Improving your life whilst greening your environment is a match made in heaven. The Acornhoek community in rural Mpumalanga show us how it's done. The northeast of South Africa is home to some of its best-visited tourist attractions. On the one side is Kruger National Park and the upmarket, private game lodges that surround it. On the other there’s God’s Window and the … [Read more...]
Suffering Africa to divest from fossil fuels
Renowned environmentalist Bill McKibben and the climate movement 350.org, recent recipients of the Right Livelihood Award, (otherwise known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize),” have sounded the call for a large-scale and global divestment from fossil fuel companies, especially in Africa. Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change. It has been estimated by Greenpeace … [Read more...]
Environmental NGO connects corporates with local communities
“Directly connecting corporate members with their beneficiaries is an integral part of the process which allows for a deeper understanding of its positive effects. It is important for us to starting thinking long-term if we want to benefit future generations. We can do this by communicating with the generation of today and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need … [Read more...]
Activists kick off Fossil Free campaign outside prominent bank
Activists in Sandton this week kicked off the campaign for a Fossil Free Africa. "This is a fight for our future, and that of our children -- a future where we have clean energy and water to survive, and where our energy supply doesn’t cost the earth," they said. The activists were outside Nedbank’s headquarters to expose the bank’s greenwashing and their role in South … [Read more...]
Natural system investments crucial for food and water security
Healthy, well-functioning natural systems play a vital role in supporting the country’s food and water security, whilst also maintaining healthy communities and sustained livelihoods. This was highlighted during a two-day field trip through the Umgeni catchment in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, co-hosted by WWF South Africa and Nedbank. “Food and water security are deeply … [Read more...]
Centre pioneers food waste composting
There are those who would only adjust their life and business if they are forced by a law. Then there are the pioneers who understand the link between the health of the planet and their own personal bliss and success. Recycling waste is not a new phenomenon to the Tyger Valley Shopping Centre. Since 2007 all recyclables have been separated and reclaimed. But organic food … [Read more...]
Partnerships drive the plastic recycling industry to success
“The focus of waste management in South Africa is changing. No longer is the emphasis on the disposal of waste, but rather on avoiding its generation and minimizing and recycling the waste stream wherever possible.” This was the key message conveyed by Lisa Parkes, Marketing Manager of PETCO, at a workshop held during Wastecon in Somerset West this month. “The law … [Read more...]
Country leads the world in plastic recycling
No less than 280 000 ton of plastic was recycled and diverted from landfill last year. That is 20 % of all plastics manufactured in South Africa. Results were released during Clean-Up and Recycle SA week. This equates to a 4.1 % increase on the previous year’s figures. Of all the recycled plastic, 220 400 tons were derived from packaging, resulting in a year on year increase … [Read more...]
SA’s green economy transforms bottom lines
South Africa's fast emerging green economy is driven by factors such as radical cost savings, brand differentiation, sustainable futures, skills attraction and retention. Driving its uptake is business, particularly multinational companies (MNCs), which – through its global nature and the interconnectedness of markets – is harnessing green principles to do good and boost … [Read more...]
3 Litres of burned oil for one printer cartridge
Did you know that the manufacturing process involved in producing new printer cartridges requires the burning of fossil fuel, specifically oil or natural gas? It takes on average 3 litres of burned oil to create just one cartridge shell. In SA there are more than 70 million cartridges produced annually. About 75% of used cartridges end up in the landfill, with resultant … [Read more...]
Directors become personally liable for environmental care
Directors of companies will soon be personally liable for any negative impact, damage, degradation or pollution of the environment, with fines of up to R10 million or up to 10 years in prison. Amendments introduced by the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act, (NEMLAA) are due to come into effect on 2 September 2014. South African businesses should note that … [Read more...]
Monitoring energy consumption leads to savings
Business can use the National Energy Barometer Survey as an opportunity to calculate their energy consumption to make improvements. This is what The Clicks Group did when they used the National Energy Barometer Survey (NEBS) as an opportunity to collate energy use information for the entry. This enabled them to see what the Group’s energy baseline was, in order to improve … [Read more...]
Carbon Footprinting Guide reaches over 53 000 downloads
Who would not like to read and consult a free Carbon Footprinting Guide to help tweak your life and business? Well, this is probably why this online guide has achieved more downloads than any other SA publication of its kind to date. Historically, such guides at best registered a few thousand downloads per annum, and the Guide is clocked over 53 000 six months after … [Read more...]
