Stunting or impaired growth remains prevalent amongst the poorest South African children. This can result in increased episodes of illness, poor cognitive function and poor educational attainment. Woolworths has announced a new partnership with UNICEF South Africa to help increase South African children’s access to good nutrition. In line with its aim to support … [Read more...]
Clever kids use rainwater to clean windscreen
It’s an idea that could one day help save billions of litres of water. Instead of simply wiping raindrops off our car windscreens, why not collect and reuse the water via the washer jets? Brother and sister Daniel and Lara Krohn were travelling in the family car last summer when the heavens opened. But when their dad Gerd, who was driving, tried to clear away the smears, the … [Read more...]
Pupils put heads together to discuss saving environment
Tuesday July 31 is calculated to be the day on which humanity’s resource consumption exceeds earth’s capacity to regenerate. This was according to Myles Siebrits, Rustenburg Girls’ High School campus manager, who was invited to Wynberg Boys’ High School to chat to the pupils about sustainability. Mr Siebrits says Earth Overshoot Day, previously known as Ecological Debt … [Read more...]
Joburg school fills swimming pool with plastic to teach students a lesson
Plastic bottles are affecting our oceans and the environment, leaving a path of destruction where all living beings are affected. That is why the Dainfern College Foundation and Student Head of Environmental Affairs, Stella Ritsito, decided to do something bold to bring their student’s attention to the damage created by our consumption of plastic. The Annual Swim-a-Thon, … [Read more...]
Gauteng campaign teaches kids the importance of forests
WESSA is excited to launch a new environmental education programme for schools that is aimed at increasing knowledge about the key role forests play in enabling sustainable life on our planet, including the cultural, ecologic, economic and social functions and benefits. LEAF (Learning About Forests) is an innovative, international programme that encourages learners and … [Read more...]
Leading pesticide destroys healthy microbes in humans and soil
We're only beginning to learn the importance of healthy gut bacteria to our overall health—and the relationship between healthy soil and the human microbiome. We know that the human microbiome, often referred to as our "second brain," plays a key role in our health, from helping us digest the food we eat, to boosting our brain function and regulating our immune … [Read more...]
45 recycled desks donated to Hout Bay underprivileged kids
In the Cape Town suburb of Hout Bay today, 45 new desks were delivered to the learners of Ikhaya le Themba in Imizamo Yethu as part of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon #GOGREEN campaign. Funded by the Two Oceans Marathon Initiative (TOMI), the unique desks were made from non-organic event waste collected during the marathon earlier this year. Thirty of the donated Green … [Read more...]
Help Project Sunshine bring light to the children of Diepsloot
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...]
