The Water Tribunal says the Philippi Horticultural Area wetland ecosystem is irreplaceable and rejects Consol Glass/Keysource Minerals Water Use Licence to mine silica sand…for a second time. This is another important milestone in the on-going struggle to protect the PHA foodland, the Cape Flats Aquifer in its soil both crucial for the city’s climate resilience. On 14 … [Read more...]
Choose organic to protect soil, water and wildlife
With the arrival of spring, September presents an ideal opportunity to embark on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle, both for ourselves and the planet. Embracing organic food and products in our routine shopping can be a transformative practice that offers improved wellness for you and your family, while supporting the sustainability of our local environment. By … [Read more...]
Preventing droughts, floods and soil erosion in Somalia
Somalia is threatened by its worst drought in 40 years. In 2022 alone, there were 42,000 excess deaths and since 2021, at least 3.5 million livestock have been killed and an estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced. Climate change means the situation is unlikely to improve, with extreme weather events becoming more likely. Against this backdrop, recurring … [Read more...]
Waterford Kamhlaba places sustainability at the core of its vision
Waterford Kamhlaba UWCSA, one of the first multi-racial schools in southern Africa, has placed sustainability at the core of its vision. As it celebrates 60 years of existence this year, the school is accelerating its sustainability efforts; already achieving some key milestones in this journey. Key projects already underway include water purification and harvesting, greywater … [Read more...]
Creating long-term water sustainability in Kraaifontein
After being stuck in traffic, due to some road blockages along the way, we finally arrive in Kraaifontein. Bloekombos Secondary is a big, well-kept school near the heart of this historic town, now part of the City of Cape Town Metropolitan area. The football pitch is mostly sand in the middle, and some students are kicking a ball around, playing the beautiful game. An … [Read more...]
Crimson carbon and the environmental trade-off
The world today faces a humanitarian crisis AND an environmental crisis – both of which need careful consideration to balance the needs of humans with those of the planet. From a sanitaryware perspective, this requires meticulous regard for both the rights of women and girls to have access to suitable sanitary products, and the protection of the environment from the … [Read more...]
Industrial farming’s assault on fresh water
In advance of World Water Day on Wednesday 22 March, experts are warning that time is running out - we must stop industrial farming’s assault on fresh water supplies before it’s too late. Compassion in World Farming, organisers of the Extinction or Regeneration 2023 conference, and experts speaking at the ground-breaking international event are calling for an end to … [Read more...]
COP27 spotlights agriculture challenges and solutions
Small-scale farmers from developing countries produce one-third of the world’s food, yet they only receive 1.7 per cent of climate finance even as they are forced to cope with droughts, floods, cyclones and other disasters. This sentiment echoed through dozens of pavilions and conference rooms in Sharm el-Sheikh on Saturday as COP27 turned its attention to the vital issues … [Read more...]
GMOs undermining food and seed sovereignty in Kenya
Kenya has lifted its 10 year ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines GMOs as organisms (plants, animals or microorganisms) whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally through mating and/or natural recombination. Proponents of GMOs are lauding this as a good move towards addressing the … [Read more...]
Radon gas: the road to awareness
The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) aims to bring awareness to South Africans regarding the potential threat of a naturally occurring radioactive gas, called radon, to draw up a map of potential high and low risk areas in the country and to set action and mitigation levels to minimise risk. This was envisaged and initiated by the Centre for Nuclear Safety and Security … [Read more...]
Game reserve integrates indigenous knowledge
Looked at one way it’s a game reserve. In another, it’s a vast cattle ranch. Or prime rangeland. Whichever way one looks at it, Shangani Holistic, in the Zimbabwe midlands, lives up to its name, fusing all the elements of its ecosystem so that each flourishes to the benefit of the others. Director Max Makuvise refers to the enterprise as a “multispecies farming unit.” His … [Read more...]
Preparing for fire season
Currently the wildfire that started at Lourensford Estate in Somerset West rages forth into the mountains. Unseasonal hot, dry conditions turned wild vegetation into a tinder box. This is happening more frequently as global warming escalates. The number of wildfires worldwide is forecast to rise by 50% by 2100. Read more about that here and be prepared. Climatic … [Read more...]
Young people start food gardens in the Cape Flats
Perhaps the greatest problem and fear we face in SA today is the millions of unemployed youth walking the streets; many of them with degrees and most with only basic education. This is a recipe for revolution and crime. Young men are often seen as a problem and are more easily caught up in “get rich quick” activities. But there is truly serious and … [Read more...]
