Celebrate the Earth

The first Earth Day event took place in 1970. The first supporters of this massive event caused the USA government to implement the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Pesticide Control Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Fourty years later, The USA are the major consumers of resources worldwide and South Africa leads Africa's consumption because of its burgeoning economy and therein lies the 'rub'.

Sustainable eating

The current focus of environmental activists is how to manage climate change and the impact on all of us should resources become even scarcer. I would like to draw attention to the role of each individual and how we can consciously change what we put into our mouths everyday in order to create a more sustainable future. Food scientists have created many compounds over the past 100 years that have made our food last longer, grow faster, taste better, look nicer and generally become more convenient for us to consume. That is until we realised most of them are toxic to our systems and the earth which has to re-process them.

Book review:

You Are Here: Exposing the Vital Link Between What We Do and What That Does to Our Planet by Thomas M. Kostigen

In this groundbreaking book, the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Green Book, Thomas M. Kostigen reveals the vital missing link in today's environmental crisis: how we as individuals are connected to the most tenuous geography on the planet. Despite the recent prominence of "green" issues in the news, the direct relationship between our actions and the earth is too often ignored. But the seemingly insignificant things we do every day have the power to literally alter the landscape in the ongoing battle to resuscitate the planet.

What's On

Autumn is a perfect time to be out and about. Warm, sunny days still provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor events, while the cooler, rainy ones are perfect for visiting galleries, the theatre and a getting the most out of a host of indoor activities.

IN THE GARDEN IN MAY

A Seed of Love - and a giveaway

After a long, hot summer Cape Town is finally experiencing the cooler mornings and evenings that promise winter's arrival. Cheral Kennedy of Living Matter guides us through moon-phase gardening during May.

VERTICAL VEGETABLES: "Grow up" in a small garden

If you are wanting to grow your own vegetables but live in a flat or have a very tiny garden, take heart because you can still grow a crop of nutritious vegetables. This brilliant idea was born after a few idle hours in front of the TV watching the Chelsea Flower show.

11 On your bike then

On 11 March this year, President Obama signed a new policy on transportation in the US. This groundbreaking yet controversial statement on bicycle and pedestrian accommodation was met with both cheers and jeers.

IDEAS THAT MATTER: 'Abuse is abuse'

In 1999 Sappi launched the world wide initiative 'Ideas that Matter', a programme designed to support design for the public good by awarding monetary grants to designers to help them create and implement projects that serve causes close to their hearts. The theme for 2010 and call for entries has just been announced.

Music Review: Zebu Nation

Razia Said has created a deeply moving and melodic album of songs to help raise awareness of the slash and burn culture that is devastating Madagascar's bountiful forests and unique wildlife. How can music make an impact you may question? Just like political theatre can draw attention to political processes that are out of joint so can music bring about a new understanding of environmental issues and create a sense of unity amongst the people working towards making changes to the attitude of destruction.

Give-away

Bush Baby is bringing the secrets and traditions of African motherhood to parents across the world! The range offers a unique blend of African plant extracts to assist in the well being and skin care of babies. Created using over 95% natural ingredients: including Organic Green Rooibos, Sutherlandia, Shea Butter and Baobab extracts, the products soothe, clean, nourish and protect your baby's skin.

Coaching with Si Ekin: Be - Do - Have

The next instalment of the goal gym was another eye opening adventure into the workings of one's brain. The busyness of our days does nothing to enhance the quality of one's being and after all, are we not human beings...not human doings?

GREEN OFFICE WEEK SOUTH AFRICA

The inaugural South African Green Office Week took place from 19 to 23 April. This initiative, by Dictum Publishers, allowed office workers everywhere (including home offices) the perfect opportunity to add their contribution to eco-friendly workplaces. As the event encourages, every week should be green office week, so if you and your company missed this one, why not start next Monday?

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