With decreasing biodiversity worldwide, it is an incredible privilege to share our neighbourhoods with wild animals. Wild space and the wildlife that live in it are rare and precious beyond measure. It is fundamental that we restore, protect and develop wild places for future generations. Sharing neighbourhoods with wild animals is possible. It takes innovation and a shared … [Read more...]
Joburg company helps divert organic waste from landfill
This month, in an effort to divert as much waste from landfill as possible and to encourage sustainable lifestyle habits, Johannesburg-based waste management company, Whole Earth Recycling — known for recycling over 120 tons of recyclable waste every month — has launched a new curbside food waste collection service called Whole Earth Organic Farm which turns kitchen scraps into … [Read more...]
Employment opportunities in organic waste management
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is making the management and processing of organic waste much easier by removing the requirements for expensive and drawn-out waste management permits. New norms and standards for composting and the treatment of organic waste, signed into law in 2022, will make establishing processing facilities much cheaper and the … [Read more...]
The importance of good gardening practices
“While the impact of climate change is more visible than ever, decisions to limit carbon emissions at COP26 have, yet again, been neutered by the leaders of large carbon emitting countries,” says Gavin Heron, founder of Earth Probiotic. Lead by India, China and South Africa, disappointingly, changed a stronger “phasing out of coal" commitment to a weaker "phasing down of … [Read more...]
New composting standards opens industry to new players
Recent changes made to the National Norms and Standards for Organic Waste Composting by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will open the doors to many new organics waste composting facilities being able to open. The new norms no longer require Environmental Impact Assessments for composting facilities processing more than 10 tons of organic waste per … [Read more...]
Working together to solve complex food waste challenges
Three industry leaders in organics waste organisations will participate in the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship South Africa Food Waste Innovation Challenge 2021 Ignite Programme. BiobiN South Africa, Nambu Group and Organic Waste to Energy along with 7 others will work with the Centre to solve many of the complex challenges faced by the food waste sector in South Africa, … [Read more...]
Online training: Biodynamics and its role in agriculture
The Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa will be hosting a monthly webinar via Zoom: 25 July - Session 1: Farm organism and the origin and role of biodynamics in agriculture. 29 August - Session 2: A phenomenological approach to soil, plants and animals. 26 September - Session 3: Farm fertility, biodynamic preparations and compost. 31 October - … [Read more...]
Features to look for in an eco-friendly home
Being eco-friendly is no longer just a fad or trend; it’s a lifestyle choice and it’s here to stay. With the Western Cape’s current severe drought situation, and thousands of tonnes of waste poured into our landfills every year, there’s no time like the present to think more seriously about adopting the ‘green’ lifestyle. If you’re browsing for houses for sale, and want to … [Read more...]
How to ditch Day Zero
The ways to respond to our looming Day Zero are as vast as the diversity in this country. But there seems to be two poles in conflict with each other: Those who have decided to do what they can to avoid it – as we still can. This means you’ve made your calculations. Minimum 3 million folk for 200 water points? I think best the City delivers the water in trailers behind the … [Read more...]
Bringing food security to low income housing in Joburg
Green Acre Living has identified 700 low income households and works to enable these homes to achieve sustainable food security. Methods taught through training sessions, weekly workshops and a mentoring process are based on agroecology principles. Urban food security is an ongoing challenge against the backdrop of high unemployment rates of 25%, a faltering economy, ongoing … [Read more...]
Sustainable Food Gardening Part 2: Composting for food gardens
To grow healthy food we must create soil conditions that enable plants to get the best possible nutrition in their growing cycle. Compost is one of the most important tools organic food gardeners can use to improve soil fertility and plant nutrition. Good compost reduces weeds, improves soil humus levels, structure and fertility, improves soil drainage, helps retain soil … [Read more...]
Why your life depends on healthy soil
In the first of a series of articles on growing your own food, Valerie Payn starts at the root of the matter – how human health depends on fertile soil. “Healthy societies depend on healthy soil, healthy soil depends on healthy biology, and healthy biology depends on what goes into the soil,” said Sir Albert Howard, one of the 18C founders of the organic movement who became … [Read more...]
Say ‘no’ to food waste this festive season
The festive season, with all its glorious food is with us! The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) calls on all residents to be mindful of their food spend this time of year and gives some tips on composting organic waste. 9.04 million tonnes of food waste per year South Africa generates a staggering amount of approximately 9.04 million tonnes of food … [Read more...]
