It’s not fish they’re hunting on their cruise along one of the Dutch capital’s most famous tourist attractions — it’s plastic. With eco-tourism booming around the world, the canal cruises run by the Dutch group Plastic Whale are reeling in big business. “It’s a completely other way of visiting Amsterdam,” said Plastic Whale founder Marius Smit. “Obviously you’re on the … [Read more...]
Celebrating the passion and dedication of women in forestry
It's time to celebrate women in forestry. With more than 320 years experience among them in a variety of roles, these women show that no job is off limits as long as you have the passion and dedication required. “Some have dedicated their lives to the sector, others are just at the start of their career, but all have one thing in common – the wish to dispel the myth that … [Read more...]
Finding solutions to marine pollution with recycled furniture
Highlighting the solutions to issues of marine and land-based pollution in South Africa this week were national industry body for PET plastic recycling, PETCO, and the African Marine Waste Network. Extrupet, Africa’s leading PET and HDPE bottle recycling company, joined forces with PETCO, the industry body responsible for PET recycling in South Africa, and the Kenton-based … [Read more...]
Collect bread tags to purchase a wheelchair for the needy
Each year, South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness month between 3 November and 3 December. As part of this year’s campaign, the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC) is encouraging people to collect their breadtags, which can be used to “purchase” a wheelchair for people with mobility impairments who are financially unable to afford one. Currently in … [Read more...]
Green up your world this weekend
Fuel saving, alternative energy, water saving, organic foods, office equipment, household products and even green toys: The Green Expo is destined to become a regular on your calendar. Come on down to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from the 23 - 25 November. Partnering with National Geographic Channel, Simply Green Magazine and not forgetting Green Times, … [Read more...]
Design for good
In the past when people thought of a sustainable living environment, many imagined a farmhouse lacking modern plumbing and basic comforts. This is no longer the case and modern sustainable designers are proof of that! We all want to live a greener, more eco-friendly life. But let’s face it, it can be pricey. So to make this easier, Green Times tracked down some local … [Read more...]
Eco coffins and furniture a great discovery
Greening up my own life, daily on the how-to-green search, I find amazing stuff. Greener cooking, lighting, toilet paper, cosmetics, body products, cleaning stuff, nappies, even sanitaryware, clothes, shoes, you name it. I read a myriad of great green blogs and newsletters and trace international green news daily. So my tank is continually full of green petrol, luring me … [Read more...]
Green design Part 1: basic principles for mindful spaces
Green Design is an exciting natural spin-off of the drive towards a sustainable future. Today Bronwyn looks at the background to this development. Next time we start telling the stories of innovative green designers and their whacky items we're all going to want in our homes and offices. Green design is not a new buzzword, it is not a style or a trend. Fashions come and go, … [Read more...]
Green annex brings nature to the city centre
Sniffing out, or being sniffed out, by emerging green businesses is one of the most exciting aspects of my job. It reminds me of looking for Easter eggs as a child - you never know when another unexpected treasure appears in the most unlikely place. So when I'm called to visit a 'green annexe' in town, I jump at the occasion. How green can a section of a hotel be, and what … [Read more...]
Light up your life
I know the man only as Jerry, yet I trust him enough to take me deep into Kayamandi, where he lives in a small house with three tiny rooms. I am reminded that I'm a child from the bushveld, a tourist looking around in awe at a world that I don't get exposed to enough. Around every corner I see something new and I absorb it metre for metre. 'Jerry I don't want to sound … [Read more...]
