The Olifants River mouth enters the Atlantic Ocean roughly 250km north of Cape Town, as the crow flies. At the mouth, the emerald waters are flanked by the cliffs of De Punt farm on the northern bank, while on the southern bank is the largest floodplain salt marsh in South Africa. The estuary is ranked third in the country in terms of conservation importance, and is a … [Read more...]
The fly and how it could save the world
We know that our oceans are currently being depleted by the international reliance and consumption of fishmeal. In fact, more than 90% of the large predatory fish like cod and tuna are gone. Yet the production of fishmeal has remained relatively constant over the past two decades, consuming about a third of the global catch of fish. We are talking about 30 million metric tons … [Read more...]
Rolling hills bring forth heavenly organic wine
There’s a lot to be said about winemaking the way it used to be. There were no chemicals, no “technological advancements” that made the process a process, and natural balance was far more important than balance sheets. It’s an approach that’s not just better for the earth, it’s also better for the wine – as respected critics have confirmed. So, while it may be somewhat … [Read more...]
Animal Rights and Welfare
As guardians of our domesticated pet, we have a responsibility to protect them from harm and assure them of basic humane rights. That said, it should be our honor and privilege to harbor this companion in our home. A being so loyal, committed, loving and affectionate, you will not find anywhere. Yet, world-wide and in South Africa, animal abuse is prevalent and often … [Read more...]
Home-made pet food naturally best
The age-old and currently resurging culture of providing your pets with natural home-made food is shrouded in misperceptions. These are carefully crafted by large marketing budgets of the influential multi-national pet food industry, out to stop this return to common sense. Some people even fear that that natural foods are nutritionally inferior or even dangerous and harmful. … [Read more...]
Wholesome diets are what pets deserve
Australian veterinarian and author, Dr. Ian Billinghurst maintains that 'dogs fare best when fed a natural, unprocessed, raw diet based on bones, meat and vegetables.` Durban veterinary homeopath, Dr. Jane Fraser says that `most commercial foods are cereal and carbohydrate-based and full of by-products and derivatives. They are unnatural and totally inappropriate for … [Read more...]
Four legs or two – is there a difference?
Four legs or two, is there really a difference? Do our four legged companions have different nutritional needs? All beings rely on nutrition for their well-being, health and longevity. The essential components for nutrition include vitamins and minerals, protein, enzymes, omegas, amino acids and anti-oxidants. In preparing any healthy meal, there are two important … [Read more...]
Navigating the protein crunch
Twenty-five thousand people die per day from starvation, while as many die of obesity-related conditions. This was just the start of what I learned at the launch of Jason Drew and David Lorimer's new book, The Protein Crunch at The Bay Bookshop in Cape Town. If these words are a fracture of what's contained in the book, I thought, it is going to blow my mind. And that's … [Read more...]
Eco-social solutions help to save carbon
Local shoppers are used to eating avocados right through the year and of course they are not seasonal all year round. Going the extra mile to cut their carbon footprint is what the new innovative Woolworths avocado plan is all about. In the past this green supermarket used to import avos for 3 months of the year from Spain. As they're super serious about their sustainability … [Read more...]
