2econd World

Good night and God Bless Waterproof Sleeping Bag

laura — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:47:40 +0000

Jo Maxwell, Queen of the Cape Town Red Hat Renegades and the winner of the 2005 Woman of Worth Award

The Cape Town Red Hat Renegades are a group of women over the age of 50 who get together and have fun while raising fun-ds for charity. The Cape Town motto is Fun and Friendship with a Purpose. Their purpose is to fun-d raise to feed 600 children in 9 creches. Amongst many other projects the group is now running an annual fun-d raising event called Surviving the Adventure Race which brings in almost enough money to feed the children.

Jo’s latest project is the Good Night and God Bless waterproof sleeping bag which costs a mere R5. The bags are made up of newspaper which is covered by micron recycled plastic bags providing an effective insulated, waterproof sleeping bag for those less fortunate. The Rotary Club of Claremont has given Jo a Grant of R50 000 which is being used to make up the sleeping bags.

For further information:
Email: Jo Maxwell jmaxwell@iafrica.com

Rocking the Daisies - Darling 2007

laura — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:32:07 +0000

Rocking the Daisies played hard, yet treaded lightly

SA’s largest carbon neutral music festival to plant 180 trees and feature bands at Cape Town’s Natural & Organic Products Exhibition

(Cape Town) 15 October, 2007 – “Darling, do it again.” That was the general sentiment from attendees of South Africa’s largest carbon neutral music festival.

Enjoyed by more than 5,000 festival goers at the Cloof Wine Estate near Darling from 28-30 September, Rocking the Daisies succeeded in promoting South African musical and comedy talent and acted as an educational platform for eco-friendly products and practices.

Using an online tool provided by Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) - www.trees.co.za - the event’s output of atmosphere-warming carbon dioxide was determined. This calculation translated into 130 trees required to offset the event’s carbon footprint, however, as strong supporters of FTFA, the organisers decided to plant 180 trees including:
• five trees on the Cloof Wine Estate; and
• 175 trees in various disadvantaged communities within the Western Cape.

“Rocking the Daisies 2007 more than tripled its attendance over last year’s inaugural event and we see the ‘go green’ aspect of the festival expanding even further in the years to come,” said Craig Bright, Managing Director of Complete Events.

Says Jeunesse Park, CEO of Food and Trees for Africa and recent joint winner of the 2007 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sasakawa Prize: “Beyond the environmentally friendly ethos of the festival, attendees of Rocking the Daisies have effectively contributed to improving the quality of life for various disadvantaged communities. Congratulations to the festival organisers for raising awareness around the issue of global warming and the importance of giving back to the community at large.”

How Rocking the Daisies tread lighter:
• ‘Rubbish’ generated at the event was either recycled (55%) or composted, which amounted to a total of 9 ton and 87.4 kg waste. The breakdown of waste collected:
o 4.5 t of glass recycled
o 97.8 kg plastic bottles
o 83.6 kg plastic packaging
o 110 kg paper and cardboard
o 4 t and 296kg in total of recyclables were prevented from landfill
• Of the approximate 5 000, 624 virtual tickets (SMS text messages with a unique bar-code) were issued, 2 246 traditional tickets, using tree-free hemp paper were sold, and the rest were made up of tickets sold at the festival gates. The tree-free hemp tickets were produced without the use of sulfide and chlorine bleaching.
• 320 Rocking the Daisies hemp t-shirts and 185 hemp caps where sold. Compared to conventional cotton the following was saved:
o 351000 liters of water
o Approx. 61750kJ of energy
o 260 square metres of land
o 350 g of toxic pesticides
o 4 kg of fertilizer
(Source: http://www.ecoaudits.com/calculators/HTnaturals)
• 80% less carbon emissions were produced during the festival by running 100% bio diesel in the generators. A large portion of this bio diesel was produced from waste vegetable oil from restaurants represented at the festival (Noodlebosch and Rafiki’s) thus creating a sustainable energy solution.
• Nine liters of 100% bio-degradable soap and shampoo, courtesy of Hemporium, were provided free to all overnight campers, eliminating any grey water and any harmful effects on the environment.
• The venue, Cloof Wine Estate, is recognized as a leader in conserving natural vegetation and rehabilitating previously cultivated areas.

“Overall, we feel that the festival’s biggest achievement is the awareness created through all of these initiatives combined, and the resulting long term effects of this heightened awareness,” says Brian Little, Event Manager of Rocking the Daisies and partner of Complete Events.

In keeping with the green theme, Rocking the Daisies also hosted a concert on Saturday, 13 October, for visitors to the Natural and Organic Products Exhibition, which took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The show featured a sample of bands from the festival including Nungarin, Dream Soda, Bed on Bricks, South Paw, Boulevard Blues and jacSharp.

About Rocking the Daisies
Now in its second, it is organised by Complete Events, a full-service events and promotions company with offices in Durban and Cape Town.
For more information, visit www.rockingthedaisies.com and www.complete.org.za.

ISSUED BY: MANGO-OMC
ON BEHALF OF: Complete Events
FOR FURTHER INFO: Janine Boshoff/ Catherine Lückhoff
Janine@mango-omc.com / Cath@mango-omc.com

Niall Mellon Township Trust

laura — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:21:50 +0000

Niall Mellon Township Trust
There are currently 2.4 million families living in shacks or informal settlements across South Africa. The South African government has set itself the target of eradicating all shacks by 2014. Our charity aims to do whatever it can to help achieve this target.
In 2002, Irish property developer Niall Mellon visited the Imizamo Yethu Township in Cape Town, South Africa. He was so moved by the horrendous living conditions he saw there, that he set up “The Niall Mellon Township Trust”, in order to help alleviate the plight of its residents.
In a pioneering venture, Niall met with community leaders and undertook the extraordinary task of replacing 450 corrugated iron shacks with proper brick houses.
In 2003, he organised 150 volunteers from overseas each raising €3500, to travel 6000 miles to Imizamo Yethu, to build 25 houses in 9 days.
So successful was this Building Blitz, that, in 2004, he managed to persuade 350 more volunteers to raise €4000 each and build 50 houses in one week.
2005 saw an even more adventurous Niall bring 700 volunteers to South Africa to build 106 houses over a two-week period.
Through a combination of volunteers and local labour who worked year round on the project, we have now met our original target of completing 450 blockhouses in the township of Imizamo Yethu.
Last November, 350 Irish men and women went out to a new township, Mfuleni ,and built 70 houses in one week.
Building by local staff in South Africa continues all year round and is an important part of our work. We help to train unskilled workers and also provide valuable jobs in areas where unemployment is more than 40%. Our South African staff have now completed a further 220 houses in Mfuleni.
In the township of Netreg, situated on the Cape Flats, our South African staff and volunteers have built 191 new houses over the last year. Construction at Netreg began in January 2006 with builders from our first township, Imizamo Yethu, transferring their skills to builders from the local community. The project is a collaboration between the Niall Mellon Township Trust and the Netreg community, facilitated by Development Action Group (DAG).
We have set ourselves ambitious targets for 2007. We aim to build at least 2000 houses by the end of this year.
In order to achieve this, we need your help. We are looking for South Africans volunteers to support our building programme. Last year, over 350 South African volunteers demonstrated their support by volunteering with us on our housing projects. This year, we want at least one thousand volunteers from this country to fund-raise and build homes with us.
For further information please go to:
Website: www.townshiptrust.org.za
Email: Mandy Wallace mwallace@nmtt.co.za

Handy Hints - with your kids

laura — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:33:58 +0000

Education

* Take your kids to the Zoo – encourage them to know what animals are extinct and encourage conservation from a young age.
* If you live close enough, walk your kids to school rather than drive them
* Encourage your kids to pick up litter

Recreation

* Take a hike – good way to tire kids out – take them on a hike through a forest, on the beach or anywhere out-doors
* Choose organic food for your babies
* Recycle kids toys – or donate them to a charity

Handy Hints - in your home

laura — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:32:24 +0000

Kitchen:

* Use apple cider vinegar as a glass, surface and window cleaner. Diluted can be used to wash fruit and veggies.
* Use Hydrogen Peroxide to clean porous material such as wooden cutting boards, wooden utensils.
* Avoid chlorine Bleach! Chlorine bleach breaks down into dioxin, a toxic poison that never bio-degrades and can easily contaminate water sources and harm animals. Swop to hydrogen peroxide – this is a natural agent that eradicates bacteria.
* Wait until you have a full load to run your dishwasher – avoid half loads in washing machines.
* Install a timer on your geyser to turn off at night and switch on again early morning.
* Turn your geysers off when going on holiday!
* Close the door every time you take things out of the fridge – also check the seal on your fridge door.
* Boil only the water you need in your kettle not the full jug.
* Use baking soda to clean your drains

Bathroom:

* Use essential oils to add to your bath rather than foam baths and soaps full of chemicals.
* Use herbal toothpaste – did you know Flouride is a highly toxic chemical we are not meant to ingest!
* Make your own soap – see www….
* Use natural beauty products where you can – remember your skin absorbs all the chemicals in shampoo and face products directly into the bloodstream…
* Read ingredient lists on products – if you are skeptical do research on the internet.
* Reduce the temperature on your geyser – this will save water as you will need to add less cold
* Avoid aerosols – these all end up in landfills! Rather opt for sprays, liquids, powders or roll-ons.
* Don’t let the water run whilst brushing your teeth
* Take showers instead of baths

Closet:

* Support local fashion
* Research local designers with an eye on environmentalism
* Buy vintage clothing and shop second hand
* Trade with friends
* Cut, sew, alter your garments to keep up with trends
* Save electricity by doing all our ironing at the same time
* Hang up your clothes to dry rather than tumble dry

Garden:

* Plant your own vegetable garden, plant your own herbs
* Start a compost heap – select an un-used are of your garden, throw away food wastes( leftovers, spoiled foods etc), mix with dirt, every week or so turn pile over, in a few weeks it will turn into rich nutritional soil you can use in your veggie garden!
* Feed the birds – this not only brings nature to your backyard but also solves some bug problems… give them some water whilst you’re about it!
* Plant trees
*

Other general tips:

* Save on winter heating costs by snuggling up under a blanket on the couch!
* Close shutters, blinds and curtains during the night
* Switch off lights, appliances and wall sockets when they aren’t is use.
* Change all light bulbs in your house to energy saving bulbs
* Do research into disposal of hazardous waste – things such paint, pesticides and weed killers should NOT be washed down the drain…
* Recycle your electronic goods
* Don’t leave your TV on standby
* Have more romantic candlelit dinners and baths!
* If doing renovations find an environmentally conscious builder

Go Green with Avis

laura — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:24:42 +0000

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.

Abundance Yoga and Recycling

laura — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:26:48 +0000

Abundance Recycling is a social responsibility undertaking by Abundance Yoga Centre run by Gary and Cynthia Fort. Their aim is to educate people on the need to recycle and to offer an easy, inexpensive opportunity to do so. They rely on sponsorships from businesses as part of their social responsibility. They have managed to secure trailer sponsorship from Dayway Trailer Hire, banners from Budget Banners, computers from local business and members of the public, and maps and logistical support from the council. They have had a tremendous response from the public and very positive support from local business. They are confident that we will have Cape Town recycling with no extra drain on an already overburdened civic refuse collection system.

Abundance Yoga and Recycling Centre has started a recycling initiative in your area to encourage people to recycle. For only R20, R30 or R40 a month (depending on distance from the recycling depot) they will collect all your recycling once a week on a specified day (depending on the area). All that you need to do is place you recycling in a bag, that we will provide, and we will do the rest.

The recycling will go to Oasis Recycling depot where people with intellectual disabilities are given an opportunity to work and gain a sense of self worth: many of the 365 adults currently working there are primary breadwinners. The project currently recovers 140tons of waste per month, which is a substantial saving of landfill space. A percentage of the money will go to the Yoga Accessibility fund which has enabled Gary and Cynthia to send Busiswa Qobo (a Xhosa lady from an underprivileged background) to India to study yoga. The fund now enables Busiswa to teach yoga for free in underprivileged areas such a Khayelitsha, helping people to find the balance to gain strength, vitality and a respect for self and others.

For further information please go to Webiste: http://home.telkomsa.net/abundanceyogaEmail: Gary Fort abundance@telkomsa.net

Footprints Environmental Centre

laura — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:01:03 +0000

Footprints is a non-profit, community-orientated centre in Wynberg Cape Town, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of resources and the prevention of pollution and waste of these resources. Footprints is a “live-action” “hands-on” centre working towards providing accessible tangible knowledge and opportunities for individuals and communities to take responsible doable action to reduce their ecological footprints. Footprints provides the motivation, tools and opportunities for individuals to take action in a manner that is both beneficial to people and planet.
Footprints Drop Off Centre for Recyclables accepts a large range of materials for recycling e.g. paper, plastic, cans, glass, eWaste, dirty motor oil, cooking oil, etc. Please email for a list of materials that Footprints can accept. “One Persons Trash is another Persons Treasure” Footprints, sees (certain) “trash” as a “treasure”, a resource that we can use to generate an income, thereby create opportunities for employment and empowerment as well as sustain the centre.

Footprints is a hands on, outcomes based and live action working centre that highlights and showcases issues around sustainable living. Footprints offers a convenient drop off service to the public, in a friendly, helpful and welcoming environment. Our mission is to encourage public support, participation and action. Our believe is an informed citizen may with knowledge and understanding, be motivated to act in waste reduction and sustainable living practices.

For further information Email: Michelle Shalto-Douglas gsdouglas@worldonline.co.za

Food and Trees for Africa

laura — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 12:00:48 +0000

FTFA works in partnership with government, the private and public sectors and civil society to improve the quality of life and environments for all communities of South Africa. Since 1990 FTFA has distributed millions of trees and helped to set up thousands of natural food gardens for the poor and undeserved in South Africa. FTFA’s work and that of it’s founder, Jeunesse Park, has been recognized internationally and the organisation has been acknowledged through many awards including: United Nations Global 500 Laureate, President Nelson Mandela Forestry Award, The Department of Environment Conserva Award, The Mail & Guardian Green Trust and Investing in the Future Awards, The Impumelelo Award, Eskom Chairman’s Award, Mail & Guardian Chairman’s Award for Excellence, International Chevron Conservation Award. The many companies, aid agencies, organizations, media and individuals who contribute to FTFA are improving the quality of life of impoverished communities by contributing to greener environments, food security, addressing climate change and sustainable development. For further information please go to:Website: www.trees.co.zaEmail: Jeunesse Park info@trees.org.za

Earthwave

admin — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:54:18 +0000

Earthwave was started as a spin off from Earth Dance last year and was an attempt at having the most surfers on the same wave at the same time. This was all done to raise awareness for Global Warming.