Plastic is one of man’s most utilised materials today. It is strong, durable, cost effective and easy to manufacture, so can be used for many different purposes. However it takes centuries to decompose and it floats. Millions of tonnes making its way into water systems, often after a single use. In South Africa, recycled PET (rPET) can be used to make many new products, such … [Read more...]
PET recycling champions lauded for inspirational efforts
Job creation, innovation and poverty alleviation are just some of the major achievements by several recycling initiatives that are currently taking place in South Africa – these initiatives are making a tangible difference at grassroots level in communities. This was celebrated by the PET Recycling Company (PETCO), the national recycling body for PET plastics, in the form of … [Read more...]
Public participation needed for effective environmental governance
“I think we understand why we are all here,” said Janet Munakamwe, Action 24 workshop facilitator, as she held a copy of the Constitution of South Africa in the air. “The key is in the preamble of the Constitution – the first three words are ‘We, the people’,” replied Bongani Dlamini, from Youth@SAIIA. These were the opening remarks of the Action 24 workshop in Gauteng, one … [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...]
Industrial solar heating project launched in SA
The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAGCCI) have teamed up for the international ‘Solar Payback’ project, which aims to increase the use of solar thermal energy in industrial processes. The kick-off meeting took place in Johannesburg last month. Supported by the German Federal … [Read more...]
Why do we deny or ignore climate change?
Over 25 years ago James Hansen presented evidence about global warming to US congress in 1988. Discussions have gone on since then and most outcomes are about postponing decisions. The general public has not been activated except in small pockets around the world. Today in Southern Africa, climate change is already having a major impact on weather, food supply and water and … [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...]
Producers to take responsibility for waste created
Who is responsible for packaging materials lying around in the environment? How can we best curb this dilemma, which seems to be growing by the day? One solution is the principle of EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines extended producer responsibility (EPR ) as ‘an environmental policy approach in … [Read more...]
Join the Earth Imagineers and reclaim your future
The Earth Imagineers Tour covers the birth of a radical new consciousness and explores how the human body is the most potent tool to change the world. It covers new understandings of what the sun is, how the human heart is a frequency generator that can affect all life and how we interact with light to be this change. Dan Schrieber of Starseed Gardens Austrailia, acclaimed … [Read more...]
You can heal your life and be happy!
“Anybody, no matter their background or circumstances, can learn to be happy, if you are willing to get to know yourself,” says Danish integrative medical doctor Søren Ventegodt, heading our way to run workshops in quality of life and happiness in Cape Town and Johannesburg early May. “Many people believe that our quality of life and happiness is determined by our … [Read more...]
Empowering waste collectors in the North West
Collectors of recyclable waste are being trained to build sustainable businesses. PETCO, in partnership with the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (PRASA) and Ngaka Modiri Molemo District Municipality, recently convened a collectors’ workshop in Mafikeng. The aim of the workshop was to give collectors information they need to build sustainable businesses through … [Read more...]
Living Life on Purpose
Where is it I really want to go this year and what is it most fills my heart and soul with joy? This is a question you begin to contemplate at this time of the year. Yet for most people, 95 percent of next year will be the same as this year. But what if 2015 could be your best year yet? In which you did more of what you loved, less of what you didn’t. In which you earned … [Read more...]
Wired for waste at WasteCon 2014
Are South African businesses and municipalities ready to make sustainable waste management decisions? The new National Environmental Management Waste Amendment Act, Act 26 of 2014 (NEMWAA 2014) published on 02 June 2014, is facilitating a shift towards new developments and better processes in the industry – something all organisations should be aware of. At this year’s … [Read more...]
