Diepsloot is a densely populated neighbourhood situated in the north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Over 200 000 inhabitants live in self made shacks, with living conditions worsened by a lack of access to basic facilities, like water, proper sanitation, education and public lighting. The Philile Foundation is a non-profit organisation that aims to transform the lives of … [Read more...]
Toxic chemicals in children’s toys exceed proposed hazardous waste limit
A new global survey finds that recycling plastics containing toxic flame retardant chemicals found in electronic waste results in contamination of the world’s best-selling toy along with other children’s products. Ironically, the chemical contaminants can damage the nervous system and reduce intellectual capacity but are found in Rubik’s Cubes – a puzzle toy designed to … [Read more...]
School project brings eco education and animal awareness
Developing learners' appreciation for nature and understanding of ecology is essential for their adaptation to a changing world and ability to be caretakers going forward. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with Africa Foundation and andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, launched a new environmental education project in the Mduku … [Read more...]
Pollution responsible for quarter of deaths of young children
Pollution is responsible for one in four deaths among all children under five, according to new World Health Organisation reports, with toxic air, unsafe water, and and lack of sanitation the leading causes. The reports found polluted environments cause the deaths of 1.7 million children every year, but that many of the deaths could be prevented by interventions already … [Read more...]
Kabega Primary wins clean-up and recycling competition
Kabega Primary School in Port Elizabeth has once again proven their mettle as a group of learners committed to sustainability and cleaning up their environment, by emerging victorious in Plastics|SA’s annual Clean-Up and Recycle Competition. According to Jacques Lightfoot, Sustainability Manager at Plastics|SA, the aim of this yearly competition is to encourage, schools, … [Read more...]
Plastics industry supporting young recycling entrepreneurs
The National Recycling Forum (NRF) focus their efforts on supporting young recycling entrepreneurs with their growing businesses. One such company is Songimvelo led by Irvin Khumalo and Hugo Ngcobo. Songimvelo grabbed the NRF’s attention because of their great ingenuity and perseverance in creating sustainable and successful businesses within the recycling industry. These … [Read more...]
WESSA hosts international environmental education event in SA
This week WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) played host to the 2016 international FEE Eco-Schools conference – also known as the National Operators’ Meeting (NOM) – in Johannesburg. The three day event saw 85 delegates from over 50 countries around the world come together for an exchange of knowledge and best practices around environmental education … [Read more...]
The annual Green Faire turns 10 – with TEDx!
This Sunday, 6 November, from 8-17:00 come experience green living at its best at the Hout Bay Green Faire. Join in the fun and share your green products. Envirochild’s annual eco-expo is celebrating its first double digit year by doubling up on its informative, inspiring offerings and guaranteeing twice the delight. Affordable and accessible, the Hout Bay Green Faire … [Read more...]
Applications open for the 2017 Postgraduate Fellowship Awards
The GreenMatter Fellowship is designed to connect a community of outstanding champions, leaders and advocates who contribute positively towards managing and maintaining our country’s biodiversity. The Fellowship is unique in that it offers a range of development opportunities and welcomes graduates, young professionals and established leaders from all walks of life. It … [Read more...]
Recognising impressive contributors at the National Wetland Awards
Do you know someone in the wetland community who demonstrates some of the following characteristics and you think their good efforts should be recognized? Innovative and creative ideas. Encourages new stakeholders into wetland conservation efforts. Voluntary work or work “beyond the call of duty”. Long service and legacy to wetland management or a significant and … [Read more...]
The search for a toddler-friendly floor cleaner
Potty training… when will it end? Our toddler is two and half and we have a new baby on the way. Clearly we are not fans of sleep. We tried to time it so that we only have to change one set of nappies, but it seems that was more wishful thinking than anything based in reality. Which is worse - nappies or messes? I was really looking forward to our toddler being out of … [Read more...]
Kaldi’s goats discover coffee in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. It was discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi in the 11th century. Kaldi’s goats ate some coffee cherries and became energised and as a result, Kaldi gave the cherries a try and was delighted to experience the same effect. Kaldi reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who made a drink with the cherries and found that … [Read more...]
Is your school Waste Wise?
What is your school, or your child's school, doing about their waste footprint? Do not throw your hands up in despair if you are not personally involved in making school waste awareness happen. Many schools are indeed doing great work in this line. I often say that the kids are far more aware than us adults - WE are the problem generation. The Waste Wise school's … [Read more...]
