A new global survey finds that recycling plastics containing toxic flame retardant chemicals found in electronic waste results in contamination of the world’s best-selling toy along with other children’s products. Ironically, the chemical contaminants can damage the nervous system and reduce intellectual capacity but are found in Rubik’s Cubes – a puzzle toy designed to … [Read more...]
Contentious incineration plant for Wellington?
A controversial waste to energy project in the Boland – a planned incineration plant in Wellington – has raised much concern among residents. The long knives are out for Drakenstein Municipality and its plans to erect an incineration plant in Wellington's industrial area. Drakenstein Environmental Watch (DEW) has among others already approached the Public Protector, … [Read more...]
We want you for the repair resolution!
I dream of a world where everyone fixes their own stuff. A world where we take up arms against throw-away culture. I'm not alone - millions of fixers around the world have realized that repair is cheaper than buying new and it's better for the environment. So, I ask you to join us: take the Repair Pledge, and promise to fix the things you own. When I started to tinker with … [Read more...]
Eco Funerals, Part 1: Nourishing life after death
Death and funerals, topics we generally prefer not to think about, are an inevitable reality for us all. And an important question to ask ourselves is: Would I want to turn a loved one or myself into pollution when they or I pass on? Of course not! But this is exactly what we do. Instead of our decaying bodies nourishing future life, we let them pollute our ecosystems and … [Read more...]
Water is sacrificed for gold
When the Climate Train arrived in Johannesburg, Nasrec station earlier this month we all knew we were in for an eventful three days. However, unless you’re a football fan, you probably have very little reason to visit Nasrec Station. Since the Soccer World Cup was hosted in South Africa last year, this pristine station has for the most part been quiet. But when the train … [Read more...]
Nuclear confusion a smokescreen?
We were shocked by the article circulated on the internet where a serious environmental author, George Monbiot (pictured), author of 'Heat - how to stop the planet from burning' turned pro-nuclear since the disaster in Japan. Many people were confused about this sudden turn and concerned that Monbiot had used his good name to potentially damage the anti-nuclear … [Read more...]
