It’s important to understand the difference between sanitising and disinfecting. Sanitising refers to cleaning one’s hands in order to reduce the number of potential pathogens that could be transmitted to others. Disinfecting refers to killing pathogens on surfaces, which may require chemicals harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Many manufacturers have … [Read more...]
Keep your home clean with this eco-friendly range
For the first time in South Africa, a household cleaning range includes products packaged in green Plastic HDPE bottles. More than ten years ago, Woolworths pioneered its own label of eco-friendly products in South Africa with the launch of its Earth Friendly range of household cleaning products. The past decade has been one of ever-increasing concerns of the impacts of … [Read more...]
Cool clean tech to tackle climate change
South African entrepreneurs are taking climate change seriously: Water filters made from macadamia nut shells, a mobile solar-powered kiosk for charging phones in off-grid areas, vegetable growing systems using recycled plastic bags, and a machine that turns any type of waste into energy (gas) or diesel. At the SEED South Africa Symposium held in Pretoria recently, … [Read more...]
Turning aspiration into action: maintaining green building status
While building green is a crucial first step in creating a greener, cleaner and smarter environment, some of these facilities fail to maintain efficient green functioning practices. Resulting in a building that is green, i.e. built with green and organic materials, but facility management that is not. The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) is well known for its … [Read more...]
Keeping our Cape tidal pools safe for human and marine life
Cape Town’s coast is dotted with 19 tidal pools, beautiful man-made seawater pools that allow for safe, family-friendly bathing. Dalebrook and St James, on the False Bay coast, are two of the most popular spots. Here, kids splash in the shallows, people swim lengths and regulars enjoy daily submersions in the chilly water. The pools also serve as sanctuaries for numerous sea … [Read more...]
Monsanto ordered to pay $93 million for Vietnam-era contamination
The West Virginia State Supreme Court finalized a big blow to the biotech giant Monsanto in August, finishing a settlement causing Monsanto to pay $93 million to the tiny town of Nitro, West Virginia for poisoning citizens with Agent Orange chemicals. After years of litigation those living near the former Monsanto factory, which produced toxic, cancer-causing chemicals, are … [Read more...]
International results place SA’s Blue Flag Programme firmly on the map
On 11 September the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) released its jury decision on the International Blue Flag awards for the 2013/2014 season to the Blue Flag Coordinators in the southern hemisphere countries. Once again the number of sites awarded Blue Flag status in South Africa has increased, despite the criteria being even stricter than in previous years. … [Read more...]
Eco gadgets for the home
Are you about to set up home for the first time, perhaps finally get your dream home, or retiring and down-scaling? Perhaps your washing machine just died, or you realise it's chomping more than its share of power? If so, then there's never been a better time to find out what's new on the green scene, so that you can make the eco-friendly choice this time round. It'll save … [Read more...]
Not too green to clean
Every action we take falls into one of 2 categories: it either destroys or heals the earth. For the future of our planet we need to place every aspect of our lives under a microscope and each time ask: What is the end result of this choice of mine on the planet as a whole? Does it benefit the protection of all species, including people, and all natural resources, or does it … [Read more...]
Free gifts
Some of the products we have done giveaways for in the past: Triple Orange Wonder spray This super multi purpose cleaner with the gorgeous orange smell is biodegradable and made with non-toxic, naturally derived ingredients. It is hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, dyes and chlorine. The formula is also safe for septic systems and as always, is pet friendly. Industry … [Read more...]
Green consumer watch
Are there still people out there who think the green consumer is odd? Actually, we are no longer standing on the edges of society, nor are we regarded as the new-age fringe. Today, demanding green and ethical products is the strongest driver in consumerism. To establish the impact of your shopping on your body, the earth and her creatures, a couple of questions beg … [Read more...]
