUTHOR
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU
Nadia spoke to the CEO of the Global Poverty Project talking about this massive concert they are putting on in Central Park next weekend.
It's a free event - for about 60 000 people, but to get tickets you need to engage with the issues they are trying to eradicate around global poverty. It's happening in New York, during the UN General Assembly, to take advantage of the world's eyes being on the city, but they're encouraging long-lasting activities too.
Hugh Jackman, TV anchor Katie Couric and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey are just some of the personalities involved - the bands are Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Foo Fighters, K'Naan and Black Keys.
But it's not just for people in New York. There are prizes to win to come over and see the show - and also - it will be streamed live, so they're encouraging people in South Africa to host viewing parties, and really get into the spirit of the event, and the cause.
Being green also means looking out for your fellow humans - that's the idea behind this concert and the whole campaign - and this week's Green Tip from Global Poverty Project CEO Hugh Evans.
While progress has been made to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, an estimated 1.3 billion people still live in extreme poverty, on less than the equivalent of $1.50 per day.
Among the issues the Global Festival and Global Citizen platform will seek to impact is the global effort to end polio, cases of which have been reduced by more than 99% since 1988.
By bringing together thousands of people to take action, this generation can make history and finally eradicate the disease.
GUEST: ON SKYPE NADIA NEOPHYTOU US CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: TSHWANE SCHOOLS – SAVING RHINOS
Two Grade 6 Anton Van Wouw Primary learners decided that the plight of the Rhino cannot be left to the Adults only;
· They decided that the children must a) be made aware of the plight – and b)their responsibility to help save the Rhino;
· They discussed it with the Headmaster of Anton Van Wouw Primary , Mr Chris Henning, who encouraged them to take it further and pledged his support.
· They produced a short video story and powerpoint and showed it to the rest of their school; They were met with overwhelming support and enthusiasm by the rest of the school.
· Their concept: Awareness and fundraising: Make children aware of their responsibility and encourage them to contribute in the following manner:
o pledge whatever they have – with the idea to donate the total amount collected to a reputable and established project like RAGE;
o all wear black on 21 September – day before World Rhino day and in support of Heritage day – to show their sadness with what is happening daily to the Rhino; and
o build a puzzle (8 x 10 m) with recyclable materials.
o The idea, that if you can contribute financially do, but equally important, become a torchbearer for the plight of the Rhino in your house, and community.
· With the support of the Headmaster they also invited other schools in Tshwane to support them.
· Seven Tshwane schools (approximately five – six thousand children) are participating in the project.
· Each of the seven schools got a puzzle piece to cover with recycle materials.
· On 21 September representatives of the seven schools will gather at Anton Van Wouw Primary to:
o Where black;
o Donate the funds they collected to RAGE
o Built the Rhino Puzzle
o And share with each other what they are doing to support the Rhinos
WEBSITE: The donation will be going to Rage and all rhino info can be accessed at www.rhinorage.org
GUEST: ANÉ VENTER AND ZANÉ OOSTHUIZEN LEARNERS – GRADE SIX
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GREEN TIP: THREE SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS FEATURE IN TOP GREEN ARCHITECTURAL AWARDS
The sustainability or greenness of the built environment and education are both about creating a better future, as such to responsibly prepare learners for the future schools should be sustainable, schools are also social catalysts for change.
Reon would like to suggest the concept of environmental surfing.
In environmental surfing one optimizes the use of freely available natural resources to create a suitable environment, such as - fresh air, natural delighting, and ambient air temperature.
This can be achieved through simple interventions, such as - optimal orientation of the building to limit solar heat gain in hot weather while enabling heat gain during cold weather, large windows for natural day lighting and ventilation located or shaded so as to avoid glare of unwanted heat gain, night time flushing where by the structure of a building is allowed to ventilate and cool down at night during hot weather, ample insulation to keep in heat in cold weather and keep out heat during hot weather.
Natural day lighting and fresh air are not only good from an environmental perspective they are also necessary to create an optimal learning environment.
This use of freely availible natural resouces reduces or mitigates the need to consume other resources which often carry a negative enviromental impact.
GUEST: Reon van der Wiel Director / Architect Activate Architecture
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GREEN TIP: STRAW-BALE BUILDING COURSES
Straw bale construction generally entails packing lines of straw bales upon each other on an elevated foundation. The rows usually have a moisture barrier between them and their supporting platform.
The straw bale walls may be attached with bamboo pins, reinforcing bars or wood, which is fastened internally. Wire mesh can also be used to fasten the straw bales externally, which is then plastered with cement, a lime-based mix, or clay.
The straw bales may hold the structural support for the building, which is called load-bearing, or straw bale buildings might use other materials for the structural frame, such as wood or steel. In these cases, the purposes of the straw bales are for insulation and filler.
Advantages of using Straw-Bale
A well built straw bale home can save you up to 75% on heating and cooling costs. In fact, in most climates, we do not even install air conditioning units into our homes as the natural cooling cycles of the planet are enough to keep the house cool all summer long.
Straw bale walls provide excellent sound insulation and are superior wall systems for home owners looking to block out the sounds of traffic or airplanes in urban environments.
If built as a load bearing assembly, the wood in the walls can be completely eliminated, except for around the windows. The harvesting of forests is a global concern and any reduction in the use of wood material is a good thing for the long term health of the planet.
Even infill bale homes can reduce the use of wood by using engineered lumber for the posts and beams. The engineered material uses smaller, faster growing trees in place of larger, slower growing species.
Website:
www.starflower.co.za
GUEST: Stuart McDermid Evolution Africa / and in personal capacity Owner, greenie, part time eco nut
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GREEN TIP: WHY WE SHOULD BE RECYCLING OUR PAPER
Paper recycling rates in South Africa increased to nearly 60% in 2011. This equates to the annual recovery of over a million tonnes of paper.
Despite increased awareness, large amounts of recoverable paper and board packaging are still unnecessarily dumped in landfill sites.
Only 5% of homes actively recycle their paper and board. (Just have a look at how many boxes get throw out with the weekly refuse collection)
Paper is such an important part of our lives – not just on our desks, printer trays or magazine racks! Next time you open your grocery cupboard or medicine cabinet – think about the little leaflets inside a medicine box telling you the dosage to give your little baby; your cereal boxes; the sugar packets you get at coffee shops; your loo paper!
As the paper recycling industry, we are calling South Africans to support National Recycling Day on Friday, 14 September by taking a more active role in recycling the paper in our lives – both at home and at the office.
Website:
www.prasa.co.za / www.thepaperstory.co.za
GUEST: URSULA HENNEBERRY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR PAPER RECYCLING ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRASA)
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GREEN TIP: ELECTRIC BIKE
Aki have been riding around the last week on an electric bike.
The A2B electric bike takes around 3 hours to fully charge the lithium ion battery.
On a full charge I am able to ride for about 25 km and still have the ability to cycle if the battery goes flat.
The cost around R35 000 and this includes an additional built in battery extending the range to 60km.
GUEST: AKI ANASTASIOU TECH REPOTER
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GREEN TIP: HONEST NATIONAL DISCUSSION ABOUT SUGAR
Over the last three months Simon has experimented with Tim Noakes’ high protein, low carb diet as outlined in his book, Challenging beliefs.
The results have been astonishing. 8kg lost, more energy and my 10km time has dropped 6 minutes. That is a lifetime in 10k running.
Tim doesn’t recommend the ruthlessly protein only diet that became notorious under Atkins, but he does recommend a balanced eating plan that is low in grains and starch. And he recommends cutting sugar as much as possible.
Sugar is about the worst thing we eat, leading to all manner of long term health problems. So why is this green issue?
We have an enormous amount of valuable farmland under sugarcane. The sugar industry has almost destroyed Madagascar’s biodiversity, replacing forest with sugar cane. It’s thirsty and a waste of land that could be used for more nutritious or eco-friendly crops.
Cutting out refinded sugar stabilises your blood sugar levels, leading to healthier eating habits. I have found that I now eat less bulk, from a variety of sources, which is a more sustainable way of living, even if the diet does include meat.
Cutting sugar will save us far more in terms of healthcare costs than cutting tobacco did. And SA desperately needs to relieve pressure on our healthcare system.
Tim’s book can be found here:
WEBSITE: http://www.amazon.co.uk
GUEST: LIESL HAASBROEK NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR THE BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU:
THE TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL
Nadia is in Canada at the Toronto Film Festival.
The festival’s green theme is in line with how green the whole city is - for example you're not allowed to chain your bike to a tree because they look after all the trees in the city.
Green Screen is an award-winning program that promotes environmentally friendly film production practices in the film and television industry
Originating in 2007 as the Green Screen Toronto Initiative, film and television pioneers whose vision included a greener film industry were supported by the Ontario Media Development Corporation’s Entertainment and Creative Cluster Fund.
The Green Screen Program:
1. facilitates environmental consultations to film and television productions that help to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions;
2. showcases green production practices on set;
3. offers a Green Screen Award to filmmakers who implement environmentally friendly practices
4. offers a green directory for the film and television industry
GUEST: NADIA NEOPHYTOU
US CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: BOOK LAUNCH: THE HUNGRY SEASON BY LEONIE JOUBERT
The food we eat is as diverse as the cultures and lifestyles of the people consuming it. But the issues underlying food run much deeper than the whims of our cultures or palates. Until now, the subject of food security has mostly been viewed as a rural issue, with research and development work honing in on subsistence farming. But with the massive influx into cities, the focus needs to shift to the metropolis.
The Hungry Season takes science writer Leonie Joubert and photographer Eric Miller to eight different cities and towns around southern Africa as they explore the complex issues around food security, including:
- Childhood stunting and malnutrition;
- The transition from traditional ‘African’ to ‘Western’ diets;
- Chronic lifestyle-related illnesses associated with a modern diet;
- Nutritional literacy, behaviour and choices;
- Large-scale food production and urban food gardens;
- Poverty, joblessness and the geography of the city;
- Urban planning, supermarkets and the full food value chain; and
- Food wastage.
Ultimately, The Hungry Season looks at the crisis of hunger and malnutrition surrounding us in the city, hidden behind layers of affluence and comfort. It tackles the fundamental question: Why is it that in southern Africa we produce enough calories and nutrients to keep the region full, satisfied and well nourished, and yet we still have such high levels of hunger and malnutrition?
ABOUT LEONIE
Leonie Joubert is a science writer and journalist whose books include Scorched, Boiling Point and Invaded.
- The Hungry Season: Feeding Southern Africa’s Cities, is due out in September 2012. And she recently had a chapter appear in Opinion Pieces by South African Thought Leaders, edited by Max du Preez.
- She was the 2007 Ruth First Fellow, was listed in the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans You Must Take To Lunch (2008), and was named the 2009 SAB Environmental Journalist of the Year (print/internet category).
- Leonie has received two Honorary Sunday Times Alan Paton Non-Fiction Awards (in 2007 and 2010 for Scorched and Invaded).
WEBSITE: www.scorched.co.za
GUEST: LEONIE JOUBERT
FREELANCE
SCIENCE WRITER/AUTHOR
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GREEN TIP: FASCINATING EXPEDITION AND ADVENTURE TALKS (FEAT)
What is FEAT?
It's a platform to showcase South African adventurers. It is both a website with news throughout the year on adventurers and their expeditions as well as a one-night evening of seven-minute talks by nine adventurers, which is coming up on Thursday, 4 October at the Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein.
Are seven minutes really long enough for a talk?
Talks are not start-to-finish stories of expeditions but are rather aligned to specific topics related to the journeys and illustrated by photographs. Seven minutes is long enough to give you insight into the discpline, destination and expedition and short enough that you'll be captivated for the duration of each talk.
What kind of adventures feature on the FEAT stage?
This is the fourth FEAT event and we've had 30 adventurers on our stage; with another nine lined up for October.
Speakers range from acclaimed climbers and mountaineers and a professional record-setting adventure athlete to SAs mountain rescue go-to guy, a woman who got it into her mind that she needed an adventure (and six months later she walked the 760km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route). There's a good mix of disciplines.
Are there really this many adventurers in South Africa?
Indeed! There are actually more that I know of who have recently completed adventures, but I don't have the space in the evening to accommodate them all. You can't believe how many people undertake interesting, active pursuits throughout the year. Sure, the numbers are not in the hundreds but there are more people doing interesting things than you'd believe.
How can listeners get more adventure into their lives?
Get out of your front door! To accomplish a bigger project you need to put in a bit of preparation. Walking and running are the easiest and you can go from zero to a multi-week walking expedition in six months. Walking regularly is a great way to appreciate your suburb and our many parks. Too old, too unfit and too busy are excuses that are just not good enough. Coming to FEAT may just be the kick you've needed to inspire you to work towards that adventure dream that you've been putting off for years (or decades!).
FEAT summary:
It's on Thursday, 4 October at the Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein. Tickets are only available online and pre-event (not available on the night) through Entrytickets.co.za. The evening starts at 19h00. Tickets are R180 each and group bookings (>10 tickets) are R150/ticket. Event information and news of adventurers is available on
WEBSITE : www.featsa.co.za
GUEST: Lisa de Speville (duh-spe-vill) (spe as in speck)
FEAT - Fascinating Expedition and Adventure Talks
Creator and organiser
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GREEN TIP: SAVING SECRETARY BIRDS ON SECRETARY’S DAY
Support Secretary’s Day on 5 September 2012
BirdLife South Africa provides the perfect opportunity to CEOs and bosses to give an out-of-the-ordinary, special conservation gift to their Secretary!
In return, they will receive an elegant Secretary’s Day card, as well as monthly updates on the BirdLife South Africa Secretary bird project, an original signed framed photograph and Secretary bird information pack on Secretary bird biology and conservation to their school of choice. The incentives are dependent on the category of the donation (R500, R1000 or R5000)
The monetary support will go towards Secretarybird conservation in the South African grasslands
Secretary birds were globally uplisted to Vulnerable in 2011 and are facing a decline across their sub Saharan distribution.
The biggest threat to Secretarybirds in the grasslands is habitat loss through fragmentation and degradation.
Donation form to be downloaded from website or mail secretary@birdlife.org.za
WEBSITE: www.birdlife.org.za
GUEST:
MARK ANDERSON BIRDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA CEO
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GREEN TIP: THE ENTIRE SATELLITE GROUND STATION IN HARTEBEESHOEK IS GOING GREEN; DOING AWAY WITH BATTERIES
At Hartebeeshoek, the SA national space agency is on a continuous drive to save on energy cost.
They have started converting the antenna s from Hydraulic systems to more efficient electrical drive which improve electricity consumption.
They are installing a new dynamic rotary UPS to have a more efficient back up power system and start eliminating the use of conventional battery UPS,s.
Thay have started investing in electric type vehicles for the technicians and staff for mobility on the grounds instead of petrol driven vehicles.
They have done away with incandescence globes. They have improved their sewer system to redistribute the water to the
garden.
ABOUT THE SA NATIONAL SPACE AGENCY:
SANSA Space Operations, located at Hartebeeshoek, is the primary driver for SANSA's state-of-the-art ground station facilities and services, including tracking, telemetry and communications activities, launch support, in-orbit testing, mission control and space navigation, provides satellite tracking, telemetry and command, as well as launch support, in-orbit testing, mission control and space navigation.
WEBSITE: www.sansa.org.za
GUEST: Raoul Hodges MD of space operations division SA national space agency:
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
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GREEN TIP: THE BENEFITS OF NO-TILL CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE AND THE UPCOMING CONFERENCE.
What is No-Till?
The essentials of a No-Till system are that a narrow slot is made through the organic/mulch layer into the soil, the seed and fertilizer is placed into the slot, then covered with soils and compacted sufficiently to ensure adequate contact between seed and soil. Soil disturbance is reduced to a minimum.
There is a very close relationship between the effects of No-Till, organic matter and soils structure - they are inextricably interlinked.
Benefits of NO-Till Conservation:
- return soil to healthy state
- reduce wind and water erosion
- increase effecacy of
- better water penetration
- increased moisture retention
NO-TILL CONFERENCE
"Will it pay to plant a ley crop of grass to improve my soil?"
This question has been posed to five experts, soil scientist, forage expert, beef and grazing consultant, agronomist and economist"
Soya bean production comes under the spot light ,advice from experienced farmers and some ideas on adding value to soya,s
4 - 6 SEPTEMBER 2012 | Atkv Drakensville Holiday Resort/Vakansieoord - Bergville KZN
WEBSITE: www.notillclub.com
GUEST: RICHARD FINDLAY
THE NO-TILL CLUB OF KZN
COMMITTEE MEMBER AND CO-ORDINATOR
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP FROM HOLLYWOOD WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU
Nadia will be running the ING NYC Marathon! For charity - an initiative called All for Africa.
It's something she never thought she'd ever do - but since moving to New York, running has taken on new meaning, and become a much-needed pillar of stability in her crazy life of adventure.
- And the best part is Nadia is doing it for charity - for two GREEN initiatives! The organization is called All for Africa.
- It was started by a group of New York entrepreneurs who want to see investment in the continent grow - through projects like Palm Out Poverty (POP) and the Million Watts Energy Initiative.
POP is planting one million oil palm trees on approximately 17 000 acres of land in West Africa (that will yield about 300 000 barrels of sustainable crude palm oil for the next 35 year, once mature), while the Million Watts Campaign is aiming to raise $10 million through 2015 to install about 10 000 watts of renewable energy in 100 communities across rural parts of Africa. My part involves running the race and raising $2000 towards this.
Read more on other entertainment news on : MissNtertainment.com (Miss Entertainment - Without the E!)
Nadia Neophytou
US Correspondent
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GREEN TIP: SHAPING KRUGER- THE DYNAMICS OF MANAGING WILDLIFE IN AFRICA'S PREMIER GAME PARK
The Kruger National Park is one of the world’s leading stewards of biological diversity. Its management requires ongoing monitoring and re-evaluation to ensure that species survive.
The book, Shaping Kruger provides fascinating insight into the lives, habits and behaviour of the larger animals that significantly affect the workings of the park. It expertly synthesizes decades of ground-breaking research into the animals and their environment, examining along the way individual species; predator-prey relationships; mammal distribution, and browsing and grazing interactions.
This detailed look at how Park management has had to interpret, monitor and adapt the processes that allow species to survive – even thrive – in an ever-changing environment makes for an intriguing and enlightening read.
Mitch Reardon worked as a ranger in South Africa and Namibia before becoming a wildlife photographer and writer. He is the author and photographer of five books, including the best-selling Etosha: Life and Death on an African Plain and has also written dozens of articles for Australian Geographic.
There has been research on ecology on biology
What is the impact that predators have on the pray specie.
How wild animals are impacted by climate and water, river.
Artificial waterholes have been
Far too many water holes serious ecological consequences.
Calling, good thing or a bad thing?
GUEST: MITCH REARDON
FREELANCE WILDLIFE PHOTO/JOURNALIST
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GREEN TIP: "BE SURE BEFORE YOU GO GREEN"
If you consider going Solar;
- Be sure you know the contractor can do the work you are paying for
- Be sure you have references
- Be sure that you are familiar with the technology you are investing in.
- Be sure about maintenance to keep the new technology being installed GOING GREEN.
Often one loses sight of reality when driving their passion to GO GREEN.
In hindsight this could have costly effects when money is spent on something that is not a familiar technology. This is usually the case when one has solar water heaters fitted or when solar PV Panels are fitted.
SESSA is working in collaboration with other industry partners to train independent auditors who can audit and verify the quality of solar installations.
Industry associations generally aim to maintain standards and quality of installation and training.
Double check the installer and the technology against an industry association. With the SWH Rebate from Eskom, the function of the SESSA Ombudsman is to ensure quality installations.
In our drive to build capacity in scarce skills and innovative green entrepreneurs;
- SESSA as an industry body is looking for mentors and apprenticeships for 36 engineering students currently finishing grade 12.
The students have been selected as a result of their performance and have successfully completed an intensive 3 week winter training program in solar electric installations at the Wilberforce community college in Sebokeng.
- This program will be repeated in Dec with another 36 students to be selected for training. All students who complete the course will be placed on a continuous education platform where their growth and progress can be monitored and tracked.
WEBSITE: www.sessa.org.za
GUEST:
CAREL BALLACK
SESSA
(SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOCIETY OF SA)
OMBUDSMAN
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GREEN TIP: SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE
There is a 5500km race held every two years to develop the renewable energy of solar power and encourage technology development.
- With this being Wits first solar car, design has been extremely difficult especially with regard to the sourcing of parts as nothing seems to just simply fit.
-
- Building Wits first solar car has been an amazing experience so far, with so much work left to do, it feels like the race has already started. It has enabled Bradley and many others to follow their dream. Studying at Wits is all very well, being able to do the academics, but personally, Bradley is not a fan of studying.
The Solar car has enabled him to further his education from a practical point of view. It has made him see that theoretical design is all very well but practically it may not work.
- Realistically designing a car and building it has been completely different to what the students have learnt in lectures. Lectures are boring but need to be done in order to understand how all these things work. Calculations should be done when designing but don’t necessarily always work in practise.
As an undergraduate student in his 3rd year, it has given Bradley reason to carry on through the tough times, studying. It has shown him exactly why he is studying mechanical engineering. Bradley is doing the degree to make things easier for himself as he ventures into the real world.
- Bradley would like to encourage any matriculants interested in renewable energy or even anything mechanical, to do what they love and follow their hearts. Studying engineering the times get tough but at the end of the day, it will be worth it.
Blog: witssolarcar.tumblr.com (Bradley updates the blog to show regular progress of the project)
GUEST:
BRADLEY RAUTENBACH
3RD YEAR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND
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GREEN TIP: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT ON A COMMERCIAL SCALE
Codling is a major problem in SA citrus. Bats are preditors of Codling moth.
- Placing bat houses on farms is an environmentally friendly way to deal with moth populations.
- First project of this nature in SA. Part of integrated pest management.
Bats: Our secret allies
Bats are fast and agile animals. They have an insatiable hunger for insects, and can consume hundreds of bugs in a single night. Doesn’t that sound like something that most people would appreciate? Surprisingly, they are often feared, hated and even eradicated. Perhaps it’s the unknown and secret world of these amazing animals that makes people uneasy; this lack of knowledge perpetuates imaginative myths and negative perceptions.
WEBSITE: www.ecosolutions.co.za
GUEST: Jonathan Haw
EcoSolutions Director
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GREEN TIP: GREEN JOBS
It's that time of year when matriculants are applying to universities and colleges and students are applying for their first job. Here are a few tips:
- Don't get too hung up on a 'green' job. Every job has the potential to be green, without being an environmental scientist. I always advise people to first and foremost look for the job best suited to them, and THEN act for the environment from that perspective. You have far more power (for good or bad) as a lawyer or banker or engineer than any number of green activists.
- Volunteer. Although you may THINK you are busy as a student, realistically, you have more free time than you will ever have again. Go and volunteer for a green NGO, in a semi-permanent capacity. This will prove immeasurably valuable when it comes time to look for a job.
- Work, doing anything. I am always astonished when I get emails from people who have just finished a Masters degree and are now looking for their first job. Student jobs teach you responsibility, how to handle a boss and customers and get you extra cash. Waiting until you graduate before looking for your first job is about 5 years too late.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP FROM HOLLYWOOD WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU
This week's Celeb Green Tip comes from Sting - and it's one for all the musicians out there.
There's been some controversy over where the wood for certain guitars comes from.
Gibson - the very well-known brand that makes Les Paul and Joe Perry guitars and countless others, strummed by the likes of Bob Dylan and BB King - has been at the heart of a criminal investigation into the wood it was using to make its guitars.
- It was accused of violating the Lacey Act - a law that has since May 2008, made it illegal to import wood that was harvested and exported illegally under another country's laws. In this case, the country was Madagascar.
Many in the domestic forest products industry support the act because studies showed that illegally harvested wood from developing countries was cheaper, undercutting American companies. Environmentalists pushed for the act to stave off deforestation abroad. Since being passed, research has reportedly shown a reduction in illegal logging worldwide.
But what happened as a result of this case was that the Republicans took it on as a cause - saying that it was an example of over-reaching by the government, and the Tea party started holding rallies to support Gibson. It's an election year, so no surprise there. But many musicians spoke out on the issue - Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravitz, Bryan Adams and the Dave Matthews Band. Sting too - all in favour of the Act. Sting had this to say:
Sting who has been active in rain-forest causes for decades said this: "I would never play a Gibson. The controversy is a wake-up call for musicians to ask where does my instrument come from?
Congress is out of tune with the majority of musicians who are committed to sustainable practices so that future generations have access to the tonewoods that provide the rich sounds that make great music."
A settlement was finally reached this week, in which Gibson has agreed to pay $350,000 and to donate $50,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to promote the protection of endangered hardwood trees, like ebony and rosewood.
WEBSITE: www.MissNtertainment.com
GUEST: Nadia Neophytou
US Correspondent
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GREEN TIP: RAINBOW WARRIOR VISITS SA
This August, the Rainbow Warrior ship will be in Cape Town and members of the public will have an opportunity to get aboard.
- She comes to South Africa fresh from the Amazon where she was involved in campaigns to stop Deforestation
- Greenpeace's newest ship is coming to Cape Town 12/08/2012
- Free ship tours open to the public on that day
- Come tour the ship, meet the crew, and have your photo taken alongside this iconic beauty
- Ship built entirely from public donations
- The Rainbow Warrior is a shining example of green ship engineering
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
The new Greenpeace ship, the Rainbow Warrior, is a real beauty. She’s on the cutting edge of environmental campaigning and leads the pack when it comes to green ship engineering.
The ship has shining white sails, and is fueled primarily by wind power, and sails the world to expose overfishing, research climate change, and stop deforestation in the Amazon.
The ship is a symbol of Greenpeace-type protests around the world, and enables us the organization to bear witness and stop environmental crimes that are endangering our planet.
The Rainbow Warrior’s eco-credentials include:
- A hull shape designed specifically for superior energy efficiency
- A-frame mast and sails - optimised for highly effective sailing
- Electric drive system (10 knots on only 300kW)
- Highest environmental standards of all engines (IMO Tier-II)
- Green ship class notation with Green Passport
- Voluntary environmental protection class notation
- Exhaust gas treatment, minimizing NOx emissions and Particulate Matters (PM)
- Biological treatment of sewage and grey water
- Central filling and venting system for fuel and oils to prevent spills
WEBSITE: www.greenpeaceafrica.org
FOR SHIP INFO: www.greenpeaceafrica.org/rw
GUEST: MIKE BAILLIE
GREENPEACE AFRICA
HEAD OF DIGITAL, GREENPEACE AFRICA
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GREEN TIP: PHILIPS – ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy efficiency is something that the hospitality industry needs to pay close attention to
· With rising electricity costs from Eskom, the cost of running a business is becoming very expensive.
· Lighting is one of the most costly energy costs that a restaurant or hotel has.
· LED Lighting can save businesses up to 80% on their lighting bill which can have a huge impact on their overall expenses.
· Philips installed award-winning LED lighting at a restaurant called Barristers in Cape Town.
o Philips Lighting won the inaugural and highly influential Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize) from the U.S. Department of Energy, for designing a 10 watt LED bulb to replace a 60 watt incandescent bulb.
o The LED bulb developed by Philips Lighting - which consumed 83% less energy than a 60 watt incandescent - was the first and only submission to the competition that met or exceeded the Department of Energy’s specification for a “super” lamp that could take efficiency and performance to a higher level.
Philips Lighting has a variety of lighting products specific for the hospitality industry – from LED cold/fridge lighting, to the DimTone – which adds a dimming feature to LED lighting to give restaurants a warmer feeling, etc.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
Philips is a leader in LED Lighting and is committed to educating our world about the importance of energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint through responsible lighting. Philips Lighting works closely with its customers to determine their lighting requirements and assists them to streamline their lighting in order to enhance the customer experience whilst making energy usage more efficient and being more responsible in their treatment of the environment.
For more information, go to: www.lighting.philips.co.za
GUEST: JOHN WESTERMEYER MARKETING MANAGER PHILIPS LIGHTING AFRICA PHILIPS LIGHTING SOUTH AFRICA
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GREEN TIP: SCIENCE VIDEOS
With the landing of the Mars Rover Curiousity, Simon and his son spent some timeon Youtube watching a variety of science related clips applicable to 9 year olds.
Since a solid foundation in science is step one for environmental conciousness, I thought I would share some of the better channels with you:
Minute Physics: www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics
- Very accessable physics. Probably best suited for teens
Bill Nywe the Science guy: www.youtube.com/user/therealbillnye
- Excellent American TV scientist who makes all manner of scientific questions accesable.
NASA: www.youtube.com/user/NASAtelevision
- Brilliants weekly news from NASA
50|50: www.youtube.com/user/5050channel
- South African science and environmental stories
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP FROM HOLLYWOOD WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU
Voting closes on Monday for the Most Responsible Celebrity at the International Green Awards.
The nominees are:
- ( ) George Clooney
- ( ) Penelope Cruz
- ( ) Ian Somerhalder
- ( ) Livia Firth
- ( ) Sachin Tendulkar
- ( ) Vivienne Westwood
- ( ) Pierre-Yves Cousteau
- ( ) Erykah Badu
- ( ) Zhou Xun
- ( ) Nadya Hutagalung
Nadia will talk through some of the big names and why they're on the list. George Clooney, Penelope Cruz, Ian Somerhalder.
Last year model Gisele Bundchen won.
The International Green Awards will roll out the green carpet at a gala dinner on 20th November 2012 at the iconic Battersea Power Station, London.
Voting closes 6 August. This Monday! I have more details on my blog - MissNtertainment.com (Miss Entertainment - Without the E!)
WEBSITE: www.missntertainment.com
GUEST: Nadia Neophytou
US Correspondent
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GREEN TIP: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CAN SUSTAINABLY DRIVE SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMY
Initiated by the Department of Science & Technology, National Science Week (28 July – 4 August) is a country wide celebration of science
Theme this year is the role of science in economic development
Despite the fact that science, technology and engineering are scarce skills in the country, Sci-Bono is making an impact in the global science arena – SKA & Atlas – Cern project, innovations in TB medication, nanotechnology water filters,
Projects like SKA can fuel development in a variety of fields, bring scientists to our country, improve our internet access speed
SA needs to develop a knowledge economy – needs to improve our science and technology results, need to develop its own scientists
National Science Week
- Aimed at schools and the general public, science centres and universities across the country are involved in promoting science and technology through engaging activities, workshops, presentations and exhibitions
- Goals are to incite curiosity; highlight the role of science in daily life; inspire youth about exciting careers in the sciences
Sci-Bono highlights:
- Taking science to the streets with daily science shows at Beyers Naude Square on the corner of Simmonds and Market Street.
- Book launch tonight of “Searching African Skies” with author, Sarah Wild (science editor at the Business Day) and Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor;
- Leading a discussion on the critical role of communicating science in the South African context.
- Family day on Saturday 8 August.
- hands on workshops,
- And a very dynamic performance that shares info about one of SA’s most exciting science project that promises to play a critical role in promoting economic development – the SKA
- Interactive theatre performance designed by ShakeXperience to introduce youth to radio astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). “Astro Detectives” takes place at both 11h30 and 13h30.
For the Cape Town audience – the Cape Town Science which this year relocated to Observatory has an equally exciting programme with
- Science Rocks a FREE event on Friday night from 5 to 8pm with leading DJ's and musicians and the latest music technology from Roland.
- Saturday - FAMILY FUN DAY -
- Full programme on our website www.ctsc.org.za
WEBSITE: www.sci-bono.co.za
GUEST:
THANDI O’HAGAN
THE SCI-BONO DISCOVERY CENTRE
PR & MARKETING MANAGER
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GREEN TIP: TRADITIONAL WOOD PELLETS
Pellets are compressed wood. The idea that wood makes a great fuel source is ancient, but pellet manufacturers are transforming the process to make wood burn more cleanly and efficiently. Much of the pellet material comes from waste sawdust, shavings, and chips remaining after lumber production; this waste is then compacted into tiny, dense pellets, which burn more efficiently than other forms of wood. Pellets are manufactured with 100% biological materials pressed through small holes in a spherical machine that binds the pellets together.
POINT FORM SUMMARY
- Green Pellet stoves and fireplaces use a sustainable alternative energy source.
- Wood pellets are made from compressed sawdust and wood waste sourced from the off cuts and waste wood from South Africa’s sustainable timber industry and alien vegetation.
- The stoves and fireplaces that burn these wood pellets also offer strong environmental benefits;
- The pellets not only reduce dependence on finite supplies of fossil fuels like oil and gas, but they also put to good use materials that would otherwise add to our waste disposal problems. Pellet stoves burn very cleanly and offer the lowest emissions of unwanted pollutants of all solid fuel burning appliances.
- Wood pellets are net neutral—generating no increased greenhouse gas emissions—if the pellet source material comes from sustainably managed forests or forestry residuals
- In Europe more factories, housing complexes and office buildings are using wood pellets to provide heat on a larger scale,
- Wlectric utility coal plants in Europe have begun incorporating wood pellets in their production process because of government mandates for pollution and greenhouse gas emissions regulation.
WEBSITE: www.calorefireplacesandstoves.co.za
GUEST: paolo CARLONE
CALORE - ITALCOTTO
MARKETING AND SALES DIRECTOR
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GREEN TIP: INTERNATIONAL BARCODE OF LIFE PROJECT- IBOL
The barcoding project of the NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, in collaboration with the African Centre for DNA Barcoding (ACDB) and the International Barcode of Life project (IBOL) aims to process and submit representative samples (3-5) from all known species in South Africa (both Invasive and Indigenous) to the IBOL project for the creation of an international barcode library, that will facilitate the logging of diversity, the identification of species and the direction of future research.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
DNA barcoding is similar to normal product barcoding in your supermarket. a section of a particular gene for all species is sequenced and the nuclotide sequence of this gene segment creates a "barcode" for that particular species.
To determine the species identity of an unknown sample- the exact same region can be sequence by gene and compare to the barcodes in the database (BOLD).
Developing the DNA barcode library is a critical first step required to make the DNA barcode available as a ‘tool’ for use by biologists, ecologists and environmental impact assessment
The BOLD (Barcode of Life Database) database is being systematically built from all over the world through the supply of confirmed sequences, or through tissue being sent through to the central DNA Barcoding centres for analysis and data addition to the database.
BOLD records and manages the barcode data and where users can then match their new sequences, for confirming species names or identifying gaps in the sequence data (representing a new species or new species discovery) requiring further research and taxonomic investigation.
This project will contribute to the DNA Barcode of Life database by linking voucher specimens with molecular data, so confirming the usefulness of DNA barcoding for identifying ‘hard-to-identify’ species of South Africa.
Theoretically - the end product is a handheld barcoder, that can identify a specimen from its DNA in the field (although this is quite some time and much work away).
WEBSITE: NZG (www.nzg.ac.za) IBOL (www.ibol.org)
GUEST : DR. HELENE STEENKAMP
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS (NZG) PRETORIA
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GREEN TIP: Rhino Action Group Effort Campaign
Simon will be chatting about the new RAGE campaign. RMB and LEADSA have combined to raise money for the fight against rhino poaching. I've attached the release below.
- We can also chat about what RAGE is and what they do
- How is the fight against rhino poaching going
- How people and NGOs can get involved
- More details on http://www.rhinoactiongroup.org
RHINO NEAL KIDNAPPED!
For the past few weeks, Rhino Neal, Rand Merchant Bank’s famous Rhino mascot, has been proudly displayed next to the Rhino Billboard, on RMB’s 3 Merchant Place building right across from the Primedia offices. Rhino Neal represents the desperate plight of South Africa’s Rhino population. Now kidnappers have taken him from his spot, and RAGE needs your help.
In an unprecedented drive to generate resources to fight the scourge of illegal rhino poaching, RAGE has gained the support of Rand Merchant Bank, communications, advertising and design company Stick Communications and Primedia for this campaign.
Your donations will symbolically help to free Rhino Neal – but, very literally, make a huge difference in the fight against the slaughter of our rhinos. RAGE was designed to be a safe conduit for public contributions to this cause, whether they be financial, material or in the form of skills and information.
Your contributions will get your business and your brand named as a supporter of this important national effort. Corporate donations of R200 000 or more will earn your logo a place on the RAGE billboard on 3 Merchant Place, one of the Rand Merchant Bank buildings, in the heart of Sandton’s financial district – while getting resources directly to those who fight the organised poaching networks.
This is a unique opportunity for you to get involved and show how the power of corporate business, along with people who care, can make a meaningful contribution to keeping our rhinos safe. Click here to donate
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Cheryl Hunter on chimeracoms@gmail.com or 082-441-6070 .
Other contact details:
The Crime Line toll-free hotline: 0800 205 005 (National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit)
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: OLYMPICS-LONDON RAISES BAR ON GREENING THE GAMES (REUTERS)
More than 200 hectares of land have been razed and redeveloped for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and 45 of those have been given over to creating new wildlife habitats for a variety of fauna - including kingfishers, bats, otters and grass snakes - while much of the rest has been left as parkland.
The urban park project is one of Europe's biggest in 150 years, according to the Olympic Development Authority (ODA) and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), and is part of ODA's efforts to keep its promise to make the Games the greenest to date.
Thousands of semi-mature trees were planted - aspen, crack willow, holm oak and silver birch - as were hundreds of thousands of wetland plants and other species, and more than 10 hectares of annual and perennial meadows.
TARGETS FOR THE LONDON OLYMPIC GAMES
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) encourages host cities to address how they will handle the environmental impact of the Games in their planning, but does not insist on targets - Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 all had environmental plans whose ambition varied widely.
"London 2012 embedded sustainability in its planning from the start," said Emmanuelle Moreau, an IOC spokesman.
- The Olympic Development Authority matched or beat most of its sustainable development targets, such as those for carbon emissions, waste and energy efficiency, the independent commission said in a June report.
- One target promised a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions from construction in the Olympic Park compared to levels set out in 2006 building regulations.
- Others called for permanent buildings to be at least 15 percent more energy efficient, and for at least 90 percent of demolition waste to be reused or recycled.
- Some 2 million tonnes of the area's soil was cleaned on site to remove contaminates such as oil, petrol, tar, arsenic and lead, while London's Velodrome is twice as energy-efficient as it needed to be.
- Many of the venues, bridges and structures to accommodate an expected 11 million visitors to the London Games can be disassembled, downsized and relocated afterwards.
Rio is already working on ways to cut traffic congestion and reduce emissions ahead of the 2016 Games, and its sustainability team has been in contact with London.
Environmentalists say the International Olympic Committee should set higher standards and require all future host cities to take on measurable targets.
Until that happens, London - they say - is likely to remain the green benchmark by default.
celeb news
The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Jonathan Nolan and the story with David S. Goyer.
Featuring the DC Comics character Batman, the film is the third and final installment in Nolan's Batman film trilogy, and is a sequel to Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008).
Christian Bale reprises the lead role of Bruce Wayne/Batman, with a returning cast of Michael Caine as Alfred Pennyworth, Gary Oldman as James Gordon, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, and Cillian Murphy as Dr. Jonathan Crane.
The film introduces the character of Selina Kyle, played by Anne Hathaway, a cat burglar whose appearance in Gotham City sets in motion a chain of events that will lead Batman to come out of retirement, and Bane, played by Tom Hardy, the story's antagonist.
GUEST: Nadia Neophytou
US Correspondent
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GREEN TIP: WITH SIMON GEAR
Simon has been hanging out with Anthony Turton and it occurs to him that we need to get a whole lot clever about our water in SA.
Here's five steps:
- If you are building or doing extensive renovations, set up a duel water system, routing grey water back to flush toilets.
- Stop watering your lawn, ever. Lawns are supposed to die off in winter. Watering them is a spectacular waste.
- If you have to water your garden to keep it green, you have the wrong plants in their. At this time of year, aloes are flowering so even winter gardens can be colourful.
- Showers. Baths are inherently dirty things. Plus, you can add a flow restrictor and cut your shower water use by 30% without even noticing.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP FROM HOLLYWOOD WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU:
THE ROLE OF SCIENCE-FCTION IN HELPING THE WORLD DEVELOPS AND FIND SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS, LIKE CONSERVING THE PLANET.
Nadia spoke with legendary actress, Jodie Foster at Comic-Con. She stars in Elysium - the new movie from District 9 director Neill Blomkamp.
Foster's films have spanned a wide variety of genres, from family films to horror.
In addition to her two Academy Awards, she has won three BAFTA Awards for two films, two Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a People's Choice Award, and has received two Emmy nominations.
CELEB NEWS
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences released the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Award nominations Thursday morning and—as is the case every year—several viewer favorites were absent from the list.
With 60 nods, CBS led the non-cable networks in overall nominations, while HBO received the most for cable networks with 81.
- Of particular interest, the nominees for Outstanding Drama include AMC’s “Mad Men,” PBS’ “Downton Abbey,” AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” Showtime’s “Homeland” and HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
HBO’s “Veep,” NBC’s “30 Rock,” CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory,” HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” ABC’s “Modern Family” and HBO’s “Girls” earned nods as this year’s Outstanding Comedy nominees.
NEW MOVIE OUT THIS WEEKEND WITH HARRY POTTER STAR
The Woman in Black, an Edwardian period horror film starring Daniel Radcliffe, is so thick with foggy atmosphere that you almost miss the faint whiff of the ridiculous in the air. This is a film that considers no haunted house cliché too threadbare to use, but that manages to be chilling despite the familiarity of its tropes.
- The Woman in Black forms part of the ongoing revival of Hammer Films — the British studio that once dominated the genre with its Hammer House of Horror movies. It’s a good, old-fashioned ghost story that is light on gore and long on suspense. Though not of the same quality as, say, The Devil’s Backbone, The Others or A Tale of Two Sisters, it will please anyone looking for something similar.
The film is based on Susan Hill’s beloved 1983 novel of the same name, which was adapted into a play in 1989 that still runs on London’s West End. In his first major role since Harry Potter, Radcliffe takes the part of Arthur Kipps, a London solicitor widowed during the birth of his son.
GUEST: Nadia Neophytou
US Correspondent
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU:
The 43rd annual Comic-Con International pop-culture convention officially began Thursday, but those with four-day passes got a peek at the convention-center floor Wednesday night.
- Fans swarmed the massive space, filling their oversized convention tote bags with free souvenirs and limited-edition toys available only at Comic-Con.
"For nerds, Comic-Con is a total safe zone," said Chris Hardwick, TV host and founder of Nerdist.com. "A lot of times, you have to keep the stuff you're passionate about at bay, but here, it's the fun, safe zone, where you get to be as open about your loves as possible."
South Africa has some interests at Comic-Con - the new movie by District 9 director, Neill Blomkamp called Elysium, and the last Twilight film.
ELYSIUM is an upcoming science fiction film written and directed by Neill Blomkamp.
- It is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2013.
GUEST: NADIA NEOPHYTOU
US CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: PLASTICS SA ANNOUNCES CLEAN UP AND RECYCLE COMPETITION FOR SCHOOLS
Plastis|SA and partners such as Plastics Industry, WESSA, KZN Wildlife. Sasol , Pick n Pay and various sport activities such as mountaineers, hikers, canoeist, fisherman and divers…are all geared up to Clean-up SA during the Cleanup and Recycle Week which includes Recycling day SA on Friday 14 September and the International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, 15 September.
CLEANUP AND RECYCLE 2012
- Date: 10-15 September 2012
- Call for action…we all can get involved to support to cleanup SA and support recycling activities at your school, community and business
- For more info on “what can I do” go to:www.recyclingday-sa.co.za
- To find your nearest drop-off point for recyclables go to: www.mywaste.co.za
GUEST:
DOUW STEYN
DIRECTOR SUSTAINABILITY
PLASTICS|SA
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GREEN TIP: RECOGNIZING ANTIQUES FOR THEIR GENUINE GREEN HALLMARK AND INVESTING IN ANTIQUES THAT ARE SUSTAINABLE, RE-USABLE, RE-SALEABLE AND ABOVE ALL THAT WILL INCREASE IN VALUE OVER TIME.
With most antique furniture its carbon footprint has long been eradicated – the Antiques are Green movement invests in the future by recycling the past.
- Many of the precious woods used in antique furniture are endangered so investing in antiques and preserving them for future generations makes ‘green’ sense.
- Recognize the environmental contribution you can make by investing in antiques that have stood the test of time rather than modern furniture that depletes our resources.
- Antiques are Green collecting spans the full range of collecting – from furniture, old books and prints.
- Visit the National Antiques Faire at the Sandton Convention Centre from the 20 – 22nd July to see some of the beautiful woods that have been preserved as antiques for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Antique fairs at Nelson Mandela Square, Hyde Park Corner, Melrose House Museum Antiques Fair and the prestigious annual National Antiques Faire which takes place from the 20 – 22nd July at the Sandton Convention Centre
WEBSITE: www.naada.co.za
GUEST: CLYDE TERRY
AN ANTIQUES DEALER AND ORGANISER OF ALL THE MAJOR ANTIQUE FAIRS IN GAUTENG
NATIONAL ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE ARTS ASSOCIATION |
GREEN TIP: HEIRLOOM VEGGIES
Heirloom vegetables are old varieties of food plants that have evolved and survived through careful seed saving, often passed down through generations of farmers and gardeners. They differ from modern hybrid plants which were developed to meet the needs of industrial agriculture, such as uniform size, attractive appearance, and keeping well over long distance transportation. In contrast, heritage plants were bred to grow well in local climates, and valued for their flavour and use in the kitchen. As a result, heritage plants often don’t look like supermarket fruit and vegetables, or last long in the fridge.
But devoted growers say their amazing flavours and unique colours and shapes (purple carrots, stripey tomatoes, miniature melons) make them truly special and an interesting addition to any vegetable garden.
There are so many more sources for heirloom vegetable seeds and seedlings in South Africa than there were a couple years ago, so there’s no reason not to experiment with the colours and flavours of these old-time varieties.
Online sources for Heirloom veggies:
- The Harvest Share
This is a small project I run with my friends Pia and Liz, where in conjunction with local gardening non-profit Soil
- For Life, we sell heirloom vegetable seedlings on a seasonal, once-off basis to local gardeners. Our winter seedling share ran successfully last month, and hopefully a summer seedling share will be happening in September/October. Sign up for notifications on our website, linked above.
- Living Seeds
Living Seeds is South Africa’s largest supplier of locally grown heirloom and open pollinated vegetable seeds. We are dedicated to saving yesterdays seed, growing and using them today, while preserving them for the benefit of future gardeners.
- The Gravel Garden
The Gravel Garden was created by Shannon Draper, from Somerset West. Sharon grows, saves and supplies a large variety of open-pollinated heirloom organic vegetable seeds, which she sells online.
- Mahlathini Organics
Mahlathini Organics offers a small (but expanding) selection of vegetable, herb and flower seeds that they have carefully cultivated for the South African grower. All seed is open pollinated, and many are heirloom varieties
- Sought After Seedlings
The South African distributor of Italian-produced Franchi Sementi seeds. They also sell seedlings in the Jo’burg region.
- The Ethical Co-op
The Ethical Co-op is a social enterprise that allows members to order food online. It offers a range of food seeds from various local suppliers.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: NO AUDIO
Author Don DeLillo, who wrote the novels White Noise and Cosmopolis, which is coming out soon as a movie starring Robert Pattinson, will debut his one-act play about climate chance in London next week.
It's called The Word for Snow, and is an unpublished play that will premiere in London on Tuesday. Nadia will elaborate on his reasoning behind this as my Celeb Green Tip. Basically - it was originally commissioned by a US theatre company in 2007, and is DeLillo's response to climate change and tells of an Earth where the physical world is disappearing, with only the words describing that world left in their place. The title is drawn from a question asked during the play: "Are you saying children will build a snowman with the word for snow?"
CELEB NEWS: AUDIO FOR THE DICTATOR
The Dictator, starring Sascha Baron Cohen as the fictitious ruler General Alladeen, releases in SA today.
- The Dictator is a 2012 comedy film co-written by and starring Sacha Baron Cohen as his fourth feature film in a leading role.
- The film is directed by Larry Charles, who previously directed Baron Cohen's mockumentaries Borat and Brüno. Cohen, in the role of Admiral General Aladeen, the dictator of the fictional Republic of Wadiya visiting the United States, stars alongside Anna Faris and Ben Kingsley.
Nadia spoke to the film’s star: Sacha Baron Cohen who plays Admiral General Aladeen and his impostor Efawadh.
- Latest on Katie Holmes/Tom Cruise story is making front page news of some of the papers here in NY. Where to from here?
GUEST: NADIA NEOPHYTOU
US CORRESPONDENT
EWN
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GREEN TIP: 2012 Eco-Logic awards – call for nominations
Entries now open for the 2012 Eco-Logic Awards
Hosted by The Enviropaedia in association with SABC3
The 2012 Eco-Logic Awards are now open for nominations.
- The Enviropaedia initiated this event in 2011 to recognise and honour the individuals, organisations and communities that practice eco-logical thinking and values through a product, service or initiative that helps protect and preserve the Earth and its eco-systems.
- This year’s winners will be announced at a ‘Glamorously Green Gala Dinner’ at The Cradle of Humankind, Maropeng on September 27, 2012.
2012 Eco-Logic Awards Categories:
- The Water Conservation Award aving.
- The Energy Saving Award
- The Transport Award
- The Recycling Award
- The Biodiversity Award
- The Climate Change Award
- The Youth Award
- The Eco-Angel Award.
- The Water Conservation Award.
- The Energy Saving Award
- The Transport Award.
- The Recycling Award
- The Biodiversity Award
- The Climate Change Award.
- The Youth Award
- The Eco-Angel Award
- The Eco-Warrior Award
- The Eco-Innovation Award
- Eco-Community Award
- The Lifetime achievement Award
- The Lifetime achievement Award
WEBSITE: www.enviropaedia.com
GUEST:
DAVID PARRY-DAVIES
ENVIROPAEDIA
PUBLISHING EDITOR
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GREEN TIP: CAPE TOWN SCIENCE CENTRE
Our children need to make good decisions. However children (any decision maker) need to see the value of implementing green tips / adopting habits that are good for the environment, otherwise the extent to which they do it will only be the extent to which they are forced to do it.
- If something does not make sense you will not be motivated to do it...... you must believe it adopt it....
- We must remember, we are asking children to do something that is possibly contrary to what they have been doing or have been asked to do before
- Some researchers even refer to it as "Border Crossing" - crossing from one country to another - changing habits - science centre's through helping them understand why they need 'to cross the border' help them to start adopting better behavioural habits e.g. recycling, water and energy conservation etc.
A visit to a science centre is about hand-on engagement, where the child is part of the lesson, experiential learning......
- Confucius said...... I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand
Activities and programmes implemented at the science centre do this - the child becomes part of the lesson - card games on climate change, building solar powered cars, playing computer games to power a city using the different types of sustainable energy (similar to a SIMS game), Interactive exhibitions, taking part in environment themed robotic competitions which require research and understanding of the environment...
Science centres show visitors how science is part of their everyday life, science centres make science RELEVANT
WEBSITE: www.ctsc.org.za
GUEST:
JULIE CLEVERDON
CAPE TOWN SCIENCE CENTRE
CEO
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GREEN TIP: WINTER WARMING
Every year around this time Simon has people asking me about how to best warm their houses. Here are some electricity friendly solutions:
Zero rand:
- Close your doors
- Exclude drafts
- Close your curtains at 5pm and opne them at 7am
A few hundred rand:
- Gas heater
- Electric blanket
- microwave bed bean bag
A few thousand rand
- Double insulate your roof space.
SIMON GEAR, PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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| This week's Celeb Green Tip is a little bizarre, a little different from the usual, and it comes from South Africa's first environmentalist, via filmmaker Uga Lisa Carlini.
Uga was part of a group of South Africans who travelled to NYC recently, to promote their movie projects.
Her film centres on a story that broke in the Huisgenoot when she was 8 years old, in which South Africa's first known environmentalist, Elizabeth Klarar spoke about the relationship she had with an alien - she said she was impregnated by him and the child stayed on the planet, Meton. Klarer recalled that she had been receiving occasional telepathic messages from a friendly space alien named Akon since childhood.
It's a crazy, incredible story that Uga has created a documentary about called Good Planets are Hard To Find, which is a saying Elizabeth apparently had become known for saying.
Nadia spoke to Uga and asked her what Elizabeth, who was born in 1910, would have said today.
GUEST: VIA SKYPE
NADIA NEOPHYTOU
US CORRESPONDENT
EWN
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GREEN TIP: ELLIES RENEWABLE ENERGY SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES P1
The majority of South African’s often use the cheapest shower-head they can find in their spare rooms and servant quarters; these are often the WORST water-guzzling units we find.
- The payback period when changing you showerhead is often between 1 – 3 months (You get all the money you spend on the showerhead back in as quick as 1 – 3 months)
- A family of 2 can save as much as R1500/year on their electricity bill by changing one showerhead
- Water is going to be our next and bigger challenge; energy efficient showerheads not only save electricity but water too!
Easiest way of saving electricity in your home is changing your showerhead
- The majority of showerheads in SA use between 15l/min – 28l/min
- The higher the water usage per minute, the more hot water you use
- Heating water uses electricity
- Thus the less water per minute consumed, the less water in total used, the less electricity in total is consumed
- Research shows that shower-times are mostly habitual; an adult showers for “x” minutes, a teenager for “y”, etc.
- A good energy-efficient showerhead feels very similar to an old type “water-guzzling” showerhead
WEBSITE: www.ellies.co.za
GUEST:
GARY WILTSHIRE
HEAD OF ELLIES RENEWABLE ENERGY
ELLIES |
GREEN TIP: SMART CITIES SUMMIT - 5 WAYS THE SMART CITY WILL CHANGE HOW AFRICA LIVES
The Smart Cities Summit is taking place in in Durban on 10,11,12 July 2012
Imagine waking up in a house that practically runs itself, a low-carbon city where traffic congestion is almost non-existent, neighbourhoods are safer, and you can just use a single card or tag to do almost everything from buying groceries to paying your bus fare. Sounds too farfetched for Africa? It’s actually not.
1. Intelligent Transport Systems
A HIGHLY EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS A KEY COMPONENT OF A SMART CITY. Building new roads and lanes to deal with rising traffic volumes and traffic congestion is not enough anymore. Cars are getting more intelligent and therefore the roads have to follow suit. And they are. Globally, countries are building intelligence into the roads and the cars – with roadside sensors, radio frequency tags, and global positioning systems. South Africa is on par.
2. Smart Government
IN MANY WAYS, SOUTH AFRICA HAS BEEN AHEAD OF THE GAME in trying to create a smart government through the implementation of the e-Government strategy, which was meant to improve its interaction with its citizens and enable them to access services and information by a mere click of a button from a single portal. This would have been convenient, lessened the need for hard copy forms, eliminated the necessity for physical travel to government departments, and hopefully improved record keeping through computerisation.
3. Smarter Buildings
THE NUMBER OF GREEN BUILDINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA, many of them commercial, is on the increase, says the Green Building Council of South Africa. According to the 2010 National Association of Realtors Home Buyer and Seller Survey, 88 percent of home buyers looked for houses that had energy efficient characteristics like central heating and cooling systems when purchasing homes, 71 percent highlighted the desire for energy efficient appliances, and 69 percent wanted energy efficient lighting. Propelling this change in lifestyle is newly introduced energy efficiency building regulations that now make it compulsory for the construction industry to adopt environmentally considerate methods.
WHAT REALLY MAKES A CITY? ITS PEOPLE. The changes in shape, size, engineering and governance aside, cities of the future will not be any different. So it is the quality of people that is going to increasingly begin to matter. Soon, competition will be intense among cities to attract and retain the best brains in the word that (hopefully) also bring smart ideas and solutions.
GUEST:
DEIRDRE O' NEILL
SMART CITIES SUMMIT
TEAM LEADER
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GREEN TIP: Role of Celebrities in the green environment
GUEST:
ANA-MARIA VALENTE
DICTUM PUBLISHERS
DIRECTOR
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GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU ….
This week's Celeb Green Tip is a little bizarre, a little different from the usual, and it comes from South Africa's first environmentalist, via filmmaker Uga Lisa Carlini.
Uga was part of a group of South Africans who travelled to NYC recently, to promote their movie projects.
Her film centres on a story that broke in the Huisgenoot when she was 8 years old, in which South Africa's first known environmentalist, Elizabeth Klarar spoke about the relationship she had with an alien - she said she was impregnated by him and the child stayed on the planet, Meton. Klarer recalled that she had been receiving occasional telepathic messages from a friendly space alien named Akon since childhood.
It's a crazy, incredible story that Uga has created a documentary about called Good Planets are Hard To Find, which is a saying Elizabeth apparently had become known for saying.
Nadia spoke to Uga and asked her what Elizabeth, who was born in 1910, would have said today.
GUEST: NADIA NEOPHYTOU
US CORRESPONDENT
EWN |
GREEN TIP: EFFECT OF WIND FARMS ON BATS
- Wind energy is one of the leading candidates to produce ‘clean’ energy in South Africa
- Wind energy has a serious impact on bat and bird populations
- However at some wind farms bat deaths outnumber bird deaths by 10 to 1 because not only can bats collide with wind turbine blades but they are also affected by baratrauma (fatal damage caused to their lungs by low pressure near the turbine blade tips)
- Thorough, standardized data must be collected at wind farms to better understand why this is happening and how we can prevent or mitigate the potential damage
- Public can contribute to this knowledge by reporting any sightings of bats and sending in photographs of them and also registering as an ‘interested and affected party’ if they have concerns about a proposed wind farm construction in their area
GUEST:
KATH POTGIETER
THE ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST
SENIOR FIELD OFFICE IN THE WILDLIFE AND ENERGY PROGRAMME |
GREEN TIP: MR LITTER & FRIENDS
Mr. Sikhumbuzo Christopher Khumalo who is based here in Pietermaritzburg, someone is very passionate about environmental education of this country am an entertainer,educator,an author of childrens book titled : " Mr.litter & Friends”.
The book is based on recycling,conservation and pollution so far the response has been very incredible from learner,educators and parents the animated movie was shown on SABC 1 last year on the 25 of July 2011.
This character has been to schools,community halls offering his edutainment programme to the niche market which are school children loved what they heard and saw.
The impact was very positive and the message of preserving nature was well received from the audiences coming from all walks of life been to different schools from both rural and urban.
The book has sold 3000 copies is available at Vanschaik (online), Adamsbookstores and Bookworld and it is so important to teach children and adult about littering at all times it is our responsibility.
GUEST:
SIKHUMBUZO KHUMALO
AUTHOR
MR LITTER & FRIENDS |
GREEN TIP: SAVING RHINO PHILA
Saving Rhino Phila is a documentary about the rescue of Phila, a rhino, from ruthless poachers. The documentary can be seen on youtube.com with the title ‘Saving Rhino Phila’
- From deep within a conflict emerges a powerful emotional story of survival. A new breed of poachers has recently gone to war on South Africa’s rhino population and against all odds; one rhino has survived their bullets. Her name is Phila.
Phila's story lures us into a world of organized crime and millionaire poachers, armed to the teeth with automatic weapons, helicopters and night vision goggles.
A host of offbeat characters are drawn into Phila’s world: From her owner and his shattered dreams to wildlife veterinarians arrested for poaching. From crack police units to glamorous landowners lacing their rhino’s horns with poison.
- It’s a rollercoaster ride complete with surprising twists in a conflict that is not as simple as it seems on the surface. And Phila has inadvertently become the symbol of hope in this war where the survival of her species is literally at stake.
GUEST: RICHARD SLATER-JONES
DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER
FREELANCE DIRECTOR (BUT DID THIS FILM WITH TRIOSPHERE FOR NHU AFRICA) |
GREEN TIP: CELL PHONES
The biggest battle for mankind in our effort to live sustainably is to move away from a consumerist culture - buying new things just for the sake of it. An excellent example are cell phones. The entire cellphone industry is designed to make you think that you have to have a new cell phone every two years. And you pay through the nose for thse phones.
If you are coming to the end of your contract, consider the following:
- give notice to your service provider that you will be cancelling the contract at the soonest availability
- convert your phone to pay as you go (perhaps even porting to the chepaes option).
- continue to use your old phone, but now under the new payment regime.
Not only will you not be consuming a new, unnessecary cell phone every 24 months, but you will be saving yourself a packet of money. I decreased my cell phone bill by 80% using this method. Even if you have to buy a new cell phone, this will still be cheaper than being on contract.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT |
GREEN TIP: CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU …. LONDON OLYMPICS.
This week's Celeb Green Tip is centered on the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 Olympics.
Slum dog Millioanire Director - Danny Boyle is in charge of it, but Nadia is in London and will talk about the green aspects of it.
This Olympics is being touted as the greenest to date, and Nadia can talk about the overall theme of One Planet, and the theme of the opening ceremony, which is dubbed The Isles of Wonder.
She can also talk about the atmosphere here - moving from the Jubilee to the Games.
GUEST: NADIA NEOPHYTOU
US CORRESPONDENT
EWN
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GREEN TIP: SANBI'S ispot ONLINE PORTAL LAUNCH
iSpot Southern Africa was officially launched by the South African National Biodiversity Institute at a celebratory dinner last night which formed part of the Biodiversity Information Management Forum.
iSpot is an online biodiversity application where all citizens, from taxonomists to the domestic gardener, can participate in biodiversity recording, monitoring and identification. Says Carmel Mbizvo, Head of Biodiversity Research and Knowledge Management, SANBI, “It is vital for us to include all citizens within the science of nature and to democratise biodiversity,” iSpot forms part of a suite of initiatives involving citizens in biodiversity science. iSpot is unique in that it encompasses all biodiversity and other iSpot users identify and verify observations.
iSpot is a buzzing space on the web where all nature enthusiasts can share their knowledge and help each other identify species from the vast array of plant life to retiles and coleopteran.
- Carmel continues, “If you can give something a name, it becomes meaningful to individuals, and in this way iSpot will be able to make nature meaningful to southern Africa citizens.”
- iSpot is user-driven and provides a fun way to progress from being a novice in species identification to a learned expert.
- The site is also linked to the Encyclopaedia of Life and the SANBI Red List of Plants.
WEBSITE : www.sanbi.org / www.ispot.org.za
GUEST: SELWYN WILLOUGHBY
DIRECTOR: BIODIVERSITY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY INSTITUTE
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GREEN TIP: GLOBAL WIND DAY
Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on 15 June. It is a day for discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world.
It is also a day for discovery of the work that has already begun by pioneers around the world. In more than 75 countries around the world, wind farms are in operation, generating energy from a clean and renewable source.
Thousands of individuals are involved in the production of energy from the wind, but for many people, wind energy is a mystery. Global Wind Day is the day when you can visit wind farms, meet experts, attend events and find out everything you want to know about wind energy.
The message for Global Wind Day this year is:
- Conserve power
- Wind turbines as a key renewable energy
- Long term energy policy
Additional background :
Neal Petersen is an award winning author, around the world solo racing yachtsman, global investor, and international keynote speaker known for delivering thought-provoking messages which captivate and engage audiences. His life story, uniquely delivered, moves people emotionally, inspiring them to make long-term, substantial changes in their personal and professional lives.
WEBSITE : www.No-Barriers.com
GUEST: NEAL PETERSEN
NO BARRIERS INTERNATIONAL |
GREEN TIP: 5050 Back On Air
5050 is back on air tonight and Simon would like to give it a punt as they start the new season.
Simon would also like to advise people on how to approach us if they have a story that is worth covering:
They can email him at simon@5050.co.za
The stories need to have a protagonist (ie someone they can follow around).
- Be visually pleasing or spectacular.
- Stories that can be told in Afrikaans have a far higher chance of getting accepted.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
PRIMEDIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: TIPS FOR KEEPING WARM WITHOUT TURNING UP THE HEAT
This weekend is our introduction to winter - here are a few tips to help you stay warm in the colder months while continuing to support green living.
- Wearing appropriate clothing helps you brave the cold and practice green living. Choose long pants, long sleeves, and dress in layers. Don't forget to keep something (socks, slippers, shoes) on your feet. And if you really want to stay warm and practice green living, wear a hat. Your mother always used to say that heat is lost through your head, and it turns out she was right!
- Cook or bake hot food! Eating hot food, and even more turning on the oven in the first place, will make you warmer. Why not sit in the kitchen and read while you're cooking? Of course, for green living you should not turn the oven on just for heat which is not at all efficient. If you're planning to cook dinner anyway though, why not revel in the heat?
- Get up close and personal. For a fun means toward green living, grab your spouse, significant other, kids, best friend, or pet and curl up together on the couch under a blanket. What better way is there to stay warm?
- Be active. Dance around or use the stair stepper to get your heart rate and metabolism going. Let your own body contribute more heat.
GUEST: CAMILA BATH
REPORTER
EWN
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GREEN TIP: WESSA – WORLD ENVIRONMENT WEEK
South Africa performs dismally in a global environmental public health and ecosystem vitality assessment.
A report which has been released by Yale University and Columbia University in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Joint Centre of the European Commission has painted a very disturbing picture of the effectiveness of environmental management in South Africa. The report assessed 132 countries and ranked them according to the Environmental Performance Index
(EPI) which essentially tracks both environmental public health as well as ecosystem vitality against ten policy categories:
- Environmental Burden of Disease • Biodiversity and Habitat
- Water (effects on human health) • Forestry
- Air Pollution (effects on human health) • Fisheries
- Air Pollution (ecosystem effects) • Agriculture
- Water Resources (ecosystem effects) • Climate Change
South Africa was ranked 128 and was recognized as one of the countries with the fastest rate of environmental decline.
- The twenty two indicators that were used in the assessment highlight glaring concerns, and ones which require urgent intervention. All of the concerns identified in the assessment correlate to ones that have been identified by WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and are part of our core focus areas.
- What is also problematic is that South Africa is recognized as having some of the most progressive environmental legislation on the planet and yet, as this study shows, the implementation of this legislation seems to be woefully inadequate.
We can no longer ignore the fact that a degrading environment has direct impacts on human health and well being. The study reaffirms WESSAs position that humans cannot survive without the life support systems provided for by the natural environment. If the government wishes to make the greatest impact
ABOUT WESSA
WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is a truly South African non-government organisation (NGO) with a proud history in our country. For 85 years WESSA has proactively engaged with the challenges and opportunities presented by South Africa’s unique natural heritage and the social and economic systems that depend on it. As a membership-based organisation we have sought to “promote public participation in caring for the Earth” and to build capacity for conservation and sustainable development in a broad cross-section of South African society.
WEBSITE : www.wessa.org.za
GUEST : GARTH BARNES
WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa)
NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION |
GREEN TIP: Carbon Credit Programme
•Elltrix is a platform that allows renewable energy project developers to access carbon finance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
•The platform accommodates solar water heaters, heat pumps, concentrated solar power plants and PV panels
•Ellies and EcoMetrix Africa partnered to develop this platform in order to encourage growth in the small scale renewables sector
•For installers of more than 500 units per annum this platform may be used to improve the cost effectiveness of their technology i.e. reduce the payback period.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
The ELLTRIX Carbon Credit programme has been launched by Ellies and EcoMetrix Africa, May 2012. The two industry leaders have combined expertise to create a sustainable financial incentive mechanism for solar technology in Southern Africa. The programme will allow local businesses at all scales to access a financial reward for greening solutions under the auspices of the United Nations.
The programme allows participation in two United Nations programmes of activities in several Southern African countries, namely:
WEBSITE: www.econometrix.co.za
NAME OF GUEST:
SEAN BUCHANAN
ECOMETRIX DIRECTOR |
GREEN TIP: ADOPTA ROAD - NATIONAL INITIATIVE TOWARDS A LITTER-FREE SOUTH AFRICA
A programme to make South Africa’s roads litter-free has been launched in Tshwane.
Adopta Road, the brainchild of cleaning and waste management services company IWESCO, partnered with other private sector organisations and the City of Tshwane to clean up South African roads.
- “Adopta Road allows companies to sponsor the cleaning of a stretch of road – with the first sponsors already on board in Rosslyn, Tshwane,” says IWESCO Chief Executive Officer, Shellie Roodt.
- “The programme will create 100 000 new, sustainable green jobs in South Africa in the next five years, particularly for woman, the youth and people living with disabilities. The establishment of waste recycling depots will create additional jobs, while training and development will be facilitated through SETA accredited institutions,” says Rhoodt.
- “By joining the programme, companies help create jobs – and help establishing entrepreneurs, as teams of cleaning and maintenance staff are put to work in specific areas. By sponsoring one or more cleaners in the streets of Rosslyn and other areas during and beyond World Environmental Month, companies show their support for a litter-free South Africa. They also help create ‘green’ jobs, and earn B-BBEE and carbon credits when they get involved in the long term.
- “The myth that littering creates sustainable jobs must be eliminated. People employed to pick up litter could be used in much more meaningful jobs like cutting grass, landscaping and beautifying roadsides. Apart from creating a more pleasant environment, particularly in South Africa with its road network of about 754 000 km, of which over 70 000km are surfaced roads, the new consumer expects companies to go about with the environment responsibly. The triple P management principle – profit, people and the planet – is now more relevant than ever. Never before has the theme of World Environment Day ‘Green economy: does it include you?’ been so directly focused on the business industry,” says Roodt.
GUEST : SHELLIE ROODT
CEO OF IWESCO
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GREEN TIP: FREECYCLING AND COUCH SURFING
Simon will mention new research into Freecycling and Couch surfing that shows that it fosters more community spirit than cash based exchange. The research is here. www.sciencedaily.com
Also, It is International Environmental Week, World Environmental Day tomorrow and World Oceans Day on the 8th.
GUEST : SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT |
CELEB GREEN TIP WITH NADIA NEOPHYTOU:
Snow White and the Huntsman is a big-screen live-action version of the Snow White tale starring Charlize Theron as Snow White’s evil stepmother.
The film is set against the backdrop of Snow White being trapped in the castle for years, with no access to soap or, as one scene makes obvious, a fingernail brush.
• When she finally escapes the clutches of her evil stepmother (Charlize Theron), she flees into the dark woods and suddenly it's as if one is in an episode of "Game of Thrones," with swords and arrows, clashing armies, supernatural elements, hapless peasants and a blonde brother-sister duo who have a fairly weird relationship.
Nadia spoke to search, Kristen Stewart who is best known for playing Bella Swan in The Twilight Saga.
GUEST: ON SKYPE
NADIA NEOPHYTOU
US CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: MINUTE PHYSICS
Simon has always connected science and green issues.
You really cannot be a scientists without naturally becoming aware of the pressures that humans exert on our planet.
We also can't respond to those pressures without a robust and active science community. So it seems logical that a focus on science education is one of the best things we could do for our country.
Minute Physics us a youtube channel with one minute science tutorials on all manner of physics concepts and they are absolutely brilliant.
WEBSITE:http://www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT |
GREEN TIP: USE A REUSABLE COFFEE MUG
Using a ceramic mug at home, and a stainless steel reusable mug on the go, can prevent a lot of waste. The daily paper or polystrene (Styrofoam) cup can add up to about 10 kilograms per year, per person, according to one estimate.
• Personal finance experts point out that buying coffee outside of the home is one of the easiest ways to waste money.
Make the habit of brewing your coffee at home, or -- less likely -- break the caffeine habit altogether, and you could save R2600 every year – tens of thousands over the course of your career.
GUEST:
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GREEN TIP: THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING AND THE MOVE TOWARDS GREENER BUILDINGS
Ahead of Earth Hour (31 March), Earth Day (22 April), Environment Day (5 June) and with June being Environment Month, below are some practical tips on saving energy from South African energy-saving solution specialist, Mr. Power.
Energy and water are precious resources and should be regarded as more valuable than diamonds.
• The heating and usage pattern of hot water is the number one energy cost for the home owner, so anything that can be cut in this area should be tackled first
• The geyser is on 20 - 30 times a day and each time will draw the same power as switching on 50 x 60 watt bulbs – some form of control to limit this on time for the element is a must
• While most people are aware of a geyser blanket to assist with insulation, the lagging of the hot water outlet pipe is just as important as this is where much of the heat losses occur
• Only use the hot water tap when you need hot water – remember each time you turn it on, it activates the geyser and reheats it unnecessarily (unless you have a Mr Power geyser controller):
• Wash hands from the cold water tap
• Fill the kettle from the cold water tap (its more cost effective to use the 2kW (or less) element in the kettle than the 3 or 4 kW element in the geyser)
• Consider purchasing an energy saving kettle
WEBSITE:www.mrpower.co.za
GUEST: Roger Bulgin
Mr Power
Member
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GREEN TIP: THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING AND THE MOVE TOWARDS GREENER BUILDINGS
- Experienced Engineers can play an important part in making our buildings more environmentally friendly.
- having a Certified Energy Manager early on your project can transform your building to one that is sustainable and cost effective to run and operate in the long run
- for instance:
• It is not unthinkable to spend over R5000 per winter using under-floor heating and various other methods to warm your home.
• Having a wood fireplace (with wood from a sustainable forest) to heat your home in the winter months is cool.
• VEP energy managers ensure the design of the house optimizes the heat from the fireplace and from the roof is Green IQ.
• Piping all around the house and under the tiles can pump oil using a very small efficient low pressure pump, heated by having the piping run in the chimney of the fireplace at night. So that you put on the fireplace to heat the space when it is cold and the oil also gets heated and it is piped to different places in the house and through heat transfer, the system heats up the rest of the house for no extra cost. The low pressure pump could derive it's power from a small solar pv power supply, in keeping with the green theme. During the day, the same oil is warmed by the winter sun to keep your home warm, using solar heating on the roof, similar to solar water heating.
WEBSITE:www.vikindukuengineering.co.za
GUEST: HOPE NGA , PR ENG
VIKINDUKU ENGINEERING & PROJECTS
CERTIFIED ENERGY MANAGER & VEP PRINCIPAL |
GREEN TIP: RENT, BORROW AND FREECYCLE
It's the second pillar of the environmentalist's mantra — reduce, reuse, recycle — for a reason: It makes good sense. By reusing items, we make the best use of the resources used to create those products, whether its energy, wood, metals or other raw materials.
Consider this: One study showed that the average power tool bought for use by a homeowner is used for just half an hour in its lifetime. And yet, most homes on any given street might have the same tool sitting in the basement.
Borrowing is free, so it's a good first choice. Ask around, or post a note on a community bulletin board, before you shell out for that new table saw, the kitchen appliance you need for only one special occasion recipe or a wheel barrow for that once-a-year garden project.
Freecycle is an example of borrowing on Internet steroids, since it connects people getting rid of useable stuff to people who want that same stuff. Need a new computer keyboard or mouse? Ask the network. Replacing your microwave oven? Offer it to the world. It's as easy as connecting, arranging a time and place to meet, and giving stuff away, for nothing.
If you can't identify a free version, look into renting. Hardware stores often have rental programs for power equipment so you can save money on home projects.
Textbooks can be rented for the semester, to save on the expense of buying anew.
GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS
MATSIDISO MADIA
FEATURES WRITER
EWN |
GREEN TIP: NEDBANK CAPITAL GREEN AWARDS
Nedbank Capital is announcing the creation of the Nedbank Capital Green Awards: promoting and rewarding Sustainability in Africa. The first awards will be bestowed in March 2013.
The awards have been conceptualised off the back of the success of the Nedbank Capital Green Mining Awards.
Brian Kennedy, managing executive at Nedbank Capital said “Following on from COP17 there is a heightened awareness amongst corporates to place significant focus on sustainability and we believe the timing to evolve these awards is opportune. We would ultimately like to be a promoter of best practice and showcase what companies and leaders are doing, so that it can be replicated.”
Awards will be given in the following categories:
• Resources - to include Mining, Oil & Gas
• Infrastructure (inclusive of Construction), Energy and Telecommunications
• Diversified Industrials (to include agriculture, pharmaceuticals and healthcare)
• Retail, Food, & Leisure
• Sustainability in Leadership Award
GUEST: TERENCE SIBIYA
NEDBANK CAPITAL EXECUTIVE HEAD: COVERAGE |
GREEN TIP: SustainED program and the bursaries on offer
“Stepping Up to Sustainability’ is a nationwide climate change adaptation project across South Africa. Through the project WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has established 11 ‘Sustainability Commons’ in 7 regions throughout South Africa.
150 Bursaries are available for an accredited Environmental Educator Course Level 5 NQF. The courses are flexible but will have a sustainability and climate change adaptation focus.
The bursaries are offered through the ‘Stepping Up to Sustainability’ project for people working with others to respond to environmental issues or problems. They could be educators and trainers in a variety of contexts – schools, communities, organisations, municipalities or other civic groups.
WEBSITE:www.wessa.org.za (www.sustained.org.za)
GUEST: WAYNE PEDDIE
WESSA-(WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA)
‘STEPPING UP TO SUSTAINABILITY’ PROJECT MANAGER |
GREEN TIP: DRIVING YOUR CAR: GREEN TIPS
While driving your car
Travelling at a constant 60 kmph in fifth gear uses 25 per cent less fuel than in third gear
Following the smarter driving tips below could cut your CO2 emissions by around 8 per cent. This could add up to an annual fuel saving of up to one month per year.
Drive at an appropriate speed
Driving at 80 km per hour instead of 120 km ph can improve fuel economy by 25 per cent. Driving at slower speeds also gives you time to anticipate traffic ahead, helping you drive more smoothly.
Speed up and slow down smoothly
Every time you stop and start, your engine uses more fuel and produces more emissions. Check the road ahead and slow down early, giving the traffic time to start moving again before you reach it. You can then speed up again without needing to stop.
Change gears at the right time
Changing up gears a little earlier can reduce revs per minute (rpm) and reduce your fuel usage. If you drive a diesel car, try shifting up when the rev counter reaches 2,000 rpm. For a petrol car, change up at 2,500 rpm.
Remember to change down a gear at the right time too – if your car is struggling, it will also use more fuel.
Avoid leaving your engine running
If you're likely to be at a standstill for more than three minutes, switch off the engine. When the engine is idling, you're wasting fuel.
Don’t use air conditioning unless you really need it
Using air conditioning and electrical devices like mobile phone chargers increases your fuel consumption, so keep their usage to a minimum.
Try using the fresh air vent to keep cool and park in the shade on a sunny day. This will keep your car cooler inside and stop fuel evaporating from the engine and fuel tank.
Get in and go
Modern engines are designed to be most efficient when you get in and drive off straightaway. Revving them wastes fuel and increases engine wear and emissions.
GUEST: JACOB MOSHOKOA
EWN REPORTER |
GREEN TIP: GREEN HEART AWARD
Recognizing and Rewarding eco-champions at the office This Award is a Green Office Week initiative and is aimed at finding and rewarding individuals with green hearts i.e eco-friendly behaviour champions at workplaces .
We need people at work to let us know are the eco-champions at their workplace -– it could be a colleague or even the supervisor!
Why Green Heart?
Although green officers or sustainability directors in some organisations are already making clear statements about needed green behaviours, it does not mean that the culture of going green in workplaces has been achieved.
Green Action Plans and Policies need ambassadors: ‘Green Hearts’ who have the inspiration and will to make the plans happen in everyday situations.
The Criteria
1. The organisation on a full have worked diligently and long in informing, or creating or providing tools and resources to assist colleagues in his/her department or
2. The sustainability department, or be the officer i.e the green heart applies to someone whose job description does not entail implementing green behaviours in the organization but who does it out their own free will eco-champion!
Green Heart
Award Nominations:
Friday 20 April 2012
Green Office Week
runs from
Friday
20 April
WEBSITE:www.greenofficeweek.co.za
GUEST: ANA-MARIA VALENTE |
GREEN TIP: NAMPAK TISSUE PARTNERS WITH THE BERTIE LOURENS HOME RECYCLING PROJECT IN TSHWANE
The home recycling pilot project called “Re: spond” started on the 03rd October 2011 and finishes on the 30 September 2012- unless further funding can be obtained by then.
The home recycling project is aimed creating job opportunities for households. The people collecting and separating the waste can eventually go to buy back centres to sell their waste.
This project is part of the Blue-Green Nampak recycling initiatives but managed by Bertie Lourens waste plan. The waste plan services about 120 000 homes in Cape Town as a sub-contractor to the city and it has 4 years experience in such large scale kerb-side recycling projects. Nampak is a partial funder of the Re: spond project in Tshwane and the Bertie Lourens waste plan serves as the operator.
• This project has already started in about 20 000 homes in and around Tshwane and are looking to expand to about 400 000 homes in Pretoria alone.
• . “This project will eventually run itself since we are looking at selling the recycling bags in and around the Tshwane regions.” Bertie Lourens–MD of Waste Plan.
“We are quite excited about the partnership with Bertie Lourens as this will see many households benefiting from this amazing project.” Srini Naidoo–Recycling Business Director–Nampak Tissue.
This has been done in Cape Town already and it managed to make a difference in about 100 000 homes. Each household gets a free clear bag disseminated on a weekly basis by the waste plan staff. Waste collection is done by from household to household by the waste plan and then separated in a waste plan sorting factory in Waltloo-Pretoria , once separated, most of the paper waste is then sold to Nampak.
WEBSITE:www.wasteplan.co.za
GUEST: SRINI NAAIDO
RECYCLING BUSINESS DIRECTOR
NAMPAK TISSUE
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GREEN TIP: THEATRE CAN EMPOWER KIDS TO BE ACTIVISTS LATER IN LIFE
- Every year ASSITEJ centres the world over celebrate the World Day for Theatre for Children and Young People on 20th March. For the next three years, the global association will be uniting theatres across the world in conveying one message: “Take a child to the theatre today”.
• Generously supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, ASSITEJ South Africa launched the global campaign in Vrygrond on 31 January 2012. In South Africa, the “Take a child to theatre today” campaign aims to engage with the theatre community, government departments, the private sector, and the general public to advocate for the value of theatre in the lives of children and young people.
• “ASSITEJ SA is bringing corporates on board to sponsor children to attend theatre, and we ask companies and receiving houses to open their doors on the 20th of March 2012 to children, young people, and their families”, says Yvette Hardie, Director of ASSITEJ SA and President of ASSITEJ International. “The “Take a child to the theatre today” campaign goes to the heart of what ASSITEJ is all about, working to ensure that all children and young people have access to the arts.”
• This will be an opportunity for emerging and established theatres and theatre companies across the country to join hands and encourage the development of audiences in community halls, schools, professional theatres and site specific venues. “Unless children are given the opportunity to fall in love with the theatre experience, we will have no theatre industry in the future,” Hardie believes.
• ASSITEJ encourages all South Africans to make a generous contribution of R10 by texting “Theatre4Youth” to 38490 from their mobile handsets, thereby sponsoring children and youth to visit the theatre.
For more information on the campaign, please contact Themba Mzondi, ASSITEJ SA Marketing and Fundraising Manager 021 822 0070/1/2 or email fundmarket@assitej.org.za
WEBSITE: www.assitej.org.za
GUEST: YVETTE HARDIE
ASSITEJ SOUTH AFRICA
DIRECTOR OF ASSITEJ SOUTH AFRICA AND CURRENT PRESIDENT OFASSITEJ INTERNATIONAL
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GREEN TIP: SACBC JUSTICE AND PEACE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
As Church, we see the crucial importance of advocating for environmental justice as a fundamental imperative of our faith. Care for the Earth is vital if we are concerned about its future sustainability for our children.
• At the same time, we have a deep concern for economic justice. In our context this means advocating especially for a reduction of poverty and the creation of jobs.
• Unfortunately, these two priorities are often portrayed by decision-makers to be in competition with each other, with the emphasis inevitably falling on economic development. Environmentally-friendly policies, while regarded as noble, are still seen to be a luxury that has to be sacrificed on the altar of economic growth and job creation.
• This results in even the National Planning Commission (comprising many people of proven integrity), with its comprehensive 2030 Vision, still advocating for coal-powered energy expansion and for heavy infrastructural investment to exploit the coalfields of Mpumalanga; even while the whole world knows that, if we do not reduce our carbon emissions drastically, the resulting climate change will threaten all life on our planet.
• Having just come out of COP 17 where far too little was achieved far too late, leaving the earth on a trajectory that will result in it warming up at a rate far beyond what is sustainable, all people of goodwill are obliged to find ways to remove this contradiction between economic development and environmental justice.
• This is why, for our public Annual General Meeting this coming Friday 10th February, the Justice and Peace Department of the SACBC has chosen the theme: Can poverty be reduced and jobs created without environmental degradation? (Is sustainable development possible?). By bringing together someone close to coal-face (sic!) decision-making (ANC Secretary-General, Gwede Mantashe) with one of the prophets of our time, "The Green Bishop" Geoff Davies, we hope to spark a debate that will enable us to get closer to removing this contradiction.
WEBSITE: http://jandp.org.za/
GUEST: Father Mike Deeb OP Coordinator Justice and Peace Department of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference |
GREEN TIP: THE STORY BEHIND YOUR FOOD
I've come across an interesting website called www.foodwithastory.co.za
The simple premise is that if you take an interest in the story behind the food you eat, not only will you have a better appreciation of the taste and nutrition of it, but you'll be more sensitive to the environmental considerations too.
The website is following a journey around SA's food landscape and has rapidly become a collection of the most fantastic artisnal food places arouihd the country.
Then, in 9in9in9, we are 2 weeks in, having run in the Free State over the weekend. Next week is Gauteng, at PnP marathon.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: PRACTICE IN THE PARK - BIGGEST YOGA CLASS EVER IN AFRICA RAISES FUNDS FOR LOCAL NGO, THE EARTHCHILD PROJECT
‘Practice in the Park’ is going to be the biggest yoga class ever in Africa, with over 400 people practicing together at the magnificent Green Point Park. The fun and inspiring class will be taught by four of Cape Town’s top teachers and will be suitable for all levels.
The event is being sponsored by Earthchild Clothing and all proceeds will be donated to local NGO, the Earthchild Project.
This is the launch event of The Cape Town Seva Project, an independent organization bridging the gap between the yoga community and local registered charities.
• Yoga - a practical way for us to care for our inner environment :-)
• Fun and inspiring yoga class taught by four of Cape Town's top teachers at the magnificent Green Point Park.
• Biggest class ever in Africa with over 400 people.
• All funds raised are being donated to local NGO, the Earthchild Project.
• This is the launch event of the Cape Town Seva Project, an independent organisation bridging the gap between the yoga community and local registered charities.
WEBSITE: www.earthchildproject.org
GUEST: JANNA KRETZMAR DIRECTOR EARTHCHILD PROJECT
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GREEN TIP: Connection between happiness and what you spend your money on.
People who spend money on experiences rather than material goods (holidays, dinners, theatre etc) are happier and more open to new experiences than people who prefer to get their endorphine rush from shopping.
Obviously, encouraging people to value experience over material wealth is hugely greener than buying another pair of shoes when you feel down. In addition, when I think back to my childhood, the holidays and trips to museums etc that we had have had far more lasting impressions on me than any toy I ever received. There is currently research going on this. By participating in the survey, you can learn a lot about your own spending habits too.Go to www.beyondthepurchase.org to take part.
Avis 9in9in9
Avis 9in9 is a membership drive for the Starfish Greathearts Foundation to encourage Comrades runners to raise money for Starfish. We ran the first leg, at Ottosdal in the NW Province on Saturday night:
raising R5000 by May 4th will get you a special comrades seeding of CC
- Follow our progress for the Avis 9in9in9 at Starfish's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/starfishcharity
- Right now we are looking for Comrdes runners who would like to participate to register on the page, with details of fundraising to follow.
- This will be unique in that runners won't have to collect the momey themselves, all they have to do is direct sponsors to the Starfish page and the sponsors can deposit money against the rinners' names there.
The payment page is NOT live yet but will become so in the next few weeks.
- I will be speaking at RAC tomorrow night on this and my experiences at comrades.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR VIA SKYPE
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREEN TIP: COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT ( CEEP )
The Community Environmental Education Project environmental education project needs to grow its data base of volunteers, volunteers are needed to help transport children to the reserve ( provide a mini bus ), to help make educational materials, to provide food for overnight camps, experienced birders, botanists.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
The Community Environmental Education Project ( is a Not-for-Profit-Organisation) is helping to make township kids more aware about environmental issues and needs some man power to help us support the project.
WEBSITE: Facebook Official African Bird Migration Page
GUEST: Nicole Heiman
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT (CEEP)
Project Coordinator
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GREEN TIP: VEGANISM, HOW IT IS TAKING OFF AT GREENSIDE CAFÉ, AND GOOD TIPS FOR A BEGINNER VEGAN COOK TO MAKE IT TASTE NICE.
• What is veganism?
• How the vegan diet helps the environment with regards to global warming, deforestation and the water supply.
• What makes the Greenside Cafe successful - tasty food that is healthy and sustainable. Food that gives you energy and is good for the environment
• vegan cooking tips on protein sources and how to use colour in food.
• A new and growing consciousness in how humans relate to the world.
Healthy Happy Loving Food
Nestled in the heart of Greenside you will find a new treasure to treat your taste buds. The Greenside café is Jozi’s first Vegan restaurant owned and run by Dimitri Gutjahr. A vegan diet is free from animal products including dairy and eggs. Such a diet encourages optimum physical health, mental clarity and equanimity in ones being.
The Greenside café is situated below the Quan Yin meditation centre which encourages a philosophy of non violence and abstinence from intoxicants. This makes the Greenside café an alcohol and smoke free space – another 1st for Jozi. This type of environment is slowly becoming main stream as people realize that being healthy is a choice available to us all and essential if we want to live quality lives. Our health is our wealth and there are ways and means to enjoy life free from disease and illness. Good nutrition is one of those ways which makes the Greenside café the place to be!
The range of fresh and healthy juices offers a kaleidoscope of colours and tastes. The real challenge lies in what to choose? The tumeric juice, and refreshing nectarine lassi juice comes highly recommended by satisfied customers, not to mention the uniquely prepared meals, such as nut bakes, pasta ribbons, and shooting stars.
WEBSITE: www.thegreensidecafe.co.za
GUEST: DIMITRI GUTJAHR ( PRONOUNCED GOOTJAAR)
THE GREENSIDE CAFE VEGAN HEALTH FOOD RESTAURANT
CREATOR AND OWNER
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GREEN TIP: USING SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS, SAVE ENERGY AND REDUCE FUEL USAGE.
1. Technology (hardware and software) and the information we glean from it can help reduce CO2 emissions by monitoring driving habits (individuals), selecting more efficient routes, avoiding traffic and unnecessary idling.
2. The concomitant efficiency and cost saving are major motivators for companies, particularly those with large fleets to that operating large vehicles.
3. Data becomes information and knowledge that helps companies protect the environment – social responsibility of individuals and companies wanting manage their impact on the environment.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
Discovery Insure use the DigiCore/CTrack technology in their DQ Drive behavior insurance offering.
WEBSITE: www.digicore.co.za
GUEST: TELEPHONIC
MARK ROUSSEAU
DIGICORE - CTRACK
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
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GREEN TIP: USE SKYPE AND GET RID OF MEETINGS
Simon recently noticed something about my life: no coffee meeting I have ever attended, ever resulted in work.
When he is approached seriously, the conversation is short sharp and to the point: How much do you cost?
• Are you available?
• Coffee meetings are long, meandering affairs that never ever conclude with a handshake and a signed contract. Let's ban them.
Getting rid of coffee meetings will do the following:
- You'll save enormous amounts of time. Once you have taken away the travelling and idle chitchat, a skype meeting cuts a coffee meeting from an hour and a half to under 20 minutes.
- Skype is cheaper than phoning and MUCH cheaper than coffee
- Skype has a lower carbon footprint
- Skype is better for your wasteline because you stick with your water and sandwich instead of coffee and a croissant
- Skype is ridiculously simple - and you can set up conference calls, video calls and document sharing with no problem at all.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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USE SMALL, EFFICIENT DEVICES TO COOK FOOD.
You love to cook and you’ve got a big fan oven that you use to cook everything. Cool. But consider that toaster ovens, pressure cookers, crock pots, microwaves, and electric grills are efficient and won’t heat up your kitchen in the summer.
Use these tips to save.
• Always match the pot size to the corresponding burner and use lids to avoid releasing additional humidity.
• When using the oven, cook multiple dishes and leave the oven door closed until it is time to remove.
• Use your microwave whenever possible to shorten cooking time, save operating costs and limit heat gain.
GUEST: SHELDON MORAIS
EYEWITNESS NEWS ONLINE EDITOR
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GREEN FLEET MANAGEMENT
Concern with the environment and demanding corporate reporting standards on sustainability issues are causing fleet operators internationally to reassess the impact that their vehicles emissions have on the atmosphere. Instead of adopting a “wait and see” attitude about emission control, fleet owners would do well to begin examining their existing fleets and planning for the future.
• Green vehicles and data surrounding carbon footprints is becoming increasingly important - Standard Bank Fleet Management aim to ensure that when this information is required, it is immediately available to their customers,”
• As time progresses, more fleet managers will be examining this data even if only to see which brands of vehicles provide the best “value” as far as reduced emissions are concerned.
• As a major bank they want to ensure that supplying value-added services to customers is important to administer their fleets efficiently. The measuring of carbon footprints is therefore a logical step in this direction.
• Busy fleet owners can also, for instance, use Standard Bank’s services to review the driving habits of their drivers. We can point out operational aberrations through our normal reporting and arrange for computer-based training for fleet drivers if required.
David Molapo, Managing Director of Standard Bank Fleet Management says recent legislation introducing a carbon tax on vehicles for each g/km of CO2 emissions above a threshold of 120g/km is the beginning of future industry changes. These will play a part in reducing greenhouse emissions in South Africa and aligning the country with international best practices.
GUEST: DAVID MOLAPO
MANAGING DIRECTOR
STANDARD BANK FLEET MANAGEMENT
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CHANGING THE CULTURE OF PEOPLE GROWING THEIR OWN FOOD, AND ORGANIC VEGETABLE GARDENING COURSES
Sought After Seedlings runs organic vegetable gardening courses at different venues around the country including our inner city farm in Sandton
• The aim is to adopt a culture of growing our own food for good health, taste and food security
• Importance of having fresh food grown organically anywhere e.g. balconies, windowsills and gardens
Most important to know that you CAN grow your own vegetables through winter
WEBSITE: www.soughtafterseedlings.co.za
GUEST: LINDA GALVAD
OWNER
SOUGHT AFTER SEEDLINGS
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ECO-FRIENDLY FASHION
For Eco-friendly fashion has hit mainstream culture. Big name designers are using organic fiber and even recycled plastic soda bottles which they turn into fabric.
• Being green sells and no one wants to be left behind. Stars such as Lindsay Lohan and Leonardo Dicaprio are buying eco-friendly fashion clothing as well.
• U2's Bono and his wife Ali Hewson created a line of socially conscious clothing known as “Edun.” When looking at eco-friendly fashion it is important to look at more than the rather the materials are organic or recycled.
FAIR TRADE PRACTICES
• Fair trade practices are another important aspect so you know you are buying clothes from a company that pays people a fair wage to make them.
ORGANIC CLOTHING IS MORE COMFORTABLE
• Organic clothing is more comfortable than conventional clothing in part because it is not as stiff to begin with and softens with each washing.
NO PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES
• When you think about the amount of pesticides and herbicides that go into regular farming practices you begin to realize how much they destroy the soil, the water and the entire environment.
• Eco friendly clothing helps eliminate the damage caused to the environment by chemicals because of the way the products are raised, grown and manufactured.
GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS
FERIAL CARELSE
TRAFFIC REPORTER
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SOUTH AFRICAN POPULAR MECHANICS "GOING GREEN" INVENTOR OF THE YEAR 2011
We have reached the heighten point of consumer existence, in just about everything we purchase, use, eat or disregard these all contribute to an environmental impact, as the sourcing raw material, production and ultimate disposal of goods carries a cost upon the planet.
• Less is more, so the less we consumer or package our goods, the less energy or resources we use, the less it should cost us as a consumer and the less we need to earn to replace these goods.
• Rethink, reduce, reuse & recycle.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFO OF THE GREEN TIP:
SAVING THE PLANET STARTS AT HOME
• THE ECOSTAKE SYSTEM
Creosote or CCA are used to preserved wood which have been known to leached into ground water and are associated to contaminate the quality of grown produce, in wine it is referred to as cork taint and along with the inability to dispose of used poles in a sustainable manner this opened the opportunity to provide a holistic solution to offer an suitable alternative for agriculture trellising and so the Ecostake innovation was conceive and formed.
• The Ecostake system is design to provide structural support for agricultural trellising, fencing and similar DIY applications on to which wire assembles or such configurations maybe attached & later adjusted with ease according to the tailored needs of the user.
The Ecostake system is best described as a ‘combined Meccano and Lego like system’ that comprises of two different sized steel profiles which use interchangeable components to provide the user with a ‘universal solution’ according to their application needs yet the two profile sizes may also be joined together for stiffer staking, framework or lattice configurations.
Manufactured from stainless steel this highly adaptable modular system is suitable for use in corrosive or ecologically sensitive applications where durability, consistency of alignment, dependability and life cycle cost saving is a priority. The plastic components are designed for sacrificial wear and for easily replacement so to ensure the stake and wire configuration is correctly maintained.
ABOUT JAMII
Jamii Hamlin is best described as equal parts an inventor, designer and an entrepreneur.
Having grown up with an inquisitive mind and a practical understanding to mend or create new things he followed a road of creative discovery to become the first qualified product designer to graduate from the Cape Technikon in 1990 and jointly win a Style Design Award collaborating with class mate Chris Pheiffer with their ‘tradition tea service’ designed for a South African appetite.
Upon a return to South Africa after a 3 year stint of working at the London Design Museum and an internship at Ron Arad with travel through Europe, he wished to explore his entrepreneurial quest and become part of the new democracy to develop South African ingenuity, design awareness and promote local manufacturing of added value products.
• From a humble start of producing and vending ‘educational’ Sea Creature t-shirt designs on Green Market Square to forming a company called Green Space Products, these early endeavours honed his development for conceptualizing, designing and manufacturing of original designs for the market at large.
WEBSITE: www.ecostake.com
GUEST: JAMII HAMLIN
FOUNDER/MD
ECOSTAKE
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REWARDS FOR WASTE INITIATIVE.
Interwaste launched a rewards for waste programme in 2011 where we chose a school that was willing to participate in the programme.
The Sathya Sai school were chosen to collect waste and the school was incentivised with a rewards programme that benefited the school and its learners.
Learners are challenged to collect recyclables by placing eezee bins at the school and interwaste rewarded the school with much needed stationery and food.
In addition to this a top and tags initiative was launched nationally where we reward organisations or people with disabilities with wheelchairs.
This initiative works as follows corporates or individuals can collect tops and tags for 2012 we have increased the quantities to
Corporates
• 100 000 tags = 30 kg tags
• 100 000 tops = 300 kg
Schools and individuals
• 50 000 tops = 150 kg
• 50 000 tags = 15kg
Both projects contribute to our planet as we encourage recycling and benefit our communities.
WEBSITE: www.interwaste.co.za
GUEST: RAJAS PILLAY
GROUP HR DIRECTOR
INTERWASTE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS
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BE THE CHANGE - A 2-DAY COURSE TO HELP BUILD A BETTER WORLD.
A growing number of people are wanting to turn their concern about the state of the world and our society into action, but often do not know how to go about it. This is a daunting process and both of us (as the course facilitators) have gone through this difficult journey of refocusing our lives to be more meaningful.
• This ‘Be the Change’ course will motivate and equip participants in making that shift.
• The course focuses on three aspects: learning about sustainability, understanding how one can transform oneself, and then taking personal responsibility and planning the change.
• The course is being offered end of January near Cape Town.
• More information about the course is available at:
WEBSITE: www.bendingthecurve.co.za
(course information in the sidebar)
GUEST:STEPHEN DAVIES
INDEPENDENT CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT, TRAINER
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ADOPTING THE TRADITIONS OF DIFFERENT RELIGIONS
Adopting the traditions of different religions for a fuller life.
How observing Christmas, Ramadan, Shabbat and Lent are good for you.
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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GREENPEACE - WHERE TO FROM HERE?
Greenpeace want to use the momentum created through hosting COP17 to make the issue of climate change important for your family, in your community and when you go to the polls to vote.
Melita is committed to working together with other organisations to create an 'environmental movement' in South Africa - something that worked well in Durban - with thousands of people coming out onto the streets on 3 December, and the C17 committee for civil society during COP 17 organising an alternative space.
Alone, organisations will struggle to make an impact to increase the urgency of action on climate change, together, they are a much more imposing force and can certainly create the pressure for positive change.
Greenpeace Africa's usememore campaign (www.usememore.co.za) which is aimed at asking South Africans to sign on to the petition to ask the SA government to use the sun and the wind more (and double their renewable energy target). This campaign will have many new opportunities in 2012, and is an easy way for people to get involved.
Greenpeace Africa will also continue to oppose coal and nuclear energy within South Africa going into the new year.
WEBSITE:
www.greenpeaceafrica.org
www.usememore.co.za
GUEST: MELITA STEELE
CLIMATE & ENERGY CAMPAIGN
GREENPEACE AFRICA
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GREEN BUILDING AND ITS ROLE IN CLIMATE CHANGE
Green building has a huge role to play in climate – as a socio economic contributor it offers one of the simplest, most immediate and cost effective ways to reduce carbon emissions. Green building offers economic, health and environmental benefits.
• Consider green building interventions/ practises when planning to build
• Consider green building when retrofitting (adding new building materials, building elements, and components, not provided in the original construction)
• green building results in economic, health and environmental benefits.
Practical example: SA’s 1st green street, Cato Manor which launched at COP17 last night. The project demonstrates the socio-economic, health and environmental benefits of the greening of low-cost housing. GBCSA initiative involving the retrofitting (greening of existing buildings) of 30 low-income houses in the historical township of Cato Manor.
Water & energy efficient interventions included:
• insulated ceilings
• rainwater harvesting systems
• solar water heaters
• energy efficient lighting
• food gardens
• insulated cooking apparatus (Wonderbags)
Benefits include:
• better living conditions such as greater thermal comfort and introducing utility services like hot water for the first time;
• energy cost saving;
• reduced illness and safety risks for tenants;
• greater convenience for washing and cooking;
• skills training and work opportunities;
• better water and food security;
• reduced greenhouse gas emissions, associated with South Africa’s
• electricity, and reduced environmental impact.
WEBSITE: www.gbcsa.org.za
GUEST: BRIAN WILKINSON
CEO: GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA
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UPDATE ON WHAT WENT ON OVER THE WEEKEND AT COP17
- Global Day of Action March
- President Zuma's speech to the World Climate Summit
- Forest Day - using trees to lower CO2 levels
GUEST: SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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IIMBOVANE OUTREACH PROJECT
Iimbovane: Exploring South African Biodiversity and Change is a science outreach project with a difference. Iimbovane, which means “ants” in isiXhosa, is a twofold project that combines biodiversity monitoring and science education outreach for Grade 10 Life Science learners and educators.
As the main outreach project of the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Iimbovane focuses on building capacity in biodiversity science and providing quality schooling for learners and educators where school capacity falls short. To achieve its aims, Iimbovane makes participants aware of biodiversity in their immediate surroundings focusing on ants.
Iimbovane uses an action-orientated approach in which learners collect, analyse, and interpret information on ants in their school grounds and closeby pristine areas, while simultaneously providing the scientific community with valuable ant data. Through active participation in the project, the learners experience science in a research environment, while remaining curriculum focused. To equip educators with the much needed knowledge of biodiversity science, Iimbovane facilitates a number of teacher development workshops and assist with the development of lesson plans that are in line with the National Curriculum Statement requirements.
• Successful combining of an outreach and scientific research
• Exemplary of how a citizen science project (in this case the school learner approach) can generate valuable data for scientific community
• Using ants as indicator species
• Increase awareness and appreciation of biodiversity in Grade 10 learners through active involvement in “real’ biodiversity research
• Assisting educators to teach biodiversity in an outcomes fashion
WEBSITE: www.sun.ac.za/iimbovane
GUEST: DORETTE DU PLESSIS
OUTREACH MANAGER
DST-NRF CENTRE FOR INVASION BIOLOGY, STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY
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TWEETING THE SNOWMAN @ COP17
Save the online snowman from melting and raise your voice against climate change. The Netherlands is passionate about the fight against global warming and it therefore actively supports the UNFCCC negotiations and is hopeful of a positive outcome of the Durban COP17.
To contribute towards the debate, the Netherlands launched a social media campaign to invite people to interact around this theme. A digital snowman has been created on www.savethesnowman.co.za. The snowman will live or melt based on the input from the public, who are able to control the temperature via social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and SMS.
Environmental and science expert Simon Gear will launch the Snowman by sending the first tweet today at the Netherlands Embassy’s stand in the Climate Change Response Expo (European Marque).
What would you do to reduce CO2 emissions?
Everybody has a part to play in saving the environment. Core to the campaign is the daily question on www.savethesnowman.co.za about what every individual would be willing to do to reduce CO2 emissions. For example, ‘would you give up meat one day a week to reduce your emissions?’ or ‘are you willing to compensate your air miles when flying?’
Four ways to Save the Snowman
There are several ways to save the snowman and prevent him from melting. Firstly, visit the website www.savethesnowman.co.za and answer the daily question or send your answer per sms to 34002, including the keyword 'snowman'. Alternatively you can tweet your answer, followed by #savesnowman. Lastly, everybody is invited to leave the answer on our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/NetherlandsEmbassySA. COP17 delegates will be able to follow the snowman developments on a TV-big screen, which can be found in the Netherlands stand at the Climate Change Response expo in Durban. The campaign will run from 29 November until 9 December 2011.
Business & prizes to be won
The Netherlands has facilitated the input from the private sector into the intergovernmental debate through its series of Climate Consensus Workshops, that are feeding into the Durban COP. Dutch businesses, such as Philips and many others, provide essential technologies that can combat climate change. Philips is a supporter of the Save the Snowman-campaign and offers 10 Philips LED Box sets to relamp your home, worth R1300 each as a prize for contributors. Main prize is a KTM off-road bicycle – in line with the Netherlands’ environmentally friendly spirit of cycling. Last but not least, stand a chance to win one of 10 WOWZULU hampers filled with beautiful products handcrafted by rural women in KwaZulu Natal - completely from recycled materials!
GUEST: AMBASSADOR ANDRE HASPELS
EMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS
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COP17 - IDIOT'S GUIDE
Simon will give a broad overview of what COP17 is about, what we can expect from it and what would constitute success and failure.
Good resources are:
Twitter accounts:
Greenpeace - @greenpeace, @Melita_Steele @EWNReporter @SimonGear Cambridge Program for Sustainable Leadership - @CPSL_SA
GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS
SIMON GEAR
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRESPONDENT
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HOW TO TURN BLUE JEANS GREEN
Jeans are a versatile must-have for kids and adults alike and a staple in most of our closets. This makes jeans a perfect item to start with when giving your wardrobe (or your kids’ closets) a green makeover – and don’t throw away that old denim just yet. For today’s green tip, we’re giving you some eco-friendly ideas from www.earthshare.org for saving money and the environment when buying, caring for and re-cycling your favorite jeans.
• Go vintage: Hold off on hitting up the mall and head to nearby thrift stores, vintage, and consignment shops first. These stores are usually well stocked with donated denim. Plus, here’s the good part, your jeans will cost significantly less than retail and come with a much smaller carbon footprint – no production required! Also keep thrift stores in mind for donations of your gently used but still wearable old clothes and jeans.
• Opt for organic: Cotton is the most pesticide-intensive crop out there. Non-organic cotton production is responsible for 11% of global pesticide usage. Just a single pair of jeans made from conventional cotton, amounts to 2/3 pound of fertilizer and pesticides. Fortunately, a lot of well-known brands are using organic cotton and non-toxic dyes in their denim collections.
• Launder responsibly: Since washing your jeans too often can do a number on the fabric, most manufacturers recommend that you only wash them when you absolutely must. Keep your jeans looking sharp by turning them inside out, washing them in cold water, and try a chemical-free detergent.
• Hang them out to dry: Line drying saves a lot of energy and helps to preserve fabrics by sparing them the heat of the dryer.
• Let your old denim keep people warm: Donate you old jeans to a homeless shelter.
GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS
AKI ANASTASIOU
TRAFFIC & TECHNOLOGY REPORTER
EYEWITNESS NEWS TRAFFIC
|
TALK ON ACID MINE DRAINAGE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Mariette Liefferink joins us today to discuss her academic paper on the Health Risks pertaining to Mining Waste within the Witwatersrand goldfields, which she’ll be presenting at the North West University’s Eco Health Forum on the 24th of November, 2011.
AMD and potential health risks:
• As early as 1987, the US Environmental Protection Agency recognised that “.....problems related to mining waste may be rated as second only to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion in terms of ecological risk. The release to the environment of mining waste can result in profound, generally irreversible destruction of ecosystems.” If this is indeed so then the Witwatersrand gold mining area of South Africa is at serious risk.
• Waste from gold mines constitutes the largest single source of waste and pollution in South Africa and there is wide acceptance that Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is responsible for the most costly environmental and socio-economic impacts.
• The potential volume of AMD for the Witwatersrand Goldfield alone amounts to an estimated 350ML/day (1ML = 1000m3).
• The Witwatersrand has been mined for more than a century. It is the world’s largest gold and uranium mining basin with the extraction, from more than 120 mines, of 43 500 tons of gold in one century and 73 000 tons of uranium between 1953 and 1995. The basin covers an area of 1600 km2, and led to a legacy of some 400 km2 of mine tailings dams and 6 billion tons of pyrite tailings containing 430 000 tons of low-grade uranium*.
• Tailings dams and waste rock dumps can never be maintained in completely reducing environment; AMD risk will remain for centuries.
• AMD is not only associated with surface and groundwater pollution, degradation of soil quality, for harming aquatic sediments and fauna, and for allowing heavy metals to seep into the environment, but long-term exposure to AMD polluted drinking water may lead to increased rates of cancer, decreased cognitive function and appearance of skin lesions. Heavy metals in drinking water could compromise the neural development of the fetus which can result in mental retardation.
• The proposed treatment of AMD by Government is neutralization by means of lime dosing. The water will remain toxic, unfit for any purpose. The sulphate levels, after neutralization, will be 3 000 mg/l. The World Health Organisation’s standard for drinking water is 200mg/l.
• The budget approved by Cabinet for the treatment of AMD is R225 million. However, R924 million (capital expenditure) and R385 million (per year for 4 years – operational and maintenance costs) are required for the immediate treatment (by means of neutralization) for AMD. Please see submission by the TCTA to Parliament on the 8th of September, 2011.
*An airborne radiometric survey of the Witwatersrand goldfields was done for DWA by the Council of Geoscience. Interpretation of the data show many of the densely residential areas (Carletonville, Westonarea, Khutsong, Kagiso, Randfontein, and CBD of Johannesburg) fall within areas of high risk of radioactivity contamination.
WEBSITE: www.fse.org.za
www.pea.org.za
GUEST: MARIETTE LIEFFERINK
CEO: FEDERATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
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SMOKING AFFECTS THE ENVIRONMENT.
All smokers think that by smoking they are only damaging their health. They are ignorant about the fact that their smoking is indirectly affecting others health. And they are one of the direct contributors to the environmental pollution.
• There are few environmental issues, which every smoker should be aware of. Smoking affects your environment greatly.
HOW SMOKING CAUSES AIR POLLUTION
Experts have shown that smoking causes air pollution and to some extent also pollutes the ground.
• Approximately 4000 chemicals are present in cigarettes, which are breathed out and released in the atmosphere.
HOW SMOKING CAUSES LAND AND WATER POLLUTION
Pollution caused due to smoking is not confined only to the air or body but to some extent it is also responsible in polluting the land and the water.
• Every day millions of cigarette butts are left on the ground. Maximum of the cigarette butts finally end up in lakes and rivers.
• By mistake fishes and other water animals eat these butts resulting in death of these water bodies.
• The remaining butts left on the ground will approximately take 25-26 years to decompose.
• The various additives and chemicals are leached into the soil, polluting the soil as well as plants.
• During dry seasons cigarette butts can even cause major fire, which is even harmful for the environment.
GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS
TSHIDI MADIA
TRAFFIC REPORTER
EYEWITNESS NEWS TRAFFIC
|
HOW TO TURN BLUE JEANS GREEN
Jeans are a versatile must-have for kids and adults alike and a staple in most of our closets. This makes jeans a perfect item to start with when giving your wardrobe (or your kids’ closets) a green makeover – and don’t throw away that old denim just yet. For today’s green tip, we’re giving you some eco-friendly ideas from www.earthshare.org for saving money and the environment when buying, caring for and re-cycling your favorite jeans.
• Go vintage: Hold off on hitting up the mall and head to nearby thrift stores, vintage, and consignment shops first. These stores are usually well stocked with donated denim. Plus, here’s the good part, your jeans will cost significantly less than retail and come with a much smaller carbon footprint – no production required! Also keep thrift stores in mind for donations of your gently used but still wearable old clothes and jeans.
• Opt for organic: Cotton is the most pesticide-intensive crop out there. Non-organic cotton production is responsible for 11% of global pesticide usage. Just a single pair of jeans made from conventional cotton, amounts to 2/3 pound of fertilizer and pesticides. Fortunately, a lot of well-known brands are using organic cotton and non-toxic dyes in their denim collections.
• Launder responsibly: Since washing your jeans too often can do a number on the fabric, most manufacturers recommend that you only wash them when you absolutely must. Keep your jeans looking sharp by turning them inside out, washing them in cold water, and try a chemical-free detergent.
• Hang them out to dry: Line drying saves a lot of energy and helps to preserve fabrics by sparing them the heat of the dryer.
• Let your old denim keep people warm: Donate you old jeans to a homeless shelter.
GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS
AKI ANASTASIOU
TRAFFIC & TECHNOLOGY REPORTER
EYEWITNESS NEWS TRAFFIC
|
TALK ON ACID MINE DRAINAGE AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Mariette Liefferink joins us today to discuss her academic paper on the Health Risks pertaining to Mining Waste within the Witwatersrand goldfields, which she’ll be presenting at the North West University’s Eco Health Forum on the 24th of November, 2011.
AMD and potential health risks:
• As early as 1987, the US Environmental Protection Agency recognised that “.....problems related to mining waste may be rated as second only to global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion in terms of ecological risk. The release to the environment of mining waste can result in profound, generally irreversible destruction of ecosystems.” If this is indeed so then the Witwatersrand gold mining area of South Africa is at serious risk.
• Waste from gold mines constitutes the largest single source of waste and pollution in South Africa and there is wide acceptance that Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is responsible for the most costly environmental and socio-economic impacts.
• The potential volume of AMD for the Witwatersrand Goldfield alone amounts to an estimated 350ML/day (1ML = 1000m3).
• The Witwatersrand has been mined for more than a century. It is the world’s largest gold and uranium mining basin with the extraction, from more than 120 mines, of 43 500 tons of gold in one century and 73 000 tons of uranium between 1953 and 1995. The basin covers an area of 1600 km2, and led to a legacy of some 400 km2 of mine tailings dams and 6 billion tons of pyrite tailings containing 430 000 tons of low-grade uranium*.
• Tailings dams and waste rock dumps can never be maintained in completely reducing environment; AMD risk will remain for centuries.
• AMD is not only associated with surface and groundwater pollution, degradation of soil quality, for harming aquatic sediments and fauna, and for allowing heavy metals to seep into the environment, but long-term exposure to AMD polluted drinking water may lead to increased rates of cancer, decreased cognitive function and appearance of skin lesions. Heavy metals in drinking water could compromise the neural development of the fetus which can result in mental retardation.
• The proposed treatment of AMD by Government is neutralization by means of lime dosing. The water will remain toxic, unfit for any purpose. The sulphate levels, after neutralization, will be 3 000 mg/l. The World Health Organisation’s standard for drinking water is 200mg/l.
• The budget approved by Cabinet for the treatment of AMD is R225 million. However, R924 million (capital expenditure) and R385 million (per year for 4 years – operational and maintenance costs) are required for the immediate treatment (by means of neutralization) for AMD. Please see submission by the TCTA to Parliament on the 8th of September, 2011.
*An airborne radiometric survey of the Witwatersrand goldfields was done for DWA by the Council of Geoscience. Interpretation of the data show many of the densely residential areas (Carletonville, Westonarea, Khutsong, Kagiso, Randfontein, and CBD of Johannesburg) fall within areas of high risk of radioactivity contamination.
WEBSITE: www.fse.org.za
www.pea.org.za
GUEST: MARIETTE LIEFFERINK
CEO: FEDERATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
|
SMOKING AFFECTS THE ENVIRONMENT.
All smokers think that by smoking they are only damaging their health. They are ignorant about the fact that their smoking is indirectly affecting others health. And they are one of the direct contributors to the environmental pollution.
• There are few environmental issues, which every smoker should be aware of. Smoking affects your environment greatly.
HOW SMOKING CAUSES AIR POLLUTION
Experts have shown that smoking causes air pollution and to some extent also pollutes the ground.
• Approximately 4000 chemicals are present in cigarettes, which are breathed out and released in the atmosphere.
HOW SMOKING CAUSES LAND AND WATER POLLUTION
Pollution caused due to smoking is not confined only to the air or body but to some extent it is also responsible in polluting the land and the water.
• Every day millions of cigarette butts are left on the ground. Maximum of the cigarette butts finally end up in lakes and rivers.
• By mistake fishes and other water animals eat these butts resulting in death of these water bodies.
• The remaining butts left on the ground will approximately take 25-26 years to decompose.
• The various additives and chemicals are leached into the soil, polluting the soil as well as plants.
• During dry seasons cigarette butts can even cause major fire, which is even harmful for the environment.
GUEST: IN 702 STUDIOS
TSHIDI MADIA
TRAFFIC REPORTER
EYEWITNESS NEWS TRAFFIC
|
AN OVERVIEW OF THE GREEN TIMES WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS ON OUR NEW TABLOID
Most people care about the world, but many don't know what they can do to help steer our society onto a more sustainable path.
The Green Times fills this gap by providing stories about what can be done - and how fun and rewarding it is to live a greener life.
Naturally corporate greening and green products and services are also very important, so The Green Times is always looking for those stories too.
WEBSITE: www.thegreentimes.co.za
GUEST: ELMA POLLARD
EDITOR
GREEN TIMES
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The Wildlife stories taking place in Sandton Square Bush-Boma are aimed at enthusing young kids about the environment and rhino conservation
• Sandton Square has been running a campaign for rhino poaching including a treasure hunt with participating stores to find a rhino and then sms a number which contributes funds to Wildlands Trust towards the conservation of rhino.
• The bush boma constructed in the square is an additional initiative to include an educational and entertainment aspect for children through story telling by “real live rangers”
GUEST: MEGAN EMMETT
GAME RANGER
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GO GREEN WITH A TABLET DEVICE
Artists Project Earth (APE) will be hosting a concert in Durban on the 4th December during COP 17. The concert is in aid of Famine relief in East Africa. Climate change is a global phenomenon, but sadly it is those least responsible who are most at risk from the effects. There is a clear causal link between climate change and the ravages of famine.
• Thousands of people are facing starvation in the Horn of Africa due to the relentless drought in the region. Ongoing food shortages are affecting southern Somalia and the refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia.
The concert will be on the beachfront and will also feature the Use Me More campaign by Greenpeace.
• The line-up for the Festival includes South African great Johnny Clegg, renowned jazz artist Jimmy Dludlu and Africa artist Jika Nglanga, newcomer acapella group Amaryoni, DJ Politburo sessions and special guests.
APE is funding the concert but all proceeds will go to famine relief. APE is looking for any sponsor who may have missed the COP boat but has a green product they wish to expose to delegates from 200 countries.
They are looking for smaller sponsors, in the 20 to 50 thousand mark. They will be mentioned in all advertising for the show and will also feature with branding on stage.
• THE CONCERT IS AN OFFICIAL COP EVENT.
WEBSITE: www.apeuk.org
GUEST: IAN OSRIN
SOUTH AFRICAN LIASON: ARTISTS PROJECT EARTH (APE)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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