Enviro Articles
Recyclable Plastics a resource – which can we recycle?
If the oil, water and energy used in making plastic packaging are becoming so expensive, why do we still see so much plastic in landfill, our wetlands, beaches & parks? Read here to find out about Plastic recycling and do your bit.
Grey water & collecting rain water for your garden
Population growth & ltd water resources means that the South Peninsula could soon have permanent water restrictions. There is no doubt that the cost of water is going to increase so once you have a water wise garden and are using water sparingly, the next step is to learn to use your grey water & to harvest the rain. It is surprisingly easy to install. Click here to read about grey water, rain tanks and saving pool water.
Fracking Up the Karoo
The real concerns with fracking for Natural Gas in the Karoo is the danger to underground water sources through injecting a cocktail of chemicals and the potential impacts of fracking on the water table itself. By Glenn Ashton 9 March 2011 from the South African Civil Society Information Service. Read more here:
Labeling Genetically Modified Food & the Consumer Protection Act
The Draft Consumer Protection Act does not protect consumers Rights to Know about GM content in food. Sign a petition for effective labelling for GM content in food. Its ironic that the GM industry patents GM crops on the grounds that they are sufficiently different from traditional crops and then resists labeling GM Foods on the grounds that they are not different enough. Read more here: http://www.scenicsouth.co.za/2011/01/labeling-gm-food-consumer-protection-act/.
Dept. of Energy’s Plan for Future Electricity panders to vested interests of coal and nuclear.
It is not only folly also irresponsible to spend R340 billion ESKOM is seeking for the construction of the Medupi and Kusile coal-fired stations when private equity funding is queuing up to invest in solar and wind generation. It is also extraordinary as we have some of the best solar and wind resources in the world. Read Bishop Geoff Davies presentation of the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute’s (SAFCEI) objections to the Integrated Resourse Plan (IRP). http://www.scenicsouth.co.za/2010/12/bishop-geoff-davies-on-flawed-energy-plan/
Bio-diversity Research in Silvermine
Conservation projects in Silvermine Section of TMNP reveal new info. about the endangered Marsh Mimetes, Kurper (fish) in Silvermine Dam and an appeal to public to help count dassies!! Click here to read more about conservation research in Silvermine.
“You are Brilliant, and the Earth is Hiring.” Paul Hawkins address to the Class of 2009
Class of 2009, you are going to have to figure out what it means to be a human being on earth at a time when every living system is declining, and the rate of decline is accelerating. Kind of a mind-boggling situation, but not one peer-reviewed paper published in the last thirty years can refute that statement. Basically, civilization needs a new operating system, you are the programmers, and we need it within a few decades. For Paul Hawkins full speech click here
A Shark–Spotter’s Story
“I will tell you about the day”, Monwabisi said “that a Great White Shark changed my perceptions!!! It was in 2005, and I was shark spotting from Boyes Dr. A large shark appeared about 600m off-shore swimming determinedly toward the backline where a group of surfers were waiting for waves. Click here for the trials & Tribulations of the Shark Spotters
Climate Change, big business, you and I
The Climate Change Symposium in Somerset West (March 2010) reflects the growing interest by business and community leaders in the potential risks of Climate Change. Tasneem Essop of World Wildlife Fund (SA) was invited to report back on her experience of COP 15. GEOPOLITICS TRIUMPHED OVER SCIENCE is a four word summary of the outcome. Click here for summary and implications of COP15
International Year of Biodiversity and of Youth
It is profound that the United Nations has declared 2010 Year of Youth and the Year of Biodiversity, as it is our children who will inherit the world we leave behind. While our children are the future of our civilization, Earth’s biodiversity is the key to our survival. In 1992 Severn Suzuki addressed the Earth Summit in Brazil and received a standing ovation for one of the most powerful speeches about the need to protect the Earth ever delivered in an international forum. Her speech is even more relevant today…Click here to find our why protecting the earth is our future.
Green Resolutions for 2010 or the 3 Rs revisited
2010 is not just another year, it is the start of the Second Decade of the 21st Century. Join the move to make this the Decade of Living Responsibly. Our lifestyles have to stop costing the Earth – we have no Planet B. Click here to read about the 3 Eco-Rs and how you can make a difference.
Ronaldo’s World Cup kit: 1 shirt = 8 plastic bottles
Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, along with players from 9 international teams, will take to the field in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa wearing shirts made from recycled plastic bottles. A Green Goal for Nike….and a win for the environment!!! Read here to find out where your recycled PET bottle goes?
International Whaling Commission to consider legalising commercial whaling in June 2010!!!
As our Whale watching industry prepares for the new season, so proponents far from the Southern Ocean are gearing up to push through a proposal to re-instate commercial whaling. Are some people’s traditions impacting negatively on our collective bio-diversity ? Read the debate for and against commercial whaling here.
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