Yesterday, less than a month after the successful court action that stopped Shell’s attempts at seismic surveys on the Wild Coast, in its search for oil and gas in South Africa’s oceans, small-scale fishers – with the support of The Green Connection – head back to court, this time to protect the West Coast. In its Confirming Affidavit against the Minister in the Department … [Read more...]
New fashion pact promotes responsible renewable fibre sourcing
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) launched its Fashion Forever Green Pact today; a call to immediate action for the fashion industry—brands, retailers and manufacturers alike—to adopt responsible sourcing in support of the world’s forests. With the rising need for renewable and sustainable fibres in recent years, man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) have become the fastest … [Read more...]
Scientists call for change in marine environmental assessment
Oceans Not Oil (ONO) hails an advisory produced by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)’s Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) on the use of deep-sea seismic surveys to explore for oil and gas deposits in South African waters. In the scope of SAGE’s mandate, an “emergency” is defined as "a serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous situation that has … [Read more...]
Helping African fashion entrepreneurs launch their brands globally
A six-week, intensive digital programme called Re-roll Station hopes to help African fashionistas launch their brands into the global market. The aim is to provide creative entrepreneurs with actionable steps to grow brands that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and profitable. Re-roll is the brainchild of Cher Potter and Kesiena Harry. Harry is the Programs … [Read more...]
New partnership cleans up polluted waterways
Several prominent brands recently teamed up to remove litter from the Jukskei, one of Joburg's most heavily polluted rivers. Polo SA has been a brand known and loved by South Africans for many years. In 2020 Polo SA launched their Naturally Polo initiative focusing on sustainability and a more eco-conscious approach not only to fashion but to the broader environment in which … [Read more...]
Seismic protests erupt at petrol stations across SA
Following the widespread publication of plans by Royal Dutch Shell to conduct a non-stop, five-month-long seismic survey of South Africa’s pristine ‘Wild Coast,’ national outrage has erupted. The last two weeks have seen protest actions by communities and activist groups the length and breadth of our country, attempting to amplify the voices of our compatriots on the Wild … [Read more...]
Ignore the climate crises at the cost of human rights
As one of the world’s biggest carbon-emitters dependent on coal for 80% of its electricity, South Africa’s pivot to renewable energy, as part of a just transition, is imperative. Through its event for International Human Rights Day 'Accelerating a Just Transition through Human rights,' Earthlife Africa Johannesburg highlights the urgent need to recognise the intersection … [Read more...]
Soutpansberg to be declared a nature reserve
A brand-new Nature Reserve is on its way to being declared in South Africa, a landmark moment for securing the future of the unique biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Soutpansberg Mountain Range. Friday 3 December 2021 marked a pivotal moment for a visionary group of conservation-minded landowners, as a provincial Gazette Notice of Intent to Declare a Nature Reserve … [Read more...]
Waste reclaimers making an impact on Ermelo
Despite all odds and the challenges brought about by Covid-19, Johanna, the owner of Bophelo buy-back centre and her team of waste reclaimers were able to make grass-roots impact in Ermelo, by improving the lives and livelihood of community members while making a positive improvement on the environment. When Safripol in partnership with PETCO was announced as the winner of … [Read more...]
Documentary festival inspires urgent community action
As the world’s heads of state, climate experts and campaigners gather in Glascow for COP26 to discuss vital interventions, PPL°WX - People'sWeather is providing hope through its six-week Climate+ Festival that aims to inspire on-the-ground change to literally save the planet. “For too long, everyday citizens have been hearing about the climate crisis but many have felt … [Read more...]
Running out of time to save our coral reefs
Beneath the ocean surface, an expansive network of dynamic skeletal-like invertebrates harbours at least 25 per cent of all known marine species. Both hard and soft corals provide the basis for functioning coral reefs, which are some of the planet's most biologically diverse and valuable ecosystems. They provide important cultural, economic, recreational and social benefits … [Read more...]
Graphic novel aims to teach teenagers about greenhouse gases
Environmental activist and artist Andrea Kuska (top photograph) has announced the launch of her very first environment-focused graphic novel – Heatwave, to be made available on her website. The novel, which will be illustrated and designed solely by Andrea, highlights relevant environmental issues using fun graphic comics to easily pass the message across to a younger … [Read more...]
Sleep in luxury with a clear conscience
With so much focus on the critical need to reduce humans’ impact on our planet, increased attention is being paid to reusing and recycling what we make. It is resulting in greater technological advances than were previously thought possible. One advance is in the field of plastic recycling, where plastic waste is being transformed into various fabrics and forms of … [Read more...]
