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...]
O + H2 = the greatest treasure
One oxygen atom and two hydrogen molecules can create treasure. The greatest treasure on this planet is not actually gold, diamonds or a rare painting by Picasso. Our greatest wealth and our most prized possession is … water. Johannesburg based environmental NGO, Green Beings, teamed up with Cosmo City schools, Rand Water and Smokolo to promote water conservation and … [Read more...]
What do we need to get energised?
Are you reacting to your life circumstances, or creating the experience you want? Both approaches to living life require ENERGY – the former leaves us feeling exhausted and depleted and the latter inspires and energises. What does Living Life on Purpose mean and what conditions are required to achieve this state? What are some of the obstacles and opposing forces we need to … [Read more...]
Social cost of carbon six times higher than thought
The economic damage inflicted by climate change could be six times worse than previously thought, US scientists have warned. The US government takes climate policy decisions on the basis that emitting one tonne of carbon dioxide incurs US$37 of social costs. In a study published in Nature Climate Change, researchers from Stanford University reached a figure of US$220 a … [Read more...]
Stop complaining and do-it-yourself
Do you want things to be done, and done properly, in 2015? Then do it yourself. Behave as if government is not going to deliver any services, and if it does, see that as a bonus. The poor management and planning, deployment of loyal cadres not up to the job, attempts at state capture, corruption and weak political leadership of the last decades are now really adding up and … [Read more...]
‘Knowing Mandela’ to inspire the nation
I have never felt the need to read a book about Mandela, though I have always adored him. But by grace a little book came across my path … Knowing Mandela by John Carlin. Of course I want to learn more now, but I also suspect that having started with this one, it will be very hard to match. John was the South Africa correspondent of London’s Independent newspaper from 1990 … [Read more...]
Eskom and Sasol use us as pollution filters
How much is a human life worth? How much is our future and that of our children worth? Well, the answer to both is “not too much,” if Eskom and Sasol’s pollution-friendly tactics are anything to go by. Allow me to explain. On paper, South Africa has some pretty decent environmental legislation intended to protect the quality of our air and environment, in the form of the … [Read more...]
Pesticides linked to drug-resistant fungal infections
A recent rise in drug resistant human pathogenic fungi may be fueled by the use of fungicides (pesticides that kill fungi) on agricultural fields, according to research led by Manchester University in the United Kingdom. Aspergillus, the genus of common soil-dwelling fungi analyzed by researchers, include an incredibly diverse group of mold species. Although some provide … [Read more...]
Dancing between desire and wisdom
To be human is to belong, and care is both the expression and the gift of our connectedness. Heartfelt care motivates us to make our best contributions in life. And expressing care not only feels good but is actually good for us, having been shown to strengthen the immune system! The environmental movement is made up of millions of people who dedicate their lives to caring … [Read more...]
Take special care during the supermoon
Today we throw the environmental net wider, in line with our definition of ‘green’ meaning health – that of the planet and all her creatures, and always honouring the intricate interdependence between all in the web. For once the topic of depression and suicide – the silent killer of our time – is at the top of the agenda with the loss of the gifted and beloved actor Robin … [Read more...]
Building social cohesion through active citizenship
The President of Chile, Dr Michelle Bachelet (photographed, right) will deliver the 12th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture in Cape Town under the theme ‘Building social cohesion through active citizenship’ on Saturday 9 August 2014. This is the second time that the lecture will be held in Cape Town, with the event previously being hosted in the city in 2012. Dr Bachelet is a … [Read more...]
Go treeplanting in Hogsback this Arbor month
In light of September being Arbour Month, Greenpop is pleased to announce the Hogsback Reforest Fest! Much like the Platbos Reforest Fest that occurred this past May, the Hogsback Reforest Fest aims to celebrate our Earth and our trees through reforestation, music, workshops, competitions, and yoga. Happening in the magical Amathole Mountains in the Eastern Cape Province … [Read more...]
67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day
When you think of knitting, what comes to mind? A grey-haired dear? Think again! Knitting is now hip and is being done, en masse, for a good cause. 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day started as a challenge but has quickly grown into what some are calling a movement. It’s captured the attention of the Minister of Arts & Culture, Paul Mashatile, Hugh Masekela, Angela … [Read more...]
