Green Home Magazine Issue 15

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Sasol Homegas is an alternative source of energy for your home. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) provides energy to heat your water, power your cooker and heat your home for less. Sasol Homegas is not just clean, safe and reliable but will also assist in reducing your dependence on electricity and contribute to the economic well-being of the country. Aside from reducing electricity consumption and costs, Sasol Homegas contributes to a greener home and smaller carbon footprint. The future is Sasol Homegas.

For more information, please contact Itumeleng Mashigo, Cell: 079 884 5836 Thulani Mavimbela, Cell: 082 445 8282

A word from the Editor

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ensie Whelan, the CEO of the Rainforest Alliance (a consumer labelling initiative) is famous for saying, “Everyone hates the word ‘sustainability’. Anyone have a better idea for how to say ethical, environmental and economically viable?” I could not agree with her more which is why I am so looking forward to Sustainability Week in Tshwane in the middle of June. There will be a range of interesting discussions around green building practises, better energy usage (which means saving money) and more effective water and waste management (which means a more prosperous future). Youth and the green economy will also be a hot topic as we turn to a new generation needing employment that is long lasting. Overall it is the best way to get a full introduction to the issues that are facing us as ‘consumers’ and citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Globally, citizen activism is on the rise and we have seen powerful awareness campaigns championed by Greenpeace who have taken on Nestle and Proctor and Gamble, over their unsustainable palm oil sourcing policy, Kimberley Clarke about their use of ancient forests for paper products and Shell for their decision to prospect for oil in the fragile Arctic ecosystem. The Sea Shepherds have been instrumental in getting ‘scientific whaling’ banned in the Antarctic Ocean and more

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living informed today

Melissa

EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR AND DESIGNER DIVISIONAL HEAD OF SALES SALES EXECUTIVE EDITORIAL DIRECTORS ACCOUNTS AND ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE PHYSICAL ADDRESS COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER VAT NUMBER

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and more countries are banning Monsanto’s GMO seeds in favour of organic and permaculture solutions to food security.

This rise in civil activism is creating an ever increasing group of conscious consumers who do care what is in the products they use because the impacts of unethical production are too costly to bear, from a societal and environmental perspective. In South Africa, the ‘average’ consumer is still battling rising food prices and few read the labels; but like all trends, there will be a tipping point and the brands and companies who are not following ethical supply chains and sourcing will be in for a very hard time. Deforestation of ancient life – giving forests to make paper towels is frankly insane; genetically modifying seeds and heavy pesticide use are destroying the livelihood of farmers and killing the pollinators creating an ever-demonic cycle in agriculture.

Deforestation also leads to species extinction and human displacement and social collapse of indigenous communities.

Chemically-laden food causes illness. The proof is there to be found and it serves no cause to try hide from the facts.

So join us at Sustainability Week and know that change starts with you and me and everyone we know. This time it is personal and if your neighbour is not food secure, you won’t be either. We should all know how to grow as much of our own food as possible and reclaim the original source of health and community and say a firm “No” to policies that say otherwise.

See you in Tshwane...

magazine R 29 (VAT INCL.)

Monaghan Farm iconic eco development

Travel

adventure in the north west

Energy Wise

tips for saving

Subscribe andWin Issue 15 07015

Cycling epic adventure

Future Leaders

9 772223 540014

permaculture & design

Green Home magazine is audited by ABC

IMAGES AND DIAGRAMS DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

Melissa Baird Nicole Kenny Annie Pieters Noel Sands, Elna Willemse, Esther Kabaso, Jardin Roestorff nicole.kenny@alive2green.com Gordon Brown, Lloyd Macfarlane, Andrew Fehrsen Suraya Manuel www.alive2green.com www.greenhomemagazine.co.za Cape Media House, 28 Main Rd, Rondebosch.

TEL: 021 447 4733 FAX: 086 694 7443 2006/206388/23 4130252432 First Published July 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any way or in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editor. All editorial contributions are accepted on the understanding that the contributor either owns or has obtained all necessary copyrights and permissions.

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Cover pic: Elsa Young PUBLISHER

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June/July 2014

CONTENTS

7

12

TALKING GARBAGE recycling and why it counts

11

DESTINATIONS North West and all it has to offer

13

PLANTING GUIDELINES gardening through the winter

15 MONAGHAN FARM

an icon for responsible property development 21 KNOW IT

step-by-step 12 month

guide to an denergy efficient home 22 PRODUCTS

products good for you and your environment

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Subscribe and win Locally based designers Ballo have launched their first product range- eyewood – a range of wooden sunglasses that are as environmentally friendly as they come. Using wood veneer off-cuts from local furniture manufactures and recycled paper material means that this statement accesory is not only trendy but also a responsible fashion choice. One lucky, new subcriber to Green Home Magazine stands a chance to win the pair of new Warman Grey lensed Imbuia wooden eyewear pictured hereYou can enter via the website: http://alive2green.com/ghm-subscriptions/ Entries close on the 28th June 2014 and note the winner is selected via a lucky draw.

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BOOKS gardening, bird watching and our southern African animals

27

GAME CHANGERS children in the wilderness

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FUTURE LEADERS eco-design and emerging environmental leaders

32

CYCLING Absa Cape Epic 2014

36 RENEWABLE UPDATE

the business about energy saving

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Creativity

talkinggarbage

WASTE-FULL

BY Michele Attwood

B

aby boomers, Gen X and Millennials may have been born decades apart but we were all born during what Life magazine termed, in 1955, the “Throw-away Society”.

Now, we are waking up to the consequences of our collective consumerism and realising the value, quite literally, of the things we so carelessly toss into the garbage, because humans may be wasteful, but we’re also pretty innovative.

The result? What I like to term “designer waste”: gorgeous products made from the old, the discarded and the unwanted. Three of my favourites include:

MAGPIE Barrydale-based Magpie Art Collective’s creations are fantastically whimsical and unique, their chandeliers iconic.

RECREATE I was never into the printer’s tray trend; who wants to dust that many tiny ornaments?

Kate Thompson is well known for her suitcase chairs, but her printer’s tray table is something I would love to own.

FIVE FAVOURITE WAYS TO RE-PURPOSE YOUR OWN WASTE Tea bags Used tea bags and leaves can be used to relieve tired eyes, feed plants and tackle household chores. Make a cold brew to clean mirrors and floors, including wooden floors.

ROCHE.RECYCLE.LOVE

Coffee grounds

Artist Roché van den Berg transforms old tyres into functional art: furniture, lighting and jewellery so stunning it could convert me from my preference for wearing no jewellery.

Not all of us have the talent to turn our garbage into marketable design collections, but there is creativity to be found in the everyday.

Scatter coffee grounds around plants to keep ants and slugs away. Also excellent for neutralising odours in the fridge when I have run out of bicarbonate of soda.

ROCHE.RECYLE.LOVE roche-recycle-relove.withtank.com roche.recycle.relove@gmail.com

Silica gel packets

MAGPIE ART COLLECTIVE 27 Van Riebeek Street, Barrydale 028 572 1997 www.magpieartcollective.com

Cook with waste

RECREATE 368 Albert Road, Woodstock 021 447 0007 www.recreate.za.net/

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Toilet roll tubes These are ideal for propagating seedlings. The cardboard will biodegrade so plant the tube, too. Use egg cartons in the same way.

Use old silica gel packets to keep moisture away from important documents and precious photographs.

Yes, really. One of my favourite food blogs is by Lisa Casali, who lives in Milan, Italy. Lisa combines two of her passions - cooking and the environment - and creates delicious recipes utilising everything from stale bread to fruit pulp to vegetable scraps. Explore the English version of Ecocucina at http://ecocucinaen.wordpress.com/ We can never eliminate waste entirely, no matter how much we may simplify our lives and shop ethically, but the internet is an incredible source of inspiration reduce and re-us. Google your garbage and get creative.

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Photo: Sappi

Use paper to reduce your carbon footprint In the current age of digital communication, it is important to consider how our choice of media and communications impacts on our carbon footprints.

“While there is no doubt that technology offers immediacy and convenience, we need to take a careful look at the lifecycles of both digital and paper. Too often there are claims – many of which are unsubstantiated – that market digital as ‘greener’ than print,” says Jane Molony, executive director of the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA).

Save the planet and go digital. Go green, read it on screen. Consider the environment before printing this email. “Many of us have inherited a mindset that paper is bad for the environment, that its production kills trees,” states Molony. “But few would believe that responsible paper manufacturing, consumption and recycling is ‘green’.”

We need to start considering both sides of the story.

The paper story South African paper producers source wood from sustainably farmed plantation trees, as well as recycled paper and sugar cane fibre. To sustain production, less than 10% of the plantations are harvested annually. The timber is chipped, pulped and paper is made. In the same year, saplings are planted – an average rate of 262,000 new trees per day.

Just like most industries, paper manufacturing has an impact on the environment, but this mitigated in a number of ways. Perhaps the most significant is the carbon sequestration of plantations from where the wood is sourced. The 762,000 hectares of South Africa’s commercial timber plantations absorb 20 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) annually. Similarly, these trees release some 15 million tonnes of life-giving oxygen per year.

The paper industry invests heavily in biomass-based renewable energy, emission reduction and water recycling initiatives, biodiversity conservation at plantation level as well as the promotion of paper recovery and recycling. Once paper is produced, the carbon is locked up and kept out Photo: Mondi

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Photo: Sappi

Mitigating impact

South Africa’s commercial timber plantations absorb 20 million tonnes of CO2 and release some 15 million tonnes of life-giving oxygen per year.

of the atmosphere – in copier paper, books, printed documents, cardboard boxes – to name a few.

By recycling paper, we keep this carbon locked up. Destined for landfill – a compact, anaerobic environment – paper (mixed with other waste) will degrade and release gases such as methane which is 25 times more potent than CO2.

The darker side of the digital story Computers, servers and digital devices are made from, in most cases, non-renewable materials and require electricity to function.

Many components are imported too. Electronic documents are stored in data centres and server rooms which generate heat and further require air-conditioning to regulate temperature.

Researchers are only beginning to study the environmental effects of e-mail, digital data storage, internet searches and social networking. “We don’t know the environmental impact of saving a document on a server for 10 years or more. And we have no idea of the impact of extracting finite resources to make electronic devices that cannot easily be recycled safely and practically,” says Hans Wegner, chief sustainability officer of the National Geographic Society.

Consider the unseen In his report Print vs Digital Media: False Dilemmas and Forced Choices, Don Carli, a senior researcher at the Institute of Sustainable Communication, says: “[The] invisible ‘grey energy’ used to manufacture digital technologies and the toxic ‘e-waste’ associated with electronics are largely out of sight and out of mind. ‘Dark data’ is also exchanged between computers but never seen by human eyes.”

According to a study by the Centre for Energy-Efficient Telecommunications at University of Melbourne, by 2015 wireless ‘cloud’ infrastructure will consume as much as 43 terawatt-hours of electricity worldwide while generating 30 megatons of CO2 – the equivalent of 4.9 million vehicles worth of carbon emissions.

Be responsible users of both “Digital is here to stay and we have nothing against that,” assures Molony. “But paper has its benefits too. Both have their place and fulfill different needs. We must use our chosen means of communication responsibly.”

Paper is a renewable resource and we should look at its entire lifecycle when calculating its carbon footprint. “It is important to source paper from certified producers. In South Africa, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) mark of certification is one that businesses and consumers should look for,” explains Molony.

“Educate your colleagues about the importance of responsible paper consumption and recycling, especially those overseeing procurement and waste management.”

For more information, visit www.thepaperstory.co.za.

Follow @PaperRocks_SA on Twitter.

1. By using locally produced, FSC® certified paper for your printing and communication needs you can be assured that you are keeping your carbon footprint in check.

2. South African forestry companies and paper manufacturers manage their timber plantations in a sustainable and responsible manner so as to mitigate their impact on the environment. Biodiversity conservation is one such activity. While one million hectares of land is planted to trees, the remaining 600,000 hectares contain some of the best conserved grasslands as assessed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

As the guardians of the Western Cape’s precious natural resources, CapeNature is committed to environmental best practice in all its new tourism developments and upgrades.

CapeNature focuses on developing nature-based recreational and tourism products by leveraging the province’s natural assets in such a way that protected areas become sought after tourist destinations, and more accessible and attractive to a greater portion of our population.

Tourism projects are carefully planned to avoid and mitigate any local environmental harm while also optimising the use of green building technology.

Internationally recognised for its sustainable innovations in development, Kogelberg Nature Reserve is home to the most complex biodiversity on the planet and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a contextualised feature, the Oudebosch mountain camp is a commendable example for good practice of balancing tourist needs and preservation aspects.

Oudebosch offers a thoughtful approach to building design and displays durable, recyclable, and renewable materials, and through energy-efficient design extrapolates the visitors’ experience of the reserve to the structural level.

One of the most sustainable features in CapeNature’s new tourism developments is the use of composting toilets. Used in both the Kogelberg and Rocherpan Nature Reserves, these toilets have been heralded internally as a modern alternative that can greatly reduce water use. Composting toilets are completely hygienic and odour

free. By not requiring a connection to municipal sewerage lines, the composting elements not only save water, but also help to protect precious wetlands from degradation.

The waterless toilets are designed to reduce waste to a small quantity of harmless dry compost-like material that is inoffensive thanks to a continuous air flow which is aided by an external chimney.

It is also our responsibility as custodians of biodiversity in the Western Cape to ensure the next generation has the same experience of our natural heritage, and with just eight percent of South Africa’s land area providing 50 percent of its surface water, conservation of this precious resource has also been built into Rocherpan Nature Reserve’s guest cabins.

By incorporating rainwater harvesting at our nature reserves, the captured rain water minimises the losses from piped systems, and as this water is untreated, it carries a lower carbon footprint.

Rain that falls onto the roof of the cabins is filtered through the rainrunners and sent to the rainwater storage tank. From the tank the water is pumped into the cabins at approximately four bar of pressure, and a self-regulated pump then delivers a steady supply of water on demand.

Each guest cabin has its own independently functioning system, and with these modern sustainability practices in place, CapeNature aims to be at the forefront of eco-tourism in the Western Cape.

For booking information visit our website www.capenature.co.za Call: 0861 227 362 8873 or 021 483 0190 Email: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za Free access for Wild Card members.

destinations

North West

LAP UP THE LOCAL HERITAGE IN THE

BY Claire Allison

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ravelling in South Africa is always a treat for the senses. Every province has its own look and feel, language and unique experience guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired by this beautiful land.

The North West province is no different. Home to the famous Sun City resort this province is more than just that. Travelling from Johannesburg, one gets the feeling that they are entering ‘the real Africa’ as the landscape changes dramatically from the Hartebeespoort Dam and lush greenbelts to mine shafts, dry hills and barren horizons. But don’t let the bushveld fool you. Some of South Africa’s hidden treasure can be found here.

Local NGO, Open Africa launched the Segarona Heritage Experience here in 2012. This self-drive travel route approximately two hours’ drive from Johannesburg takes visitors around the northern half of the province and aims to promote and sustain responsible tourism by bringing travellers to the region to boost local businesses that need their support. The word ‘segarona’ is a seTswana word meaning heritage, which is fitting as the area is rich in Tswana culture and history.

The route encompasses the area’s natural rural beauty and takes travellers through local villages (watch out for cattle crossing the street!) and past two renowned game reserves. One of the most notable attractions along the route is the national heritage site of Kaditshwene, the Lost City of the Bahurutse, which was inhabited by about 20,000 people in the early 1800s. Due to its good preservation, Kaditshwene is a remarkable example of original African Tswana culture at its best and is

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destinations comparable with the world famous Great Zimbabwe ruins. Self-catering chalets and other accommodation is available at the site making it easy for travellers to spend their time soaking up the Tswana culture.

Famous for mampoer (moonshine) and renowned South Africa novelist Herman Charles Bosman, the nearby Groot Marico is a little gem in the middle of the bushveld. The drive along the platinum highway (N4) may not be the most scenic but it’s a great town from which to base your travels along the western part of the route. A key attraction easily reached from Groot Marico is ‘The Eye’ (Die Oog), the source of the Great Marico River, which runs into the Limpopo River.

This pristine spring is an oasis in the middle of the Highveld, approximately 17m deep with water so pure it is bottled at the source and sold commercially.

Anyone keen on a spot of diving can dive into the underwater tunnels where water flows out at a staggering rate of 300,000 litres per hour.

Groot Marico has a range of accommodation types to suit any budget and

guests can enjoy local hospitality at its best. The local pub at the entrance to town just off the N4 rustles up some fantastic steaks and burgers and the friendly staff create a warm, welcoming atmosphere making any traveller feel right at home.

Travellers have a choice of two fantastic game parks, namely the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and the Madikwe Game Reserve. Big 5 spotting in these reserves couldn’t be easier and both are considered popular safari destinations. Madikwe is situated against the Botswana border, 90km north of Zeerust and covers an area of approximately 75,000 hectares.

It was established in 1991 with the purpose of not only protecting our invaluable natural wildlife, but also allowing local communities to benefit from conservation and tourism projects – travellers can rest assured that they’re supporting responsible tourism.

Madikwe, meaning “Africa in its majesty” is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa and guests have a choice of staying at one of 13 lodges on the perimeter of the reserve. Unfortunately

TOP FIVE THINGS

TO DO IN AND AROUND

The Wonderboom Nature Reserve is situated in the northern part of the city and straddles the Magaliesberg Mountains.

This 200ha reserve is famous for its magnificent specimen of Ficus salicifolia, a wild fig called the "Wonderboom".

2. Austin Roberts Memorial Bird Sanctuary The Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary was named after South Africa's greatest ornithologist yet, J Austin Roberts. Species that can be seen at the sanctuary include unique birds such as the crowned crane and the blue crane.

3. National Botanical Gardens These gardens are part of the nine botanical gardens managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

Like its counterpart in Cape Town, the world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, the gardens show case South African flora in all their seasonal glory. Guided walks can be arranged.

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01 Pilanesberg: Laetitia Kenny 02 Local kids playing Ludo: Charl Pauw

TSHWANE

1. The Wonderboom Nature Reserve

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the reserve doesn’t allow day visitors who aren’t pre-booked into one of these lodges so if you’re only planning to spend a day game viewing, you’re better off visiting Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Pilanesberg’s crater of a long extinct volcano sets the scene for some fascinating landscapes. Formed by volcanic eruptions around 1300-million years ago, the Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world and spotting game such as lion, wildebeest, leopard, buffalo and elephant here is an experience to not to be forgotten.

The Segarona Heritage Experience guarantees travellers an authentic African bush experience in this lesser known province of South Africa. If you’re looking to mix a rustic holiday of exploration with a touch of luxury, this route is for you! For more information about the Segarona Heritage Experience and other self-drive travel routes, visit www.openafrica.org and support responsible tourism.

4. Rietvlei Nature Reserve

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve is situated 18km from the centre of Pretoria and 38km from the OR Tambo International Airport.

Some 1,600 head of game, including blesbuck, black wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, Burchell’s zebra, waterbuck, reedbuck, springbuck, mountain reedbuck, steenbuck and grey duiker can be viewed here. The reserve also boasts cheetah, leopard, buffalo and dehorned white rhino.

5. Groenkloof Nature Reserve The Groenkloof Nature Reserve is located near the famous Fountains Valley. This valley on the southern outskirts of Pretoria was proclaimed a game sanctuary in 1895, the first in Africa.

Its main purpose was to protect the shy and timid oribi, which occurred there, and other game that were being wiped out by hunters. Groenkloof Nature Reserve features low, broken ridges varying in steepness. The wildlife on the reserve includes zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable.

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landscapes

JUNE PLANTING

GUIDELINES

BY Matthew Koehorst une marks the beginning of proper winter in South Africa. It can be a busy and sometimes challenging month for vegetable gardeners, with short days, the potential for temperature swings, as well as heavy rainfall, or no rainfall at all, depending on the region you live in.

Preparing for winter by removing old, spent summer crops is an important part of raising a successful winter garden. By ensuring that only vigorous and temperature suited plants are planted, you can reduce your risk of pests in your garden.

Your root crops should be established by June, with some early finishers like turnips and carrots ready for harvest by the end of the month. Keep an eye out for fungal infections, pests and diseases in your garden, and if you notice potato blight on any potato plants, make sure to rotate your crop the following year.

Winter crops to enjoy in June include crisphead lettuce, chard, leeks, Brussels sprouts, and turnips. Winter fruits ready this month include pears, apples, and a large variety of citrus fruits. On days that are too cold to work in your garden, winter is a good time to plan your spring garden.

J

JUNE PLANTING CHART Crop

Time for Seedlings to Emerge (days)

Time to Harvest (weeks)

Root Crops Radish Leaf Crops Cabbage Spinach Kale Lettuce Broccoli Legumes Broad beans Peas Lucerne

3-20 3-5 6-21 6-10 7-10 6-10 8-10 6-10 7-10 10-14 7-10 7-10

5-20 5-8 8-20 10-16 9-12 8-10 10-14 10-16 10-18 16-18 14-16 8-10

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MONAGHAN FARM THE ICON FOR RESPONSIBLE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

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Over the past decade or so, the world has experienced a re-evaluation of environmental priorities brought about as a result of increasing extreme weather events and economic responses to dwindling natural resources. In many countries where the fall-out from the economic downturn hit the hardest, budgets have been restricted, and, as a direct result, building and carbon footprints were reduced. Locally, Eskom’s unpredictability has resulted in an indirect sense of urgency to the sustainability cause. Monaghan Farm is a leading example of the conscious shift in how we should inhabit the planet. Embracing both social and environmental sustainability as the only option going forward.

BY Anna Bailey PHOTOS Elsa Young ARCHITECT Enrico Daffonchio

With its horizontal design and natural colour palette, this home sits harmoniously in its rural setting

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1. Interior and exterior spaces are linked with an outdoor lounge area. 2.Textures of the natural stone and wood add to the colour palette

while ensuring this home does not impose on its surroundings.

I

t is not uncommon for new homemakers to want to go “off the grid”, or to explore alternative building technologies. The hard and fast masonry mindset is being challenged.

The home belonging to the Forbes family is a case in point and just one example of how better building practices have led to a more energy efficient home and one that offers a creative framework for an open and happy family living environment. The house is part of the Monaghan Farm development and architects Daffonchio and Associates participated in establishing the estate’s sustainable architectural guidelines.

House Forbes is located on a 6,400sqm stand which slopes northwards with views of rolling hills and the Magaliesburg to the north.

The finishes and materials on the exterior aid in blending the house into the natural environment, and are largely taken through on the interior to enhance the connection between interior and exterior living. The position, orientation and shape of the house maximise exposure to northern sunlight and passive solar design elements include the pergolas, roof overhangs, and sliding timber shutters. The entire envelope is fully insulated, with insulation under the floors, inside the cavity walls, and double glazing with insulation in the reveals of all windows and doors to prevent heat loss. You will also find insulation in the ceilings and roof slabs .

The water for the piped underfloor heating and the domestic hot water is heated by means of heat pumps, and

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there are smokeless gas fireplaces in the main bedroom and between the TV and dining room, and a wood-burning Morso fireplace in the entertainment room. Cooling is achieved by means of an energy efficient Brivis evaporative cooling system, as well as natural evaporative cooling from the pond on the southern side of the house and the pool to the north.

The heating, water and cooling systems in the two wings of the house are separate, meaning that when the children are away, this half of the house can be shut down. The majority of the electrical energy for the house is supplied by means of a bank of photovoltaic panels.

Most of the lighting is energy efficient, with a combination LED down-lights and feature lights.

All rainwater downpipes have been routed to the pond to the north of the house, where the rainwater is stored to be used for irrigation in the garden.

More about Monaghan Farm Monaghan Farm sits just north of Lanseria Airport, between Johannesburg, Tshwane and Mogale City. It is on the periphery of the city, the edge of urban living. Development is possible, necessary and unavoidable as populations continue to grow and become more urbanised. Situated on the edge of one of the most burgeoning cities in the world, the pressure on this piece of former agricultural land was enormous.

The developer, Prospero Bailey, having grown up on Monaghan Farm, decided against selling the entire property lock,

stock and barrel to the highest bidder.

He opted instead to take on the task of developing the land in a model way, thus breaking the current trend of insatiable property marketing in Gauteng, and settling for eternity a refreshing example of relative modesty in a world of cookie-cutter, cheek-by-jowl little boxes or ostentatious palaces on the hilltops.

Monaghan Farm is 1260 acres, or approximately 517 hectares in size, roughly the size of the Johannesburg suburbs of Westcliff, Parkview and Saxonwold combined. It has been designed with a density of one residential unit per five acres. The farm will only ever consist of 300 properties with an average size of 4,500sq metres per stand.

Homes are grouped in five separate, distinct, contoured nodes on what was previously monoculture, thirsty, north-facing nutrient-starved farmland.

Rolling hills and tracts of open veld hide these nodes from one another.

The Jukskei River meanders through it for more than 3km, providing several kilometres of common river frontage. A major difference between Monaghan Farm and most upmarket developments is that it’s a working farm, with a strong emphasis on organic agriculture. At the heart of the farm are 10 acres dedicated to the farming of vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. Not a single pesticide or chemical fertiliser is used.

The Monaghan gardens not only supply residents with regular, fresh, healthy produce, but also provide a beautiful botanical garden whilst offering meaningful local employment.

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Monaghan Farm has set a precedent in property development. Its ethos is based on incorporating the natural environment as well as the people in surrounding communities who service and are dependent on the farm – into a model of partial self-sustainability. Much of the fertiliser comes from Monaghan’s earthworm factory. This is still a small operation, using “green” garbage and manure, which the worms convert into fine, dark vermicast. A healthy herd of Nguni cattle provide the manure and crop the veld at the same time Monaghan Farm will eventually only have 3% of its land occupied by buildings.

78% of the property will be community open space; an area almost one and half times the size of the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, a natural garden the size of Manhattan’s Central Park. It will be protected in perpetuity from sub-divisions and high-density developments.

Each property of approximately one acre has a limited “development pocket” of 50% - this ensures that the existing veldt or grassland continues in uninterrupted swathes between the houses.

Perimeter walling or fencing is not allowed, which helps to further conserve the ecosystem, allowing the habitat of small animals and birds such as hedgehogs, shrews, lapwings, and warthog to remain intact.

The Monaghan Farm gatehouse has a spare, agricultural aesthetic; a simple barn roof with a contrasting glass cube.

It heralds the ideology of the estate; a combination of high and low tech. The entire farm has perimeter security and guards, ensuring an atmosphere of safety

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5

and calm within. Security and sustainability, however, not only depend on fences and alarm systems, but come with the upliftment of surrounding communities, which is critical to the ethos of the development.

Long-term employment has been created through the management and residents of the farm, and housing is being offered for the families who have lived in the surrounding areas. Monaghan Farm is aimed at low, medium and high-income brackets. Thirteen stands have been subdivided into four quarters. Every day 900 people walk through the gates to work. At Monaghan part of the residents’ levies are used to subsidise bursaried school children. The Monaghan Montessori School is sister to The Cradle Pre-School, which serves about 40 farm labourers’ children in the Cradle of Humankind.

Monaghan Farm challenges conventional building. It reverses the emphasis on huge mansions dominating the landscape to homes designed to quietly merge with the environment, without losing any of the elegance and comfort of modern living. Single storey, staggered buildings offer uninterrupted views.

Another reason for low-lying buildings is to mimimise light pollution. Further to this, Monaghan Farm has no street lamps and signage is minimal and subtle. Some of the many green energy technologies used on Monaghan include solar, PV panels, geothermal and heat pumps. Alternative low carbon building techniques include light steel frame construction, bricks made on site and rammed earth. The minimum house size

6

is 150sqm and the maximum is 1,000sqm.

A minimum of 20,000 litres of rainwater harvesting is mandatory on Monaghan Farm.

Houses are primarily oriented directly north, integrating inside and outside living, with passive solar design, natural light and cross-ventilation, sometimes assisted by an adjustable aluminium louvre along the north facade. Despite some residents having installed electric under-floor heating, in most cases a closed wood-burning fireplace and winter sun penetration onto a concrete screed floor, (which serves as a heat store), have rendered all electric heating redundant. In many other cases, solar water-born under-floor heating more than suffices. Houses are cut into the ground to minimize visual prominence and light pollution.

Untreated FSC-accredited timber is used for exterior screen walls. Raw, untreated alien-eradication poplar and sustainable bamboo has been used for interior timber detailing. Five recycling bins are mandatory for every household on Monaghan.

3. Private courtyard accessable from the main ensuite bathroom 4. Indoor, outdoor spaces merge 5. House Forbes kitchen with skylight allows for maximum natural light.

6. Motorised woodern slats, slide away to open the kitchen out onto the pond Daffonchio and Associates Architects (T) 011 447 8118 (E) sadac@iafrica.com

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Africa’s largest décor, design & lifestyle expo

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6 - 10 august 2014 industry focused days: 6 - 8 august gallagher convention centre 10am - 7pm daily 10am - 6pm sunday

Don’t miss the Trend & Design Forecast by Caesarstone on the 7th of August - book online

Don’t miss the contemporary design showcase co-located at Decorex Joburg organised by

show partners

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knowit

Energy Efficient Homes

– step by step

I

t can be quite overwhelming for homeowners to embark on a more energy efficient lifestyle but it is a journey worth taking as our expert consumer power expert Roger Bulgin sets out below.

“Many home-owners feel overwhelmed by the perceived cost of becoming more energy efficient, which is why I suggest taking a methodical approach, by tackling the greatest electricity guzzler first,” advises Roger. The financial and energy benefits are evident within 6 – 12 months depending on how many of these tips you follow.

Step 1 – define your budget Step 2 – identify what uses the most electricity Step 3 – create a roll-out plan for implementation of new appliances Step 4 – measure the return on investment

First Quarter = Geyser The geyser uses up to 60% of the total electricity bill, so it’s best to tackle this first.

When choosing a device to manage the geyser, bear in mind that there is a big difference between a controller and a timer. The controller checks for current during the pre-set time period whilst a timer continuously heats and reheats the geyser during the pre-set time period.

A geyser controller can reduce your electricity bill by 20-30% with a onceoff cost for the electrician.

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Second Quarter = Lighting

Fourth Quarter = Final Touches

Calculate the average number of hours that each light in your home is on Begin with the biggest energy consuming lights whether they are outdoor flood-lights or in-door lighting (usually kitchen then living areas) Replace with LED lights – choose a reputable supplier with a guarantee.

LED lighting have a low energy consumption, long life span (20,000 hours plus) and provide a variety of lighting ambience They give a fuller spectrum of light and don’t attract insects Here is a handy calculator you can access to help you measure your investment versus return on investment: www.mrpower.co.za/lightingcalculator.html What you save: There are many factors to consider but, on average, you are looking at a saving of at least 10-20%

Appliances and electronics consume approximately 20% of the energy in your home, replacing appliances with energy efficient ones Consider a pool pump controller which works in a similar way to the geyser controller

Third Quarter= Lighting and Shower Use this quarter to continue the transformation to LED lighting throughout your home.

Install a water-efficient showerhead that can save up to 40% of the water usage per shower, which translates to about 10% of the associated electricity costs. The average showerhead uses 12 – 14 litres of water per minute, whereas water efficient technology ones only use 7.5 litres What you save: 5-10% in water and electricity.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85% of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.

Place a brick in the cistern – this reduces the amount of water used for a flush.

Don’t leave the tap running to wash dishes or brush your teeth.

Ensure your oven door seals properly – so the heat doesn’t escape – a seal is inexpensive to replace.

Electric hotplates and pots keep a good temperature for several minutes after switching off, so turn off just before the cooking process is complete.

When on holiday, switch your geyser/s off.

When on holiday or away, turn the setting down on the fridge, as it won’t be opened and closed regularly, thus it will retain the cold easier.

For more information www.mrpower. co.za or call the Mr. Power team directly on 011 804 2988.

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livewell Eco guard lifestyle paints Recycled Metal and Wooden Wall Clocks A contrast between two completely different materials. First we have wood that is made from a high content of post industrial wood waste which is then covered with recycled metal sheet. Due to the process we are able to get close to any style of numbers on the clock face. The clock movement is powered by a standard penlight battery. The wood can be stained to any colour if a certain theme is required. A locally produced item.

100% Eco Friendly, ZERO VOC EcoGuard Exterior and Interior paint with Breathecoat NanoTech actively reduces global warming.

We refer to this process as Air Scrubbing. When harmful CO2 andNOX that is produced by industry and vehicles gasses touches our exterior EcoGuard NanoTek Membrane these gasses are turned into harmless water and CO2 soluble particles.

Product

showcase

Recyled and upcyled, check out these innovative solutions for every day items

COMPILED BY Melissa Baird

Recycled Tyre Laptop Bag Imagine there been life for a tyre after it has been used to the last bit of thread on a car. Following a very specialized process of crumbing a tyre into flat sheets we are able to combine this unique substrate with other recycled materials to make a bag that will be long wearing. In between the recycled tyre and recycled plastic fabric is some padding to help keep that prized possession safe from scratches.

Colourful Wooden Journals A vibrant way to capture any great form of ideas. An easy to carry and re-usable cover means this Journal will gain enough character to fill an encyclopaedia.

The covers are made from an indigenous wood and the pages from recycled paper from a local paper mill, this journal packs 150 sheets of potential. The ring mechanism make for easy refilling. A locally produced item.

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www.greenhomemagazine.co.za

livewell Wooden USB and Custom Shaped Wooden Presentation Box A connection between the natural and digital world. These USBs come in either wood or bamboo and in range of storage capacities. For those really special corporate gifts a custom shaped presentation box made out of indigenous wood can take this gift to a whole other level.

Colourful Recycle Bins Brighten up any corner with this totally unique recycle bin. We believe that if we change the way we view our 'waste' we will help combat the problem with waste in general. Made from Âą70% recycled wood fibre pulp.

Mounted on rotating castor wheels that can take a combined weight of about 50kg. Inside a simply plastic ring clip to hold general refuse bags in place.

A locally produced item.

Recycled Diaries A truly first in South Africa, this diary is made from recycled material from cover to cover. The outer cover is made from recycled post industrial waste leather (from the textile industry) which is houses a high recycled content hardboard. To add further value to this diary all the pages inside are made from a locally recycled paper. A locally produced item.

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AF9000 air conditioner The AF9000 air conditioner is a premium unit that appeals to the lifestyle requirements of customers who want an aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly and innovative heating and cooling solution all year round.

The three vents use jet engine technology to create a whirlwind effect. This captures the air in a circular movement that creates a jet stream – meaning it heats the air 20% faster than conventional air-conditioners.

The AF9000 uses the Zero Filter magnetic mechanism to attract and capture even the smallest dust particles and boasts a built in Virus Doctor, which removes 99% of airborne viruses and bacteria, protecting your family this winter.

The Jet Engine air conditioner uses inverter technology which not only provides comfort air with sensitive temperature control, but saves up to 76% energy – which means less energy costs and a green footprint.

greenhome

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shelftalk

REVIEWS Lia Labuschagne

T

his edition’s book selection includes a beautiful and useful guide for gardeners who enjoy bird watching. We look at three titles that focus on the animals of southern Africa – each one is a little ‘different’ for various reasons, and together they take us from the behaviour of animals to the footprints they leave behind. We chose something for everyone in the family – and most of these are fun for families to enjoy together. As a bonus we include an illustrated short biography of the beloved children’s author Roald Dahl.

“

I FIND TELEVISION VERY EDUCATING. EVERY TIME SOMEBODY TURNS ON THE SET, I GO INTO THE OTHER ROOM AND READ A BOOK.

“

Books etc

-Groucho Marx

Wild Ways Struik Nature ISBN 978 1 92054 485 0

Why do some mammals groom one another? Do elephants really mourn their dead companions? Why are bats mostly active at night? How do zebras fight?

Scientists have studied the behaviour of our southern African mammals for a long time and now understand at least some of it. A sustainable and greener future for us all depends on many things - among others also on the ways that the indigenous creatures that inhabit various habitats behave, and to what extent we allow them to be and act naturally. As Peter Apps, author of Wild Ways points out, there are always some surprises when one studies the social habits of mammals, and it makes the work done by scientists in this field so exciting. Their studies benefit the rest of us, among others through books like this - a field guide that concentrates not only on what mammals do, but also answers some of the questions about why they behave in specific ways. Useful for any wildlife and outdoor enthusiast, it will allow you to ask fascinating “Did you know that…?” questions around the dinner table.

African Mammals Struik Nature ISBN 978 1 7784 114 2

This is for the very young ones in the family.

Combining facts and fun, this colour-in book has useful, simple text about common mammals and a section with small coloured pictures that can be used as a guide to the real colours of the animals. Read the text to your children out aloud and then let them follow the guides.

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My first book of Southern African Animal Tracks Struik Nature ISBN 978 1 77584 038 1

Here is an excellent book for young readers that will serve more than one purpose. It teaches about animal tracks, with good life-sized ‘imprints’ and descriptions. But because this book contains the text in no fewer than four languages, it can also be useful for language studies.

Simple enough for children to understand on their own, it is also something that the family can enjoy together. The authors are Chris and Mathilde Stuart, who have written a number of popular science books.

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shelftalk Who Was Roald Dahl?

Grosset & Dunlap ISBN 978 0 448 46146 5

Roald Dahl was born in Wales although his parents were Norwegian and became one of the most beloved storytellers for children. He died in 1990, but his books remain as popular as ever. Dahl was also a poet and wrote screenplays, short stories for adults and magazine articles. But did you know that he did many other things as well? As a young man he worked for an oil company for a while, was a heroic pilot in the Second World War, and even a diplomat for a while. He had strong ties with Africa and lived for a while in what is today Tanzania, where he got many ideas for some of his stories. Share this simple yet entertaining short biography by True Kelly with your children and be inspired to reread some of Dahl’s most beloved books, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr Fox, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG and Matilda. Richly illustrated in black and white by Stephen Marchesi.

Gardening for Birds Struik Nature ISBN 978 1 9 254 483 6

We all love hearing birdsong in our gardens, and seeing feathered friends gather around birdbaths and pecking at the food we leave out for them. But do we know how to shape our gardens and plant to attract more birds and more species to visit us? This is a book you will want, not only for the wonderful advice about how to design your garden to entice birds, but for its delightful illustrations. Tracey Hawthorne’s practical hints for gardens in various parts of the country are beautifully illustrated by Verné. You’ll learn about how to choose plants for gardens in different areas, and for all sizes of gardens- even for small balconies. You’ll also learn about the diets of different birds, how to plant to attract the insect-eating creatures on which some birds feed, create environments where they might want to build nests, how to avoid garden hazards for birds and more. At the back there is also a useful checklist of common garden birds.

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Reports show that 85% of water-intensive users in the Top 100 companies on the JSE are exposed to waterrelated risk.

Challenge your business and your associates to implement Water Management Strategies and turn your company into a sustainable business. Be Water Wise.

...just to let it dry up?

For more information on how you can create a more Water Wise business, please visit www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo or contact us on 0860 10 10 60.

DRYING OUT

KEEPING DRY

(Since 1985)

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Enhancing Your Environment

Ecomist is the most effective insect and odour control system used extensively in all commercial, industrial & domestic establishments.

Ecomist Insect Killer has used natural pyrethrins to effectively control insects for decades. Natural pyretrins are bio-degradable, decomposing rapidly in the environment, making it an excellent and safe choice for controlling pests.

Perethrin comes from the Chrysanthemum flower which has a unique combination of insecticidal properties and is one of the safest insecticides known.

Pyrethrin, is effective against a wide range of insect pests including flies, ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, etc.

Ecomist uses a unique dispensing system which is battery operated and emits the pyrethrin aerosol at set time intervals and dosages. It is interchangeable between insect and odour aerosols.

Ecomist has over a 100 different fragrances to choose from.

Contact details: 15D Riley Road, Bedfordview, JHB • Tel: +21(0)11 450 4472 • Fax: +27(0)11 455 6011 • Email: info@ecomist.co.za • www.ecomist.co.za •

gamechangers

AUTHORJess Handley

Children in the Wilderness “T

BYJess Handley

www.greenhomemagazine.co.za

Wilderness is an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision-makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future.

Children in the Wilderness runs a series of camps which take place in different parts of southern Africa, usually towards the end of the year, which run for three to five days with a maximum of 30 children participating. During these camps, the rural children participating are not only taught about conservation and sustainability, but various life skills and education around issues such as HIV/AIDS as well.

During the course of the year, the ground team operates Eco-Clubs (Environmental Clubs) in the various communities. These clubs take place at the rural schools and give all learners who are interested in the environment a chance to meet, discuss and expand their knowledge of environmental issues.

This initiative is making a significant contribution to the “doing” of sustainability, encouraging a trend of education and action as well as bringing together potential leaders advocating for the care of Africa’s magical biodiversity.

For more information or to get involved, visit: www.childreninthewilderness.com/

“

WE DON’T INHERIT THE EARTH FROM OUR ANCESTORS, WE BORROW IT FROM OUR CHILDREN.

“

hey say that-” is a, generally foolproof way to begin an inspirational speech, monologue or debate... which is usually forgotten by the audience a few minutes later (unless it’s in the league of Dr Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a dream” or a new law being announced about the sale of alcohol on a Sunday). Still, people continue to talk, often with very little action that follows.

Unfortunately, the critical issue of sustainability falls prey to the gargantua that is meaningless talk in a time when action is so desperately needed.

Nevertheless, there are those who still march on and dedicate their time to the education of those who would otherwise fall by the way side when it comes to understanding environmental and social sustainability. One such programme that is making its mark across sub-Saharan Africa is Children in the Wilderness, a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris.

The aim is to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of rural children in Africa.

The insight behind the work done

by Children in the Wilderness is that unless those who are to inherit the land of Africa understand and appreciate its pristine wilderness and wildlife areas, over time these aspects will cease to exist. Therefore, Children in the

-David Brower-

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Your Destination for

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Get to Builders. Get it done!

Contact our Customer Care Line on 0860 284 533 or visit us at www.builders.co.za

futureleaders

Careers...

SOWING THE

SEEDS

OF SELF RELIANCE

M

ethods and practices of healing vary greatly among the world’s colourful tapestry of different cultures; however there are accepted universal beliefs that certain things will have an impact on particular ailments that manifest themselves physically or psychologically. For example, exercise is a widely acknowledged cure to a blue mood, bed rest can help improve the symptoms of a cold and no one can dispute that nature is a good remedy to lift one’s spirit. Often we forget that something very simple can make a big difference, even if not for us, then for someone else. This is an important aspect that underlines the successful work done by an award-winning Cape Town NGO that has been running for more than 12 years- SEED. Along with addressing issues such as food security, education about the environment and community wellbeing, SEED dedicates their time to the youth

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and the building of a green economy.

This element of their organiSation focuses on training unemployed youths in permaculture practices through an applied permaculture training course, which is a level four programme (equivalent to a final year of school or matric) that accommodates youth who may have dropped out of school or who may have completed school but still have no opportunity to access further education and training opportunities.

Permaculture, in essence is the development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be regenerative ( not just sustainable). The idea behind this is that participants who complete the course will be more desirable candidates to employ in various environmental fields, as well as learning the skills that could help them potentially start their own greening businesses. For more information on SEED or the permaculture course, please visit: www.seed.org.za/

AUTHOR Jess Handley

W

hen talking about “green jobs,” it is safe to say that many people think solar energy provider, hybrid car designer or hydroelectric engineer. But if maths and science are not your best subjects and you are concerned with the welfare of the environment and society, there are many opportunities to make a meaningful impact while still following the career of your dreams.

If you enjoy drawing, working with your hands and have a keen eye for style why not think about following the path of an eco designer? Design impacts all aspects of our lives and the creative possibilities are endless.

Consider eco-product design; “I Am Green” is a company that only works with specifically recycled materials in their products. This gives them scope for corporate gifts, marketing merchandise and useful inventions that can be used at home.

Many mainstream universities in South Africa such as the University of Johannesburg, and independent colleges like the Red and Yellow School in Cape Town, are beginning to recognise the importance of including sustainable elements to their design programmes.

For information on the University of Johannesburg’s design programmes, please visit: www.uj.ac.za/EN/FACULTIES/FADA/ DEPARTMENTS/INDUSTRIAL/Pages/ default.aspx For more information about the Red and Yellow’s art direction course, please visit: www.redandyellow.co.za/

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futureleaders

F.U.T.U.R.E • L.E.A.D.E.R.S

Competition

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In an ideal world, our government would decree that every corporate entity was obligated to hire a young person solely to manage the environmental aspects of the organisation. The result of this initiative would be the creation of a generation of very conscious influencers.

A big ideal this may be but there is no reason however not to be optimistic, as there are those who are currently cultivating young leaders with a passion for the environment to become advocates of change for the future.

Arguably one of the most recognised organisations in the world; WWF, is doing just this.

WWF South Africa’s Graduate Development Programme for Emerging Environmental Leaders has grown extensively over the last few years: from six interns in 2011 to 43 in 2013, drawn from a group of strong and diverse youth in South Africa.

The programme is a culmination of environmental and social policies in South Africa with the idea of tackling environmental issues from a more people-centred approach, taking sustainability from a theoretical space to a practical way of life that can benefit all people and not just a select few.

The Graduate Development Programme supports career guidance, planning and development opportunities through work integrated learning placements in the environment and other economic sectors.

“We support emerging environmental leaders to develop the technical, relational and transformational competence to address the complex, interlinked social and environmental challenges that confront the South African development state,” says Dr Raven. “The internship is all about gearing up these postgraduates to find full-time employment for the environmental sector where they can meaningfully contribute to environmental leadership in South Africa.”

For more information, visit: www.wwf.org.za

greenhome

Are you an up-and-coming researcher with original ideas and a strong focus on sustainable development? Does your research have the potential to change the world? Rise to the challenge and convince our high-calibre expert jury to become one of the 25 Green Talents 2014!

Since 2009, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has held the prestigious “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development” to promote the international exchange of ideas regarding green solutions.

The award, whose patron is Minister Professor Johanna Wanka, honours 25 young researchers from around the world each year. The winners come from various scientific disciplines and are recognised for their outstanding achievements in making our societies more sustainable. The Green Talents 2014 will be selected by a high-ranking jury of German experts and are granted unique access to the elite of the country’s sustainability research field. This includes: An invitation to Germany in 2014 to participate in the fully funded two-week science forum. While touring Germany, top locations will open their doors to the Green Talents and offer them an exclusive insight into their facilities and projects.

A chance to present themselves and their work in personal discussions held as part of individual appointments with experts of their choice (during the two-week science forum).

A second invitation to Germany in 2015 for a fully funded research stay of up to three months. At an inspiring location of their choice, the Green Talents will gain new experiences and advance their professional careers while establishing long-lasting partnerships.

More information on www.greentalents.de Please submit your online application by 16 June 2014, 12P.M. CET.

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KINGJAMES II 021

If only you knew the half of it.

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Weekdays. 7:30pm.

2013/10/09 4:11 PM

AUTHORGordon Brown

RUSTY GATE “SE GAT!”

Pain recollections from the 2014 ABSA Cape Epic

BY Gordon Brown

T

he Absa Cape Epic is not just about the 780km of untamed Africa and the 18000 meters of climbing over eight days – its about, the build-up; the long training days in the saddle – but this was not the case for Fernando Rueda and I, we only got the entry in December!

Fernando took up cycling last May, and on our first few rides struggled to make it from the Tokai Arboretum to the top of the Fairy Garden single track. But such was his determination and full on commitment to his new found sport of cycling that by November we were doing the Wines2Whales ride, and placed 50th out of 300 teams that entered.

It was during the afterglow of this event, and based on statements by me that Fernando would be capable of doing the Epic, and with the reassurance of his coach, that Fernando steamed in an procured us a late entry. We were in and had about three months to prepare.

Fortunately for us we were in the throws of the Pedal Power Association’s summer road bike season which culminates in the Momentum PicknPay Argus Cycle Tour and had already signed up for the Attakwas – SA toughest one day mountain bike race, so even with the added weight of the Epic now upon us – we only needed to add marginally to our training schedule.

Before we could blink the event was upon us and with great excitement and some trepidation about undertraining we hit Meerendahl Wine Estate for the Prologue, and pulled through without incident. The course was short and super fun, but the amount of climbing took a little by surprise. The Epic had truly begun.

Stage 1, a loop around the town of Robertson traversing the foothills above the town was in store and promised (as has become usual for stage 1), to be one of the toughest stages for 2014. The first 35 kms belied what lay ahead with some

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comments exchanged along the lines of: “…this is too easy!”

Then came the climbs – several long stretches consisting of a series of steep rocky ramps followed by another one. The comments changed to “…oh my word! Not another one!”

This series of exchanges lasted for 40km, and eventually as we traversed the final 20km of quiet flat district road the conversation turned: ‘… will this stage ever end?”

That night, although we were staying at a B&B in town, we soaked up the race village atmosphere, enjoyed in the evening formalities and dined with our fellow competitors. It would be one of only a few nights we did so, preferring to dine in the towns we visited, or with friends that hosted us along the way.

Stages 2,3, and 4 went by without too much fan fair or struggles. The mud on stage 2 and the head wind on stage 3 were rather special, but stage 4 was notable for the riding.

Cross country stuff around Greyton with fast flowing single track and rolling hills of sheep and wheat farms, interspersed with some climbing. These stages proved to be like a warm up for what was to follow on stage 5.

Stage 5 consisted of 110km and 2900m of climbing – it was the big one. Fernando and I were not intimidated however – hell we had just nailed the first 4 stages, we had broken the back of it. One day one more cut off – how bad could it be?

We began the day traversing 40+ kms of rolling district road, and instead of heeding the best advise of the race organisers and other experienced riders, we went hell-for-leather, finishing this stretch at the front of E batch (we started in F). We were feeling strong, damit!

And then the climbing started, first it was UFO, a series of steep ramps, followed by another series of steep ramps – ok, that was bad but we’re still going… Then we were presented by some hills preceding the big climb of the day! Rusty Gate,

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YOUR FAVOURITE NEWSPAPERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE DIGITALLY NOW!

CONVENIENCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! Buy your favourite newspaper on your iPad from Apple’s App Store or log onto www.inlsubs.co.za.

independent THE

SUNDAY

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Photo Evelyn Gibson

cycling

but these hills were so long and steep and so belied the smallish bumps given to them on the profile diagram, that studying them and the profile, and looking ahead to Rusty Gate pass in the distance, the monumental task that lay in wait began to dawn on us.

By the time we got to Rusty Gate it felt as if we had already done a stage. We proceeded to pretty much walk Rusty Gate which took us about 90 minutes but it felt like hours. Fernando had done the climb during a training camp and had been able to ride all the way, but now after four Epic stages, and after the brutality of the first half of the stage, riding up the 10 km pass at an average gradient of 15%, was simply an impossible task.

With Rusty Gate behind us we were broken men, but still had to traverse Greonland Berg. An austere mood settled on an endless climb along a jeep track, that even a singing Madam Medusa could not lighten. In spite of these two monster climbs, one of the toughest aspects of stage 5 was in fact the climbs in between. They were many and they were dwarfed on the profile by comparison to the big ones, but many were as hard as the some of the biggest spikes on the profiles from previous stages.

Stage 5 will stay in my memory as one of the greatest physical and mental challenges I have ever overcome. We finished in 9 hours, 35 minutes.

Stages 6 and 7 should have been fun – hard yes, but fun, like stages 1-4, but after stage 5 nothing was fun anymore. We finished, mission accomplished 400th out of 600+ teams that entered.

We had graduated – Epic finishers, and no one could take that away. We had entered that club of true mountain bikers, those who can say “Yes” when the inevitable question arises between mountain bikers trying to assess the quality of the other. “ Have you done the Epic?”

The Rusty Gate climb has however left an indelible scar on my subconscious – when ever I reflect back on the 2014 Epic, and as the fondness begins to spread through me, I am reminded of the torment of stage 5, and can only end this epic tale: “Rusty Gate se GAT!”

www.greenhomemagazine.co.za

greenhome

Photo: Evelyn Gibson

Special thanks to: Motion Commercial – entry sponsor PPC Cement – kit sponsor.

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energy

SOLAR

RENEWABLE

ENERGY UPDATE

TECHNOLOGY

COMMERCIALISED

BY Robyn Brown

THE BUSINESS ABOUT

ENERGY SAVING RENEWABLE ENERGY INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCER

PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME The Department of Energy have announced that they will appoint further projects as preferred bidders under Round 3 of the REIPPP. The Fourth Window for bidding for renewable energy projects must be submitted by 19 August 2014. www.ipprenewables.co.za

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Hisense consumer electronics group and 49M, the government, Eskom and industry initiative to inspire and rally all South Africans behind a common electricity saving goal for all have pledged to join forces with businesses on common projects to drive sustainable living and focus on energy saving programmes.

HiSense South Africa has also been working closely with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) to educate the public on using consumer electronics and home appliances more efficiently to save energy. Their workforce of more than 75 000 worldwide, had also ensured that innovation towards energy efficiency was at the core of new product development.

They have a manufacturing plant just outside of Atlantis in the Western Cape. This partnership brings to 135 the number of businesses and organisations that have made a decision to reduce their energy use. www.49m.co.za

A new generation of thin-film photovoltaic technology has been fully developed in South Africa and will now be produced at the Stellenbosch Technopark.

Photovoltaic Technology Intellectual Property (PTiP) (Pty) Ltd is the first company in South Africa to convert basic raw materials through 15 production processes into a fully integrated solar energy product – all under one roof. Depending on the type of glass used, the local content of the panels is between 80% and 90%. The core aspects of technology and related products were developed and up-scaled over past 20 years.

This is South Africa and Africa’s first semi-commercial plant for the production and marketing of a thin-film solar module that provides an effective way to convert solar energy into electricity. The facility currently employs ten people, excluding building and equipment contractors.

The development of the technology was initiated by the Physics Department at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 1993, led by Prof. Vivian Alberts. As a university project, world-class results at laboratory level were already achieved in 2002. The Department of Science and Technology funded a pilot plant at UJ through the then Innovation Fund, to the tune of R13 million. In 2011, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) approved a second round of funding of R20 million to the UJ spin-off company, PTiP. The TIA funding was backed by an initial R93 million co-funding from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Over the twenty years of the product’s development, Prof. Alberts has trained over 18 (MSc and PhD) students.

Photovoltaic technology is one of the fastest growing industries in the world.

In 2011, thin-film solar photovoltaic technology accounted for 11% of market share and further growth is expected.

www.greenhomemagazine.co.za

ISOVER`S Insulation is environmentally friendly Isover is a leader in the manufacture of thermal and acoustic insulation. Our products are some of the most popular & widely used environmentally friendly, stable and sustainable insulation materials available today. Isover`s insulation can save 100 times the energy consumed and CO2 emitted in their manufacture, transport and disposal.

LOCAL MANUFACTURING Isover South Africa invested in the latest TEL fiberizing technology which has improved the quality and performance of our products. Glasswool, ULTIMATE and EPS are manufactured according to ISO 9001 Quality Management System standards and our Springs plant achieved ISO 14001 environmental management certification in 2012.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Buildings typically account for 40% of all energy consumed in countries and by insulating with Glasswool it is possible to significantly improve the energy efficiency and comfort of buildings.

Glasswool is made from a combination of naturally occurring silica sand, fluxing agents and up to 80% recycled glass. Glasswool has a Zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and no CFC`s or HCFC`s are produced in the production process. Glasswool can be compressed by a factor of up to 5 which saves on storage and reduces transport costs.

Sagex is Isover South Africa`s EPS division which manufactures a range of expanded polystyrene products. Sagex offers a choice of lightweight, high compressive strength and water resistant insulation solutions for use in industrial, commercial and domestic applications. Sagex EPS is recyclable and is manufactured using a pentane blowing agent which ensures that the product is CFC and HCFC free.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) are a major contributor to interior air pollution and have been linked to various health issues, including headaches, sore eyes, respiratory complaints and the possible impairment of our immune systems. Glasswool has been tested according to ASTM D55116 “Standard Guide for Small-Scale Environmental Chamber Determinations of Organic Emissions from Indoor Material/Products.” Glasswool is well below the minimum emissions level per mg/m2/hour as stipulated by the Green Building Council of South Africa.

For more information log onto www.isover.co.za or download our Isover SA app in the app stores

Tel: 0860 ISOVER (476837) Fax: 086 673 1088 www.isover.co.za

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