The latest major health survey from Stats SA reveals that only 23 percent of South African toddlers are fed a diet considered to be adequate in terms of child nutrition. This is a figure which should concern us all: its implications for the future development of this demographic cohort are frightening. As a new book by agricultural economist Dr Tracy Ledger makes clear, at … [Read more...]
How climate change will affect our favourite foods
In early June, President Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, a controversial move that received broad opposition (and support). Since then, a growing number of US cities and states have created their own alliances to uphold commitments to the accord—voluntary agreements to focus on sustainable energy sources, commitments to carbon emission … [Read more...]
Rise the women in food
I don’t normally write about feminist issues. That doesn’t mean I am not observing carefully the variety of ways in which women are still stripped today. If not of their clothes – well, there’s that too – but of the equal place we aspire to in our society. Recently I asked an older gentleman (M1) if he knew what women want most of all. All guesses failed miserably. So I said … [Read more...]
New research exposes health risks of GM mosquitoes and salmon
Just when genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes got their approval by the Cayman Islands and the government of Canada’s Prince Edward Island is trying to approve GM salmon, new research reveals unexpected and potentially dangerous effects of genetic engineering. Unfortunately, neither the makers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) nor their regulators conduct the studies … [Read more...]
Climate change could push staple food prices up 130%
Climate change could lead to shortages and punishing 130% price rises in staple foods within our lifetime, raising the spectre of riots and civil unrest, a new study warned today. The report, by the International Food Policy Research Institute, warned that warming of even one degree by 2050 could play havoc with food production – with hotter, wetter temperatures cutting crop … [Read more...]
How green is your restaurant?
Do you know what the footprint is of the restaurant you support? Launched last year as a first for South Africa, the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award acknowledges a restaurant that brings its customers seasonal, local and responsibly produced food. “We launched the award to acknowledge the inspiring work that is already being done in the hospitality sector, and to … [Read more...]
Become a Conservation Champion
The WWF brought together stakeholders from the wine industry and conservation to create the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) in 2005. Over the next decade, the initiative fostered greater awareness of the Cape’s unique natural heritage and encouraged many farms to implement biodiversity-friendly farming. The partnership also saw South Africa’s voluntary sustainable … [Read more...]
Greenpeace urges Woolworths Australia to dump unsustainable tuna
Woolworths Australia is being urged to dump Greenseas, after a survey found it was the only major canned tuna brand still using fish caught with FADs – a destructive and unsustainable method. In its latest canned tuna shopping guide, environmental group Greenpeace has ranked Greenseas last for failing on key measures, including transparency about its sustainability policies, … [Read more...]
Right to food includes the right to nutrition
In South Africa, all citizens have the right to food. Yet the current approach is to focus on food security, forgetting that security doesn’t necessarily mean nutrition. The right to food wholeheartedly includes the right to nutrition. A recent dialogue event, hosted by the Centre for Complex Systems Transitions (CST) in Stellenbosch, raised some interesting views, current … [Read more...]
Future path towards sustainable cooking in the global south
The role of renewable electricity for the cooking sector in the Global South has been widely underestimated. As the costs of Renewable Energy technologies continue to decline, cleaner and more modern technologies represent an entirely new pathway towards sustainable cooking in developing countries. These are the findings of the new report ‘Beyond Fire’ launched by the … [Read more...]
A call to consume consciously this World Food Day
Hunger is undeniably an intensely personal and political issue. Hunger has laid waste to human civilizations from the dawn of time. It has driven conquest and war. It has birthed revolutions. Therefore it is absolutely critical that food security be at the top of any nation’s agenda. A country is food secure when everyone has access to a sufficient quantity of affordable … [Read more...]
Win a floating edible island and fight the drought
Water shortage? How to use what you have and thrive. List as many benefits as possible to this home-made system and stand a chance to win one floating island, worth R1200. PS the floating islands are vegetated with edible plants. Food. Make your list in the comment space below this story. Entries close 31 October. … [Read more...]
Book Review: Mila’s Meals
It’s not often that you have the luxury of stumbling upon a wholesome, nourishing cookbook for ‘littlies’, that covers everything from weaning to toddler-hood. Perhaps if you’ve been hanging around all the right places most of the time, a little surprise like this ends up on your lap that leaves a delightful sparkle in your eyes. Having read this well researched book from … [Read more...]
