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...]
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...]
Join the One Heart Trail Run
Run. Read. Lead. Families and kids come participate in the launch of the One Heart for Kids literacy programme by joining the trail run at Blaauwklippen Estate on 15 May. "Every race you run gets someone to learn how to read." The One Heart programme aims to equip children and youth through the provision of fun, interactive, tested curriculum, after school activities such … [Read more...]
Young people are suing governments over climate change
When a group of teenagers first started taking governments to court over the lack of climate change action, people laughed at them. They are not laughing now. This week a US court will consider whether 21 young people have a right to sue the US Government, President Barack Obama and other federal agencies, for their failure to tackle climate change. The young people say … [Read more...]
Self sustainable schools a step in the right direction
Education is the cornerstone to success, progress and knowledge. Globally 75 million people between the ages of 18 – 24 are unemployed. But there is hope. In a relatively unknown part of the world, the principles and methods of learning have been redefined. Escuela Agricola San Francisco de Asis, Paraguay. Converted from a monastery into an agricultural college for local … [Read more...]
Bordeaux added to pesticide blacklist
Living in a famous wine region like Bordeaux sounds idyllic, but a recent investigation shows it's not such a hot idea – especially if you have kids. Recently the center of Bordeaux saw a "marche blanche", or white march, a protest against pesticides following shocking revelations this week on the French national TV documentary program Cash Investigations. The two-hour … [Read more...]
