Green Flavour

NEWS WATCH: COP17, Climte change in South Africa, SA’s first wind turbine manufacturer and our oceans in peril.

2011-12-07T06:43:00.003+02:00

Durban to Rio could be our Road to Damascus and The Grinch who stole hope: Jay Naidoo of the Daily Maverick with two excellent articles about the failures of COP 17 particularly with regard to fact that the people who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are excluded from the process, and how our COP 17 ‘negotiators’ seem to be a large part of the problem. He also offers some inspiring ideas for taking positive action.

What if...? South Africa in light of a new climate and Climate Change: South Africa Could See Enormous Change: two articles, one local and one international that discuss the potentially devastating effects of climate change in South Africa.

The first multi-watt wind turbines to be built in SA: For the first time in history wind turbine blades manufactured in South Africa. With the Western Cape government’s ambitious target for renewable energy at 15% by 2014, it’s perfect timing.

World's oceans in peril: This in depth article from Al Jazeera discusss it all -Climate change, ocean acidification, plastic pollution, coral bleaching and overfishing are putting our oceans in serious peril.

VIDEO OF THE MONTH: THE STORY OF BROKE

2011-12-06T18:17:00.004+02:00

The Story of Stuff Project has just released their new movie, The Story of Broke: Why There's Still Plenty of Money to Build a Better Future. The Story of Broke lays out a common sense argument for shifting billions in government spending away from the ailing 'dinosaur economy' and toward investments in the 21st Century green economy. As the global economic crisis is felt by the 99% across the planet this festive season, the timing for a film that offers real solutions couldn’t be better. Watch the film and find out how to take action here.

Green Home products at the CCITC Green Expo.

2011-12-06T17:51:00.001+02:00

Photo's of the CTICC using our 100% biodegradable food packaging at the Green Expo in November.

BIODEGRADABLE RECIPE: Thai Style Fish in Banana Leaves

2011-10-25T07:59:00.008+02:00

Before the advent of tin foil, banana leaves, corn husks and many other leaves were used for the same purpose. Not only do banana leaves protects food from burning, but they infuse food with a fragrant sweetness as it cooks.

Ingredients:

2 large pieces banana leaf (large enough to wrap the fish)
2 fish fillets

Dressing: mix together the following

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
juice of 1 lime (lemon will do)
fresh garlic, ginger and chilli to taste
1 small handful fresh mint, coarsely chopped
1 small handful fresh coriander leaves, coarsely chopped

Instructions:

Wash and dry the banana leaves. Place the fish in the middle of the leaf and spoon half the dressing over the fish. Wrap the fish well in the leaf (don't worry too much if the leaf splits slightly here or there). Repeat with the second piece of fish.

Braai or grill, turning every few minutes for 10 - 15 minutes (depending on size and thickness of fish) or bake in a preheated oven at 200ºC for 15 -20 minutes.

To serve, slit open the parcels and eat immediately.

VIDEO OF THE MONTH: Hold De Beers Accountable

2011-10-24T06:48:00.007+02:00

“Halt the sale of De Beers operations until they fix our area”, says Cape West Coast community

The imminent sale of De Beers’ diamond mining operations on the Cape West Coast must be halted until full disclosure and proper consultation with all affected parties has taken place, says the community of Hondeklipbaai.

The department of Mineral Resources (DMR) is expected to make a decision on the approval of the amended environmental management programme, and the transfer of mining rights to Tranx Hex, within weeks. The community launched an awareness campaign this week, to urge DMR to postpone their decision.

Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town, Hondeklipbaai community leader Dawid Markus said the sale cannot be allowed to continue until they were assured that the companies would honour their obligations to rehabilitate the area.

“We make an urgent call on the DMR to hold these companies to account and to not forget the communities that are directly affected. Too often big mining companies exploit the country’s natural resources without undoing the damage they cause,” said Markus.

He was speaking at the launch of two documentary videos in which the direct damage to the Hondeklipbaai area can be seen. The community is on the West Coast of South Africa, approximately 300 kilometres outside Cape Town.

Markus was supported by the Bench Mark Foundation at the briefing. Bench Mark Foundation earlier this year asked De Beers Consolidated Mines to make substantial revisions to the Environmental Management Programme Report which will become the only legal tool to prevent a lasting negative legacy from diamond mining in Namaqualand.

“The area in Hondeklipbaai is rich in biodiversity, with some species of plants and animals that are not see anywhere else in the world.

“This area must be protected and conserved, and we’re not convinced that the current plans will not leave the area exposed to more risks. Their budget for this kind of repair work is wholly inadequate, and it is the people of Hondeklipbaai that will end up paying for it, for generations to come,” said Markus.

Please watch the video and take action by writing to The Honourable Minister Susan Shabangu. (Details and template below. Please read it, copy it, sign your name and send.)

The Honourable Minister Susan Shabangu
Minister of Mineral Resources
Private Bag X646, PRETORIA 0001
Tel: 012 679 9103 Fax: 012 643 0930
kholofelo.madisha@dmr.gov.za

Dear Minister Shabangu

Hold DeBeers Accountable for Legacy at Namaqualand Mine

I am writing to ask you to ensure that the Constitutional rights of the communities living around the De Beers Namaqualand Mine to a safe and healthy environment are upheld and that an equitable contribution to their livelihoods is provided in recognition of the 100 years of mining in the area. De Beers’ claim that the sale is part of their commitment to a “lasting contribution to the communities in which they live and work” is unsubstantiated given their lack of disclosure and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders in the process of selling the mine.

In the interest of establishing a just outcome in Namaqualand, setting a national precedent for mineral right transfers and local community interests, and a global statement about South Africa’s commitment to human rights and social development, I ask you to recognise the rights of those representing the environment, and the rights of the communities of Namaqualand to have a voice in the process of proposed amendment of the rehabilitation obligations and proposed transfer of mining rights. To this end, I ask you to ensure full disclosure by De Beers, the purchaser of the Namaqualand Mine and the Department of Mineral Resources, and ensure a proper opportunity for affected parties to give inputs.

I specifically ask that, in your consideration of DeBeers’ proposed amended Social and Labour Plan and proposed amended Environmental Management Programme, you will bear in mind the long-term sustainable development requirements in the region and ensure that an adequate plan and financial provision for implementing that plan are in place.

Yours sincerely

OUR PLASTC FUTURE?

2011-10-24T06:23:00.009+02:00

Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. McGuire: Plastics.
Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean?
Mr. McGuire: There is a great future in plastics

(From the movie 'The Graduate' 1967 starring Dustin Hoffman.)

Mr McGuire was right. There was a great future in plastics. Over the last 60 years plastics have become central to our lives.

This is evident by the ubiquitous nature of plastics today. Plastic is everywhere: our oceans, our beaches, our forests, our deserts, our cities, our homes and our bodies. Anywhere you go, you are bound to bump into a piece of plastic.

Unfortunately, this miracle material does not go away. Apart from a small percentage of plastic that is incinerated, every piece of plastic ever made is still with us today. Plastic is forever. It does not biodegrade; it only ever breaks down into smaller pieces of plastic.

In 2010, 300 million tones of plastic were produced globally. About half of this was used just once and then thrown away. In 2011, we will produce more. Consumption of disposable plastics such as bags, bottles, straws and other packaging has spiralled out of control. We use these items for seconds, hours or days, but their remains last forever. The figures are staggering. Approximately 500 billion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. That’s more than one million bags every minute.

Our oceans have become our ‘landfills’. They are now known to contain the majority of mankind’s waste, and the largest component of oceanic pollution is disposable plastic. Conservative estimates suggest that there are 140 billion kilograms of plastic in the ocean. The well documented Great Pacific Garbage Patch is just one of 5 such ‘gyres’ where global currents meet and spin and plastic waste accumulates in large concentrations These plastics ‘islands’ are really more like plastic ‘soups’, and according to the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, plastic outweighs plankton by at a ratio of 6:1 in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Smaller pieces of plastic ingested by marine birds and animals are known to cause deaths as pieces of plastic accumulate in their gastrointestinal systems, ultimately causing starvation. Toxic chemicals from plasticizers in plastics leach into the bodies of the animals that ingest them, and these chemicals move up the food chain. Combine this with endocrine disrupting chemicals that leach directly into our food and drink from plastic food packaging, and we’ve got a rather toxic brew accumulating in our bodies, along with our environment.

So what is the solution to what is clearly a global plastic pollution crisis? The answer is simple. The execution more challenging. Our excessive consumption of resources must stop. We need to move away from our reliance on oil based plastics. Contrary to popular belief, recycling of plastic is not a sustainable solution. Recycling of plastics does not stem the production of virgin plastic and, in fact, creates a greater demand for virgin material. Plastic bonds are weakened during the recycling process, and virgin plastic needs to be added to create new products. Not only does this reinforce the plastic pollution cycle, but more oil is needed to produce virgin plastic.

Food packaging is one of the largest components of disposable plastics consumption. We need to change our disposable culture and stop using products with a cradle to grave life cycle. However, the radical mind shift required to change our current lifestyles will not happen overnight. The next best option is to use products that follow a cradle to cradle life cycle, such as packaging made from renewable plant based ‘bio-waste’ materials that will biodegrade after use.

European governments have supported the introduction of compostable packaging through specific legislation such as the German Packaging Directive which gives the industry the ability to develop an effective disposal system and is a clear indication of support for biodegradable packaging. IBAW’s ‘Compostable’ certification and labelling system has now been adopted by numerous countries in Europe, including Great Britain, Germany and the Netherlands, further strengthening the ability of the biodegradable industry to successfully implement the underlying closed loop life cycle.

Compostable packaging is not a panacea to the global plastic pollution crisis; but it is a part of the solution. It is a new industry that comes with its own obstacles and challenges, particularly here in South Africa where there is no government support for the introduction of compostable packaging and there is marginal, formalised waste separation. Here in South Africa we cannot afford to wait for government legislation to effect change, instead legislation will follow the change that we make happen.

Individually, we need to rethink how we live and change our disposable lifestyles. The most important thing we can do is avoid unnecessary waste wherever possible. First avoid, then reduce and reuse, and if it must be disposable ensure its biodegradable.

NEWS WATCH: Plastic Addiction, Washing Machines and Plastic Pollution, COP17 & more.

2011-10-24T05:13:00.013+02:00

Plastic addiction and the myths of recycling: New Zealand based article with New Zealand based statistics but the issues are still the same: excessive plastic consumption leading to excessive plastic pollution and issues surrounding plastic recycling and why it is not a sustainable solution.

From the Washer to the Sea: Plastic Pollution: Waste water from washing machines is an important source of plastic pollution in oceans according to a recent study. Micrometer-size fragments of plastics like acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide and polyester have contaminated surface water and shorelines globally.

EU urged to support European bioplastics industry: An awareness raising exhibition and conference on plastics and the bio-economy held in Brussels highlighted that bioplastics offer great opportunities for smart, green and inclusive growth.

COP17: Should Eskom and Sasol be part of it? EarthLife doesn't think so: Is the inclusion of Sasol and Eskom representatives on the COP17 negotiation committee a conflict of interest? Earthlife Africa thinks it is while Business Unity South Africa and the Department of Environmental Affairs do not.

Karoo: Timeless to Timebomb: The true culprits responsible for bringing on the potential travesty of intergenerational justice have so far evaded mention altogether. These culprits are you, me and the rest of civil society. All of us who create the demand for more energy.

Moving Planet Cape Town: Catherine on the Front Page of the Sunday Times

2011-10-23T22:25:00.011+02:00

Founder and Managing Director of Green Home, Catherine Morris, made it onto the front page of the Sunday Times on 25th September for the Cape Town Moving Planet Parade. Yup, Thats Catherine on her bicycle in the top right photo. Go Catherine!

Walking The Daisies 2011

2011-10-23T20:56:00.006+02:00

Over 100 people walked to Rocking The Daisies this year and Green Home sponsored them with our biodegradable food packaging as shown in the above photo of the walkers eating potjie off our biodegradable plates around the camp fire.

Walking the Daisies is an annual environmental awareness campaign in the form of a 2 day hike that takes place every year to support the positive efforts of Rocking the Daisies, SA's premier eco-friendly festival.

A huge thank you to everyone involved: organisers, sponsors and most importantly walkers... conscious fun is possible after all!

Green Home at the Johannesburg Good Food and Wine Show

2011-10-23T12:57:00.002+02:00

Some photo's of our stand at the Good Food & Wine Show in Johannesburg at the end of September. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!

Oliver Tambo Airport Intercontinental Hotel go biodegradable!

2011-10-23T11:33:00.003+02:00

Oliver Tambo Airport Intercontinental Hotel are now using Green Home's 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging. Thanks for joining the biodegradable revolution OR Tambo Intercontinental!

The Toilet Paper Story: The task of moving unbleached into the mainstream

2011-09-22T06:47:00.007+02:00

Do any of you remember the Brown Roll? This was Green Home’s first toilet paper product. It was quite distinctive because of its colour and people either loved it or hated it. Those who loved it felt it embodied almost everything that they stood for. And those that hated it… well… just didn’t like the idea of using brown toilet paper. Either way the locally produced Brown roll was a hit and by October 2009 Green Home was supplying Oliver Tambo Airport with it, amongst many other clients.

So what happened? Why did it come to an end? This article is an attempt to explain to our clients the goals and decision making processes behind choosing our environmentally friendly products.

The Brown Roll (and serviettes) were made from unbleached tissue made from virgin material harvested from FSC certified forestry (Forest Stewardship Council). This is classified as Totally Chlorine Free (TCF). Supply of raw material was however problematic. Because unbleached Brown Toilet Paper was not yet a main stream product (despite its growing popularity) the suppliers of the raw material were independent, irregular and unreliable. This resulted in quality issues with the final product. Secondly, many paper pulp converters prefer not to work with unbleached tissue as it “dirties” their machines. All in all Green Home’s demand for the brown roll started to give everyone a big headache. By the end of 2010, The Brown Roll was on its last square.

Fortunately, around the same time, Green Home was able to secure production of an even greener roll than the Brown Roll. This was the unbleached Sugar Roll which was also unbleached like the Brown Roll. The added advantage of the Sugar Roll was that the raw material was a mix between virgin material (approx 40% also harvested from FSC certified forestry) and sugar cane pulp (minimum of 60%). The sugar cane pulp, or bagasse, is the remaining fibrous by-product after sugar has been extracted from sugar cane. This is known as Processed Chlorine Free (PCF).

Unfortunately, after a few month's Green Home was up against the same problems. Unbleached sugar cane tissue is not a mainstream product and Green Home’s comparatively small orders were being pushed further and further back down the list of the factories priorities. By May 2011 supply had reached its end. We were giving everyone a headache with our relatively small demands.

At this point we were faced with either not supplying any toilet paper at all, or else supplying the most environmentally friendly products available, while continuing education and creating demand in order to supply what we prefer to supply. So we chose the latter. Green Home currently supplies the Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) sugar cane roll made up of 60% bagasse and 40% FSC certified virgin pulp. .

Green Home will only supply tissue that is locally produced and FSC certified for its virgin material. But there are many other aspects to take into consideration. In order of preference this is what Green Home would prefer to supply:

1) Unbleached Sugar Roll - PCF (Processed chlorine-free):
PCF is preferable to TCF (below) because product includes recycled content. PCF contains recycled content (sugar cane / bagasse or wood fibre) produced without elemental chlorine or chlorine derivatives, although one or more fibre components may have originally been bleached with chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Any virgin pulp is TCF.

2) Brown Roll - TCF (Totally Chlorine Free):
TCF is used only to refer to 100 percent virgin paper produced without chlorine or chlorine derivatives (the bleaching process uses oxygen-based compounds).

3) ECF Sugar Roll - ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free):
Papers are produced from pulp that has been bleached with a chlorine derivative such as chlorine dioxide (ClO2), but without elemental chlorine (Cl).

4) None -EC (Elemental Chlorine Bleaching):
Bleached using elemental chlorine (not preferred.)

We believe we are supplying you with the most environmentally friendly products on the market today. We will continue to research and develop these products, and to try move industry in a greener direction. Thank you for helping us do it.

Written by: Catherine Morris

FOR THE LOVE OF THE PLANET: Local eco-activist cycles over 15 000km across 20 countries.

2011-09-19T08:05:00.010+02:00

Kayden Kleinhans, a 27 year old from Cape Town, is the founder of the local NGO Global Wheeling Foundation. He set out on his epic solo bicycle journey on the 3rd October 2010 from the UK, cycled through Europe; hopped on a ferry from Spain to Morocco; crossed the Sahara Desert and travelled through the western bulge of Africa where he attended the World Social Forum in Senegal before being denied access into Nigeria. He then returned to Cape Town and continued his journey cycling up the east coast of South Africa, through Lesotho and Swaziland and into Mozambique. All in all, in 11 months he has cycled over 15 000 km across 20 countries, and this is only phase 1 of his journey.

And to what end you might ask? Well, to raise awareness about climate change; promote bicycle culture and challenge conventional modes of carbon rich transport; and plant a few thousand trees along the way, of course.

That one individual can do so much for the planet is truly an inspiration. Read more about Global Wheeling and Kayden’s many adventures from the Big Issue , and the Global Wheeling website.

BIODEGRADABLE RECIPE: Chocolate Filled Banana’s on the Braai

2011-09-19T06:39:00.004+02:00

True biodegradable packaging is the packaging that food naturally comes in, so we’re going to bring you a series of simple and delicious biodegradable recipe ideas over the next few months.

We South African’s just love to braai and with Heritage (a.k.a. Braai) Day coming up this weekend we thought it apt to start with these lekker chocolate filled bananas.

Slit bananas in their skins down the middle.
Stuff with chocolate of your choice. You can even throw in some chopped nuts if you want to get fancy.
Braai until chocolate has melted and bananas are cooked.
Eat straight out of their skins.
ENJOY!

VIDEO of the Month: Bicycle Portraits: Staying Alive

2011-09-19T05:29:00.002+02:00

Bicycle Portraits - Staying Alive from Bicycle Portraits on Vimeo.

Stan Engelbrecht and Nic Grobler are two passionate cyclists who are currently travelling through South Africa by bicycle to meet and photograph as many cyclists as they can for their book Bicycle Portraits: Every Day South Africans and their Bicyles. They are documenting who rides bicycles, why they ride them, and if they enjoy using bicycles as their primary mode of transport. Watch this video of just some of the beautiful South African’s they have met so far set to the coolest version of 'Staying Alive' we’ve ever heard: 'Sohlala Siphila' by African Noise Foundation.

NEWS WATCH: Coastal Clean-up; Reinventing the Landfill; Community Recycling and more

2011-09-18T10:40:00.017+02:00

Plastic Not Fantastic: More than 20 000 volunteers trawled South Africa's coastline on Saturday the 17th September for International Coastal Clean-up Day. While this years inventory will only be available in October, the Cape's top 5 litter items for 2010 were: 7494 plastic bottle caps and lids, 4867 plastic bottles, 4199 food wrappers and containers, 4041 plastic bags & 3806 plastic straws.

Reinventing the Landfill: Ideally, we should all compost our own waste or send it somewhere to be composted. But for the green waste which does still end up in landfill this project in Durban is successfully capturing the methane gas from decomposing green waste that ends up in the eThekwini landfill.

Trashback Rewards Community Recycling: A community recycling initiative was recently launched in Hout Bay's informal settlement, Imizamo Yethu. 'Trashback' provides locals with incentives to clean up their communities and has the potential to transform community recycling in SA.

Local Farmers Feeling Effects Of Climate Change: Understanding the effects of climate change on agriculture is a complex and challenging issue as this article discusses, but the reality is that the effects are already being felt by farmers here in SA and elsewhere.

Move Over Joe Camel: Plastics Lobby Targets Kids in Textbooks: Another excellent article from Lisa Kaas Boyle of the Huffington Post about plastics industry propaganda masquerading as 'truth'. While this article may be from the US, the issues raised are just as relevant here in SA.

Raising Awareness Of Plastic Waste: Most of us are familiar with the concept of a carbon footprint, but whoever heard of a plastic footprint? A new international initiative, the Plastics Disclosure Project asks organisations to assess their plastics usage in an attempt to raise awareness about the vast amounts of plastic waste entering the environment.

Drakensberg Also Under Threat Of Fracking: While many South African's are aware of the proposed 'fracking' for gas in the Karoo, many are unaware that large parts of the Free State, Eastern Cape Highlands and KZN are also under threat.

The True Cost Of Nuclear Energy: Greenpeace SA recently presented their latest report The True Cost of Nuclear Energy in South Africa to the Department of Environmental Affairs. The report outlines SA's "costly nuclear history, its failure to learn from past mistakes, and how the country could leave dirty and dangerous energy behind by investing in renewables."

Tilly's Hand Made Ice Cream Goes Biodegradable

2011-09-18T09:02:00.006+02:00

Tilly's is now using Green Home's 100% biodegradable and compostable containers for their out of this world hand made ice creams. With flavours like cinnamon & almond, cinnamon & coconut, chocolate & chocolate, dark chocolate & beetroot and cheesecake what's not to love?

www.tillys-hand-made.co.za

2011-09-17T14:07:00.004+02:00

Life Outside The Box's incredible raw, organic, vegan, sugar-free and dairy-free chocolates are packaged in Green Home's 100% biodegradable packaging.

'Chocolate and Poetry' is high in magnesium and anti-Oxidants. Totally yum and satisfies chocolate and sweet cravings. Welcome to chocolate heaven!

Visit www.iheartlifeoutsidethebox.blogspot.com for more info.

Women at the Forefront of Sustainability

2011-08-08T13:43:00.012+02:00

Catherine Morris started Green Home in 2007 from her garage in Cape Town. The following year she invited an old friend of hers, Phindi Dlamini, to run the Gauteng branch. With a predominantly female staff, Green Home is a 100% woman owned and managed business.

The growth of women taking leadership roles in sustainability globally is testament to the turning point we find ourselves at. No longer can we continue with unsustainabletraditionally masculine business practices.

To regain balance, feminine values of holistic thinking, social sensitivity and empathy are required in positions of leadership now more than ever.

In recognition of women’s day Green Home would like to say thank you to all women, everywhere, working tirelessly to create a sustainable future.

“Another world is not only possible, she’s on her way. Maybe many of us won’t be here to greet her, but on a quiet day, if I listen very carefully, I can hear her breathing” ~ Arundhati Roy.

Nuclear Delusions

2011-08-08T07:55:00.010+02:00

Greenpeace Africa columnist, Rex Wheeler's , informative article, Nuclear Delusions, argues that nuclear power is not a solution to the global energy crisis. He points out that despite industry claims that that nuclear energy is a low carbon alternative, the evidence is to the contrary. He continues that the health risks involved are very real, and discusses the costs, subsidies, collusion and corruption of the nuclear industry.

"Every dollar, every piece of land, and every resource spent on nuclear energy is an opportunity lost, consuming financial, human and natural resources required by real solutions."

Read the full article here.

Video of the Month: Who Killed Economic Growth?

2011-08-08T06:07:00.004+02:00

Who Killed Economic Growth? is a persuasive short video from the Post Carbon Institute that argues that contrary to what many governments and economists are saying, mankind has reached a major turning point in its economic history. We have reached the limits of economic growth, due to the non-negotiable restrictions of the natural environment.

For anyone who hasn't already seen it, the thought provoking documentary Zeitgeist Addendum is excellent for explaining how the the current global economic system works. Also Check out US Debt Visualised , an infographic that puts the extent of US Debt into perspective by showing how it literally stacks up.

Plastic's News: The Great Recycling Swindle; The Truth about Plastic and more...

2011-08-07T21:55:00.008+02:00

Plastic and the Great Recycling Swindle is an excellent article written by Lisa Kaas Boyle of the Huffington Post that discusses the problems with plastics and how the plastics industry lobby uses tactics of aggression and distraction in an attempt to hide these problems. She dispels some of the "myths perpetuated by the plastics industry to defend their products and refute responsibility." Please do read this article, it's a good one!

The Truth about Plastic is a detailed and interesting infographic that takes a look at the impact of plastic on both the environment and human health, as well as providing tips on how to reduce plastic consumption.

BPA Leaching in Reusable Water Bottles: A recent study checked BPA leaching in reusable water bottles made from various materials. BPA leached into both polycarbonate bottles and aluminium bottles lined with epoxy resin.

Plastic Bags in South Africa: The shocking truth is that the vast majority of the 8 billion plastics bags used in South Africa per year ends up in landfill, despite the collection of over R350 million in plastic bag levies.

“To love, to be loved... and never, never to forget” by Arundhati Roy

2011-08-07T17:27:00.009+02:00

One doesn’t have to look far for news of the tragedy that is currently unfolding in the Horn of Africa. It is so easy to look the other way when faced with the disturbing stories and images of starvation, but this inspiring quote from writer and activist Arundhati Roy serves as a poignant reminder why it is so important to look, to try to understand, to act and ultimately to love.

"To love. To be loved. To never forget your own insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty to its lair. To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never, to forget."~ Arundhati Roy

The quote comes from a speech she gave in 2002 entitled Come September, which was made into the documentary ‘We’, which we strongly recommend watching for free here.

Green Home's vertical and hanging gardens 'Life in Balance'

2011-08-07T08:12:00.006+02:00

Our vertical and hanging gardens were recently featured in the Life in Balance newsletter 'The Week'

"Small gardening space? Why not turn a wall into a garden? Herbs, vegetables or flowers can be planted in the new vertical and hanging garden structures from Green Home..."

Read the full article here.

GASWALK: antiFRACK protest march, on WOMEN’S DAY, 9 August.

2011-08-07T07:52:00.006+02:00

GASWALK: antiFRACK protest march, on WOMEN’S DAY, 9 Aug from the Natural History Museum in the Company Gardens, Cape Town : assemble at 10h30 – walk begins 11h00.

FRACKING TOUCHES WOMAN, IT HAS TOUCHED A ROCK!

A group of Capetonians, initiated by renowned photographer Kian Erikson, has organised GASWALK, a protest march against fracking, in partnership with NPOs Climate Justice Campaign and Earthlife Africa CT.

The procession through the streets of Cape Town will take place on Women's Day, August 9, to raise awareness of the threat that fracking poses to the most vulnerable in society, specifically women and children.

“The quality of our environment is fundamental to the quality of life of our people. Our constitution guarantees every South African the right to a clean, healthy environment”, says Muna Lakhani of Earthlife Africa. “The hydraulic fracturing planned in most of South Africa’s land mass, from the Karoo to the Drakensberg, directly threatens the quality of our air and water, and thereby the health and wellbeing of our people. Resource extraction has made corporations and an elite rich, but local communities remain poor, and are most at risk from the environmental destruction caused by fossil fuel extraction.”

“Worldwide, more and more people are calling for a global ban on fracking, as the threat to clean air and water supplies, and the devastating environmental and social cost, is becoming evident. We are calling on our government to ban fracking, in order to protect our vulnerable water resources and the quality of the air we breathe”, adds Kian Erikson.

Hydraulic fracturing requires enormous quantities of water mixed with toxic chemicals. The industry has not indicated where they will get this water, or how they propose to dispose of the highly toxic fracking wastewater, which leaches radioactivity from underground, along with endocrine disrupting volatile organic compounds (VOC's), methane and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) fracking fluids.

“The disposal of fracking wastewater poses an additional threat to water contamination. The methods used in the USA, which include injecting it deep undergound, open evaporation ponds, trucking the waste water to municipal water plants, which then discharge it into rivers, spraying it onto roads and fields, etc, all pose serious risks to local communities” says Marina Louw of Climate Justice Campaign.

“Accidents do happen, despite legislation existing to prevent them. In Beaufort West, residents are currently sucking up petrol in their boreholes, apparently from fuel that leaked from filling stations decades ago. Once the underground aquifer is contaminated, it is impossible to clean”, adds Louw.

In interviews that Climate Justice Campaign did in the Karoo recently, it became clear that people from poorer communities were mostly uniformed and unaware of the proposed fracking in the area, or the threat that it poses to their well-being, while those who were informed were vehemently against it.

“I don’t think fracking is a good idea”, said a gentleman from Beaufort West who identified himself as Lionel, “because our water resources here are very low, and fracking takes millions of litres to break the rock, and our water table will not allow it. We have just had a hell of a drought here, where people from all over the country had to bring us water.”

Many people also a commented on the fact that there is little air pollution in the Karoo and that they would like to keep it that way. Hans Maans and Anna Jacobs of Laingsburg said that the Karoo was a very special place in which to stay, because it is so peaceful, and the area is not ‘sick’ with pollution.

In Beaufort West, two mothers cradling small babies, Edna and Thembi, both said they had never heard of the plans to frack or how it would affect them, while Zanele, who had also never heard of fracking prior to the interview, was more vocal:

“I want to know, if they are planning something like this, why don’t they organise a meeting with the local community, to tell them what their plans are, so that the community can decide whether they want it or not. Now they are going to do things that we don’t know about.”

“In the words of Sandra Steingraber, the water we give our children every day ‘becomes their blood plasma, it becomes their tears, it becomes their cerebral spinal fluid’. What if this water has been contaminated by radioactive and endocrine disrupting fracking wastewater? Or if the air they breathe has dangerously high ozone levels? Can we really afford to jeopardise the health of future generations in a part of the country that, due to climate change, is likely to become even more arid in coming decades?” asks Louw.

The GASWALK will start at 11h00 from the Natural History Museum in the Company Gardens , where participants will gather from 10h30. The route will proceed down Long Street, turn into Strand Street and back to the Company Gardens via Adderley Street. All are welcome.

For more information on the GASWALK protest march, please contact climatejusticecampaign@gmail.com, or phone one of the following people:
Kian Eriksen (GASWALK): 083-605-8872
Marina Louw (Climate Justice Campaign): 082-214-8888
Muna Lakhani (Earthlife Africa CT): 083-471-7276

Press Release from Climate Justice Campaign, Earthlife Africa & GASWALK

Green Home Survey at the Clock Tower, Waterfront

2011-08-07T07:36:00.005+02:00

Green Home recently did a survey at the Clock Tower at the Waterfront in Cape Town. We asked people in the canteen if they were prepared to spend an extra rand or two per meal on biodegradable food packaging in order to move away from the polystyrene they are currently using.

We handed out 100 questionnaires. Out of the 44 that were returned 91% of people said YES. The general response was that people seemed genuinely happy to know about us and are wanting to be making greener choices. Excellent news for Green Home and a cleaner, greener and safer Planet. Thanks to all who took part.

Pick 'n Pay go biodegradable for 702's 'Walk the Talk' event

2011-08-07T07:04:00.011+02:00

Pick 'n Pay used Green Homes's 100% biodegradable and compostable food packaging for their stand at the 702 'Walk The Talk' event in Jo'burg on Sunday 24th July. A funtastic day was had by all!

Veggie Garden Planting for Madiba's Birthday!

2011-07-26T06:48:00.004+02:00

Green Home staff, friends and the wonderful ladies of the Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen and Sewing Project in Khayelitsha planted a veggie garden for Madiba's Birthday. The veggies will be used for making healthy, nutritious and delicious meals in the soup kitchen. Green Home sponsors the Yiza Ekhaya Soup Kitchen and Sewing Project with a regular monthly donation.

Anti-FRACK Protest: 18 and 19 July, Shale Gas Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg

2011-07-13T13:11:00.007+02:00

Press Release:

Anti-FRACK Protest: 18 and 19 July

Shale Gas Conference, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg

New CLIMATE JUSTICE CAMPAIGN launched – Fracking focus

Another group of concerned citizens and organisations have taken up the cudgels against the proposed hydraulic fracturing planned in most of South Africa’s land mass.

Fossil fuel industry lobbyists are aggressively promoting shale gas to our government as an alternative South African energy source, but many of their claims are misleading propaganda and do not reflect the truth about gas drilling (using the controversial technique of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking). Last week the Advertising Standards Authority ordered Shell to withdraw “unsubstantiated” and “misleading” claims that were made in full-page advertisements in several newspapers, about its use of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas in the Karoo.

A new NGO, called the Climate Justice Campaign (CJC), is convening the protest. “World-wide there are increasingly calls to ban fracking as the threat to water supplies, and the devastating environmental and social cost, is becoming evident, “ says CJC Co-ordinator Marina Louw. “France recently became the first nation to ban fracking outright, and areas such as Quebec in Canada and New Jersey in the USA have also banned it. Furthermore, recent studies from Cornell University have shown that gas obtained through hydraulic fracturing is no better than coal for climate impact.”

The shale gas conference which will be held from 18 – 21 July 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosebank is heavily skewed in the favour of the industry, with very little representation from environmental groups. The CJC protest at the conference is being held to ensure an anti-fracking presence to voice the concerns of the public, who are largely prohibited from attending the conference, due to the exorbitant fees clearly aimed at limiting the conference to industry and government only.

The protest will take place on 18 and 19 July, from 7am in the morning, outside the entrance to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. On Monday 18 July, the pre-conference workshop will explore "shale gas as middle ground between fossil fuel and green technology". The Climate Justice Campaign supports the view of many environmental justice groups, that shale gas, obtained through hydraulic fracturing, is not a greener alternative, or a bridging fuel to green technology. Shale gas is still a fossil fuel, with a GHG footprint as least as big as coal, with devastating effects on global warming especially in the short term, and delaying investment and development of renewable sources of energy with far greater public benefits.

On Tuesday 19 July "the shale gas potential of the Karoo basin" will be the subject under discussion at the conference, with Shell's CEO Bonang Mohale speaking on their Karoo exploration project at 13h15. “Water is a scarce resource in our country, and this is particularly true in an arid region like the Karoo, which only recently suffered under a devastating drought”, confirms Muna Lahkani of Earthlife Africa. “Hydraulic fracturing, which requires very large quantities of water mixed with toxic chemicals, poses a threat to the entire region, as local communities and towns, animals and farms, are all reliant on the groundwater supplies of the Karoo for their survival.”

For more information on the anti-FRACK protest, please contact climatejusticecampaign@gmail.com or Marina Louw on 082-2148888. A photo-op is available at 8am on the 18^thJuly

Green Home is now supplying Vertical and Hanging Gardens

2011-07-04T06:11:00.020+02:00

HANGING GARDENS

Our Hanging Gardens are made from wire mesh encased in old wine barrel hoops. Hessian or Coconut fiber forms the bed, creating the perfect environment for water retention and soil and nutrient encasement. Hanging gardens improve pest control by raising plants off of the ground and save on space. But most importantly, they are beautiful to look at.

Irrigation systems are optional and can be fed through the cables. These hanging gardens are available in two sizes: 50 or 80 cm diameter

They are made from renewable and or recycled resources, and are 100% biodegradable.

VERTICAL GARDENS

Turn a wall into a beautiful vertical garden! You can plant herbs, vegetables or flowers against a wall using this vertical garden structure. Save space and have better pest control by raising your plants off the ground.

The vertical garden has an optional drip Irrigation system that is concealed in the metal structure and feeds into pots. A nutrient mix can also be added into irrigation system. The structure can be in made in green or rust (with an anti rust varnish) and is available in 2 sizes: 0.5m wide x 1.8m high or 0.8m wide x 1.9m high.

More here about the benefits of vertical and hanging gardens.

PRICES:

Hanging Garden

CODE	DESCRIPTION	STANDARD PRICE
HG5	500mm diameter	R 300
HG6.5	650mm diameter	R 330
HG8	800mm diameter	R 370
Hgi	Irrigation	R 240

Vertical Garden

CODE	DESCRIPTION	STANDARD PRICE
BGp5	500mm wide x 1800mm high	R 1 370
VGp8	800mm wide x 1800mm high	R 1 700
CI170	Pots 170mm x 170mm plain	R 33
CI171	Pots slip decoration	R 37
Vgi	Irrigation system	R 360

All Prices:

Exclude Vat & Delivery

Are subject to availability and our final confirmation

COD prices. Unfortunately no cheques accepted.

Note:

Lead time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks upon confirmation of order.

50% deposit is required on confirmation of orders.

To order, call our CT or Jhb ( 011- 616 3422) office or email us:

CT (0)21 - 762 6033
Jhb (0)11- 616 3422
info@greenhome.co.za

NEWS WATCH: Renewable South Africa; Extreme Weather and Plastics and Food

2011-07-03T17:41:00.007+02:00

According to Greenpeace's newly released Advanced Energy [R]evolution Report, about 150 000 new jobs can be created in South Africa in the renewable energy sector over the next 20 years.

A renewable energy project which will see the methane emissions from 5 landfills around Johannesburg being converted into electricity and fed into the municipal grid, should be up and running soon. More from Waste Revolution.

According to this article from the Guardian, 2010 was the year of extreme weather. It was the
"hottest, wettest, and in many cases also the driest and coldest in recorded history."

And just in case you weren't already convinced, scientists at a recent meeting of the International Program on the State of the Ocean (IPSO) have warned that global warming, overfishing and plastic pollution are causing a drastic decline in the state of ocean health at an alarming rate. More from Reuters

A recent study, Plastics and Food Sources: Dietary Intervention to Reduce BPA and DEHP has found that buying fresh, unpackaged foods and avoiding the use of plastic food processing and storage equipment reduces exposure to BPA and DEHP.

This article states that it is best to avoid plastics completely when it comes to food, and that regardless of the type of plastic used, chemicals leach from plastics into food at microwave temperatures.

Video of the Month: The Story of Stuff

2011-07-03T11:29:00.008+02:00

We've mentioned this video before a couple of years ago, but recently came across it again and we still think it's brilliant. The Story of Stuff highlights the true environmental and social costs of human patterns of production and consumption. It is both informative and a call to action. Also, check out the Story Of Stuff Projects website, for other excellent videos, such as The Story of Bottled Water, The Story of Cap & Trade and The Story of Cosmetics amongst others.

GREEN TIP: 8 simple ways to use less electricity, save money and still keep warm in winter.

2011-07-02T12:17:00.015+02:00

Insulate: Put insulation in your ceiling, a geyser blanket on your geyser, and make sure all external pipes are insulated.
Turning down the thermostat of your geyser to 55°C will significantly reduce electricity usage, while still ensuring your water is hot enough.
Turning off your geyser at night will also save electricity,but if you live in an area where night time temps drop below zero it is essential that all external water pipes are properly insulated otherwise they can crack.
Choose one room where you spend most of your time at night and heat it with a gas heater. Keep all doors closed and block all drafts from doorways etc.
Dress warmly. The warmer you are, the less external warmth will be required to keep you warm.
Clear anything blocking direct sunlight from your home, such as trees and bushes.
Open curtains whenever there is direct sunlight coming in, and close curtains early to trap heat in your home
Don’t bother heating your bedroom. A hot water bottle and an extra blanket or two will keep you warm and snug!

"Look at this Godawful Mess."

2011-06-25T08:26:00.011+02:00

"And Man created the plastic bag and the tin and aluminium can and the cellophane wrapper and the paper plate, and this was good because Man could then take his automobile and buy all his food in one place and He could save that which was good to eat in the refrigerator and throw away that which had no further use. And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: "Look at this Godawful mess." ~Art Buchwald, 1970 (American writer/ satirist)

Green Home In The Decorex E - Zine

2011-06-25T08:17:00.007+02:00

This photo of our compostable flower pots appeared in the Decorex Lo-co living E-Zine, which “shares some fabulous new decor destinations to go to for local retail therapy.“ Green Home's compostable flower pots are now available at the Green Design Centre at the Waterfall Country Estate in Midrand, “the new go to place for eco options” Find out more about the Green Design Centre here.

Green Home at WPPS Eco Expo

2011-06-21T08:27:00.006+02:00

Green Home is part of the Western Province Preparatory School Eco Expo this week. We are doing a presentation to Grade 5 boys on Monday 20th June, and our display will be up for the rest of the week.
DATES: 21, 22, 23 June

VENUE: WPPS Old Library

Newlands Road

Come and see our Eco-school work on display.

Learn about new environment-friendly products.

8.00 to 15.00 daily

www.wpps.org.za

Bay Harbour Market, Hout Bay: Good Food in Biodegradable Packaging

2011-06-14T09:31:00.004+02:00

Green Home is now part of the new Bay Harbour market event in Hout Bay which was launched this Saturday, 11 June. Good food in biodegradable packaging, hot music line up, and steamy compost heaps afterwards! www.bayharbour.co.za.

STOP the FRACKERS!

2011-05-31T07:19:00.013+02:00

The fight against Shell and its plans to ‘frack’ for gas in the Karoo is far from over. Earthlife Africa have called for a national boycott of all Shell service stations and products.

“Tens of thousands of square kilometres of the ecologically fragile, water-scarce Karoo are under threat from being devastated by a dirty, water- and energy intensive gas exploration technique called hydraulic fracturing or fracking. If they are successful, we can soon expect to see thousands of gas drilling rigs dotting the pristine Karoo landscape with potentially devastating social, economic and environmental impacts on our people and their livelihoods”

Read the full press release from Earthlife Africa.

Watch this short clip, I will Die for Water. Oom Johannes and Antoinette Pienaar are the “Shamans” of the Karoo and believe that the healing spirit of the Karoo will be damaged by mining.

Not sure what exactly fracking is? Watch the short explainer video My water's on fire tonight (The Fracking Song).

If you haven’t already, do try and get hold of a copy of the award winning and shocking documentary about fracking, GasLand. Watch the trailer here .

Check out the Karoo Anti Hydraulic Fracturing Action Network website for the latest 'fracking' news and info.

The Time To Take Action is Now!

Video of the Month: HOME by Yann Arthus Bertrand

2011-05-31T05:37:00.005+02:00

HOME is a not-for-profit film project, that approaches the current debate about climate change from a whole new perspective, giving viewers the opportunity to see for themselves how Earth is changing. Spanning 54 countries and 120 locations, Home is a visually stunning journey of epic proportions, all seen from the air. The film captures the Earth’s spectacular beauty as well as its vulnerability.

In the words of Director Yann Arthus Bertrand, “The stakes are high for us and our children. Everyone should take part in the effort, and HOME has been conceived to take a message of mobilization out to every human being. HOME has been made for you: share it! And act for the planet.”

Watch the full movie for free on You Tube here.

NEWS WATCH: Fishing for Plastic, Green Plastics on the up and EU wide plastic bag ban?

2011-05-31T00:36:00.014+02:00

EU fishermen being paid to catch plastic: A trial project aims to provide fisherman with an alternative income whilst cleaning up marine plastic pollution and reducing pressures on dwindling fish stocks. More from the Guardian.

Green Plastics on the Rise: Global bioplastic production capacity is predicted to double between 2010 and 2015, says a recent study presented by the European Bioplastics association. More from Plastics Today.

More news from the EU: The European Commission is considering an EU wide plastic bag ban and stricter controls on eco packaging claims.

This article from Environment 360, Facing the Dirty Truth about Recyclable Plastics, discusses what product life cycle assessments (LCA's) of plastic bags often fail to consider.

HUMAN INTELLIGENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT by Noam Chomsky

2011-05-31T00:02:00.006+02:00

This brilliant article which is the content of a speech delivered by renowned author, philosopher & linguist, Noam Chomsky, discusses an old argument made by American Biologist, Ernst Mayr, which says that intelligence is a form of lethal mutation.

“…He also added, a little bit ominously, that the average life span of a species, of the billions that have existed, is about 100,000 years, which is roughly the length of time that modern humans have existed.

With the environmental crisis, we’re now in a situation where we can decide whether Mayr was right or not. If nothing significant is done about it, and pretty quickly, then he will have been correct: human intelligence is indeed a lethal mutation…”

With World Environment Day almost upon us, the time to reflect upon the impact of human intelligence on the planet is now. Read the full article from Green Times.

Green Home at the Good Food and Wine Show, Cape Town.

2011-05-30T23:36:00.003+02:00

Sir Juice join the biodegradable revolution!

2011-05-30T21:20:00.003+02:00

Sir Juice is now using Green Home's 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging for all its sampling. Sir Juice is South Africa's leading supplier of short life and preserved fruit juice to the Out of Home market. Visit their website www.sirjuice.co.za to find out more.

MEDIA RELEASE : 25th Anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster.

2011-04-18T09:02:00.000+02:00

MEDIA RELEASE: EARTHLIFE AFRICA

A Salute to Radiation workers everywhere. - Japanese Consul to receive messages of condolence and concern from local anti-nuclear groups.

The ongoing disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant could not have come at a more poignant moment. While the world's attention is focused on this unfolding catastrophe we must remember to contextualise current events in light of the past. The 26th of April, 46 days after the start of the ongoing Fukushima nuclear crises, marks the 25th year after at similar disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine. How tragic to witness, 25 years on, a repeat of the desperation that drives men and women into a working environment that they know will kill them, with Chernobyl now being assessed as being responsible for nearly a million deaths, and with the total fuel at Fukushima many times that of Chernobyl. 1,760 tons of nuclear fuel versus just 180 tons at Chernobyl, implying a potential impact some 10 times greater from the current disaster is, but which is becoming more difficult to quantify as the Fukushima accident is already ranked as a level 7 disaster which is where the scale for such events ends.

Our hearts must go out to the "Fukushima 50". Four teams of 50 brave workers who, on a daily basis, expose themselves to massive quantities of radiation to help avert a total meltdown. Instead of learning lessons from the Japanese experience before we aggressively pursue more nuclear options in South Africa, government approved the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2) (that will make nuclear power the single biggest contributor of new future capacity to our national grid), within the first week of the Fukushima disaster. This, when almost every other country with new nuclear build plans are taking a step back, and indeed, reducing and cancelling such plans, as in China and Germany.

"South Africa has an array of alternative, renewable energy supplies that are cheaper, create more jobs, contribute less to climate change and don't leave us with a multi-100,000 year waste legacy, said Muna Lakhani, Earthlife Africa's Cape Town anti-nuclear spokesperson. "It is time that we reawaken the spirit of the Struggle and remind ourselves that we do have the power to shape our future."

"Around Fukushima Daiichi Station, on March 23rd, they measured 400 millisieverts - that's per hour. With this measurement (Chief Cabinet Secretary) Edano admitted for the first time that there was a danger to health, but he didn't explain what this means. All of the information media are at fault here I think. They are saying stupid things like, why, we are exposed to radiation all the time in our daily life, we get radiation from outer space. But that's one millisievert per year. A year has 365 days, a day has 24 hours; multiply 365 by 24, you get 8760. Multiply the 400 millisieverts by that, you get 3,500,000 the normal dose. You call that safe? And what media have reported this? None. They compare it to a CT scan, which is over in an instant; that has nothing to do with it," said Hirose Takashi, well known author on the nuclear industry.

Independent scientists are warning, contrary to statements from the talking heads on corporate media outlets who say Japan is not Chernobyl, that the levels of radioactive material being released in from Japan's nuclear fallout already rivals Chernobyl levels as at the end of March.

In a more local vein, Earthlife Africa's Cape Town branch secretary, Gray Maguire, said: "Six months after 90 Koeberg workers were contaminated by radioactive Cobolt-51, our leaders have yet to announce the names of the members of the panel of inquiry supposedly convened to look into the accident. What confidence do we have that even the current problems can be resolved, far less the imposition of even more nuclear radiation, when the alternatives are cheaper and create more decent work for our people?"

To this end, members of the media and of the public are invited to a number of events in the run up to Chernobyl Day (26th April). Earthlife Africa Cape Town will be hosting a number of events to raise awareness about the outcomes of our recently approved IRP2; information linked to the global and local nuclear industry and a way forward.

* 18th April - Monday (12:00pm to 14:00pm - Pier Square, Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, with handover at 1:00pm). - A demonstration of concern about the events at Fukushima, a commemoration of the legacy of Chernobyl, a protest against the IRP2 and the submission of statement of solidarity, of condolence and concern, to the Japanese Consul in sympathy with their plight. Activities include an art installation, music and related activities.

* 21th April - Thursday ( 12:45pm to 14:00pm at 6 Spin Street Cape Town) "Investigating South Africa's nuclear goals" - by Gray Maguire - Earthlife Africa Branch Secretary.

* 21st April - Thursday (6:15pm at the Labia on Orange) Screening of the documentary "The Nuclear Comeback" with a facilitated discussion afterwards.

Issued by Earthlife Africa Cape Town:

Contact: Muna Lakhani - 083-471-7276 or muna@iafrica.com
Gray Maguire - 084-3355778 or graymaguire@gmail.com

Demand for Urgent Public Hearings into Health Effects and Environmental Impact of Nuclear Industry

2011-04-18T08:20:00.000+02:00

Press release

Earthlife Africa calls for Public Hearings into Nuclear Power and a recall of Government Energy Plan.

THE events at Fukushima over the past few weeks have raised public awareness about the health risks of nuclear power. . “Around Fukushima Daiichi Station, on March 23^rd, they measured 400 millisieverts – that’s per hour. With this measurement (Chief Cabinet Secretary) Edano admitted for the first time that there was a danger to health, but he didn’t explain what this means. All of the information media are at fault here I think. They are saying stupid things like, why, we are exposed to radiation all the time in our daily life, we get radiation from outer space. But that’s one millisievert per year. A year has 365 days, a day has 24 hours; multiply 365 by 24, you get 8760. Multiply the 400 millisieverts by that, you get 3,500,000 the normal dose. You call that safe? And what media have reported this? None. They compare it to a CT scan, which is over in an instant; that has nothing to do with it.” Said Hirose Takashi, well known author on the nuclear industry. Our government's intransigence in adopting a nuclear-focused energy plan during a period in which the safety and efficacy of nuclear power is being reassessed across the world, shows the South African government's total disregard for public health and safety.

Six months after 90 Koeberg workers were contaminated by radioactive Cobolt-51, our leaders have yet to announce the names of the members of the panel of inquiry supposedly convened to look into the accident.

Routine releases of Cesium-137 and Strontium-90 from Koeberg continue to exceed European Safety Guidelines, and national safety limits have had to be raised in order to accommodate ongoing releases from the plant (1). Similarly, the Japanese government arbitrarily raised the “allowable” exposure limits to workers to an unbelievable 250 mSv, in response to the highly elevated radiation measurements at Fukushima. This is part of the disinformation that has been spread by the Japanese government, the nuclear industry and the mainstream media.

The Zuma administration refuses to fund any medical studies which would assist those concerned with the effects of radioactive exposure and contamination on our nation's agricultural land and the potential adverse affects on public health.

An independent study conducted by an environmental specialist Gerry Kuhn in 2002/3 picked up significant levels of radiation around Koeberg, in particular Strontium-90 (2).

Annual reports released by the National Nuclear Regulator show elevated levels of radiation in sewerage sludge, shellfish, wheat and milk (3).

In 2007 the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism hosted a round of public hearings on the impact of nuclear energy in South Africa. Testimony at the hearings was given by environmental organisations and private individuals which included Earthlife Africa.

The widow of Harold Daniels, one of several victims of the 1996 Pelindaba radiation fire, told the special portfolio committee about her struggle following the death of her husband. To date there has been no medical inquiry into the Pelindaba accident and department policy is an official denial of any culpability.

The people of Kommegas in Namaqualand routinely complain about the dumping of Koeberg nuclear waste in their backyard with no response from government (4).

Radioactive contamination of the Tweelopiespruit and Wonderfonteinspruit in the Krugersdorp-Randfontein area where both rivers are contaminated by uranium mine tailings affecting neighbouring communities has gone unnoticed by cabinet for years (5).

Earthlife Africa therefore calls for an urgent public inquiry into the Health Effects and Environmental Impact of the Nuclear Industry.

We must recall the government's Integrated Resource Plan before it is too late to deal with the consequences of an increased nuclear power capability.

After Fukushima, we can no longer trust the government or the nuclear industry to provide the public with the truth about nuclear power.

We must not allow lives and the health and safety of workers, rural communities and the general public on the sub-continent to suffer because of profit incentives provided by the nuclear industry.

Put people before profits, no compromise in defense of Mother Earth.

ISSUED BY

EARTHLIFE AFRICA-Cape Town

Unplug Nuclear Campaign

(member of the Coalition Against Nuclear Energy)

Contact:

Muna Lakhani

(branch coordinator)

083-471-7276

muna@iafrica.com

Gray Maguire

(branch Secretary)

graymaguire@gmail.com

0843355778

+References+

1. Koeberg Alert Fission Chips 2009, published by Koeberg Alert

2. Gerry Kuhn, Report on Schedule of Elements Found within the Morning Star and Waterloo Bridge Samples of Fall-out Dust captured continuously over a 16 week period from 30/09/2002 - 03/02/2003

3. Environmental Survey Laboratory annual report 1994, 2010

4. Namaqualand stakeholders submission 2007 report to ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE 20 June 2007 NUCLEAR ENERGY IMPACT IN SOUTH AFRICA: PUBLIC HEARING

5. See submission by Mariette Liefferink and Pelindaba Working Group http://www.pmg.org.za/docs/2007/070620wcsubmission.htm

A LETTER FROM SENDAI, JAPAN... WITH LOVE.

2011-04-11T08:24:00.000+02:00

This beautiful and inspiring letter, ‘A Letter from Sendai’, is written by Anne Thomas who lives in Sendai, Japan, which was recently hit by a 9.0 earthquake and a subsequent major tsunami.

...During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in their home, they put out a sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and buckets...

...No one has washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire group...

Read the full Letter from Ode Magazine here.

VIDEO OF THE MONTH: STANDING UP TO GOLIATH

2011-04-11T07:42:00.000+02:00

Lewis Pugh (a.k.a. The Human Polar Bear) goes head to head with Shell.

There was heated debate in Cape Town recently over Shell's proposed ‘fracking’ for gas in the Karoo. Lewis Pugh, otherwise known as the ‘Human Polar Bear’ because he is the only person to complete long distance swims in every ocean of the world, delivered an emotive short speech that received a sustained standing ovation. Watch the recording of his powerful speech or read the full transcript here.
Read the article Shale Gas Exploitation of the Karoo- A Beginners Guide to Fracking, to learn more about 'fracking', and join the Facebook group Chase Shell Oil out of the Karoo.

OCEAN WATCH: Sea Turtles Ingesting Plastic Fragments; BP Oil Spill Latest and the Acidification of our Oceans.

2011-04-11T07:31:00.000+02:00

The above picture shows the amount of plastic ingested by a juvenile green turtle accidentally captured off the coast of Argentina. More photos here and the full story here.

Scientists have confirmed that they have found oil from the BP Oil Spill that happened almost 1 year ago on dead dolphins that washed up recently in the Gulf of Mexico. Read more from the Huffington Post here and read Dr. Tom Termotto’s detailed report, “The Gulf of Mexico is Dying.”

The April issue of National Geographic magazine features an excellent article, “The Acid Sea”, detailing the effects of CO2 on ocean health. Read the online version here.

NEW PRICING: BIODEGRADALBE FOOD PACKAGING JUST GOT UNBELIEVABLY ECONOMICAL

2011-04-11T07:20:00.000+02:00

Green Home started in my garage in 2007, and quickly took over my whole house. I became we, and we became the first biodegradable food packaging company in South Africa. Since then we have moved twice, always researching and developing products and educating the South African market about biodegradable food packaging.

Today, biodegradable food packaging is a significant industry in South Africa. With the help of YOU, the South African market, and your enthusiasm for a greener South Africa, we have been able to provide products at better and better prices. With education comes demand, and with demand comes industry, and with an industry comes sustainable pricing of biodegradable food packaging for South Africans.

Green Home thanks you for your support and thanks you for taking action.

Check out the new price list here...

NEWSWATCH: Biodegradable Bottles and Car Parts; South Africans take action and more!

2011-04-11T07:05:00.000+02:00

Are Eco -Bottles the next Big Beverage Battle? Asks this article. With PepsiCo having recently “cracked the code” on a commercially viable bottle made from 100 percent bio-based plant materials and Coca-Cola Co also working on various plant-based bottles it looks like it very well could be.

Its not just beverage companies that are going biodegradable. Scientists in Brazil are turning agricultural waste into car parts (more on this here), and scientists from the US are making bioplastic from cow bones and chicken feathers (creepy but true!)

South Africans saved 350 mega watts of electricity by switching off their lights for Earth Hour on 26 March. That’s enough electricity to power the city of Bloemfontein/ Manguang for a whole day. Read more from Independent Online.

The first meeting in the campaign to ban plastic bags from South Africa was held at the Two Oceans’ Aquarium in Cape Town on 30 March 2011. Find out more from Green Times.

Researchers have attributed the rise in thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer, to environmental factors such as pesticides and some chemicals used in plastics and flame retardant. Read more here.

WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE TAKES TO THE STREETS OF CAPE TOWN

2011-04-11T05:38:00.000+02:00

The World Naked Bike Ride took place in Cape Town for the first time on March 12, with around 200 naked (or nearly naked) cyclists, cycling the 8 km route around Cape Town. Over 50 cities around the world took part in the annual event, which started in 2004 with the aim of protesting against oil dependency and body shame.

“The event was a peaceful, imaginative and fun protest against oil dependency and car culture. It was a celebration of the bicycle and also a celebration of the power and individuality of the human body, ” explains Andrew Wheeldon of the Bicycling Empowerment Network.

So check out these awesome photos and bookmark this website for details about next years event.

Green Home Featured on E News Channel Today (Friday 8 April)

2011-04-08T07:58:00.000+02:00

Green Home will be featured in a Green Jobs segment throughout the day today on the E news Channel (403) with a panel discussion aired between 7 and 9pm tonight.

NEWSWATCH: SA's Green Paper and Sunchips Relaunched

2011-03-07T09:34:00.000+02:00

SunChips, the world first 100% compostable chip packaging have been relaunched in ‘quieter’ compostable packaging. SunChips first compostable packaging attempt was pulled off the shelves last year after complaints that the packaging was too loud. Find out more from Times Newsfeed .

The recently released National Climate Change Green Paper clearly indicates a move towards a low carbon economy in South Africa. Find out more about how SA’s Green paper will impact your buisness from Global Carbon Exchange South Africa.

Green Tip: The ocean's top 25 deadliest pollution predators.

2011-03-06T17:34:00.000+02:00

Take a look at the following list of notorious ocean bound assassins and then seriously consider what you can personally do to curb the amount of waste your household generates (as well as how to ramp up your recycling efforts). Read part one here and part two here.

Green Home exhibition at the Local Climate Solutions for Africa 2011 event

2011-03-06T12:48:00.000+02:00

Green Home in featured in the Sunday Times

2011-03-06T12:01:00.000+02:00

Green Home featured in Women's Health

2011-03-01T22:54:00.000+02:00