There are some great cycling routes in and around the green Winelands expanse of Stellenbosch. The maps were developed to encourage more people to cycle as a mode of transport. They aim to do this by: identifying a network of safer, connected routes locating bicycle lanes and parking educating cyclists about their rights and responsibilities … [Read more...]
Christmas 2011: a great time to buy local
As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide us with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods - merchandise that has been produced at the expense of South African labour. This year will be different. This year South Africans will give the gift of genuine concern for other South Africans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift … [Read more...]
Have a Green Christmas
I was walking in the mall with my son who noticed all the Christmas trees when I realized that I do not know why we have Christmas trees. Which made me wonder about the Christmas tradition and what it has become; surely it was not meant to be this mad rush we experience every year. Therefore I decided to explore Christmas knowing that as a parent I help build my son’s memories … [Read more...]
Oxygen replaces chemicals in new healing pools
A recent research report by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) reveals that exposure to disinfection by-products (DPB) such as chlorine found in swimming pools, is a possible cause of bladder cancer. Most regular swimmers know that a high chlorine content in swimming pools causes skin and eye irritation. But the health risks posed by swimming … [Read more...]
Misunderstanding sustainability
For many in the corporate sector, sustainability is perceived as a soft issue, far removed from the real business of maximising shareholder value. All too often it's seen as being about 'giving back' to society through a social investment programme, encouraging marketing departments to embrace the 'green agenda,' and signing up to charters and initiatives that supposedly … [Read more...]
Green tourism part 1: what is green grading?
In preparation for the Environmental Management in Tourism conference to take place in November, we are introducing a series on green tourism today. During the 20th century our world was thrust into a massive technological revolution, with new developments and discoveries being made at a pace never before experienced by humankind. Our parents took full advantage of the … [Read more...]
SA tourism industry needs to ‘future proof’ itself
'Africa's tourism industry would be grossly negligent if it did not take measures to protect its environment,' says Joyce DiMascio, Principal of Joyce DiMascio Consulting and one of Australia's most experienced tourism marketers. 'The world wants to come to Africa because of its natural wonders. But the industry must 'future proof' itself by putting responsible tourism at … [Read more...]
Good Earth Day contemplations
Last week we celebrated Good Friday and Earth Day wrapped into one. Perhaps we could combine it as Good Earth Day in the future. Naturally my Christian roots honoured the day when we remember and revere the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his descent into the darkness of death in the ultimate sacrifice. Was it not also at that moment that the sun dimmed and the earth was … [Read more...]
I’m dreaming of a green Christmas
The year of our memorable South Africa-hosted 2010 Soccer World Cup is spinning to a close. We're already halfway through December! Every morning you're bombarded with Christmas jingles on the radio and reminders that it's time to shop shop 'til you drop. You can't get away from it, every supermarket has a Christmas special advertisement on television and in the newspaper … [Read more...]
Great green loo launch
On Saturday 27 November, after many months of research, manual labor and foraging we finally had the official opening of our new green ablutions. They were built on a property of the Siyephu family, who run village based accommodation at Mbolompo, deep on the rural Wild Coast, less than 2 hour hike from the famous Hole in the Wall. The community business was started two … [Read more...]
Living green is cornerstone of family business
'Thumbs up to the Vineyard Hotel and Spa in Newlands for winning the 'Investor in People' category of the annual Imvelo Awards for responsible tourism. The hotel is also a runner-up in the 'Best Single Resource Management' category, specifically for its waste management programme. 'The staff at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa are like an extended family - many have been loyal … [Read more...]
Singita director to address global tourism conference
Mark Witney, Chief Operating Officer of Singita Game Reserves will be addressing the Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference in Australia, which is taking place between 25 and 28 October 2010. Delegates from major tourism bodies across the world will attend this annual convention, themed Experience is Everything!, exploring experiential tourism, green tourism, ecotourism … [Read more...]
Greenstuff takes the gold at Decorex
Congratulations to Hotelstuff/Greenstuff for taking top honours at this year's Decorex Joburg exhibition. As curators and creators of The Plascon Living Green House the online directory service created what many hailed as an 'enlightening journey of environmental responsibility meets trendsetting style.' As the ultimate accolade at this year's show, the win for the … [Read more...]
