The Top 10 finalists for the first 2023 Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge have been selected, from a wide range of cross-cutting green economy entries. “The projects encompass renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, water and sanitation solutions. 90% of the entries are from black-owned businesses, and 46% are female-owned” said Nathi Nkonyane, … [Read more...]
Biodiversity Disclosure Project ratings of SA companies released
Businesses are increasingly being required to show commitment to disclosing and improving their impacts on biodiversity. Yet the fourth annual Biodiversity Disclosure Project Ratings of companies listed on the JSE reveals that only 35% of South African companies even recognise biodiversity as being material. One of the first organisations to focus on measuring corporate … [Read more...]
From waste to wonderful designs
For some decades now our society’s mounds of waste are of the worst indicators of us humans’ wasteful and entitled habits. Hence we are happy to share a story of an initiative which turns rubbish into something useful and beautiful. Plasticity is a company that designs handmade products from plastic waste and hemp for a more beautiful world. In line with SA’s commitment to … [Read more...]
Tackling the growing waste problem in Kayamandi
Following months of deliberation, Stellenbosch Network has crowned Chuma Lalendle and Sbahle Mgijima as the winners of the fourth edition of the #IdeasForChange Challenge. The two young innovators walked away with a R20 000 cash prize to support their ‘Smart Trolley Recycling’ idea. They had gone head-to-head with Retief Louw, who developed New-Queue, a WhatsApp-based … [Read more...]
Eco champions recognised for protecting the environment
At the ‘Glamorously Green’ 11th annual Eco-Logic Awards, hosted by the Enviropaedia at the Two Oceans Aquarium on 22 September (also World Rhino Day), an inspiring line-up of eco-logically beneficial products, services, individuals and organisations were recognised for protecting and preserving our planet and environment. As the first time the Awards could be celebrated at a … [Read more...]
Women leading the way in creating a circular economy
The recycling industry is traditionally perceived as a male-dominated one, but in reality, many remarkable women and women-run businesses are making waves in it. Recently, three such South African women, who have found innovative ways to turn recyclables into viable businesses and improve the lives of those living in their communities, were celebrated in the annual PETCO … [Read more...]
A cleaner Stellenbosch through innovative upcycling
The great words ‘Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are’ by Theodore Roosevelt run true for this year’s Stellenbosch Network #IdeasForChange Challenge winner and founder of Lilly Loompa Upcycled Homeware, Lizl Naudé. The Paarl-born entrepreneur turned an unfortunate situation into treasure when she started her business. After losing everything she and her … [Read more...]
Cape Town to host largest cannabis expo in Africa
The biggest cannabis event on the continent is returning to Cape Town. Despite a 2-year pandemic break, this dynamic industry has grown rapidly and now The Cannabis Expo is preparing for its biggest expo yet in the Mother City in line with Governments renewed focus on this flourishing industry. At his SONA address earlier this month, President Ramaphosa announced his plans … [Read more...]
Entrepreneurs invited to showcase green innovations
GreenCape, in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Invest Cape Town and The Business Hub, invites innovators and entrepreneurs with economically viable green economy innovation business ideas to enter the 2022 GreenPitch Challenge before 31 March 2022. Enter your green economy innovation business idea to stand a chance of pitching to a panel of esteemed judges at a … [Read more...]
EWT assesses South African companies’ impact on biodiversity
Out of 354 South African companies assessed by the Endangered Wildlife Trust for their performance towards reducing their impacts on biodiversity, only 79 even recognise biodiversity as a material issue. This means much work needs to be done to gear up South African corporates to understand the critical role of nature-based capital in their supply chains. On 8 December 2021, … [Read more...]
SA entrepreneurs grow ideas into successful businesses
Despite living in different parts of South Africa, Simphiwe Makapela, Kylie Davids and Luvuyo Gushu each began their entrepreneurial journey with one common goal in mind – exploring opportunities to develop successful businesses in the water, biodiversity and environmental sectors. Historically, entrepreneurs looking to venture into specialised sectors, such as water and … [Read more...]
The future belongs to sustainable brands
The need for innovation in the responsible design of plastic packaging and the essential focus on the post-consumer life of this material was discussed during a workshop at the Sustainable Brands HOW NOW conference in Cape Town. The conference created an opportunity for professionals from various industries to network and learn from their peers and a collection of thought … [Read more...]
PVC products enjoy spotlight at recycled product of the year awards
Products made from PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) could be hard to recycle. Do not fall for the popular misconception that PVC is not recyclable. South Africa saw a 3.9 % increase in the total amount of PVC, or vinyl, diverted from landfill in 2014 (18 488 tons). SAPRO’s Recycled Product of the Year Awards which took place in Stellenbosch recently, proved that there is a growing … [Read more...]
