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...]
Pollinators essential for the food we eat
We need to protect our honey bees, not only for their survival, but also for our own. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) recently concluded a five-year study focusing on pollinators and in particular honey bees. The goal was to create a knowledge base of pollinators and honey bees and raise awareness of their intricate nature, their needs in the wild … [Read more...]
Seeds come home after 100 years
On 10 February 1911 Harold Pearson proclaimed “this is the place!” This was to become the Kirstenbosch Garden, which recently celebrated its 100th birthday. “We at KEW believe there is no technological reason why any plant species should go extinct. That should be our hypothesis: that no plant species should go extinct while we can prevent it.” So said Dr. Paul Smith from … [Read more...]
Breathing new life into Platbos Forest
Recently, our team spent a relaxing weekend at the 1000 year old Platbos Indigenous Forest, near Gansbaai. We slept in huts made from wood and canvas, and heated up the geyser by making a fire beneath it. Discovering the southernmost remnant of the ancient Afromontane forest which once covered almost the whole of Africa was a journey to our roots in a series of significant … [Read more...]
New era of eco shopping
In these times, it is important for retailing to be as sustainable as possible. In this spirit, the flagship Pick n Pay on Nicol store has introduced a new era in sustainable retailing through the integration of world class retail thinking and the very best in sustainability principles. An integrated energy-efficiency strategy has been adopted in order to balance … [Read more...]
Eco Funerals, Part 2: The Circle of Life
In keeping with nature’s basic ‘waste becomes food’ design, when we die all our organic remains, and particularly our trace elements and nutrients, should ideally go back to the agricultural fields whence they came. Join us for part 2 of our Eco Funerals series. In keeping with nature’s basic ‘waste becomes food’ design, when we die all our organic remains, and particularly … [Read more...]
