Mooiplaas Wines recently became the first World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Conservation Champion in the Bottelary ward of Stellenbosch. This outstanding achievement follows the submission of their latest IPW-audit (Integrated Production of Wine), which acknowledges the environmental responsibility of their production practices. The audit includes factors such as carbon … [Read more...]
Durban adventure park starts up again
It has been a long tough grind for those in the tourism industry hard hit by the COVID-19 regulations and travel bans. So it is not surprising that one small exquisite spot in Durban has begun to capture the imagination of local tourists, and things appear to be on the rise. Nestled in a far corner of the expansive Inanda Dam is the Green Corridors eNanda Adventure Park – a … [Read more...]
Rediscovering ourselves in nature
When we no longer shudder at the ecological warning calls of science, the only voice left that can awaken us belongs to the poets. To hear that voice is to hear the language of the soul. Author and activist, Ian McCullum shares how we are impacting our environment and what we need to do as a human race to reverse the negative effects of over-population and our lack of care … [Read more...]
74 year old man cycles for climate justice
9 countries. One million signatures. Thousands of kilometres. This is the We Have Faith – Act Now for Climate Justice cycling caravan’s objective, as COP21 in Paris draws close. Victor Coutries, or Tata Victor as he is known to his fellow cyclists, is cycling from Nkomazi, Mpumalanga to Lobatse, Botswana, in the name of climate justice. As part of the We Have Faith – Act … [Read more...]
New showers ensure water saving for cyclists
Annually, Hansgrohe Africa joins forces with the Absa Cape Epic as the official shower accessories sponsor. Currently in its third year running, all the riders and crew members who partake in the exhilarating eight day event have the pleasure of using the shower trucks at the end of a long day. The Hansgrohe shower trucks are equipped with EcoSmart overhead showers to ensure … [Read more...]
How to make a popular cycling race sustainable
When thousands of cyclists and spectators take to the streets to participate in the annual Cape Argus Pick n Pay Momentum Cycle Tour this weekend, very few people will spare a thought for the dedicated and hardworking team of waste pickers and collectors who are working quietly and often unseen to ensure the litter discarded along the route is picked up and recycled. Each … [Read more...]
Riding for clean energy
The World Naked Bike Ride is a global event. Cape Town joined the ranks of participating cities in 2011 with a smashing debut of a ride. Approximately 150 riders joined us on a beautiful day and the vibe was carnivalesque. 2012 and 2013 were also huge successes with about 250-300 riders and again a fantastic atmosphere. The date for 2014 has been set by the global committee: … [Read more...]
Cape Argus’ anti-nuclear drive
This year the Cape Argus cycle tour and the first commemoration of the Fukushima crises fell on the same day. Knowing that Cape Town pretty much closes down for the Argus, Earthlife Africa seized the opportunity to raise awareness about the threat of nuclear power in South Africa. As the largest official cycle tour in the world, the Argus has 35 000 cyclists starting … [Read more...]
Old bikes and green hearts inspire on the Argus
A team of cyclists connected to Stellenbosch University (SU) managed great achievements on the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour on Sunday, with green inspiration and cheers from the crowds. What to do going uphill without gears? You stand up and use your body weight, like we used to do as children, of course! This brave team used the new, but old MATIE BIKES – they are ex … [Read more...]
Pedal power returns to Eikestad
As a child growing up in Stellenbosch we had complete freedom of movement. How independent we were, as we cycled ourselves to all activities by means of our own legs – on bicycles. Student numbers were probably less than half of what they are now and only senior students were allowed cars. Even as a student I of course cycled until my final year. Later I was involved in … [Read more...]
Cape Argus greens up
Cape Argus cyclists are going to be encouraged to cycle and recycle at the same time this year! Plastics|SA - the umbrella organisation representing the plastics industry of South Africa - and its intrepid team of eco-warriors, will encourage the 35 000 participants in this year’s Cape Argus/Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Race to not only cycle, but also remember to recycle as they … [Read more...]
Pedal power = people’s power
World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is a global event that takes place in more than 50 cities around the world and on Saturday, 10th March it will be Cape Town's turn to partcipate in the worlds largest naked event! Since 2004, cities across the world have experienced the joy of WNBR day that seeks to create environmental awareness through clean initiative such as cycling. Last … [Read more...]
Time to explore our beautiful area
There are some great cycling routes in and around the green Winelands expanse of Stellenbosch. The maps were developed to encourage more people to cycle as a mode of transport. They aim to do this by: identifying a network of safer, connected routes locating bicycle lanes and parking educating cyclists about their rights and responsibilities … [Read more...]