You may have heard the phrase “drink responsibly”, but you’ve probably never applied it to your impact on the environment. Distilleries have the potential to play a significant role in creating a chain of sustainable practices – but they can conversely have a huge impact on the environment if sustainability is not at the heart of their practice. The production of a … [Read more...]
Take the path of abundance with Permaculture Design Course
Empower yourself and learn how to become self-sufficient in any situation. The Permaculture Design Course teaches essential skills to meet the challenges of a world beset with climate change, economic meltdown, and diminishing natural resources. Learn to design regenerative human living environments that will provide for your every need in a way that benefits everything and … [Read more...]
Learn natural building skills for a sustainable future
Take the first step to a sustainable future by learning hands-on natural building skills. Understand the alchemy of how different types of earth work, and do not work together, their potential and limitations. You will also explore questions around sustainable living based in Peter McIntosh’s experience living off-grid since 1999. This October, Peter will be hosting the … [Read more...]
Rekindling our sacred connection with the soil
We are at the cusp of empires falling and worlds colliding. While this may be a bold statement. In the seeming chaos of collapsing economies, unprecedented and endless wars, unpredictable weather patterns and huge animal die-offs, our most appropriate response appears to be some sort of foundational re-structuring. We find ourselves at the foundations of a new reality, a New … [Read more...]
Ed’s voice … The missing link is organic essence
We have some great victories to celebrate this week: Princesvlei is saved! This treasured ecosystem, important to folk of various faiths, will not be turned into yet another shopping mall. Thanks to all of us who helped prevent this plan from the 1999 council from becoming a reality, not forgetting the late Father John Oliver. This is a true reflection of what can happen if we … [Read more...]
Developers move in on De Hoop land
The Western Cape provincial government, via its conservation arm, CapeNature, has concessioned off and privatised the tourism rights to some of the province's prime real estate - the Melkkamer farm complex at De Hoop Nature Reserve, the lodge at Koppie Alleen in the reserve, and two virgin 'greenfields' development sites at Koppie Alleen. Up for grabs in the … [Read more...]
Organic farm pays tribute to extraordinary man
The late Chris du Toit was one of the pioneers of the South African wine industry and was employed at Stellenbosch Farmers Winery for 29 years, where he ended his career as Director of Operations. He was one of the founding members and first generation owner of Brenn-O-Kem (Pty) Ltd. Brenn-O-Kem plays a vital role in the South African wine industry, recycling the by-products … [Read more...]
Organic energy drink goes low GI
I don’t normally indulge in energy drinks. I find passion goes a long way towards fueling my daily task. If you’re living your dream, you tap into the Source and can keep going almost forever. So my first answer to energetic problems is to do what you love – and gradually turn that into your living. However, when I was sent a natural, organic and fair trade energy drink … [Read more...]
Jeremy Irons narrates film about GM seed
British actor and UN Food & Agriculture Goodwill Ambassador Jeremy Irons has narrated a new film about the global impact of genetically modified seed. This short film was launched earlier this month. It charts the story of seed from its roots at the heart of traditional, diversity rich farming systems across the world, to being transformed into a powerful commodity, used … [Read more...]
Uitkyk’s spring initiative to green kayamandi
Stellenbosch wine estate, Uitkyk has extended its eco-sustainable commitment by donating 40 indigenous trees to the neighbouring community of Kayamandi, marking the start of spring. Early in September, to plant the trees, the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI) champion teamed up with Serve the City, a volunteer-driven, non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting … [Read more...]
Organic farm puts healthy food on the table
I first heard about Vredenhof from someone who'd had a heart attack and who was nourished back to health on their vegetables. His story inspired me to go and visit. Vredenhof Organic Estate is a 27 hectare fruit and vegetable farm situated between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. It is a world in itself once you've passed through the gates. The owners, Trevor Blench and his … [Read more...]
2 More white rhinos poached in Brits
The owner of the farm where two white rhinos were poached yesterday in Brits in the North West, says he has lost eight rhino this year alone. Neels van Rensburg who had 45 rhinos says he has now decided to quit the rhino farming business and plans to auction what's left of the animals on Saturday. 'I have been farming with rhinos since 1988 but I am going to sell them all … [Read more...]
