Before the 1970s, asbestos was a widely used home and manufacturing additive for its heat and fireproof resistant properties. Due to this, asbestos fibers can be found in buildings and products alike, and although it is banned in the UK, there have been lasting detrimental and cancerous effects through first, second, and third-wave exposure. In the U.S., this carcinogen is … [Read more...]
Greenpeace Africa activists demand clean air now
Last weekend, at least six Greenpeace Africa activists wearing superhero costumes leapt onto the SuperSport Park cricket field during the international T20 match between England and South Africa. Their mission was to hand the Proteas captain Quinton de Kock and his team an air pollution mask. This follows the release of a new study by Greenpeace Southeast Asia and the Center … [Read more...]
Which political parties care about the environment?
Are our political parties addressing the bedrock issues of survival, or are they only interested in the short-term goal of re-election? In this country, with water constraints and fragile soil, we need to be very diligent about protecting these precious things, and about fighting climate change to ensure our own and our children’s futures. You could do worse than choose … [Read more...]
How to save the planet from gold mining
Diamonds are supposed to be forever, however it’s the human love affair with gold that has been truly lasting. For thousands of years, since even before the time of King Tut, gold has been prized for its beauty and value. It’s no wonder, then, that so much gold is sitting in jewelry boxes and central bank vaults. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that 171,300 tons of gold … [Read more...]
Natural Building part 1: What is it?
Natural Building means different things to different people. Personally, I can’t view natural building in isolation from sustainability and sustainable building, writes Peter McIntosh, natural builder, in the first article in his series about this topic. Sustainability requires that we view ourselves as part of an ecosystem. In a sustainable system the materials your house … [Read more...]
Eskom’s chokehold on air and power
Eskom’s recent announcement of its September 2013 interim results show that the utility’s profit margins fell slightly to R12.2 billion, but the major news was the resignation of CEO, Brian Dames. It seems like a change in leadership for the utility is an incredible opportunity for a change in direction towards renewable energy, because the reality for both the utility and … [Read more...]
China’s coal consumption rivals that of the world
As the data illustrates, China is now burning almost as much coal as the rest of the world combined. And despite impressive support from Beijing for renewable energy and a dawning understanding about the dangers of air pollution, coal use in China is poised to continue rising, if slower than it has in recent years. That’s deadly for the Chinese people — see the truly … [Read more...]
MiniCAT- the Air Powered Car
With the costs of fuel rising to ever-depressing heights, the time is right for an alternative option. Luckily, Tata Motors is ready to introduce MiniCAT, the car which runs on compressed air! Tata Motors has been taking giant strides and making history for itself. First the Land Rover/Jaguar deal, then the world's cheapest car, and now this. The Air Car would have a range … [Read more...]
Clean Coal Air Freshener
Now with new and improved labeling! In reality, there's no such thing as clean coal. Check out this hilarious ad directed by the Academy-award winning Coen Brothers. The short attempts to get to the heart of what clean coal is and was made in connection with TakePart's hero Al Gore and his Alliance for Climate Protection. … [Read more...]
Heat pump uses solar energy for hot water
Now there is a new way that you can save energy in your home. By installing a Heat Pump it is possible to reduce the electricity consumption in your home by 30%. We were excited to find out about SIRAC, a world leader in Heat Pump technology. Their heat pumps are designed to provide maximum efficiency and reliability in extreme climatic conditions. SIRAC provides products … [Read more...]
