The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is arguably Africa’s most rich and diverse country with vast mineral reserves, highly fertile land, beautiful scenery, and vibrant wildlife. It is also a country plagued with conflict and unrest. The DRC has a traumatic history of violence and war, which has had a disastrous impact on the country’s population and economy. The Congolese … [Read more...]
Ethical Coffee Part 1: How to drink a cuppa that matters
On the journey towards regenerative living you transition from consumer to conserver. You want all your shopping to serve a greater purpose. Where does it come from, how was it produced, how were the workers treated? How can us coffee drinkers ensure that our drink or purchase is as close to harmless as possible? There are different criteria here – organic, shade-grown and … [Read more...]
Business needs to address environmental threats
UCT professor Ralph Hamann (pictured) says complex social and environmental problems can only be addressed if business integrates an understanding of their socio-ecological context in strategy making and execution. The Fairtrade movement, which is gaining momentum in South Africa, is part of a shift in the way business is being done in the country that bodes well for the … [Read more...]
Realising Africa’s potential with coffee that cares
This year, Fairtrade Week is celebrated from 25 February to 3 March. Woolworths invites all coffee aficionados to indulge in their favourite pastime with abandon, and a clear conscience. Woolworths is committed to fair trade and supporting farmers by guaranteeing fair terms and a fair deal. The additional Fairtrade premium that we pay to these small-scale coffee farmers … [Read more...]
See through the greenwash
As a savvy consumer, you will probably be a bit skeptical about the claims made by brands these days. eLabel is an independent source of information about consumer products. eLabel is an independent source of information about consumer products. Get the free eLabel app and scan the barcode of a product that interests you. To try out the app go to any Woolworths store and … [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...]
Ethical labelling proves a necessity
With the strongest economy and a growing middle-class in its urban centres, South Africa has the largest market for “ethical” products on the continent. Therefore, there is an urgent need for proper food labeling, to avoid 'greenwashing' and to benefit farmers that really do offer ethically produced food. The environmental and social impacts of modern society’s reckless … [Read more...]
Small farmers benefit from fairtrade coffee
All coffee sold at Woolworths Cafés are certified Fairtrade, as of May 2012. This will double the amount of Faitrade certified coffee on sale in South Africa and is another milestone on Woolworths' ambitious Good Business Journey. Woolworths Cafés have served certified organic coffee for some time. The coffee is made from African Arabica beans, grown by small-scale farms in … [Read more...]
