2econd World

Avis in accordance with its pledge “We Try Harder” and new drive towards a greener South Africa will soon be offering customers the option of renting the environmentally friendly hybrid, Toyota Prius. A first in South Africa and with a total of 40 vehicles, Avis is leading the way by introducing environmentally friendly travel to the travel and tourism market – at the three main centres of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Hybrid electric vehicles provide significant opportunities for both fuel economy improvements and emissions reductions, as they produce far less global warming pollution than conventional combustion engine. The introduction of these vehicles into the Avis fleet builds on its aim of significantly offsetting car rental emissions and leading the way in introducing Hybrid cars to the South African market.  Hybrid vehicle technology, in short, uses a combination of electronic and petrol power generation, to reduce the vehicle’s consumption of fuel and resultant gas emissions. The Prius is the result of 30 years of research and development towards Toyota’s ultimate goal – the totally emission-free vehicle. Paving the way to that objective, the Prius is the most eco-friendly, mass-produced car on the planet with a string of accolades and ‘firsts’ to its name. These vehicles meet a variety of customer needs and desires. In addition to providing for customers who wish to make their rental experience one with minimal environmental impact, Avis has pledged one tree to the ‘Trees for Africa’ foundation with every Prius rented. Trees for Africa are a highly successful and innovative public greening initiative that contributes nationally in a visible way to a greener and healthier country and addresses climate change. Wayne Duvenage, MD says “Avis wants to contribute to more environmentally conscious car travelling. Our aim is to be the leading car rental company within the environmental area. We recognise our corporate responsibility to the community for environmental protection both on a local and global scale.” The Prius will be available to rent from selected Avis locations from September 2007. Within the framework of the environmental and CSI programs Avis also supports organisations such as, Peace Parks, WWF, Wilderness Leadership School Trust, Food and Trees for Africa and Boot Brand, all of which focus on environmental issues.

MonkeyBiz

Monkeybiz supplies richly coloured glass beads to women in the townships of Cape Town. The 450 women involved in the project are currently producing exquisite hand beaded artworks - each a unique one-off creation. The women are paid for each piece they produce; and since they work from home, can look after their families and avoid transport costs. The beaded works are creating a sensation wherever they appear - locally and abroad.

Historically, bead work, in a South African context, has been the domain of women largely within the Xhosa, Zulu, Ndebele and Sotho communities. The women are introduced to the craft directly through their mothers, grandmothers and other women in the community.

South African designer Heath Nash is a man on a mission. The graduate of the University of Cape Town is out to figure out what South Africa could look like or what design language could express as contemporary aesthetic of his country; his collection of lampshades and other handcrafted lifestyle products showcases his experiments with ‘craft techniques’ as a high end design tool. However he does it, you’d never guess that the lampshades above are made from used milk bottles and “other people’s rubbish,” which is also the title for the collection of lighting

Charles is well loved for his quirky retro furniture and other beautiful nick-nacks. He has a stall at the Neighbourgoods Market as well as a shop in Salt River, Cape Town. We definitely believe that people should be buying recycled goods, and how better than to fill your home with great retro finishes.

Charles’s new store in Salt River is filled with beautifully displayed vintage ceramics and 50’s furniture.