A draft law submitted to the Russian parliament seeks to impose punishment up to criminal prosecution to producers of genetically-modified organisms harmful to health or the environment. The draft legislation submitted on Wednesday amends Russia's law regulating GMOs and some other laws and provides for disciplinary action against individuals and firms, which produce or … [Read more...]
Focus on food - the essence of life
In the Mother City you can experience a thought-provoking exhibition titled “Design & Making [the story of food]. This collaboration traces the evolution of craft and design through food - in particular, the vessels used for its preservation, storage, packaging and distribution. This collaboration sees PETCO and its members, working together with the Cape Craft & … [Read more...]
Nurturing chameleons and nourishing honeybees – a new twist for the Kirstenbosch Plant Fair
Imagine making your garden honeybee and chameleon friendly? The secret is in growing plants that will attract and feed them and with the theme of “Nurturing Chameleons and Nourishing Honey Bees” this year’s BotSoc Kirstenbosch Plant Fair offers a wide variety of events. To say that it will be a hive of activity is certainly an understatement, so make a date in your … [Read more...]
Time for transition in South Africa
“In Transition 2.0” is a film that offers hope and resilience in challenging times. It was a pleasure to be part of the audience at the Eco Film Festival this month at the Labia in Gardens. For me the film presents a tried and tested opportunity for change. Very real change from a grassroots movement that is starting to gain ground in a time when we are looking for answers to … [Read more...]
Ilegal mine accused of polluting irrigation water
A Gupta-linked colliery has been accused of polluting the Olifants River, a vital source of water for food crop irrigation on farms around Delmas. The modern story of Mpumalanga is of the war between farming and mining. Its rich soil, crisscrossed by streams and rivers, is one of South Africa's breadbaskets. Exports from here go around the world. But beneath the green … [Read more...]
Uniting to resolve Cape fishing permit crisis
Southern Peninsula faith leaders and clergy will unite this evening in support of fishing communities in serious crisis in the Western Cape. Date: Wednesday, 12 February 2014 Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Kalk Bay Time: 19h00 On New Year’s Eve, the long term fishing rights in eight fishing sectors expired and led to the fishing industry experiencing a … [Read more...]
Rise of the CCC polluticians
At the dawn of the 21st century’s second decade, 25 832 globe-trotters invade Dodgy City. Staying fourteen days, for the West-Gondwanaland Climate Change Conference. ‘Developing country awarded the CCC,’ the Global Thymes announced, two years before. The famous D.C. International Airport runway points straight at the Fantastic Ocean. Planes take off and land over the sea. … [Read more...]
Happiness in a Handbasket
One of the really useful and informative books I came across recently helped me to understand more deeply how our shopping habits impact on our world. Here is my interview with Ute Kuhlmann who wrote “Happiness in a Handbasket – Buy Local, the practical guide.” Elma Pollard: I was a little confused as the title of the book made me think it was about market shopping, but … [Read more...]
Fresh organic foods delivered to your door in Gauteng
Gillian O’Shea started Terra Madre SA in October 2012 because she was frustrated with not being able to purchase clean food. “As a Specialised Kinesiologist, I was also learning more and more the about the impact of our bad diet on our health, never mind the impact of our farming methods on the planet.” It’s my opinion that consumers and large retailers are also at fault … [Read more...]
Can we finally have a serious talk about population?
As the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases its latest mega-report, averring a 95 percent certainty that humans are heating up the planet, there’s an unavoidable subtext: The growing number of humans on the planet in the first place. The figures, after all, are staggering: In 1900, there were just 1.65 billion of us; now, there are 7.2 billion. … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds Part 2: Nettle
My absolute favourite wild edible and medicinal plant has to be Nettle. It is my “go to” when I am feeling unsettled or out of sorts. This wild edible is a super food in terms of nutrition! This modest little plant saved many a family during times of war when food was scarce. It is a most abundant little healer growing all over the world. This vibrant little plant is a … [Read more...]
Fast food worsens GHG emissions
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says food wastage across the world – totalling 1.3 billion tonnes of food annually – is the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions after China and the USA. The FAO estimates the direct cost to producers of food that goes to waste is currently US $750 billion (R7356 billion) annually, a figure that excludes wasted … [Read more...]
Green coffee goes the extra mile
The latest diet fad to hit the country is the green coffee bean! Klaus Becker, Managing Director of Caturra is taking “green” coffee to an all time high here in South Africa. In the long run this will be worth its weight in gold for the planet. Caturra has recently rolled out its compostable packaging for its complete range of espresso, filter and organic coffees. The new … [Read more...]
