In celebration of this year’s World Food Day’s theme – ‘Our Actions are our Future’, volunteer groups of Woolworths employees from across the country have rolled up their sleeves and gone to work with learners in local schools permaculture food gardens. For most employees it will be the first time that they are participating in an EduPlant volunteer day. The schools were … [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...]
A friend in need: learning about companion planting
If you imagine "companion planting" to be a pleasant potter around the garden with a friend, you may be on to something. But it is also a system of buddying up the various plants in your garden to help control pests, maximise planting space, assist with pollination, encourage growth and improve yield. It can even enhance the flavour of your produce. I went along to a … [Read more...]
The new gift of Christmas
Every year I write a Green Christmas story. About green shopping, green tree decorations and greener holidays. Poor planet. Up goes resource extraction, up goes the mounds of waste, up goes water consumption, up goes everyone’s footprint – people driving and flying all over the place. Over-spending, over-eating, over-drinking. It’s this über mentality that got us into … [Read more...]
Food Gardening Part 4: The art of companion planting
Companion planting is the art of combining different plant species in a group so all the plants in the group benefit from each other. A group of mutually beneficial companion plants are known as a guild. Companion planting brings a range of benefits to a food garden. It can improve soil fertility, attract beneficial creatures to the garden, help repel pests and diseases, … [Read more...]
Food Gardening part 3: Planning a food garden
The key to having a successful food garden lies in being realistic about what you hope to achieve, given the resources you have available. These are some things to think about that will help ensure success. All food gardens require regular attention in the form of weeding, watering and other small tasks that ensure the crops grow well. The amount of attention a food … [Read more...]
Environmental NGO connects corporates with local communities
“Directly connecting corporate members with their beneficiaries is an integral part of the process which allows for a deeper understanding of its positive effects. It is important for us to starting thinking long-term if we want to benefit future generations. We can do this by communicating with the generation of today and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need … [Read more...]
Eating the suburbs, one backyard at a time
Nothing inspires me more than the idea of turning my garden into a sustainable food forest, which could potentially feed my family long after my departure to greener fields. Some years ago we shared a video of such a 300 year old family forest in Indonesia and that was just the spark I needed. “Forest gardening is a low-maintenance sustainable plant-based food production and … [Read more...]
Food forests could bring healthy organic food to everyone
Food forests or Forest gardening have been around for a long time with many of the native cultures practicing this form of sustainable agriculture. It is a form of low-maintenance plant-based food production which replicates natural ecosystems, incorporating fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, running vines and perennial vegetables. Beneficial plants and companion planting is a … [Read more...]
Miss Earth takes on Food Security at Orange Farm
"As long as outmoded ways of thinking prevent women from making a meaningful contribution to society, progress will be slow. As long as the nation refuses to acknowledge the equal role of more than half of itself, it is doomed to failure." Nelson Mandela Women’s Day 1996. Nelson Mandela believed in women and in the crucial role that they play in creating change and … [Read more...]
Earth Girls walk the talk & clean up communities
A colourful and buzzing atmosphere filled the Bloubos valley and spruit area, south of Johannesburg on Saturday when Miss Earth South Africa semi finalists spent the morning with around 150 Generation Earth students from across Gauteng, families and friends who came out and spent the morning in the winter sun. In honour of National Environment Week which will be celebrated … [Read more...]
The rebirth of hope through reconnection
From the wintery depths of mental despair in the heart of poverty, comes the re-birth of hope through re-connection. “Lente-geur” means "the aroma of spring" and The Lentegeur Spring Festival will be opening the hospital to the public, for a few days in September to share the future that we will become! This future is the re-design of what a psychiatric hospital looks … [Read more...]
Grow your own food step 5: Who likes who in the zoo?
Who likes who in your food garden? Just like people, there are some that benefit each other and offer natural protection against predators. So it helps to know a little about companion planting when you plan your food garden. This way we can treasure their very unique natures and understand their ecology better. Growing our ecological intelligence, grows awareness and … [Read more...]
