EcoBalance Lifestyle Magazine - No 6

LIVING IN HARMONY WITH YOUR ENVIRONMENT

ONLINE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 6

CONSERVATION THROUGH THE LENS

Gracefu y ACCEPTING AGEING

SUSTAINABLE

Swimwe

SAVING THE BLACK RHINO

Green

IS GREAT

D

icious

COCONUT RECIPES

SINGITA SWENI LODGE WHAT IS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY?

A River

e Oasis

ENVIRONMENT I WELLNESS I TRAVEL I RECYCLING I FASHION I LIFESTYLE I BEAUTY

THE ECO-CONSCIOUS MAGAZINE

“It is here with the spirit of the wind that I will find my soul.”

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EDITOR’S LETTER Summer time is a wonderful time of year, it's about celebrating glorious weather, being outdoors and in nature. Feeling free from the confinement of being indoors during the winter months and bundled up in winter wear.

I am happy when the sun shines, when my garden is naturally watered from summer rains, with the knowledge that my vegetable garden is going to be producing an abundance of vegetables for us to eat and enjoy.

“Gracefully accepting ageing” page 10 is something that is close to my heart, I am in that phase of life.

In this article we cover some interesting factors which include skin and hair.

In this issue we feature dreamy summer wear, fashion for the eco-conscious wearer “Hello summer” page 50.

We also feature the exciting “Finding strength in the silence with H&M'S most sustainable swimwear” ideal for all body types page 60.

There is that wonderful innovation of “the wonder of the Wonderbag” page 80. What a fascinating story on how this award winning concept came about. I would like you to meet an amazing human, a kind gentle soul who is driven to do everything in his power to save our planet, read “A man on a mission” page 116.

Re-purpose, re-purpose is what our craft projects are about. “Re-purpose An old cupboard into a coffee station” page 144. Not sure what to do with old jars try “Re-purpose an old jar” page 145.

Enjoy your summer and continue to be safe during these unreal times of this pandemic.

Happy summer and happy holidays from us to you!

We take a look at the magnificent “Singita Sweni Lodge” that is nestled in the heart of the Kruger National Park. It is all about luxury, good food, game drives, tranquillity, breathing and being in the bush under African skies is a bucket list treat to indulge in.

Protecting our fauna and flora plays an important role in Singita's vision, read “Critically endangered southern black rhino” page 132 - how they are helping to protect and save these beautiful beasts.

We speak to wildlife photographer Ross Couper who I have personally followed on social media for years and have been captivated through his beautiful photographs the story telling he does through his lense. Read page 136 “Conservation through the lense”. Ross as it so happens to be not only a fantastic award winning resident photographer and game tracker Singita.

There is no greater love than the love of food… we have put together some scrumptious recipes which mainly include coconut page 88. Coconut always seems to represent that summer feeling.

We chat to inspiring and dynamic people who are making a huge difference in what they have created or are doing for the environment. Read about how Brew Kombucha started “From runway to brewing deliciousness” page 74.

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Living in harmony with your environment

ONLINE MAGAZINE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PUBLISHER Anthea Campbell Features I EcoFinds I Travel I Fashion Food & Drink I Décor Anthea Campbell I anthea@ecobalancelifestyle.com Features I Beauty I Health & Wellness Kerry-Ann Scrase I kerry@ecobalancelifestyle.com CONTRIBUTORS Gilda Galvad Melanie Walker Delia Vipond

DESIGN AND LAYOUT EBL ADVERTISING SALES Anthea Campbell advertising@ecobalancelifestyle.com SUBSCRIPTIONS www.magzter.com www.ecobalancelifestyle.com COVER IMAGE

Singita Luxury in the bush.

FOLLOW US ON Instagram & Facebook @ecobalanacelifestyle Copyright© 2019 by EcoBalance Lifestyle.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed "Attention: Permissions Coordinator, " at the address below.

No 19 Rosemary Lane, CR Swart Drive, Boskruin, Randburg 1524,Gauteng, South Africa Telephone Number: +27 766281083 info@ecobalancelifestyle.com

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CONTENTS WHAT'S IN A WORD? 6-8 The circular economy.

BEAUTY AGEING 10-15 Gracefully accepting ageing.

19 A summary - stem cell regeneration.

20 Hand rejuvenation, three ways to care for your hands.

PROFILE 22-23 Sun screen a South African essential.

MAKE-UP 24-26 Transition your foundation shade between seasons.

ECO-FINDS 16-18 Ageing skin & hair solutions.

23 Essentology- sun screen.

26 Foundation solutions.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS MENTAL HEALTH 30-33 Mental well-being in the workplace.

DENTAL HYGIENE 34-36 Caring for your teeth a life long commitment is worth smiling about.

MEDICINE DISPOSAL. 40-41 What to do with expired or unused medicines.

ECO-FINDS 36-37 Dental health solutions.

LIFESTYLE /HOME GREEN IS GREAT 44-47 Simple makes to make your home eco-friendly. .

ECO-CONSCIOUS FASHION 50-57 Hello summer.

60-62 Find strength in the silence with H&M most sustainable swimwear.

20 16 44 63 Get the look- mix it up swimwear.

GARDENING 66-68 Let’s get down and dirty and talk about soil.

70-73 Indoor plants - bring it in.

92-93 Bio-diversity, pointing towards the future.

FOOD & BEVERAGES PROFILE 74-78 From runway to brewing deliciousness.

80-84 Wonderbag’s Sishebo beef curry and useful tips.

86 The wonder of the Wonderbag.

ECO-FINDS 84 It’s innovative, it’s the Wonderbag.

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CONTENTS RECIPES 88-89 Spicy butternut soup with coconut milk.

90-91 Lemon zucchini filled mushroom steaks.

92-93 Marinated button mushrooms, baby spinach and bacon salad.

94-95 Coconut lentil stew.

96-97 Golden miso & sesame aubergine with coconut jasmine rice.

98-99 Hoisin mushroom bowls with pak choy and coconut rice.

100-101 Caramel bliss bar.

102-103 Alphabet butter cookies.

104-105 Neo’s coconut cake.

106-107 Coconut ice.

ECO-FINDS 108-109 Food & Drink.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE-CORPORATE 110-111 Raining on climate change’s parade.

PET CARE - PHOTO GALLERY 112-113 We found love and our forever home.

FINANCE MANAGEMENT 114-115 Nothing to celebrate about even as gender gap narrows by some measure.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - PROFILE 116-118 A man on a mission.

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COVER STORY - ECO-TOURISM 122-131 Singita Sweni Lodge - A riverine oasis.

CONSERVATION MAKING A DIFFERENCE 132-135 Critically endangered southern black rhino.

PROFILE 136-143 Conservation through the lens.

CRAFTS 144-145 Re-purpose an old cupboard into a coffee station.

146 Re-purpose old jars.

147 Simple yet striking.

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136

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COVER STORY

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WHAT’S IN A WORD

The Circular Economy THE KEY TO SAVING THE EARTH'S RESOURCES AND CREATING A SUSTAINABLE EXISTENCE Researched by Kelly-Ann Scrase

According to a report by the World Bank more than 3.5 million tonnes of waste are produced per day globally and over the year, this amount rises to about 1.3 billion tonnes. This excessive production of waste from economic activity and consumer is one of the biggest problems facing the world. A circular economy which essentially focuses on reducing reusing and recycling and building a sustainable society that is no longer linear has been identified as the only way to halt this excessive production of waste.

There are many definitions and understandings of exactly what a circular economy is, however the most broadly accepted one is an economy that takes production processes into consideration and outlines how to reuse, repair, and recycle items, thus increasing sustainable manufacturing and consumption.

This contrasts with a linear economy which has been in place since the industrial revolution. In this system raw materials are transformed into goods that are sold, used, and turned into waste that is unconsciously discarded and managed.

The circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and designing waste out of the system. This is then underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources. The circular model builds economic, natural, and social sustainability.

The Ellen McArthur Foundation believes that a circular economy is based on three principles: design out waste and pollution; keep products and materials in use; regenerate natural systems.

1.DESIGN OUT WASTE A circular economy is based on the idea that

there is no such thing as waste. In order to achieve this, products are designed to last (good quality materials are used) and optimized for a cycle of disassembly and reuse that will make it easier to handle and transform or renew them.

2.KEEP PRODUCTS AND MATERIALS IN USE The circular economy model also makes a distinction between technical and biological cycles. Consumption happens only in biological cycles, where biologically based materials (such as food, linen or cork) feed back into the system through processes like anae robic digestion and composting.

Technical cycles recover and restore products (e.g. washing machines), components (e.g. motherboards), and materials (e.g. limestone) through strategies like reuse, repair, remanufacture or recycling.

3.REGENERATE NATURAL SYSTEMS This last principle points to energy usage.

The energy required to fuel this cycle should be renewable by nature, with the purpose of decreasing resource dependence and increasing systems' resilience. Saving energy helps avoid irreversible damage caused in terms of climate and biodiversity, as well as in terms ecobalancelifestyle.com

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Aside from the environmental impact of a circular economy, there are also economic advantages. According to a McKinsey report rather than having a negative impact on the economy, the increase in revenues from new circular activities, together with a cheaper production by getting products and materials more functional and easily disassembled and reused, has the power to increase GDP and therefore economic growth.

THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM'S DEFINITION OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY

“A circular economy is an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design. It replaces the end-of-life concept with restoration, shifts towards the use of renewable energy, eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, which impair reuse and return to the biosphere, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, systems, and business models.”

Diagram: https://youmatter.world Information: https://www.iberdrola.com; https://youmatter.world

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Ageing is an attitude, it’s about stripes earned and acceptance.

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BEAUTY AGEING

Gracefu

y A

ept

g Age

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Compiled By Anthea Campbell

Getting older is a fact of life. As we age, the appearance of our skin changes – there's no reason you should have to age prematurely. With the right carefully formulated products and a little help from cutting-edge active ingredients, you can enjoy a more youthful-looking, radiant complexion for longer. There are respective physiological and biochemical parameters that constitute to the way we age.

Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors play a role in the way and speed of our ageing, such as our lifestyles, our diets, smoking, environmental factors and the products we apply on our skin. It's not all doom and gloom – there are various ways we can look after ourselves and our skin to keep it looking its best for longer, and to maintain its health as we age.

The emphasis is on the right products and, in a world full of brands vying for your attention, it can be hard to know which can offer you the most benefit. Worse yet, many tend to create ranges specifically for younger skin and then don't include targeted anti-ageing ingredients, reserving these for their “mature skin” lines.

Based on the aforementioned it is crucial to design and develop a particular treatment plan and treatment strategy to perform respective advanced aesthetic treatments and recommend respective home care products with the best active ingredients at optimal concentration to fight against skin ageing and also at the same time comply to measurable safety, quality and efficacy standards to stimulate a biological and therapeutic response on the skin.

Unfortunately, this isn't the way to go. In the same way that prevention is always better than cure, the time to use potent and proven antiageing products is always as soon as possible.

You can't live on a diet of junk food throughout your 20s and 30s and then expect to feel healthy when you suddenly only start paying attention to nutrition in your 40s, 50's and later years.

Should you seek professional assistance with the “battle” against aging, an in-depth skin analysis and assessment is required to determine a specific background of an individual and the amount of exposure to extremities such as pollution, diet, amount of sleep, exposure to irradiation, use of medication and also any genetic predispositions. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl We take a look at the following treatments that can be incorporated into your lifestyle to slow down the skin's ageing process: ADVANCED PROCEDURES IN AESTHETIC TREATMENTS CHEMICAL PEELS – chemical peels can be used to remove dead skin cells and promote new collagen and elastin synthesis and contraction. The skin can be exposed to various types of chemical peels to address various conditions associated with ageing.

MICRO-NEEDLING – also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, will assist in the restructuring and reorganisation of disorganised collagen and elastin fibres within the dermal layer of the skin. It is recommended to perform such a treatment with particular active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that will facilitate and prolong the integrity and synthesis of new collagen fibres.

BOTULINUM TOXIN A - this treatment is used to reduce the acetylcholine activity within the facial muscle. this treatment will assist with a mild relaxation of the connective tissue for a period of 3 – 4 months.

DERMAL FILLERS - Tissue can regain volume by means of cross-linked and non-crosslinked dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid. This allows for volumes within wrinkle folds and acne scarring. The agent is typically biodegradable and last for approximately 12 months.

NUTRITIONAL ELEMENTS THAT REJUVENATE THE SKIN The connection between nutrition and skin condition or rather the effect of nutrition on skin ageing has been an interesting research field not only for scientists but also a common field of interest for humans throughout the years, from ancient times to nowadays.

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Frequently researched antioxidants such as carotenoids, tocophenols and flavonoids, as well as vitamins (A, C, D and E), essential omega-3-fatty acids, some proteins and lactobacilli have been referred as agents capable of promoting skin health and beauty. Fruit and vegetables consumption may represent the most healthy and safe method in order to maintain a balanced diet and youthful appearing skin (SK Schagen, 2012).

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that retinol has positive effects not only on extrinsic but also on intrinsic skin health and has a strong positive effect on collagen metabolism. It has been shown to be able to reduce the signs of UV-induced early skin ageing, such as wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity and pigmentation Polypeptides or oligopeptides are composed of amino acids and can imitate a peptide sequence of molecules such as collagen or elastin. Through topical application, polypeptides have the ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and activate dermal metabolism.

Sunscreen is often the last thing people add to their routine. Many don't realise that a good sunscreen is often the most powerful anti-ageing products.

INGREDIENTS TO APPLY TOPICALLY TO THE SKIN Particular compounds and molecules need to be applied to the skin in order to assist and supplement a homeostatic balance at all times, even when the skin is exposed to social and environmental stressors. A product with measurable quality, safety and efficacy standards should be considered. Antioxidants, such as vitamins, polyphenols and flavonoids, reduce collagen degradation by reducing the concentration of free radicals in the tissues.

Cell regulators, such as retinols, peptides and growth factors (GF), have direct effects on collagen metabolism and influence collagen production.

After all, more than 80% of premature ageing is caused by unprotected sun exposure. To help protect your skin, you'll want to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it every single time you set foot outside.

While that one mega-sunburn you got back in the day will always be bad news for your skin's future, it's the accumulative damage over time – the little drops in the bucket – that really add up to wrinkles, pigmentation and a loss of elasticity.

Vitamins C, B3, and E are the most important antioxidants because of their ability to penetrate the skin through their small molecular weight.

Vitamin A (retinol) is part of a group of agents with antioxidant effects. Retinol is, at the moment, the substance that is most often used as an anti-ageing compound. It has been shown ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl ANTIOXIDANTS ARE YOUR FRIENDS Anti-ageing ranges such as, Lamelle believe in the power of antioxidants and include them in everything – even in their cleansers.

Speaking of antioxidants, you'll want to know about astaxanthin. (We know… we know… it's a real tongue twister. It's pronounced “asta-zan-thin”.) Essentially the “hulk” of the carotenoid family, its free radical-zapping ability is up to 100 times more powerful than beta-carotene and lycopene. Other superpowers include protecting your skin from UV damage, calming inflammation and bolstering your skin's immune system (it's not just your body that has one!) For these reasons, you'll find astaxanthin is one of the star actives in both of Lamelle’s nourishing moisturisers – Nourish Revitalise Cream (for drier skin types) and Revitalise Lite (for oily/combination skin).

They also include revolutionary enzymes that actively seek out and repair damage to your skin's DNA. GOING GREY In our 20's, 30's, 40's and even in our 50's many of us have encountered to our horror that pesky grey hair, pulling it out immediately. When that one hair starts becoming more it’s easy to simply cover them up with high/low lights, colour shampoo or dye them away.

“After just a few days, all of the melanocyte stem cells were lost. Once they’re gone, you can’t regenerate pigments anymore. The damage is permanent.”

Grey hair in younger folk can be caused by genetics, auto-immune disease, thyroid disorder, vitamin B-12 deficiency and smoking.

Yes, we know that going grey is a reality, the thing is being ready for it. Why do our locks go grey? In short our hair becomes grey as the pigment cells in our hair follicles gradually die.

Going grey is a subject close to my heart. It’s one of finally accepting this as a fact of life.

I have seen how my twin sister just loves and has embraced her grey hair whereas I have been fighting it for years. She get’s so many complements about her hair, where does she have it coloured, she doesn’t. It’s only since we have been in lockdown that I have come to terms with it. I am now growing my hair colour out by letting my natural undertones and allowing the grey do their thing.

*Research has shown that stress can give you grey hair. Researchers found that the body’s fight-to-flight response plays a role in turning hair grey. “When we started to study this, I expected that stress was bad for the body-but the detrimental impact of stress that we discovered was beyond what I imagined,”says Dr Ya-Chieh Hsu of Harvard University.

Many celebrities are embracing going grey - Andie MacDowell and Sarah Jessica-Parker despite being criticised for going natural.

Many women are simply ditching colouring options and blending their grey with their natrual colour or allowing their natural colour to come through whilst the hair transitions.

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Growing your hair colour out can be daunting, it’s the where and how to start. It can be a slow process to remove the colour that has been building up over the years. Don’t let this make you want to throw in the towel. It doesn’t have to be painful. If you are unsure get some professional assistance on the best way going forward. There are also quite a number of eco-products on the market that can make your transition a lot easier.

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I am sure you have noticed that the texture of your hair seems to have changed, it may feel coarse, even thicker or wiry. Apparently this is caused when the hair follicles produce less sebum, meaning that the natural oils that hydrate the hair makes the grey hair become drier, resulting in a wiry texture. *Research - NIH News in Health and part article supplied by Dr Judey Pretorius, biomedical scientist and founder of Biomedical Emporium Skincare https://www.biomedicalemporium.com/

AGE IS no barrier.

IT’S A LIMITATION YOU PUT ON your mind.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

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ECOFINDS

AGEING SKIN & HAIR SOLUTIONS Compiled by Anthea Campbell

SKNLOGIC's Multi-Regenerating Masque R305.00 is an innovative, affordable and results driven stem cell rejuvenating product that is a necessity in your beauty cupboard. With this overnight masque, you can say goodbye to deep wrinkles, dull skin and hello to a luxurious, healthy and youthful you!

Available in salons and spa's across the country or online at www.sknlogic.com Find a stockist @ https://sknlogic.com/about-us/stocklist

ILLUMINEX, PRO:VOKE's most advanced haircare range designed to enhance the colour and condition of coloured hair contains their unique Plex technologies and use sulphate-free formulas that are vegan and contain UV filters, to make your blonde, platinum, grey, or balayage hair look and feel amazing.

Formulated with violet pigment, the PRO:VOKE ILLUMINEX Touch of Silver Hydrating Purple Toning Mask - RSP R149.95 brightens your colour and nourishes your hair in just one treatment, removing yellow & orange brassy tones, whilst AquaPlex™ provides deep nourishment for damaged hair leaving it feeling soft, healthy and hydrated.

PRO:VOKE Touch Of Silver collection, (an expertly created range specifically for blonde, platinum, white or grey hair that will brighten and restore your colour back to looking its very best).

PRO:VOKE Touch Of Silver Leave-In Conditioner RSP R149.95 conditions, detangles and helps to protect against heat damage and split ends. Formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and castor oil, this lightweight yet nourishing spray is perfect for dry, damaged or bleached hair.

PRO:VOKE Available at Clicks stores, Dis-Chem pharmacies, Woolworths stores and www.takealot.com * Prices are the discretion of the retailer.

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ECOFINDS

EcoFINDS

AGEING SKIN & HAIR SOLUTIONS Compiled by Anthea Campbell

Complete Color Care™ Purple Shampoo By Marc Anthony R179.95. This purple shampoo helps neutralise unwanted brassy tones and with anti-fade technology, keeps blonde colour and highlights looking their best.

Complete Color Care™ purple Conditioner R179.95.

Infused with violet pigment, this conditioner conditions hair by neutralising any brass tones. The anti-fade technology keeps colour vibrant and shiny.

The Complete Color Care™ Purple Shampoo & Conditioner is ultra-moisturising, free from sulfates, SLS, parabens and phthalates.

Hydrolyzed Quinoa is a multi-functional ingredient that improves both colour uptake and retention while also providing protection and increasing the shine and healthy appearance of the hair. Grapeseed oil contains both antioxidants and Vitamin E, grapeseed oil has the potential to aid in hair growth, restore moisture to the hair and scalp as well as strengthen and add shine to the hair. It also helps to lock in moisture, therefore preventing split ends and dryness.

Complete Color Care™ Purple Shampoo & Conditioner is perfect for blonde and highlighted hair. Available Dis-Chem.

Lamelle Nourish Daily Cleanse R280.00 is a soap free foaming cleanser. It's gentle enough for any skin type and you'll even benefit from it long after you've rinsed it away as it leaves behind cell-protecting antioxidants and antiinflammatories. Available www.onlineskinshop.co.za

Lamelle’s Nourish MultiActive Sun 30 R540.00 is a heavy-duty protector with a lightweight, non-sticky texture that won't leave a white cast on your skin. Packed with Pycnogenol, nature's super antioxidant, it works hard to neutralise celldamaging free radicals, reduce inflammation and even helps repair UV damage caused to your skin's DNA. In short, it's an anti-ageing not-so-secret weapon that can protect your skin now – in a way where you'll reap the benefits long into the future.

Available www.onlineskinshop.co.za ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ECOFINDS

AGEING SKIN CARE SOLUTIONS

Compiled by Anthea Campbell

Lamelle Dermaheal Re-Firm is the most advanced anti-ageing solution to date. It harnesses the astounding anti-ageing potential of cutting-edge regenerative medicine using a precious elixir born of biotechnology.

Dermaheal Re-Firm isn't just a next-generation anti-ageing product. The first product of its kind to harness the power of stem cell conditioning media (SCCM). Put simply, "conditioning media" is a stem cell's "liquid sence" – a precious elixir containing a treasure trove of cellcommunicating secreted factors. As Re-Firm's SCCM elixir contains highly active growth factors, antiinflammatory cytokines as well as collagen and elastinencouraging peptides, it can transform your skin within just 28 days. As your cells receives the message that inspires them to perform their functions optimally you can expect to see a dramatic improvement in firmness; reduced wrinkling and brighter, more luminous-looking complexion.

For prices and to learn more about Dermaheal Re-Firm https://lamelle.co.za/ .

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Eco Diva’s Crème Brûlée Body Butter R415.00 is an ultra-luxurious moisturiser, formulated with omega-rich shea butter, vitamin enriched coconut oil & collagen boosting cocoa butter. The superfood ingredients assist the skin with healing & hydration from the outside in. Assists in scar & s tretchmark relief. Natural UVA & UVB protection.

100g. Available www.ecodiva.co.za

Eco Diva’s Natural Hydrating Masque R440.00.

Double alchemy to the rescue. A natural hydrating Masque has been developed with dual action properties: 1. Removes impurities, dirt & dead skin cells. Kaolin clay works as a spot corrector for breakouts, to detox & cleanse pores & reduce & zap pimples 2. Rescues stressed, dehydrated, dull skin. The deeply hydrating ingredients are recommended for any skin that needs hydrating & revitalizing to bring your natural glow back.

Powerful, concentrated vitamins and skin nutrients help skin to recover from the damage that leads to skin ageing while enhancing barrier properties Available www.ecodiva.co.za

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BEAUTY AGEING ANTI-WRINKLE

A SUMMARY

STEM CELL Regeneration To achieve an anti-wrinkle and youthful skin would be a dream come true - but is it possible?

Dermal stem cells lie just under the surface of your face and play an active role in maintaining healthy skin. These stem cells generate fibroblast cells (cells commonly found in connective tissue). Fibroblast cells are responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – all vital components to radiant skin! Therefore, it is important to keep these skin stem cells happy if you want to achieve clear and luminous skin.

But how do we keep these crucial skin cells happy? By feeding them the right vitamins and super-ingredients to help them get their job done. Among tried and tested skin-favourite's like hyaluronic acid (ultimate moisturising agent), Vitamin A, C & E (which support the development of collagen and fight free radicals), and borage oil, this products main super- ingredient is phycojuvenine.

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Photo Credit-pexels-angela-roma-7479676

Phycojuvenine is a stem cell derivative extracted from the brown seaweed Laminaria digitata, also called Kombu in Japan. This acts on adult stem cells in the dermic in three steps: It restores ageing adult stem cells of the dermis with their capacity for division, thereby stimulating their action.

It protects adult stem cells from ageing by preserving and prolonging their efficacy.

It rejuvenates fibroblasts, stimulates collagen synthesis in mature skin and erases wrinkles. They signal the body's cells to rejuvenate, resulting in younger looking skin. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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BEAUTY AGEING HANDS

HAND REJUVENATION THREE WAYS TO Care For Your Hands Women are always aspiring to looking younger and healthier, but one thing that is often neglected is your hands. Women try many anti-ageing creams, dye hair to cover the grey but don't often think of their hands and sometimes your true age can be seen in your hands. It is never too late to start caring for your hands.

Up until recently, it has been difficult to make hands look younger, and earlier methods have often not given satisfactory results. Now there is a scientifically proven and effective treatment using microinjections of stabilised hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane Skinboosters into the skin, especially designed to deliver deep skin hydration and lasting improvements to the overall quality of the skin. By moisturising the skin from within, it improves the skin's structure and elasticity. PRP, Hyalual and orlight are essential.

Dr. Mia combines the filler treatment with chemical peels to target sun spots and wrinkles.

Peels also help to stimulate epidermal production to revitalise the skin. It allows for better absorption of skincare products by increasing the permeability of the skin.

A hand cream that replenishes moisture is an essential part of the daily care of the skin. A good hand cream provides a balanced replenishment in combination with maintenance of a healthy, protective skin barrier. Dr. Mia offers a wide range of anti-ageing creams, among them moisturising and protecting skincare creams. It is also important to note that PRP, Hyalual and Laser also essential for hand rejuvenation treatments.

Dr Reza Mia

RESULTS AFTER HAND TREATMENT WITH INJECTABLES, CHEMICAL PEELS & SKINCARE ·Diminished appearance of veins ·Improved skin tone and lustre ·Increased skin elasticity ·Diminished age spots/sun damage ·Reduced lines and wrinkles ·Reduced age spots, freckles and dark patches ·Improve the texture, colour and appearance of the skin. Cost per Treatment: Contact for Pricing https://drreza.co.za

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"Sweet, sweet burn of sun and summer wind, and you my friend, my new fun thing, my summer fling."

K.D. Lang

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bbll e e BEAUTY PROFILE

Sun Screen

A SOUTH AFRICAN ESSENTIAL

South African consumers have become more aware of the ingredients used and the technology that supports any beauty formulation available. As a result consumers have become more demanding and seek products that truly deliver on promises touted on the packaging. Local firm, Essentology, took this to heart while developing products.

In South Africa, it remains challenging to create a successful, locally developed and manufactured product. Greg Licence, owner of Essentology says, “The initial goal was to find a chemical free sunscreen that would be effective for me.

As a red head with fair skin it I found it easier to come up with my own formulation – all natural, all organic, eco-friendly – and effective.”

Since then things have grown somewhat.

While the choice between products remains an intensely personal one, there is a real move towards choosing products that not only offer tangible results, but are also responsible.

WHY THE MINERAL ROUTE? Mineral sunscreens are a broadspectrum blocker, meaning it protects from UVA, B and even C rays and have been recognised as safe and effective by the FDA (The United States Food and Drug Administration), and are suitable for daily use. Licence explains that mineral sunscreens contain natural minerals, like non-nano zinc oxide, which then remain on the skin’s surface. These nonnano particles cannot enter our bloodstream, but provide a physical barrier preventing UV rays from penetrating the skin, instead reflecting and .

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“They are also a better option for people with sensitive skin and won't clog pores causing irritation or even breakouts.” It's also important to note that Essentology’s mineral sunscreen does not work on an SPF value but instead a percentage of the active ingredient (zinc oxide).

SPFs can be misleading as there doesn't seem to be a testing standard for SPF values, and it is often related to the film thickness applied to the skin. These results vary greatly from lab to lab. A 15% zinc oxide sunscreen can be calculated roughly as a SPF30 for people who need an indicator.

Sweat resistance was another key focus while developing the product. As someone who is active and likes to keep fit, it was important that

once applied, it stayed on. The rich formulation includes ingredients that boost collagen production while the CBD oil is specifically known for its healing properties, particularly in treating dryness and to promote healthier, firmer skin, while not entering the blood stream.

Licence says “one of the key facts for us, is that while we see our sunscreen is effective and that all skin types benefit, as befits a rainbow nation, it has none of the damaging ingredients that arer in chemical sunscreens and which affect our ocean and coral reef ecosystems.” Being true to the brand promise of 100% natural.

Essentology strives for excellence by crafting products for practical healing.

EcoFINDS ESSENTOLOGY SUNSCREEN

Compiled By Anthea Campbell

Essentology Mineral Sunscreen (100ml) R320.00 An all-natural mineral sunscreen (non-nano Zinc oxide) that forms a physical barrier on your skin to deflect harmful UV-A & UV-B rays as opposed to absorbing and dispersing them like a typical chemical sunscreen.

It also acts as an anti-ageing moisturiser suitable for daily use on sensitive skin types.

Ocean friendly.

Available www.essentology.co.za

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bbll e e BEAUTY MAKE UP

Transition Your FOUNDATION SHADE BETWEEN SEASONS

Finding a foundation that ticks all the boxes, while matching your skin tone, is a journey. That moment you discover your perfect shade of foundation, is probably one of the happiest beauty moments you'll ever experience. The only problem, is that it isn't a life-long match. Our skin tones are prone to change, particularly between seasons, and this could mean that the perfect match you found in July, is no longer your perfect match in December.

By now we all know that sun tanning is a no-go, and while the sun's UV rays are dangerous for all parts of the body, the skin on our faces is often worst off post-exposure. This is partly because the skin around our eyes is particularly thin and vulnerable, partly because our faces are more prone to showing the signs of UVA-induced ageing and partly because most of us are guilty of not reapplying SPF to our faces throughout the day. But the truth is, that even when you follow all the guidelines, it is still possible for your skin to darken in the summer months, and lighten in the winter months.

Where does that leave you when it comes to foundation? There are a couple of tricks you can try to make your current foundation work throughout the year, however, to ensure a flawless shade match all year round, we recommend investing in a second bottle of foundation, in a shade or two lighter, or darker. If you found your perfect match in summer, you'll want to look at one or two shades lighter for winter, and if you found your perfect match during winter, you'll want to look at one or two shades darker for summer.

Skin lightens and darkens gradually, so you are likely to see a change in tone over time, and not overnight. Keep your second shade on-hand earlier than you think you may need it. As soon as you see a slight change in your skin tone, you ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl can start incorporating this second shade into your makeup regime by mixing a little bit with your current shade to create your perfect match.

This allows you to adapt the colour gradually, until your skin tone has changed enough for you to switch over to the second shade entirely.

If you're caught unprepared, there are a few things you can try until you get hold of that all important second shade.

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ECOFINDS

EcoFINDS

BEAUTY

Compiled by Anthea Campbell

FOUNDATION SOLUTION

FOR FOUNDATION THAT IS TOO DARK Mix a little bit of moisturiser into your foundation if the shade is too dark. While this won't change the actual shade of your foundation, it will make the formula more sheer, allowing your true skin colour to shine through.

Change your application technique. When you blend foundation into the skin with your fingers, it will appear darker than if you blend it with a brush or sponge. We recommend using a damp (not wet!) makeup sponge and blending with a light hand.

FOR FOUNDATION THAT IS TOO LIGHT If your foundation is too light, apply a little bit of bronzer in a tone similar to your natural skin colour, to give your complexion a warm glow.

Use it sparingly, at the centre of the face, avoiding the outer perimeters. The high points in the centre of the face is where the light naturally falls, so these areas appear naturally brighter.

When selecting your foundation, it's important to not only look at the shade, but also the formulation.

Choose a product that is blendable and buildable - this will give you freedom and flexibility with coverage. Look for a formula with nourishing benefits, and one that has a smooth or silky texture.

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wet n wild Photo Focus Dewy Foundation R129.95 is a weightless, super-nourishing foundation that delivers natural, all-day wear.

Silky and creamy, coverage is easily buildable from medium to full, and it easily transitions from day to night wear.

Ideal for normal to dry skin types, this moisturizing formula blends seamlessly, blurs imperfections and helps minimize the appearance of pores for a perfectly smooth, dewy finish.

Available in 20 cruelty-free, gluten-free, talc-free, and vegan shades, these foundations cater to all skin tones, from very fair to very deep.

Available exclusively at Clicks stores and online at www.clicks.co.za.

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Hold The Vision, Trust The Process!

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HEALTH & WELLNESS MENTAL AWARENESS

MENTAL WELL-BEING IN THE Workplace While mental health is not an often spoken subject, the events of the last two years have brought it to the fore. And unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a considerable increase in the number of agitated, nervous, or bereaved South Africans owing to a sense of isolation caused by remote work, job insecurity, and health care.

With one in every six South Africans suffering from a mental illness, mental health and family protection should be a responsibility shared by everyone, including family, friends, co-workers, and employers.

For businesses, a healthy workplace is one in which employers and employees work together to protect each other's health, safety, and wellbeing. This requires fostering a supportive culture as well as policies that prioritise mental wellness.

In this article, we speak with industry leaders to learn about their employee wellness advice.

BEGIN WITH EMPATHY Matt Poladian, VP of People at Liferay Employees can easily conceal their troubles in the virtual world, either voluntarily or unwittingly. Supporting mental health should be motivated by empathy, which demonstrates a genuine concern for the ideas, feelings, and life experiences of others.

The best way to build empathy is to listen intently to your people and pro-actively ask questions to learn more about what is going on with them.

Empathy is essential for building an environment where all employees feel safe and comfortable. This is critical not just for the employees' well-being but also for an organisation's creatvity and productivity.

Research has shown that this "psychological safety" drives employees to bring their best self to work and, as a result, help a company prosper.

BE AGILE AND INNOVATIVE Aisha Pandor, CEO at SweepSouth Businesses must remain agile and innovative and think about the world that we live in today. We aren't able to anticipate the future, and businesses need to be responsive to the unknown that this will bring.

Another important consideration is to think about the mental health hangover that is likely to result from months of ups and downs and the toll of a global economic and health crisis that has negatively impacted so many. At SweepSouth, we've made our employee psychosocial support officer (who was in place before the pandemic) available to anyone who needs support processing the mental health issues that may have arisen as a result of the tough year.

Businesses should also be mindful that many team members may not want to return to the office full-time, this could be due to changed family arrangements, concerns over exposure to the virus, or because they've simply found that they enjoy working from home. We've had to think about where it is possible to have flexible arrangements that allow for this while ensuring good business operations remain, and have even considered how to ecobalancelifestyle.com

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adjust our office working environment accordingly, whether it's to set it up for less permanent working space and possibly more accommodation for in-office broader team meetings.

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PRIORITISE A MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE Reagen Kok, Hoorah Digital CEO Creativity is the currency that drives our business. It is very often what draws people to the advertising industry. But there's a dark side to working in advertising, and that is the emotional toll constantly having to perform at one's creative peak can take.

In recent months we've come to realise that our teams are emotionally drained and exacerbated by the ongoing impact of the pandemic as well as the limited in-person interaction we have with colleagues.

But even without the additional pressures of the past 18 months, there's clearly a need to prioritise the mental health of our people. We identified a need to make the services of an independent counsellor freely available to all staff. We've been both pleased and surprised by the uptake – pleased by the fact that people are making use of the service and surprised by just how big the need is.Staff are guaranteed absolute confidentiality and assured that their use of the service will in no way be used against them.

It's essential that mental health is taken as seriously as physical health and that we normalise talking about it in an empathetic and constructive way. That starts with recognising that the mental well-being of our team has to be a priority.

TAKE TANGIBLE STEPS Hayley van der Woude, Managing Director at Irvine Partners Even before the pandemic, mental health was an issue that employers didn't sufficiently

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prioritise. As an agency, we see evidence of this during our recruitment processes - so many of the candidates we interview or hire have a story of work-related PTSD. They all come from employers who say they commit to taking care of their teams, but the reality is that they're not listening to what their teams need.

Admittedly, it is sometimes easier said than done to prioritise mental health, but we found that taking a few small steps made a big difference. For example, after a particularly tough and busy quarter earlier this year, we knew our team was taking strain and gave the entire company a free mental health leave day. We were anxious about how our clients would react but we notified them beforehand and every single one was incredibly supportive. It was hugely valuable for our teams to know that not only their employers but also their clients, were invested in their mental health.

A further practical step we took was to increase leave allocations across the board to work towards a better work-life balance.

With travel limited, we found that our teams weren't taking much time off, but it is important to still encourage taking breaks even if you're not getting on a plane.

Maintaining morale is another challenge during remote work or when you have a team spread across regions. We've tried to address this by introducing virtual “water-cooler'' sessions with small groups of team members chosen at random to mimic the small-talk that would usually take place around the kettle or the fridge for lunch. The sessions have been a great success and end up being 45 minutes of pure therapeutic laughter as we share jokes, offload, and tell stories.

ebl TACKLE UNHEALTHY HABITS Elna Velthuysen, HR Business Partner, Sub Saharan Africa, Radisson Hotel Group Good mental health can be quite a task to get up there but if you do, it means you can cope well with everyday stress, feel and express a range of emotions, have confidence in yourself, and build and maintain good relationships.

Especially now, as more employees work from home, it's difficult for managers and colleagues to spot an employee who may be struggling.

So how do we identify when we may need to switch gears? Look for distractions, keep your eyes on the road. Tackle those unhealthy habits.

Recognise the cause, change your routine and find a healthier alternative.

YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THESE POINTS TO ENSURE MENTAL WELL-BEING: Physical health get enough sleep, eat right and stay active.

Look at your mind be aware of your emotions, express your feelings and think before you act.

MAKE USE OF THE KINDNESS KIT: Ask for help when you need it don't struggle in silence.

Build a healthy relationship with failure set goals and have realistic standards.

Surround yourself with positivity forgive yourself if you make a mistake.

Find balance in your life focus your energy into different areas like family and work, rather than all in one place.

FINALLY, PUT PEOPLE FIRST Historically, employee satisfaction has been overlooked, but more businesses are now recognising the value of a healthy work-life balance and the numerous benefits it provides to individuals and businesses alike. Workplace well-being minimises risk factors while also encouraging healthy behaviours and enhancing employee productivity. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DENTAL HYGIENE

Caring for your teeth IS A LIFELONG COMMITMENT IS WORTH SMILING ABOUT Compiled by Kerry-Ann Scrase

Research has shown that there is an association between the health of a person's mouth and their overall health. Two of the world's most common health problems affect the mouth – cavities (dental caries) and gum disease. Gum disease ranks second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence, with an estimated 90% of South Africans experiencing the problem at some point.

There are several days during the year that focus on dental health including Fresh Breath Day (6th August), National Tooth Fairy Day (22nd August) and September is National Oral Health Month. There is even 'Love your Dentist Day' on 2nd June. And while all these do a great job highlighting the importance of dental health and hygiene; healthy teeth and gums requires daily commitment, which goes beyond a quick brush in the morning and at night.

Brushing technique is as, if not, more important than how long you brush your teeth for. One should brush using small circular motions, taking care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth. This process should take between 2 and 3 minutes and aggressive sawing back-and-forth motions should be avoided.

Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled tooth brush can damage tooth enamel and the gums.

The effects of this may include tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the protective enamel on the teeth, and gum erosion.

Aside from the traditional toothbrush, there are a range of different toothbrushes on the market which make effective brushing much easier.

Options include electric and rechargeable tooth brushes, sonic toothbrushes and eco-friendly options made from bamboo.

EBL loves Kindbrush, an environmentally friendly oral care brand consisting of toothbrushes that have an ethically sourced bamboo handle and charcoal-infused nylon bristles.

The bamboo handle is biodegradable, waterresistant, antibacterial, and antifungal.

Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It also helps prevent bad breath by removing debris and food that has become trapped between the teeth.

If you, like many, find flossing tedious and uncomfortable there are many new innovative products such as flossing sticks from White Glo and water flossers such as the Waterpik® water flosser which offer easier and more effective ways to improve oral health and clean teeth.

Mouthwashes can also benefit oral health.

For example, mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, an antibacterial ingredient, helps control plaque and gingivitis. Mouthwashes with charcoal like White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Mouthwash not only freshens breath by eliminating the bacteria that cause it, but it also removes deep stains thanks to the adsorbent properties of activated charcoal.

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ebl yellowing and discolouration, making it an ideal tooth whitening ingredient.

A complete oral health management system is the worth the investment if you are serious about having the perfect set of pearly whites and fresh breath. An oral health management system fights the bacteria that causes bad breath, decay and gum disease.

Bad breath is caused by, amongst other things, bacteria and their waste products which collect in the mouth (between the teeth and on the tongue). These bacteria feed and release gaseous waste products that cause foul smelling odours.

Bacteria can also cause gum disease and decay.

The Breath Rx range claims to eliminate up to 99% of this bacteria and consists of a range products including tongue cleaners, mouthwash, tongue sprays and toothpaste.

Toothpaste should also do more than just taste good. A good quality toothpaste that contains fluoride is important. Many brands are also offering eco-friendly toothpastes that are good for your teeth and the environment. Try Earthsap, a range of natural toothpastes made with only natural ingredients and are free from harmful products and other artificial preservatives and fragrances.

EcoFINDS

DENTAL HYGIENE

SOLUTIONS

Compiled By Anthea Campbell

Earthsap Tea Tree Mint & Herbs Toothpaste R59.99 is natural, free from harmful ingredients and other artificial preservatives.

Available at selected SPAR stores, health shops nationwide, Wellness Warehouse and online at https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/

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Other factors that help keep teeth and gums healthy include seeing a dentist regularly, not smoking, limiting sugary foods and starches and avoiding sugary drinks.

KINDFULNESS THAT CARES With kindfulness at the core of its efforts, the Kindbrush happily supports Develop Dental, a registered NGO striving to increase access to quality dental care and education around oral health amongst children in under-resourced communities in and around Cape Town.

“Most people are born dentally healthy; the challenge is to keep it that way. This is why I wholeheartedly believe in preventive oral care achieved through good oral hygiene habits,” shares Chrismarié.

For every online purchase, The Kindbrush donates R5 towards this crucial cause. This means that its customers have the opportunity to assist in combating the epidemic levels of dental decay and enables families to make healthier choices about nutrition, health and personal development. Via a bursary scheme, they also get to invest in the lives of aspiring young dentists or dental hygienists.

Waterpik® Water Flosser from R999.00 is an easier and more effective way to improve your oral health and enjoy the cleanest, freshest mouth possible. Available Dis-Chem and selected dentists, as well as online from www.waterpikflosser.co.za www.takealot.com

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EcoFINDS

DENTAL HYGIENE

SOLUTIONS Compiled By Anthea Campbell

The Kindbrush Toothbrush comes in the following sizes adult R85.00 kids R75.00 and in a variety of happy colours. They are ethically sourced with a bamboo-handle and recyclable, charcoal-infused nylon bristles. The bamboo handle is ergonomically designed, biodegradable, water-resistant, antibacterial and antifungal.

Available www.thekindbrush.com

Floss-in-a-Bottle from The KindbrushR70.00 R85.00 an eco-friendly dental floss, made from a 100% biodegradable corn derived fiber.

It comes in a 30ml refillable glass dispenser.

Refills are available.

· White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Activated Charcoal Strips R179.95 can remove up to 10 years of stain in just seven days with long lasting results.

Enamel safe & peroxide free, the kit contains seven powerful, charcoal infused non-slip strips that offer a secure and comfortable fit to teeth. The activated charcoal penetrates and draws our stubborn stains caused by coffee smoking, wine and general aging. Available in Clicks and Dis-Chem or online at www.takealot.com www.yooper.co.za White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Toothpaste R65.99 is a deep whitening toothpaste that removes fussy stains and discolouration. It detoxifies your mouth and is effective at fighting unpleasant breath, giving you confidence for a brighter, happier smile.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS MEDICINE DISPOSAL

WHAT TO DO WITHMedic EXPIRED or UNUSED

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Compiled by Anthea Campbell

Have you ever considered what's in your medicine chest, that it may be full of expired/unused medicine you somehow have accumulated over time? We are all faced with the dilemma of how to get rid of these medicines. For most, the easiest thing to do is throw it into the bin or simply flush it down the toilet. So what is the correct and smart way to disposing of these medicines that are filled with harmful chemicals which will ultimately have a dreadful impact on our waterways and landfill?

We put forward our concerns to Averda a leading waste management company regarding the best way to dispose old medicines. Not many people understand how this has an impact on our environment if not correctly discarded.

According to the medicine and substance act, the disposal of any medicines down municipal sewers is against regulations. Unfortunately, many of us do not know about the Medicines and Related Substances Act: 101 of 1965 and that there are registered facilities in South Africa like Averda, which allow public walk-ins to make sure that our medical waste is disposed of correctly.

This act is in place for many reasons. “One example, if you throw your old medication away into your normal waste bins, it will eventually make its way to a landfill site. This presents two problems, one the waste pickers and drug addicts will scour these landfills looking for either the left-over medication which contain cortisone or needles used by for example a person that is diabetic, thus, in turn, enabling their drug addiction,” says Petrus Leach, Plant Manager at the Averda Incinerating facility in Klerksdorp.

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ebl The second problem is the danger it presents to our environment. Remember that when all biological produce starts to dissolve, they give off methane gas which then goes into the atmosphere, this being more damaging to the environment the Carbon Dioxide. Also, these pathogens can land up in our water systems – animals drink the water, we eat those animals, and this is a cycle that can be broken.

Leach suggest, people who have chronic diseases purchase the correct medical containers and use those to dispose of the medical waste or needles. Once full then take them to a certified facility that will incinerate the waste according to the outlined regulations. You should then receive a safe destruction certificate giving you not only peace of mind that it's been disposed of correctly but will also bring relief to landfills.

“The general public normally have only small amounts of this waste stream and can be deposited at a minimal cost. Depending on the weight you are looking at a cost of between R20 to R100 which is nothing when you look at the long-term effects of not disposing of medical waste correctly,” adds Leach. Should you not be able to get to a facility or don't have one near to you the next best thing would be to take it to your pharmacies, as many of them are willing to assist with this.

The procedure taken when depositing this waste once it arrives at a registered facility will either fall under one of the following: If the medication falls under schedule one to four meds, for example, your over-the-counter medication, they will be burnt immediately on site.

Schedule five to six will require an external inspector from a government body e.g., SAPS and registered pharmacists that will need to be present during the incineration. Once the procedure is complete, the pharmacist will then sign it off with their registration code from South Africa Pharmacy Council (SAPC)

“The same process is done for schedule seven and eight for the exception that there need to be two pharmacists present,” ends Leach.

We recommend when disposing your medical waste that you remember to dispose your outer packaging in the correct manner/ reycling bins and don't forget to scratch out all of your personal information off your empty containers as a precaution to protect your privacy.

EBL has reached out to a few pharmacies and have found that many are willing to take back your old/unused medication whilst a major pharmacy group declined to comment.

We also have reached out a couple of times for comment from SAPC at time of going to digital we have yet to receive an answer.

We cannot ignore that our medicines are harmful to the environment and that answers are needed to help educate all of us in how to dispose of these items.

I am guessing old/expired medicines that are lying in cupboards would amount to staggering amounts in value and quantity.

I urge you to please speak to your pharmacy or medical provider, find out if they do take back meds. (In my personal opinion all pharmacy’s should be compelled to take these items back as this will help prevent the devastation and impact towards the destruction of the planet). This may seem like a small thing to do but it is one that has a profound effect on our planet. Don’t let your medication be part of the trillions seeping into the earth and infecting our waterways.

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Photo credit- Freepik

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LIFESTYLE HOME

Green Is Great SIMPLE MAKES, TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ECO-FRIENDLY When it comes to concerns around climate change, the average Joe (or Joeline) might not be able to affect what's needed at a global level, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't take a "every drop counts" approach to making a difference, starting with our homes.

Making small adjustments in and around the house is a great way to start reducing our carbon footprint. This is the view of Giel Viljoen, Principal at Leapfrog Stellenbosch. "When it comes to structural and systems improvements or upgrades in the home, eco-friendly needs to become our default option," he believes.

Choosing with the environment in mind is about more than mere preference. "It's the necessary option and increasingly the most cost-effective for the long run," Viljoen shares.

But short of growing your own vegetables and going completely off the grid, there are a number of things that can be done fairly easily to make a home more environmentally efficient.

Most of a home's eco footprint is linked to its water and energy usage. "By reducing and managing these two factors, a property almost immediately becomes greener and, by extension, more appealing for the modern, environmentally savvy home buyer," Viljoen believes.

WATER WISE We know that South Africa is a dry country and that drought has crippled parts of the country for years now, creating an increased awareness of just what a precious, finite resource water is.

"Reducing, reusing and recycling water at home needs to be one of our main priorities," reckons Viljoen. Installing a water tank on your property is one way to save water. This water can then be used for watering the garden, washing cars or

even flushing toilets. "Where possible, opt for a more sophisticated system that allows water to run off from the roof and gutters into the tank, rather than just having a tank that it needs to be rained into," Viljoen advises.

Another simple way to save water is to install a low-flow shower head as these have been shown to use 50% less water, while a low-flow toilet uses less than 5 litres of water per flush, opposed to the 26 litres per flush in systems without.

The garden is another area where we need to be vigilant about water usage."Gardens can be very water intensive, which is why opting to plant indigenous as far as possible is the most environmentally sound opton.

"Indigenous plants by their very nature are suited to our warmer climate and typically need far less water than plants and trees that have had to adapt to growing here," Viljoen explains. "Indigenous plants won't just survive, they'll thrive, and they don't need megalitres of water to do so," Viljoen adds. Ask your local nursery about the best species to plant if you are unsure.

EFFICIENT ABOUT ENERGY Solar energy is one of the most efficient and cost-effective renewable energy resources we know about. In South Africa we enjoy an average of around 2400 hours of sunshine a year, equivalent to more than a third of the ecobalancelifestyle.com

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year. This makes a great case for why solar energy needs to be more readily considered.

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One way of doing so in the home is through the installation of solar panels to capture, convert and store the solar energy. "While the cost of installing solar panels, and the associated setup, can seem prohibitive at the outset, experts reckon that the cost of installation can be recovered in as little as three years," Viljoen says. What's more, it's estimated that you save up to 60% on your monthly electricity bill right from the start.

A simpler way to reduce electricity usage in the home is to replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, as the latter use 75% less energy than the former and also last 10 times longer. "And don't forget to switch off the lights, always to run a full load of laundry and to minimise the use of heaters and the tumble dryer - remember every little thing counts," Viljoen believes.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT Often, the most environmentally friendly product is the one that already exists. This is especially true of building materials like bricks, timber, sand, clay and metals, items that can often be reused in some way. "When renovating or building on, consider using recycled materials wherever possible," Viljoen recommends.

What's more, things like window frames, sanitaryware, doors and fireplaces can easily be upcycled, often at a fraction of the cost too.

While there are countless things that can be done, the important thing is to simply do something, however small. "Green is the new black when it comes to homes, and we're more and more buyers who don't mind paying a slight premium for a property that has some eco features. It's because they know it's the most costeffective option in the long run and simply the way we need to start living," Viljoen shares.

The earth is the only home we have and worth taking care of, not until a property we work hard to afford each month.

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Photo credit: Ross Coupoer @ Singita

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“Africa has her mysteries and even a wise man cannot understand them.

But a wise man respects them.”

Miriam Makeba

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FASHION ECO-CONSCIOUS

lo Summer

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Top R249.00 and Skirt R429.00 made from tencel lycocell and organic linen

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Dress R329.00 and Cardi R379.00 made from recycled polyester

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ebl A light, breezy kaftan that is a summer must have R429.00 made with ecovera visco and recycled polymide

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This kaftan can be dressed up or down R429.00 made with ecovera visco and recycled polymide

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A gorgeous sun dress that can be easily dressed up or down depending on your mood R329.00 made with tencel lycocell and recycled polymide

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Dress R329.00 made from recycled polyester

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ebl A light, breezy kaftan that is a summer must have R429.00 made with ecovera visco and recycled polymide

All photos in this fashion spread have been supplied by H&M. To get these looks visit your nearest H&M store. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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photo credit: pexels-anna-shvets-4587863

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FASHION ECO-CONSCIOUS SWIMWEAR

FIND STRENGTH IN THE SILENCE WITH H&M’S MOST

Sustainable Swimwear Collection Yet H&M launches their summer 2021 swimwear collection.

This is their most sustainable swimwear collection yet, comprising of sustainably sourced fabrics, that is aimed to change how women feel in their swimwear.

This collection's confident pieces bring a sense of warmth and calm amongst the noise of today.

The collection captures an unapologetic feminine strength, focusing on bold, embracing strapped silhouettes that celebrate all bodies and forms.

Classic bandeaus, curved briefs and feminine off-theshoulder tops are made from pre-consumer recycled polyesters from textile waste and post-consumer recycled polyester from recycled bottles. As well as breaking ground in sustainable fabrications, these swimwear pieces will be available instore this Summer.

“I'm particularly proud of the fabrics in this swimwear collection, it's our most sustainable swimwear collection thus far, and all of the designs are made of at least 85% recycled polyester. We're so pleased to offer inclusive sizing with this emboldening swimwear collection, too.” says Maria Östblom, Head of Design Womenswear at H&M. The photos used in this spread is part of the H&M’s campaign film, which is captured in LA. Stands for the women who face public opinions daily, with model Paloma Elsesser the star. Cancelling out the noise, Elsesser dives underwater, finding strength in the silence there, only to come back even stronger as her co-stars Nouri Hassan, Bintou Sillah, Yumi Nu, Shawn Lakin, and Tani Gunn join. The compelling film is soundtracked by Depeche Mode´s iconic song 'Enjoy The Silence' in a new version performed by US singer Fousheé.

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H&M's swimwear collection for Summer 21 focuses on bold silhouettes that celebrate female bodies and forms.

At H&M our aim is to make good quality fashion and design accessible to everyone, in a way that´s good for the people, the planet and our industry.

We believe sustainable fashion choices should be available and affordable to everyone – without ever compromising on style.

The colour palette comes in neutral colours such as black, white and caramel.

Recycled Polyester - The recycled polyesters in this collection comes

from left over waste from production and from recycled plastic waste such as PET bottles.

Recycled polyester tackles the environmental challenge because it means we can put other oilbased waste, such as PET plastic bottles, to good use.

H&M Group is one of the world's biggest user of recycled polyester according to Textile Exchange's latest Material Change Insights Report 2019 (H&M Group is number 6).

They aim to increase our use of recycled polyester every year. In 2020 they used recycled polyester equivalent to nearly 1.1 billion PET bottles (2019: 537 million, 2018: 325 million, 2017: 100 million)

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Water Gives

STRENGTH IN IT’S

Silence

All photos in this fashion spread have been supplied by H&M. To get these looks visit your nearest H&M store.

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GET THE LOOK

H&M

Mixing It Up Bandeau Top R99.00

Briefs R99.00

Halter R179.00

High Wasted Bottom R179.00

Swimsuit R249.00

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Photo credit- pexels-andre-furtado-1263986

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Summer Is

A Happy Time

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Photo credit - gabriel-jimenez-jin4W1HqgL4-unsplash

Glorious wonderful soil

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GARDENING

SOIL

LET'S GET DOWN AND DIRTY.... AND

Talk About Soil!

By Gilda Galvad

SOIL - Our lives depend on it! You may think that sounds dramatic, but just consider, that without soil we cannot grow nutritious food.... good soil is vital for healthy plant growth.

There are many parts to soil, and so many residents in soil, and we hardly consider what a delicious humus filled soil can, and does do, for us.

Firstly, did you know that walking on the ground, the bare ground that is, not your paving or concrete or wooden deck, is actually good for your health? Your skin absorbs vitamins from the soil (like when you work in your garden without gloves on) and the electricity of your body is reset from the earth's electrical vibrations. How cool is that? Just by going for a walk on the ground. Oh and then of course there is the advantage of breathing fresh air by being outside for a change, instead of in front of the computer or TV - another big gain.

LET'S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT SOIL. There are a few layers to soil, and the deepest layer is rock and the layer right on the top is called topsoil, which is only about 5 - 8 cm.

The part of the soil that is essential to grow good food in, is the top soil, which is the part of the soil that contains the most nutrients. Organic matter is in the top soil, and it is usually dark brown or black. There are many different coloured soils, and one cannot assume the nutrient value of soil by looking at it's colour. The colours are mainly produced by the different minerals found within that soil.

Top soil, throughout the world has diminished by about a third since 1970, and it is essential

that we grow our soil so that we are able to continue to grow food. The depletion of our top soil is mainly due to a few major factors ie soil erosion, long term intensive agricultural cultivation, compaction, deforestation, over grazing, over cropping and other causes.

Good soil is measured on a few basic requirements, besides the most important, which is it's nutrient content, such as porosity, permeability, alkalinity or acidity, texture, etc. Porosity is the amount of space in the soil for the presence of water and air. Permeability is the ability for the transmission of fluids within the soil. Soil with a pH which is too low, would be acidic and only acid loving plants would grow successfully in that soil. Vegetables do not like an acidic soil. The neutral pH of soil is 6.5 to 7.5.

HELP! So how do we improve the position of soil that we have control over? Remember the condition of your soil affects the ability of your plants to grow. The nutrients (and anything else) in the soil is also absorbed by the plants, gives the plants their immunity and enters your body, supplying it with nutritional food and building your immune system. Obviously chemical fertilizers and pesticides are entering your body through the plants and any thing else, that you eat.

That is why you should grow your own food organically. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl Soil for food needs to be rich in humus, (like the soil on a forest floor), organic matter, minerals and vitamins. These are present in the soil through plant material like old leaves, compost, bacterial waste, macro and micro-organisms, carbon, nitrogen, and many more minerals.

The texture of the soil should be loamy, which is loose and soft, so that the roots of the plants can easily push through the soil, and the porosity should provide the oxygen and water availibility.

Clay soil will not allow water to drain easily and can create an anaerobic environment, which will hold water without oxygen, and will not absorb water and hold nutrients. Sandy soil will not hold the nutrients and water needed and they will simply pass through the sand.

ACTION NEEDED By adding organic matter to your soil in the form of dead leaves, cut grass loosely spread (without seeds), well aged animal manure, that comes from places that do not inoculate the animals with antibiotics, not standing on your beds which would cause compaction of soil, and not digging and turning the soil over. This action places the top soil underground and raises the micro inhabitants of the soil to the surface, which is not the place they should be. It is a good idea to keep your soil covered by using mulch, if you have no crops growing in the soil at any given time, grow a green manure.

Legumes are nitrogen fixers and are a wonderful addition, and plants like comfrey are dynamic accumulators, which draw the best nutrients up from the soil. You can even cover the soil with plastic or cardboard. This will prevent wind blowing your top soil away, prevent the rain washing it away, and anything walking on it and compacting it. Rotate your crops that you plant.

This will ensure that you do not deplete the soil of any specific nutrients.

Make huge amounts of compost and add it regularly to your soil. Invest in a Bokashi bin in addition to your compost heap (or if you don't have the space for a compost heap) and keep it in your kitchen.

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photo credit: milada-vigerova-n1Y2tKFvN1Y-unsplash

Succulents are so rewarding their different textures and shapes offer interest to any decor whilst being easy to care for.

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GARDENING INDOOR PLANTS

Bringing it in...

By Melanie Walker

There's nothing new about having indoor plants. I doubt there's a grandmother's kitchen of one's youth anywhere that didn't have African Violets or Peace Lily experimentation going on in it. A 'trend' which continues today in many a suburban home.

It's not just at home that indoor plants are trending again, although given the fact that so many people have been downsizing, or have moved into an apartment or 'townhouse' which doesn't have its own garden, people are coming up with innovative ways of ensuring they still have some calming green in their space.

It's all about getting back and getting closer to nature, about letting the outdoors in (instead of letting the indoors out, as has been the main trend in gardens in South Africa), blurring lines between the two spaces. And this is translating into the work environment too. Studies have shown that having that little touch of nature close by lessens stress while purifying the air of the artificial office situation. It was in 1984 that NASA (yes, the space agency) first published studies demonstrating that indoor plants have the ability to remove unwanted volatile organic compounds from the air, which opened the door for future research into the study of plants as natural air filters.

If it works for NASA, it should work for you, in any environment. And depending on your particular style, you should find a planting scheme that works for you as well indoors as outside. If succulents are your thing, pop some into a terrarium or terracotta pot and put them in a sunny spot - a solution that offers an affordable, easy, low maintenance way of adding interest to a room or quiet corner. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl If you are of the belief that bigger is better, no problem there either. Dracaena are beautiful larger large-leaved forest denizens which can handle low light. And if you have the space, go for larger focal plants, grouping three varieties of palms with their shapely fronds together in similar pots. Consider the rather attractive areca palm (butterfly palm / Areca lutescens / Dypsis lutescens), an indoor houseplant that is relatively easy to care for and has much going for it.

Of the best-known indoor palms, it may be the most challenging to grow, mainly because people tend to love their indoor plants to death by over-watering them!

sun to neutralise chlorine and to help avoid fluoride build-up.

Indoor plants may need a little more looking after than plants out in the garden, as you have taken them out of their natural environment where everything it needs to grow is to hand. You just need to check on water, sunlight, food and fresh air. And that last point is the most important.

If your home or office environment is airconditioned or heated, the air becomes very dry, so you will have to ensure you mist and clean your plants regularly, especially those plants that come from subtropical climates which are adapted to growing in low light, but need the sultriness of the tropics.

Photo credit - Freepik

But is well worth it for its narrow, numerous, full fronds arranged close to one another in neat, compact lines along the stems. Over-watering will be the end of many plants – ensure the surface soil has dried out before you water again. However, if you get the 'climate' right, you If there is any doubt, wait a few more days. And too can have your own little bit of green if you have access to rainwater, use that or put heaven without having any 'land space'. water into old cold drink bottles and leave in the

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Air Cleaning

INDOOR PLANTS

NEW PLANT PARENT’S GUIDE TO

P opular

INDOOR PLANTS

Photo credit - Freepik

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We chat to Alex Glenday of Brew Kombucha

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bl e FOOD & BEVERAGE PROFILE

Fr

Runway To

BREWING DELICIOUSNESS

By Anthea Campbell

We chat to Alex Glenday of Brew Kombucha the driving force behind this award winning organic drink. It’s fun, cool, healthy and totally locally brewed.

EBL: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? ALEX: I am a curious person by nature and love to try new things. Experimenting with kombucha and the journey of business has been so interesting. I am also very passionate about trying to do business differently, so that we can build a better example and inspire other businesses to do the same. Our goal is to look after our customers’ health, the health of the environment in which we live in and generate personal growth for the team that we work with.

When I'm not thinking about Brew, I am out in nature as much as I can be and enjoy a quiet book read too.

EBL: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON YOUR COMPANY NAME? ALEX: It's a play on words: 1.Our Kombucha is made with rooibos and so has a lovely amber colour, and a white foamy head, looking much like a non-alcoholic beer, your 'Brew' beer.

2.It's made with tea, and you 'Brew' a pot of tea.

3.Lastly, it's a properly local and lekker South African brand 'Bru'.

EBL: WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR BUSINESS, WAS IT A LIGHT BULB MOMENT OR DID YOU SEE A GAP IN THE MARKET PLACE? ALEX: Before launching Brew, I travelled the world for nine years, working as a model. From runway shows and catalogue shoots to TV commercials, I never lived in one place for more than six months, and the hectic lifestyle meant ecobalancelifestyle.com 75

I had to find innovative ways to stay healthy.

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Kombucha was a perfect solution for me. Since it goes through a natural fermentation process, it's imbued with natural probiotic properties, which help with digestion and it's super energising. The idea to kickstart a kombucha company made perfect sense to me when I returned to South Africa, at the age of 26, and discovered that South Africa had not yet caught on to the fermented drink craze. Aside from missing my daily probiotic routine, I saw an opportunity to get ahead of the trend.

Kombucha was doing so well in the States already and I thought, why not in Cape Town too, and why not do a South African take on things with rooibos tea?

EBL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? ALEX: We are a proudly South African, female -led producer of rooibos tea kombucha. Placing the environment at the forefront of every decision, we are the first and only provider of certified organic kombucha in South Africa, using raw, organic ingredients that are free of harmful pesticides. Our packaging is made up of recycled materials and is 99% single use plastic free. We also recycle, repurpose and compost 95% of our production waste – including wastewater, which is free of any toxins, due to the organic nature of the products and the use of environmentally-preferred cleaning materials. We believe that the right ingredients and ethos will be what holds together hard work and good planning for the longevity of a healthy company. In terms of the production of our product, we have developed a unique brewing technique, informed by food safety systems, brewing experts, and food scientists. Using custom-designed equipment, and fermentation tanks, our process ensures quality and consistency on a large scale – versus homegrown or plastic-brewed kombuchas which might vary in taste, colour, alcohol content, and health benefits.

EBL: ARE YOU LOOKING AT ANY MORE NEW INNOVATIVE IDEAS? ALEX: We have new things coming at Brew, watch this space!

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EBL: DID YOU RESEARCH YOUR 'IDEA / CONCEPT' EXTENSIVELY? ALEX: Yes – the beverage industry is tricky, and we are always learning. This takes constant research and innovation.

EBL: I AM SURE YOU HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE AN INTERESTING JOURNEY, WITH LEARNING CURVES AND TRIUMPHS. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT AND WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE TRIUMPH? ALEX: I have learnt to have a thicker skin, it's a big bad world out there! At the same time, we are all always learning, and being willing to learn and adapt is the biggest skill you need. I would say that our number one triumph are our products. They speak for themselves, but have also won awards in blind taste testing with sommeliers, and are made in a light footprint brewery that has received international attention.

All photos credit in this article-Brew Kombucha

EBL: DID YOU GO ON A SPECIALISED COURSE TO LEARN ANY NEW SKILLS OR DID YOU LEARN AS YOU WENT ALONG? ALEX: I have learnt as I have gone along.

There has been a lot of kindness and support from other business owners and specialists, but one has to reach out and look for the answers.

Hours of podcasts as well as 'Google' are very useful tools that I am grateful for.

EBL: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO DRINKING BREW KOMBUCHA? ALEX: Brew Kombucha is rich in antioxidants, naturally occurring Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C, and it's low in sugar. Foods and beverages that go through a natural fermentation process, like kombucha, gain probiotic properties. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that play an essential role in digesting food and helping to absorb and synthesise nutrients. Beyond the gut, they also assist with metabolic and immune function. With up to 80% of the human immune system housed in the digestive tract, taking care of your gut is an essential part of staying healthy.

EBL: YOUR PACKAGING IS COLOURFUL AND FUN WAS THIS INTENDED FOR A PARTICULAR TARGET MARKET? ALEX: Our packaging, which is 99% singleuse plastic free, is designed to catch the

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attention of anyone looking for a refreshing, tasty beverage with a healthy twist. Being healthy should be fun – our target market generally includes health and environmentally conscious consumers, particularly GenZs and millennials.

EBL: IS THERE A REASON WHY YOUR BOTTLES ARE DARK? ALEX: Yes – when it comes to kombucha, the darker the bottle, the better. When probiotics are exposed to light for a long period of time, they are damaged. This impacts the gut health benefits of the kombucha. Go for dark bottles of kombucha, rather than transparent ones.

EBL: IS KOMBUCHA AN AQUIRED TASTE? ALEX: It can be, but Brew Kombucha has won the heart of many a novice kombucha drinker. It's light and naturally sweeter as it's made with rooibos tea. It's light, fizzy and ridiculously refreshing!

EBL: WHERE CAN CUSTOMERS BUY YOUR PRODUCTS? ALEX: Brew Kombucha is available at selected stores nationwide, including Wellness Warehouse, Spar, Food Lovers Market, and a number of health shops. You can also order online at www.brewkombucha.co.za to get a case of Brew delivered to your front door.

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bl e LIFESTYLE PROFILE

The THE WONDER OF

Wonderbag

By Anthea Campbell

We chat to Sarah Collins of Wonderbag and learn a whole lot more about her innovative little wonder. It’s useful, a must have item that every home should have especially with all the load shedding we are experiencing.

EBL: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? SARAH: My name is Sarah Collins and I am the CEO and Founder of the Wonderbag. I consider myself an African entrepreneur and social activist whose mission is to leave this earth a better place than I came into it. Having grown up in rural, apartheid-era South Africa in the 1970s on a farm in KZN, the female Zulu women who looked after me and were my 'gogos' instilled in me a deep sense of community and equality.

EBL: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE ON YOUR COMPANY NAME? SARAH: My company name was Natural Balance, but Moshy called it the Wonderbag!

As it's a wonder! We have tried to change the name a few times, but once something sticks, it sticks, so ‘Wonder Women’ we are in the Wonderbag World.

EBL: WHAT INSPIRED YOU START YOUR BUSINESS? SARAH: I came up with the concept of Wonderbag in 2008 during a bout of Eskom load shedding when I wanted to continue cooking. It was the age old technology of heat retention cooking that inspired me and watching my grandmother use the Wonderbox that gave me the idea and inspiration to create the Wonderbag.

Further to this, my childhood inspired my life's work focusing on empowering women living below the poverty line through grassroots efforts. I find that so many people out there are ecobalancelifestyle.com

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EBL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? SARAH: Wonderbag is a proudly South African non-electric heat-retention cooker that allows food that has been brought to the boil by conventional methods to continue to cook for up to 8 hours without using additional energy sources.

Cooking with a Wonderbag significantly reduces cooking times and energy use, leading to savings on money, time and electricity while ultimately also helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Wonderbag has a reach worldwide, yet the majority of our bags are still manufactured locally through our factory in KZN. I believe some of the biggest reasons for our success is our adaptability coupled with our passion and belief that the Wonderbag is a game changer. Our business model has been adapted many times.

We started it based on carbon financing and then had to move into retail. We've had to bridge many cultures and adopt different “go to market” strategies, ours is an ever-evolving model and always will be. Partnerships are also an essential part of our growth strategy and we believe in collaboration not isolation!

The Wonderbag is for everyone and anyone.

However, the people and communities I believe that will benefit the most from the multiple benefits the Wonderbag offers – are those living in rural and vulnerable communities.

The Wonderbag goes everywhere - from the kitchens of suburbia to the kitchens of rural Africa. Wonderbag is a catalyst to shift the status quo of dire poverty, and enable resilience within homes across the world - enabling economic freedom and dignity for all.

EBL: ARE YOU LOOKING AT ANY MORE NEW INNOVATIVE IDEAS? SARAH: This is a truly exciting time for us as a business because ten years ago I believed

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ebl that Wonderbag could make a significant difference to climate change and the environment, along with the humanitarian benefits of this simple but innovative product. Even back then I knew that carbon credits would play a significant role in helping us to achieve the reach we needed to make real change and it is so rewarding to see this vision finally come full circle.

Our focus right now is the carbon offsetting space where we are helping businesses offset their carbon to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. We have Nando's UK, Sasol and Faithful to Nature on board and hope to see more big businesses come on board and taking part in making our environment better. So, for every Wonderbag purchased, we are collecting data in strict accordance with the South African POPI act, to validate the issuing of carbon credits to large carbon emitting companies to assist in the global effort to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and drive sustainable economic growth.

EBL: HOW ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ARE THE MATERIALS THAT YOU USE? SARAH: The bag is covered with durable polyester cotton fabric and filled with a blend of re-purposed chipped foam for dependable insulation.

EBL: DID YOU RESEARCH YOUR 'IDEA / CONCEPT' EXTENSIVELY? SARAH: I carried out my own independent 'desktop' research before commencing with the design aspect of the bag which took shape over time. However, the prototype for our beautiful African inspired shwe-shwe patterns of the Wonderbag happened when I was on a local flight. Enter Moshy Mathe, the founder of the NGO Youth For Survival. I met her on a flight and complimented her on being the most gorgeous passenger on the plane wearing her African inspired outfit. Instantly the creative sparks flew and when I explained to Moshe what I wanted to create for the first ever Wonderbag (using a design drawn on a napkin), she got me straight away and in the next two weeks set about creating the first ever Wonderbag!

Since then we have obviously refined the manufacturing and design process to meet international quality standards because Wonderbag has a worldwide reach. However, our bags are still manufactured locally through our factory in KZN, Tongaat and now through other local entrepreneurs in KZN and the Western Cape that we have partnered with and helped establish small businesses that supply us with our Wonderbags too.

EBL: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT AND WHAT ARE THE LEARNING CURVES AND YOUR NUMBER ONE TRIUMPH? SARAH: I always knew the Wonderbag would be a game changer from a humanitarian and environmental point of view but I didn't anticipate the amount of recognition globally that we have been so privileged to receive to date.

My biggest triumph is that Wonderbag is not only an environmentally sound invention, it is also an agent of social change that is empowering women to take back their power by starting their own businesses in their communities. This addresses poverty, inequality and gender-based violence that our society is struggling with. I believe the Wonderbag gives women dignity and freedom by being a catalyst for change within their homes.

EBL: DID YOU GO ON A SPECIALISED COURSE TO LEARN ANY NEW SKILLS OR DID YOU LEARN AS YOU WENT ALONG? SARAH: I learnt as I went along, but I have always had an inquisitive mind about how I can make things better.

EBL: DO YOU USE LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITIES TO MAKE YOUR VARIOUS PRODUCTS? SARAH: Part of the Wonderbag mission is to build resilient communities and we have developed entrepreneurs in Cape Town and Tongaat.

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ebl One of our entrepreneurial partners sewing Wonderbags in KZN is a phenomenal woman, Gertrude Nonhlahla. She is a 62-year-old widow and grandmother from the Tongaat area who has raised 5 children and 15 grandchildren.

Gertrude partnered with Wonderbag to become an entrepreneur and today Gertrude employs 8 permanent staff, all of whom were previously unemployed.

EBL: WHERE CAN CUSTOMERS BUY YOUR PRODUCTS? SARAH: You can purchase a Wonderbag on www.Wonderbagworld.com and in an effort to continue to rebuild KZN after the recent riots, we have launched a 'Women4Women' bundle on the South African online shop. Already available in the UK and the USA the ‘Women4Women’ Wonderbag bundle aims to support women and their families in the most vulnerable communities. Our current focus is on supporting communities in KZN. When someone purchases a ‘Women4Women’ bundle they not only enjoy the time and money saving benefits of owning their own Wonderbag – but they'll also be helping us to get Wonderbags into the homes of families most affected by the tough economic challenges posed by t he pandemic and the recent riots in KZN.

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ECOFINDS

Compiled by Anthea Campbell

EcoFINDS

IT’S INNOVATIVE IT’S THE WONDERBAG

Wonderbag is an award winning eco-friendly slow cooker. Discover why slow-cooking is the easiest way to prepare meals, whilst saving you money each month.

No battery, plug or fuel required, saving your energy and the energy in your home.

The Small Wonderbag up to a 2 litre size pot R206.00. The Small Wonderbag is ideal for cooking those small and intimate meals at home, or for use as a meal warmer for those school or work hot meals.This size is suitable for single or couple households who do not prepare for more than 2-4 people.

The Medium Wonderbag up to 6 litre size pot R350.00.This size is suitable for single to 5 person households.

All photos credit in this article-Wonderbag The Large Wonderbag fits a 5-10 litre pot.

R357.00.

The X-Large Catering Wonderbag (up to 50 litre size pot) R933.00.

Perfect when catering for a crowd. It is widely used by lodges, hotels, guest-houses, schools, catering companies and entrepreneurs. The XL size Wonderbag feeds up to 60 people at a time.

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Sishebo Beef Curry This perfect, thick Sishebo Beef Curry combines layers of rich and complex flavours with its thick and spicy gravy.

2 1 2 1 1

INGREDIENTS Tbsp cooking oil 2 ¼lbs onion, peeled and finely chopped carrots, 2 peeled and diced 3 potatoes, peeled and diced 4 beef stock cube 1 bay leaf

DIRECTIONS 1) Heat the oil in a pot and fry the beef until browned.

2) Remove the beef from the pot and add the onion. Fry the onion until soft.

3) Return the beef to the pot, and add carrots and potatoes.

4) Stir in the vinegar, beef stock cube (dissolved in water), bay leaf and dry spices and herbs.

5) Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

6) Place the lidded pot in your Wonderbag for 4 hours to finish cooking.

stewing beef Tbsp mixed dry herbs tsp vinegar ¼ cup water Tbsp ground coriander

HOW TO USE THE WONDERBAG To cook, simply bring food to the boil on a stove, let the food simmer, and then put the pot with its lid on into your Wonderbag.

Close the Wonderbag tightly with the drawstring, and cook to perfection for up to 8 hours.

Remember to use the right size pot for the amount of food you wish to cook so that the pot is mostly full as this will help maintain proper cooking temperatures. Use a metal or glassware pot with short handles. Do not use clay or ceramic and make sure to use a tightfitting lid.

HERE IS A QUICK WONDERBAG TIP Heat retention is more effective when the pot is almost full and sealed with a tight-fitting lid, so don't open the lid to check on the cooking food. Opening the lid will lower the temperature of the food, so if you do need to check, bring your pot of food back to the boil before putting it back in the Wonderbag.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WONDERBAG The Wonderbag can be spot washed and hung to dry. Front loading washing machines with a gentle wash cycle can also be used with cold water and minimal detergent. Hang dry or in a tumble dryer on a low temperature setting. ecobalancelifestyle.com 85

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People don’t want to go to the dump and have a picnic, they want to go out to a beautiful place and enjoy their day.

And so I think our job is to try to take the environment, take what the good Lord has given us, and expand upon it or enhance it, without destroying it.

Photo Credit - Freepik

Jack Nicklaus

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“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”

George Bernard Shaw

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Photo and recipe Credit - Jan Kohler

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RECIPES

Spicy Butternut Soup WITH COCONUT MILK

By Jan Kohler

My family loves soup. I even make it as a meal during the summer!

Butternut soup, in particular, is a very popular choice with my children. When I'm entertaining, I find that soup is useful at any occasion. You can serve it as a starter at a sit-down dinner, as a light meal at an informal gathering for a large crowd or as an easy Sunday night supper for the family. In winter, our leftovers even go to school in food flasks as a warm lunch. (When I do make it for the children, I tone down the curry paste). This soup freezes really well and can be conveniently reheated when needed.

WHAT YOU NEED 1 onion, chopped 1 Tbsp of thai green curry paste 1kg butternut, diced coconut cream (400ml tin) 1 ltr of chicken, or vegetable, stock olive oil, for frying croutons (optional) fresh coriander leaves to garnish WHAT YOU NEED TO DO In a large, deep pot, fry the onion and curry paste in a bit of olive oil.

Once the onion is soft and translucent, add the butternut. Add the chicken stock, ensuring that the vegetables are immersed in liquid. Put the lid on and allow to simmer until the vegetables are very tender. Keep checking the liquid levels and don't let the soup evaporate – add more stock if needed.

Set this aside to cool.

Pour the entire mixture into a food processor and pulse until the soup is smooth and free of lumps. (You might have to do this in two parts).

Return the soup to the pot and stir the coconut cream through, warming it over medium heat as you go. The result should be a thick, velvety soup that you can serve with delicious bread or perhaps topped with a few croutons.

Enjoy!

Jan’s recipe book is available www.jankohlercookbooks.com ecobalancelifestyle.com 89

Photo and recipe Credit Denny Mushroom

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RECIPES

Lemon Zucchini FILLED MUSHROOM STEAKS

By Denny Mushroom

Many families are including more plant-based meals in their eating regimes, and mushrooms have an important role to play in this dietary change. Mushrooms are a low-calorie, low-cholesterol, and low-sodium food with a lot of potential as a meat alternative and as a versatile star ingredient in many different kinds of dishes.

SERVES 4 WHAT YOU NEED 4 Denny Mushroom “steaks” ¼ cup olive oil salt & pepper ¼ cup grated parmesan ¼ cup bread crumbs 4 red spring onions, chopped 1 lemon rind & juice ½ small green chilli, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 tbsp coriander, chopped 4 zucchinis, grated WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Pre-heat oven to 180 'C. Brush mushrooms with olive oil & season with salt & pepper.

Bake for 10 - 12minutes.

Meanwhile mix the parmesan, crumbs, spring onion, garlic, zucchini, coriander, chilli & lemon in a bowl.

Top each mushroom with mixture & bake for an additional 12 minutes until filling is crispy.

Serve with rocket salad.

Enjoy!

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Photo and recipe Credit Denny Mushroom

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RECIPES

Marinated Button Mushrooms, BABY SPINACH & BACON SALAD

By Denny Mushroom

Many families are including more plant-based meals in their eating regimes, and mushrooms have an important role to play in this dietary change. Mushrooms are a low-calorie, low-cholesterol, and low-sodium food with a lot of potential as a meat alternative and as a versatile star ingredient in many different kinds of dishes.

SERVES 4 WHAT YOU NEED 2 punnets button mushrooms, halved ½ cup olive oil 1 Tbsp dijon mustard 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 3 cloves garlic, minced salt & pepper 250g streaky bacon 1 small red onion sliced 250g baby spinach, washed & stemmed WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Pre-heat oven to 180 'C. Add halved mushrooms, olive oil, mustard & garlic in stainless steel bowl, season with salt & pepper - mix well & cover with foil.

Place in oven - mixing through every 7 minutes for 20 minutes.

Leave out to cool still covered for flavours to infuse.

Heat Oven Grill.

Place streaky bacon on tray & grill both sides till crispy 8 - 10 minutes.

Cool down before chopping the crispy bacon.

TO ASSEMBLE SALAD Mix baby spinach leaves, marinated mushrooms, sliced red onion & sprinkle over crispy bacon. Add the marinate of mushrooms as a dressing.

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Photo and recipe Credit Singita

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CoconutLENTIL STEW From Singita’s Recipe Book

The culinary experience at Singita's lodges and camps is an integral part of any visit to these incredible wilderness areas. Each and every plate is an expression of the company's commitment not only to creating an outstanding food offering that perfectly complements the exquisite surroundings in which guests find themselves, but to the importance of practising environmental sustainability at every level, including in the kitchens.

For the first time, and in celebration of the brand's gourmet evolution, Singita has brought together traditional and more contemporary African-inspired recipes in a beautiful, 274-page cookbook, giving you a taste of safari at home.

SERVES 4 WHAT YOU WILL NEED 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 6cm long piece of ginger root, peeled and finely grated 120g brown lentils 1 tin (410g) crushed tomatoes 30ml extra-virgin olive oil handful of coriander leaves, finely chopped, plus leaves for serving generous pinch of kosher salt freshly ground pepper to taste 625ml water 1 tin (400ml) unsweetened coconut milk, shaken well WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until softened and golden brown.

Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes.

Add lentils and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add tomatoes, coriander, salt, water and coconut milk.

Bring mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender with coriander.

Enjoy! ecobalancelifestyle.com

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Golden Miso & Sesame Aubergines

WITH COCONUT JASMINE RICE From Sarah Graham’s Recipe Cookbook - Super Natural

Have you met Miso yet? It’s a Japanese flavour bomb (made mostly from fermented soybeans), and it’s pretty much loaded with as much umami as you can imagine.

Also, because it’s fermented it’s packed full of good-for-your-gut probiotics. It’s not always that widely available in South Africa and it can be expensive, but a little bit really does go a long way and I store any unused paste in the freezer for easy use.

Search your favourite local Asian restaurant and check your nearest health shop; it’s definitely worth getting your hands on.

SERVES 2 READY IN 30 MINUTES WHAT YOU NEED 4–5 baby aubergines, halved lengthways MISO SAUCE 2 Tbsp brown miso paste 2 Tbsp sesame oil 2 Tbsp hot water 4 tsp honey 2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce 2 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 tsp crushed garlic 1 fresh chilli, de-seeded and chopped

TO SERVE (OPTIONAL) coconut jasmine rice (½ cup jasmine rice cooked in 1 cup coconut milk and ½ cup water) 2 handfuls baby spinach 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 small handful chopped fresh coriander 1 spring onion, finely sliced

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Preheat the oven to grill setting.

Score the flesh of the aubergines in a criss-cross pattern, then place them skin-side up on a baking tray and grill in the oven for 10 minutes or until the skin is blistered and charred, but not burnt.

Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the miso sauce and cook the rice. Once the rice is cooked, remove from the heat, stir in the baby spinach and set aside until serving.

Turn the oven down to bake at 200ºC. Turn the aubergines over, brush with some of the sauce and return to the oven for a further 10–15 minutes or until tender and caramelised.

Remove the aubergines and serve alongside the rice. Garnish with the sesame seeds, coriander and spring onion and an extra drizzle of the miso sauce.

Enjoy!

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Hoisin Mushroom Bowls WITH PAK CHOY AND COCONUT RICE From Sarah Graham’s Recipe Cookbook - Super Natural SERVES 2 READY IN 20 MINUTES WHAT YOU NEED ½ cup basmati rice ½ cup coconut milk ½ cup water 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted or 1 handful roughly chopped cashew nuts 1 Tbsp olive oil or coconut oil 250g brown mushrooms, roughly chopped 3–4 heads pak choy, roughly chopped, or 6–8 tenderstem broccoli 2 handfuls edamame beans, shelled TO SERVE 2 spring onions, sliced diagonally, including tops

HOISIN DRESSING 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce 1 tsp chopped fresh chilli 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 tsp honey 1 Tbsp sesame oil 1 Tbsp soy sauce 2–3 Tbsp lime juice or lemon juice or rice vinegar salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1–2 1

Tbsp chopped fresh coriander red chilli, thinly sliced lime wedges

WHAT TO DO Add the rice, coconut milk and water to a small saucepan, bring to a boil and then simmer gentlyuntil fluffy and cooked through. Add a little extra water along the way if necessary.

Prepare the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together. Check for seasoning, adjust if necessary and set aside.

Toast the sesame seeds (if they are not already toasted).

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the mushrooms for 3–5 minutes or until golden. Add the pak choy or broccoli and edamame beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.

TO SERVE Divide the rice between warmed bowls, top with the mushrooms and greens and sprinkle over the chopped spring onions, coriander, chilli and sesame seeds or cashew nuts. Drizzle over the dressing and serve immediately with a few lime wedges on the side.

NOTES Double the sauce and use it for another bowl later in the week. Mix things up by using buckwheat noodles or courgette noodles instead of rice. Up the protein: Add 150–200g fried tofu. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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Caramel Bliss Bars From Sarah Graham’s Recipe Cookbook - Super Natural

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that these are pretty much all your sweet treat dreams come true. Think of them as healthy (and raw), caramelly, nougat-ish, fudgey squares with a kiss of dark chocolate and a confetti of toasted pistachios and you’re pretty much there. The recipe can easily be doubled, and the bars can be frozen until needed.

MAKES ±10 READY IN 30 MINUTES WHAT YOU NEED Chewy caramel nougat layer ½ cup pitted dates ¼ cup coconut cream ¼ cup coconut oil, warmed until liquid ¼ cup peanut butter or macadamia or cashew nut butter ¼ cup desiccated coconut ¼ cup ground almonds

1

Tbsp maple syrup or honey or a few drops stevia liquid 1 tsp vanilla extract Salted dark chocolate layer 200g roughly chopped dark chocolate 1 generous pinch sea salt flakes ½ cup roasted pistachio nuts or salted peanuts or nuts of your choice, roughly chopped

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Line a small to medium loaf tin with non-stick baking paper.

For the caramel nougat layer, soak the dates in 1 cup boiling water for 5 minutes until softened. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the liquid.

Add the dates and the remaining ingredients to a food processor and blitz until smooth, adding a little of the reserved liquid to loosen further if needed. It should be quite thick though, otherwise it won’t set.

Press the mixture into the prepared tin and place in the freezer for 15 minutes to set.

Meanwhile, begin the chocolate layer by melting the chocolate over a very low heat in a small heavy-based pot or double boiler until glossy and smooth.

Remove the baking tray from the freezer, pour over the melted chocolate and sprinkle over the sea salt flakes and nuts. Cut into squares and refrigerate again until the chocolate has set, or until just before serving.

NOTE The bars can be stored in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Enjoy!

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Alph

BUTTER COOKIES

Have a little bit of fun and change it up with these easy to make melt-in-the-mouth butter cookies. Give your biscuits a fun element by using alphabet letters, the kids will love it. This is also a great gift idea.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED (Only 6 ingredients) 1 2 ⁄ 1⁄ 1 ⁄ tsp

cup (226g) unsalted butter, partly melted tsp vanilla extract cup (93g) icing sugar cups (187g) cornflour cup (125g) all-purpose flour salt

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Preheat the oven to 170C Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone mat, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter, vanilla, and sugar until creamy and combined.

Add the cornflour, flour, and salt, and mix to form a smooth, soft dough.

Roll the dough, press your letter shapes to cut your letters.

Place the cut out letters onto a prepared baking tray.

Freeze until solid - about 10 - 20 minutes.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until firm and just starting to colour around the edges (they will still be very pale).

Allow to cool for 5 - 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

MAKE A GIFT This is a great idea to place these cookies in a glass jar. Cut a pretty piece fabric bigger than the lid and place ontop of it, tie with a pretty ribbon or paint the lid with coloured chalk paint or simply use a paper doily.

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Photo and recipe Credit - Jan Kohler

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Neo’s Coconut Cake

By Jan Kohler

My Greek friend Neo is an incredible cook. He has a passion for food and he cooks with the same amount of pleasure as he eats! He takes great delight in inviting friends to explore new restaurants and he shares his gastronomic talents by cooking for us and imparting his knowledge, teaching us a thing or two along the way.

This cake has been made in Cypress by Neo's family for many generations and he was kind enough to share the recipe with us. My sister and I love the simplicity of this cake and we make it for almost any occasion. You could literally put everything into the mixer all at once if you wanted to, and it wouldn't flop. The syrup saves you the hassle of icing and makes it moist and delicious.

This is best made in a cake mixer if you have one, but you can just as easily do it by hand.

WHAT YOU NEED 6 large eggs 1 cup of cooking oil 1 cup of sugar, for the sponge 1 teaspoon vanilla essence 1½ cups of flour 2 cups of desiccated coconut 2 teaspoons of baking powder 1⅓ cup of milk

FOR THE SYRUP 1 cup of sugar 2 cups of water

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Pre-heat your oven to 180C and select your cake tin, to be lined and greased.

My suggestion is that you choose a cake tin, like a Bundt tin or an Angel Food cake tin, to give the cake a beautiful form. This is not a cake that you're going to ice, so you can't cover it's blemishes and bumps with icing. So the naked, baked form counts.

Beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale yellow, then add the oil.

Mix in all the remaining ingredients, adding the coconut in last.

Bake for approximately one hour or until golden brown and the skewer comes out clean.

To make the syrup, heat the sugar and water together in a saucepan and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool, and then pour it over the warm cake, leaving it until the syrup is absorbed. When the cake has cooled completely, turn it out onto a cake plate and sprinkle a little desiccated coconut over the cake as a finishing touch.

Enjoy!

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Coconut Ice From Sangita’s Recipe Book

For all coconut lovers, an old favourite that is so easy to make.

MAKES 35 SQUARES WHAT YOU WILL NEED 200g icing sugar 200g sweetened condensed milk 250g desiccated coconut 2-4 drops red colouring WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Line a 20cmx30cmx5cm square container with baking paper Sift icing sugar into a mixing bowl and add the condensed milk and desiccated coconut, mix until incorporated.

Divide the mixture equally into two bowls and add the food colouring to one.

Press the white mixture firmly into the base of the container, then follow with the pink mixture on top. Place in the fridge for 2 hours to set.

Remove from the container and cut into roughly 4cm squares.

Enjoy!

EcoFINDS

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ECOFINDS

FOOD &

Compiled by Anthea Campbell

DRINK

Oryx Desert Salt is sourced within the remote, pristine, unpolluted Kalahari Desert. Deep within the desert, lies a vast saltpan where crystal salt is harvested from underground streams running through ancient Dwyka rock formations thought to be 280-300 million years old, and then naturally sun-dried under the hot Kalahari sun.

The result is 100% pure, naturally organic salt.

Because Oryx Desert Salt is free of preservatives, additives and is unprocessed, it retains all its valuable minerals and micro-nutrients, making it a nutritious wholefood. Oryx Desert Salt has a fuller yet softer taste due to all the essential minerals and trace elements that exist naturally in salt, including magnesium, zinc and potassium. It's subtle yet distinctive flavour-profile means less salt is needed for a more enriched taste.

Chefs love using it, they taste the difference!

Refillable glass bottles with long-lasting ceramic grinder heads (so no plastic particles are ground into food!) means customers can refill their grinders over and over by buying value-for-money refill boxes. Refill.

Re-use. Real value.

Available in Dischem, Spar, premium Woolworths stores, Cape Union Mart and selected Pick 'n Pay stores, as well as most health shops and deli's countrywide. http://oryxdesertsalt.co.za/

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African Gold is a premium olive oil is perfect for finishing over meats, vegetables, pasta, and bread but also tame enough for your favourite salad.

This perfectly balanced, medium intensity, extra virgin olive oil has made it's way too many a family braai, potjie pot, or kitchen table. Pressed with love, cured to perfection and inspired by flavour, with an herbaceous taste and just the right peppery finish, every bite embodies the love story of turning olives into oil.

Available at Spar, Checkers or visit www.africangoldoil.co.za

B-well's range of dips is formulated to not only give you the taste that you crave but also the high omega 3 you need. Indulge with your favourite pack of chips The dips are Vegan-friendly, Dairy- & Egg-free and very high in Omega 3. With three amazing flavours Roasted Onion: A smooth, decadent and flavourful roasted onion taste. Perfect as a topping on baked potatoes.

Cajun Chilli: Rich and creamy with an aromatic blend of Cajun flavours with just the right amount of a kick to liven up your favourite crisps.

Cheddar & Chives: Creamy, vegan cheddar cheese taste with a fresh hint of chives. Perfect for dipping our favourite crunchy veggies.

Available at retail outlets.

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ECOFINDS There’s a magical feeling to wood, the artist creation that has been crafted into beautiful wooden boards and spoons. wooden boards are lno onger just a ‘board’ they are used to display food at get together’s adding a touch of rustic wholesome style. We recently discovered the amazing work of Mark Van Heerden from Bark and Grain. These artisan pieces are perfect for any home or gift. Mark uses eco-woods from around the cape for his beautiful designs.

All items are available at https://www.barkandgrain.co.za/

EcoFINDS

KITCHEN LIFESTYLE

HANDCRAFTED Compiled by Anthea Campbell

Get the mediterranean vibe with this gorgeous Mosaic Tile Serving Board R895.00

Set of 4 Hamburger/Tapas Boards - R495.00 Handcrafted Wooden Spoons - Set of 4 with bag. R325.00

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bl e MAKING A DIFFERENCE CORPORATE

RAINING ON Climate Change's P arade

By Thabiso Rulashe

From the Caribbean to the Far East, the increasing intensity of extreme weather events has once again thrust climate change to the forefront of public discussion.

Recently, Hurricane Ida completely wrecked Louisiana's electricity grid in the US, while both Geece and Siberia have struggled to contain wildfires that have had a crippling effect on their local infrastructure.

These events show that the effects of climate change are not just going to be felt in some far distant future by unborn generations. They are being felt now, by the people and businesses of today. As we observed Africa Climate Week (26-29 September), it has never been more important to take stock and examine what we can do to fight it.

THE COST OF CLIMATE CHANGE According to a recent report by Forbes.com, the global cost of climate change could reach as much as $1.3 trillion by the year 2026. That is around R20 trillion in today's value. To put it another way, climate change could gouge more than 10 times 'South Africas national budget, out of economies across the globe. That is just in the short term. In the long term it is estimated that the global economy could be 37% smaller than it would have been if climate change had not existed.

WHAT WE CAN DO We believe it's imperative to focus on publicprivate partnerships going forward. All stakeholders must be committed if we stand any chance of really moving the needle. Here are some examples of ways this is already working: Back in March last year, Santam co-hosted the United Nations Environment Programme Principles of Sustainable Insurance (UNEP PSI) 3rd Annual African Market Event at Victoria

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Falls. The aim of the event was to bring together leaders within the African risk management and insurance ecosystem to share experiences and ideas that can grow a resilient, sustainable, responsible, and profitable African insurance sector.

Santam Group, together with CENFRI, FSDAfrica, UKAid and InsuResilience, also conducted a climate risk brainstorming work shop for underwriters, climate and risk data experts, development partners and city governments to focus on how to address flood risk in urban cities.

Santam Group also co-hosted the Climate Change Community of Practice (COP) with C40 cities representatives and other climate change practitioners to share climate changerelated information and learn about how South African major cities are adapting to climate change.

Through our FutureFit strategy, corporate citizens can embed forward thinking approaches into how we can narrow the risk protection gap and grow the business sustainably in the future. It's critical we're all working towards shared goals.

To help at a more grass roots level, Santam Group has also deployed our resident

ebl meteorologist to equip our clients with the most up-to-date climate data. In fact, in one specific example, we put our resources to work to help several farmers in the pecan nut industry in the Northern Cape. In short, climate change trends in terms of temperature were analysed and that information was presented at an information day at Prieska in the Northern Cape. Roughly 180 farmers attended. The meteorologist also published a number of weekly short climaterelated communications and held several radio talks. This is a prime example of how companies can put their resources to use on a much more tangible scale.

Our Partnership for Risk and Resilience (P4RR) programme helps municipalities develop floods and fire disaster resilience through a range of pragmatic preventive measures. The programme has empowered 58 municipalities through improved disaster preparedness, via training and resources.

Through our P4RR, we partnered with CSIR to pilot the Green Book in municipalities that were most at risk of being severely impacted by climate issues.

FOLLOW THE (GREEN) MONEY Perhaps one of the most impactful methods of combatting climate change lies in green financing, which is essentially the practice of investing in sustainable and green businesses. According to Deloitte almost 400 investors, representing more than US$35 trillion in assets under management (AUM), have signed the Climate Action 100+ initiative, which is committed to pressurising the largest corporate greenhouse gas emitters to “curb emissions, improve governance and strengthen climate-related financial disclosures”.

The point is that climate change and the risks it poses cannot be done on the state level alone. It is critical that members of the private sector involve themselves as best they can in order to help mitigate or potentially avert a climate disaster.

In a similar vein, the Santam Resilient Fund (SRI), targets investments in companies that address environmental, social or governance needs. To date, the fund has focused largely on investment opportunities that promote clean/green and affordable energy and, as of 31 December 2020 it amounted to R125 million. The fund is managed by Sanlam Investments.

WHERE TO FROM HERE It is imperative that all sectors of broader society find ways to reduce their environmental impact if we want to put ourselves in the best position to fight climate change. No matter how small every action counts and if we all start somewhere, we can build a better future for everyone.

A recent BBC.com article reported that 56% of young people believe that the world is doomed by climate change. That does not have to be the case. Many scientists across the globe are still convinced that there is still time to avert disaster. Moreover, none of mankind's most enduring accomplishments came from resigning ourselves to our fate.

Another tool that will help map and track various climate trends over the coming years is the Green Book. Launched by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Green Book is a state-of-the-art online climate risk assessment tool that allows municipalities across the country to assess climate risks and growth pressures up until the year 2050.

Santam, along with countless others, is rolling up their sleeves and joining in the fight to save our planet. If we all fight together, there is no telling just how much we could win.

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bl e PET CORNER PHOTO GALLERY

WE FOUND LOVE AND OURF

ever H

e

Barking paw-nnoucement we would love to see photo’s of your adopted/rescued fur-babies with a little snippet about them.

Compiled by Princess Pixie Meow

My name is Pixie, but really like to be know as Princess Pixie.

I am a rescue meow, I was found in an alleyway in some backstreet at the age of two weeks. My hooman mom gave me a new life, she protected me against the elements, gang life from living on the street. I shudder to think where I would be if it wasn’t for her.

I have a brother and sister woofels which were adopted from a rescue kennel. They had to first check out whether they would adapt to a kitty-cat that’s right ...me. It was hard for me at first but one day it all just fell into place and we are all so happy. All the love I got from mom and dad I knew I could let them share.

I have convinced my mom to look at eco pet-care and let me create a photo gallery section in the mag for other paws to showcase how much love and appreciation they too feel for finding their forever home.

I am Kayla, and this is my brother Oliver. We were at Dog Town for a long time until I laid eyes on my hooman future dad.

We locked eyes, we connected and the rest is history. We got the wonderful news that we were adopted by hooman parents. We could not contain ourselves to finally find our forever home and to feel wanted and loved again.

We are so loved, we get lots of hugs, head scratches, belly rubs, treats, yummy nom-noms and one of the best things is that I have a favourite toy. Twice a week mom takes us for ride in her car which is so awesome, we can’t wait to get into the back of the car, it’s so exciting. Dad loves to tell Ollie that he is such a handsome boy and that I am so beautiful. We smile all the time.

The thing with Ollie, as mom and dad call him is that he hates storms and loud noises around him. Thank goodness mom makes sure he is always okay. We have a meow sister Princess Pixie who is the best and is running this photo gallery. We love her even when she chases us.

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ebl My name is Beethoven, I am the king of our castle and this is my sister Nikki. We are both Great Danes and were adopted and rescued.

I was adopted from a loving family who could not afford to look after me anymore. I was very sad when this happened, I was adopted by a loving family who heard about my story. I am their boy!

I love being in charge, our home is my domain. Oh and I know that I am a handsome boy even with my funny ball.

My journey is different to Nikki’s, hers was a hard scary one, always having to defend herself under harsh conditions. When she was finally rescued by the folk at the Great Dane rescue shelter they found her to be very neglected and starving. Fortunately my hooman mommy and dad saw her fight and didn't hesitate to take her in, nurturing her to health with plenty of love. My sister is such a gentle giant even after all her hardship.

ADOPT DON’T BUY SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPCA AND ANIMAL SHELTERS THEY HAVE PLENTY OF DOGS & CATS WHO ARE DESPERATE FOR LOVE & A CARING FOREVER HOME.

We both are so happy and we get to spend time with our two sisters who are also rescue furries.

Send in your photo’s and stories to advertising@ecobalancelifestyle.com

https://nspca.co.za

ebl FINANCE MANAGEMENT

Nothing To Celebrate’ EVEN AS GENDER GAP NARROWS BY SOME MEASURES The 10X Investments South African Retirement Reality Report 2021 (RRR21) shows that the gender gap in retirement preparedness was narrowing by at least one measure but, overall, there is nothing to celebrate, says Ishani Khoosal-Kala, 10X's Head of Employee Benefits, Corporate Distribution. “The odd small change in the size of the gap reflects a deterioration in the status quo for men rather than an improvement for women.”

“Things are looking uniformly bleak for both men and women on almost all measures,” she said, with “the pandemic adding to an extremely challenging financial situation for many South Africans”.

described themselves as doing very well financially (4% compared with 2%), this year, the gap has closed but only because the proportion of men declined to 2% (where it has remained for women).

The RRR21 was released on October 4. 10X's fourth annual report is based on findings of the 2021 Brand Atlas Survey, which tracks the lifestyles of 15 million economically active South Africans (those living in house-holds with a monthly income of more than R8,000). The data are weighted to reflect the profile of this group as defined by Unisa's Bureau of Marketing Research in their 2019 Household Income and Expenditure report.

Khoosal-Kala said: “The report confirms what most South Africans know: that women are worse off than their male compatriots according to almost all measures.”

In the survey, 80% of men reported that were not doing well financially or were unsure how they were doing, compared with 79% of women.

Compared to last year, the deterioration for men (2020: 69%) was more severe than for women (75%). The 11-percentage point decline for men underlines the difficult economic conditions in South Africa.

“So you see the gap is narrowing on some measures, but for the wrong reason,” said KhoosalKala.

Whereas last year twice as many men as women

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The RRR21 notes: “The gender disadvantage starts at birth, is often magnified through education and peaks during working life (more so if a woman's career is interrupted by pregnancy and the raising of children).

All these inequalities compound and carry over into retirement.”

The report points to various statistics from Statistics SA, such as girls being more likely than boys (17,1% versus 0,3%) to offer “family commitment” as a reason for not attending school, and women earning approximately 30% less than their male counterparts on average. It also notes that women have a higher life expectancy than men, meaning they require a relatively bigger retirement savings pot than their male counterparts.

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“We know that things can be especially tough for women and girls in South Africa,” said Khoosal-Kala.

“Our society's cracks have been very badly exposed and deepened by COVID-19, with a number of studies showing how society's most vulnerable, women, in particular, have borne the brunt of the economic pain during the past 18 months.”

This year's Retirement Reality Report shows that the proportion of women who say they don't have a retirement savings plan at all continues to tick up: 54% of women this year (up from 53% last year and 51% the year before that) compared with men at 46% (up from 45% last year).

“As South Africa recovers and rebuilds, we have to find a way to narrow the gap between the genders at every stage of life. In the struggle for gender equality, it is important that we do not forget old age, when many women find themselves heavily dependent on the kindness of others, a truly dis-empowering way to spend your so-called 'golden years'.”

“I wish there was something to celebrate but there is not. The truth is that this situation is not going to fix itself. We all have a part to play in resolving this crisis,” said Khoosal-Kala.

Click here to download the full 2021 Retirement Reality Report.

The content herein is provided as general information. It is not intended as nor does it constitute financial, tax, legal, investment, or other advice. 10X Investments is an authorised FSP (number 28250)

ebl Sean Williams with a local child who eagerly helped on clean-up day. A future eco-warrior.

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bl e MAKING A DIFFERENCE PROFILE

A Man On A Mi

i

By Anthea Campbell

In the early part of 2020 before the pandemic and when things were a little different we had the pleasure of meeting Sean Williams a true eco warrior. Sean is a man on a mission, who is making a difference wherever he goes, be it school talks, clean-ups, his message is still the same and with purpose. We catch up with Sean to see how things have changed in his life and what he is up to.

EBL: YOU HAVE HADE SO MANY MILESTONES IN YOUR LIFE, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? SEAN: Well, that is a hard question to answer as I have done so much in my life, but the most important one is starting this Live Life Always Initiative in September of 2020. I am a complex but very passionate person and I believe in showing kindness, determination and consistency, we can change the world. I believe my journey on this planet won't be as long as most, but it will be filled with many footprints in the sand, leaving behind a legacy and hopefully a cleaner and kinder planet. I know that Mother Earth is in dire need of attention and I have taken up the offer to help her as much as I humanly can.

EBL: DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS AN ECO WARRIOR AND WHY? SEAN: absolutely, because I put the planet first and ourselves second.

BL: WHAT WAS THE DEFINING LIGHT BULB MOMENT THAT CHANGED THE PATH THAT YOU ARE ON NOW? SEAN: I worked in a rehabilitation centre for injured Turtles in the Maldives for one month and saw the carnage that “ghost rope” did to the marine life and how badly polluted the island are all around the Maldives, strewn with plastic bottles, nappies, lighters, straws, bags and so many other harmful plastics. ecobalancelifestyle.com 117

I then decided to come home and start really concentrating on cleaning up, at that stage Lonehill, then it moved onto Fourways, eventually we did many suburbs, around the Northern Suburbs and also rivers across Johannesburg and two major township clean ups in Alexandra and Diepsloot. I have now moved to Zanzibar and really making a strong message about their HUGE waste problem on this island.

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EBL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR INITIATIVE? SEAN: The initiative is about education, where I have done as many as forty five talks to schools all around SA and now three in Zanzibar, bring light and awareness of the impact single use plastics and dumping is having on our environment and the oceans.

EBL: I AM SURE YOU HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE AN INTERESTING JOURNEY, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR NUMBER ONE ACHIEVEMENT? SEAN: My number one achievement is I am changing peoples lives every day and making people aware of what I happening to our planet, even though it is right in front of our eyes. Seeing the light go on, in so many people's eyes once they have spoken to me and their lives are changed to join the mission of saving our precious planet.

EBL: ARE COMPANY'S STARTING TO COME ON BOARD WITH YOUR HARD ENERGISED WORK THAT YOU DO? SEAN: Not really to be honest, but we have recently had Kaefer Foundation, from Germany come on board and donate around Second is employment and trying to give R16k a month, which is stunning but we need many disadvantaged people around Johannesaround R50k a month to keep 10 people burg and Zanzibar, by getting community employed and this is excluding myself. We funding to help create jobs for people to clean also receive R6500 from Fourways Crossing up the beaches, villages and cities. and a wonderful Lady named Michy Mish, who donates food and R2500 a month. We are Third and most important is trying to save this around R25k short of our target and it is very beautiful planet, from complete human Greed stressful most times, trying to figure out, how and lack of ethics and Morals, about caring for I am going to keep this initiative alive, but HOME we all share as living beings. a year and an half later, we are still going, EBL: YOU HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED which makes my heart so full.

IN MAKING FURNITURE, BINS FROM ECOEBL: HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTACT AND BRICKS IS THIS STILL YOUR PASSION? DID FOLLOW YOU? YOU RESEARCH HOW TO MAKE YOUR SEAN: They can follow Live Life Always on PRODUCTS? FaceBook or my personal page Sean Williams.

SEAN: Well the bins are mostly made from Instagram Sean71_lvlife or, email me on bricks, cements and sand and we have placed sean@swtrust.co.za 2 – 3 ecobricks on the bin to create awareness Photos in article supplied by Sean Williams and uniqueness for Live Life Always. We are currently on bin ninety eight and will reach our goal of hundred, within the next two weeks, (at time of publication goal reached) which is an incredible achievement, considering I have had ZERO support from local and national government in SA

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“Without the oceans there would be no life on Earth.”

Peter Benchley

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“Water and air, the two essential fluids on which all life depends, have become global garbage cans.”

Jacque Yves

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bl e TRAVEL SINGITA SWENI LODGE

COVER STORY ECO-TOURISM

A Riverine Oasis IN THE HEART OF THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Compiled By Anthea Campbell

Singita is a conservation and eco-tourism brand that has been helping to preserve Africa's wildlife and wilderness for the past 27 years, offering guests exceptional safari experiences at 15 luxury, award-winning lodges and camps across four countries. In partnership with non-profit Funds & Trusts who implement strategic conservation projects in each region. Singita's 100-year purpose is to preserve and protect large parts of African wilderness for future generations. In this article we explore Singita’s beautiful Sweni Lodge.

Tucked into the banks of the Sweni River, this intimate lodge is a hidden jewel that provides a bold, new African context in it’s contemporary design, sustainable architecture, and gourmet cuisine. A lodge that is proud to be solar powered.

The raw untouched landscape with it’s astonishing concentration of wildlife offers eco-conscious travellers the perfect safari escape.

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Guests have private access to 33,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, ensuring unforgettable game viewing experiences.

With the lodge’s proximity to the river, guests are also treated to upclose sightings of numerous animals and birds frequenting the area to drink or wallow in the water.

You will find glamour and a subtle sophistication with the seven suites hidden among a canopy of trees, each featuring open-plan interiors.

An outdoor sleep-out and outdoor shower adds to the feeling of being enveloped by an ancient forest.

Wake up to the peace and tranquillity of the bush after experiencing the magic of sleeping under the stars, and the wonderful calls of the wild.

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Take a relaxing bath whilst overlooking the lazy Sweni River

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Each suite at Sweni Lodge is breathtaking in its design and luxury whilst offering guests a unique opportunity being close to nature.

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The beautiful guest area and fireside seating is an idyllic place to gather or enjoy taking a dip in the main pool

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Indulge in hearty, healthy breakfast and farm-to-table meals at Sweni Lodge, with a complete focus on locally sourced, sustainable fresh produce. Meet the chefs in the interactive kitchen just steps away.

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Sigita is committed to fighting and preserving the environment, through their various programs in fauna and flora.

The Lion Recovery Fund they do the most incredible work to save lions in Africa. 154 projects in 21 countries!!!!

DID YOU KNOW Lions are also listed as vulnerable species, we have lost 50% of wild lions in 25 years, and they plan to double the populations by 2050. Singita helps draw awareness to their cause…. www.lionrecoveryfund.org

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To book your luxury adventure visit Singita

All photos in this article credit-Singita

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“To preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations” Singita's 100 Year Purpose

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CONSERVATION MAKING A DIFFERENCE ECO-TOURISM

Critically Endangered SOUTHERN BLACK RHINO Compiled By Anthea Campbell

Critically endangered southern black rhino were recently relocated to Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) in the south-eastern region of Zimbabwe. This groundbreaking relocation was conducted by the non-profit Malilangwe Trust, in partnership with the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, and is another critical conservation intervention to re-establish a new viable population in the Park. A collaborative effort between private and public enterprises, it took over nine years to plan, and it's an ambitious attempt to save the species from extinction in this region. The last black rhino was poached in GNP in 1994.

Fueled by lucrative illegal poaching, rhino populations in Gonarezhou NP have been decimated twice – between the 1930s and 1940s, and again in 1994. The relocation and protection of this founder population is therefore critical to the genetic diversity and future survival of the species, which is not only listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, but also a 'specially protected species' under the Parks and Wildlife Act in Zimbabwe. Reintroducing this megaherbivore to the landscape also restores part of the ecosystem and is based on extensive habitat assessments, and training of the security teams.

There is immense domestic pride in re-establishing a new viable population in the national park, as Shangaan culture identifies a black rhino as a symbol of power and trust.

The arrival of rhino in Gonarezhou NP also signifies a return of the Big Five – which is a major drawcard for ecotourism.

The rhino were carefully selected by age, social behaviour and genetic composition, and are of extreme value to the existing gene pool. They were moved to Gonarezhou NP by road, under the expert care of wildlife veterinarians and ecologists, and remained in a holding boma for a

few weeks to adjust before being successfully released into the wild, where they are tracked, monitored, and protected by anti-poaching scouts 24/7. Monitoring teams constantly use body scoring metrics to assess the success of adaptation to browsing, the new environment and contact with dominant bulls.

Strong partnerships between non-profit trusts, like The Malilangwe Trust, government, national parks and local communities, are crucial for conservation in the future. Mark Saunders, Executive Director of The Malilangwe Trust, says, "We wanted this to be a major success for the long-term, which will take a huge amount of responsibility, but we are also excited to watch the process. It has always been our dream to be a reservoir of rhino to other areas to establish healthy breeding populations, and we knew we were part of something fantastic here."

Singita's high-volume, low-impact tourism model, pioneered 27 years ago, helps achieve conservation goals such as wildlife reintroductions. Attracting like-minded guests and donors who believe in Singita's long-term conservation vision, along with sustainable ecotourism, is critical to protecting Africa's ecobalancelifestyle.com

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most vulnerable species and landscapes.

Since 1994, The Malilangwe Trust has been conserving 50,000 hectares of wildlife reserve comprising diverse ecosystems; protecting fauna and 19 free-ranging large mammal species; leveraging Malilangwe's natural assets and human capital, to deliver a profitable and eco-tourism model whilst delivering value to the neighbouring communities.

The far-reaching work that Singita supports through its independent not-for-profit funds and trusts has helped animal populations across four countries in Africa rebound and grow dramatically, turning these game reserves into the ultimate conservation success stories.

Guests can support The Malilangwe Trust's critically important conservation projects.

To donate, click here: https://singita.com/conservation/projects/rhinoconservation

The Malilangwe Trust is a wholly Zimbabwean non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental conservation and committed to the development of lives in our local communities. Since 1994 it has been integrating conservation and community development by pioneering science-based protection and reintroduction of wildlife, alongside community programmes that educate and support future generations. www.malilangwe.org

All photo’s in this article credit-Singita

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The Gonarezhou Conservation Trust (GCT) was Established in 2017, for the conservation and management of the Gonarezhou National Park (GNP), Zimbabwe’s second largest park.

The Trust is an innovative conservation partnership founded by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society and mandated with the protection and development of the Gonarezhou National Park for 20 years. The focus of the GCT is on the ecological, social and economic sustainability of GNP and the role of the park in the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.

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A dedicated team ensuring the safety of a black rhino.

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CONSERVATION

PROFILE

C

serv i THROUGH THE LENS ROSS COUPER, SINGITA RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHER

By Anthea Campbell Photo Credits Singita/ Ross Couper

We chat to the talented award winning photographer Ross Couper about his love for the bush, the wild and conservation. It’s through his stunning photographs and videos he is able to tell a story of the magnificence of what the bush offers.

EBL: TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF? ROSS: I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in a national park where my father worked as a Park Warden for the National Parks Board for several years. I was fortunate to be exposed to wildlife at an early age and this was a catalyst for my love of wildlife today. Due to the remote area I grew up in, the limited schooling entailed listening to a teacher broadcasting the lesson on a radio frequency. On the days when there was no signal, my mother would encourage me to get out a pen and paper and draw. And so, the bush was my entertainment.

EBL: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CHOOSE PHOTOGRAPHY? ROSS: I pursued my love of wildlife and I studied to become a field guide (ranger). As I have a strong background in art, I was paying for my tuition by selling my animal pencil sketches at the local market but became frustrated with the slow pace of sketching and selling my art.

My wife bought me a camera as an impromptu Christmas gift and that shifted my focus to a different form of artistic development. I am extremely fortunate to have both my passions encompassed in a career.

EBL: YOUR LOVE FOR THE BUSH AND PHOTOGRAPHY SHOWS IN YOUR INCREDIBLE PHOTOS, HAVE YOU COMBINDED THESE TO BECOME A QUALIFIED GUIDE? ROSS: I loved guiding. It was the perfect opportunity to share my passion for the bush with guests and it was truly rewarding.

As an artist, photography was secondary. I would spend early mornings guiding and return to the bush around midday to hone my photographic skills, but more importantly, I just wanted to be out in the wilderness, away from a desk. I was fortunate that it coincided with the rise of online platforms in the marketing space and the growing need for imagery for storytelling. I transitioned from guiding into a full-time role in the Singita Marketing team in early 2020.

EBL: WHAT CAME FIRST- BEING A GUIDE OR PHOTOGRAPHY? ROSS: I was in a field guide at Singita for eight years. A strong drive to be outdoors all the time was my true calling. Later, there was an opportunity to submit content consistently and then my photographic skills grew with more exposure. It was a learning curve, but ecobalancelifestyle.com

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ebl “Being able to share the serenity of Africa through imagery of wildlife and open spaces, shows the true beauty of the continent. What it offers humbles the spirit and touches the soul – the photographs simply embrace a moment in time in Africa. Now, more than ever, unspoiled wild, open spaces should be a bucketlist for everyone, as they are rapidly disappearing.”

Ross Couper

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challenges are good, once you learn from a mistake in photography, you never forget it… and yes, I have left my memory cards behind (early in my career), and it has never happened again! Especially in the bush, where you literally never know what's going to happen next.

EBL: ARE YOU DRIVEN TO BRING AWARENESS THROUGH THE LENS ON THE FLIGHT OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE? ROSS: Yes, I can showcase the beauty of various species widely, which highlights the plight of (critically) endangered species.

I think subconsciously the story and the image creates an emotional connection with the tragic realisation that a species (such as lion or rhino) could actually be lost within their lifetime – and we can't allow that to happen.

These types of social media posts tend to have a profound impact and they become a conversation that drives more focus towards the plight of the species and a willingness to assist somehow.

For example, we have used stories to highlight the incredible work of Singita's conservation partner – Singita Lowveld Trust in South Africa – and its successful canine anti-poaching unit in the Sabi Sand. We used the opportunity to raise funds for the anti-poaching team, and this was so fulfilling.

See more: https://vimeo.com/468537533 I have worked with various NGOs to help them raise funds for conservation efforts of some of the most vulnerable species in Africa.

In the Sabi Sand, where I am based, with one of the highest densities of leopards (12 leopard per 100 square kilometres), I feel privileged to photograph so many regal leopards and document their incredible journeys from cubs to adulthood. As field guides, we also contribute to Panthera's long-standing study of leopards in the area. Panthera, another conservation partner, has various programmes dedicated to the study and conservation of leopards. ecobalancelifestyle.com

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During 2020, 394 rhino were poached for their horn in South Africa.

This is 33% less than the 594 killed in 2019, and marks the sixth year that rhino poaching has continued to decrease in South Africa.

Source: environment.gov.za

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ebl The Sabi Sand Leopard Project includes data collection and creating life histories dating as far back as the 1970s. At the moment, we collect leopard scat for Panthera's exciting DNA analysis. It's never boring!

While it may seem easy to spot leopards in this region of the Kruger Park, the truth is that they are on the brink of serious threat – there are likely fewer than 5 000 leopards remaining in South Africa and their numbers decline annually at an alarming rate. This is just one example of what drives me to do the work I do.

EBL: WITH YOUR LINE OF WORK HAVE YOU COME ACROSS AND CAPTURED THE DEVASTION THAT THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS HAVING ON OUR ENVIRONMENT? ROSS: During my ten years as a guide and photographer in various Singita regions, I've witnessed a severe drought in 2016. Given the impact of the drought, it took several years for the area, and the animals, such as hippo and buffalo, to recover.

With a change in weather patterns, summers have certainly become much hotter, and winters are seemingly shorter than previous years. The changes seem small at present, however when you review the statistics over a longer period, it's evident that there is a shift in environmental patterns. It's just not fast enough to see the difference in real time.

Travel, like all industries, contributes to the world's carbon emissions. It's amazing to work for a company, such as Singita, which is fiercely committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and emissions and has long-term sustainability goals and has the 'One Planet Living' framework as a guiding light. On 1 August, we introduced a carbon-offsetting levy for all guests as another way to make a difference.

EBL: HOW DID YOU LAND UP BEING RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHER AT SINGITA? ROSS: When I was on leave, I used to day dream about returning to the only place I wanted to be. So, I would often forfeit my time off to stay in the bush. I used my time to explore the wilderness areas and capture imagery that showcased the best of Singita. It was evident that my photos were required more and more, and for a few years, I split my time guiding and creating content for Singita's Marketing team. At the beginning of 2020, I assumed a full-time role within the Marketing Department and was fortunate to team up with my wife, as content creators for Singita.

Lindsay does a lot of the editing and videos.

The Resident Photographer title was an idea at first, however it has become steadfast.

In fact, during the first global Covid lockdown, while we were at the lodge, the Marketing team and I very quickly created a series of live game drives from the Sabi Sand, broadcast live across the world on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We also posted virtual game -drives and recorded sounds from the bush for Soundcloud. This brought comfort to many people who were stuck at home in the city. We will never forget the reaction and comments we received during those live game drives.

EBL: I AM SURE YOU HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE AN INTERESTING JOURNEY, WITH LEARNING CURVES AND TRIUMPHS. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT AND WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE TRIUMPH? ROSS: As a self-taught photographer, it has certainly been a learning curve. Initially, I started my photographic career with Singita, as a wildlife photographer, but I have since moved into all genres of photography and videography such as staff portraits, drone footage or Go Pros hidden in animal dung and near waterholes! https://vimeo.com/413098371

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“People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beutiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.”

David Attenborough

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ebl Fortunately working with my wife has been incredibly helpful as her insight into editing all media has been a recipe to our success.

EBL: DID YOU GO ON A SPECIALISED COURSE TO LEARN ANY NEW SKILLS OR DID YOU LEARN AS YOU WENT ALONG? ROSS: Reluctantly, I've spent hours behind a computer learning new skills, scrolling through YouTube photographic tutorials. The best form of learning is by diving into the deep end.

Unfortunately, in photography it can be a costly learning curve as you may only have one opportunity to capture an image with the perfect light or vantage point. It's been a position to learn-as-you-go and masterfully set your mind to achieving the best results - with the goals of always getting better.

EBL: WHAT ADVISE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

ROSS: Create a workflow and be consistent with the quality of imagery. It will save you a lot of time working with thousands of images and hard drives all over the place. Trying to find a specific image will be nightmare until you have mastered a workflow with keywords on all your images. I only discovered this very late in my career and never used keywords, categories or filed my photographs properly.

Needless to say, I need a lot more time - with over 250,000 in my current catalogue library – I now know why I spend so much time in the bush!

EBL: WHERE CAN CUSTOMERS BUY YOUR STUNNING WORK? ROSS: Singita's online Boutique & Gallery have my images framed and are available for purchase, shipped anywhere in the world. www.singitastores.com or at all Singita Boutique & Gallery stores at each lodge.

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CRAFT RE-PURPOSE

Repurpose An Old CUPBOARD INTO A COFFEE STATION

By Delia Vipond

This is a delightful project, taking something old and turning it into something beautiful and functional. I have re-purposed two different cupboards, this one and a lovely drinks cupboard / cabinet for my husband which he loves. Everyone who comes to our home always comments on these cupboards because of the story that I have created. This was a fun project as it developed into something.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED Old cupboard 2 Wooden cubes Chalk paint Battery fairy lights Serviettes Lamp (optional) Cup hooks Glue gun Meat hooks Sandpaper Tiles -various mosaic to help create a story Matt varnih Door knobs (from Poetry their selection is irresistible) Paint brush HOW TO MAKE I chose to remove the two doors off our new coffee station, (I did not take the doors off the drinks cabinet for my hubby) Drill a hole in the backboard for the lamp. Clean the cupboard inside and out. Sand it down, once this has been done use a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Once all this has been done, I decided to colour block the cupboard with different colours.

I then re-purposed two old wooden cubes, painted them which I used to put my recipe books in.

On the inside of the door I used some pretty serviettes which I decoupaged onto it. I then varnished over them.

Next, screw in your cup hooks, take the fairy lights and winde around the hanging cloths rod.

The mosaic tiles I glued onto the back of the cupboard which created a fun colourful story element.

Have fun with decorating and if you want to change up the handles find something that will add to the interest of your new creation! ecobalancelifestyle.com

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CRAFT PROJECT

Repurpose Old Jars

By Anthea Campbell

Here is a fun way to re-purpose old jars, it’s a great project to get the whole family involved with. This make for a great idea for flowers, stationary, sweets & can also be made for a gift.

YOU WILL NEED: old jar twine glue gun

Photo Credit-melanie-these-_11LCdh3IcY-unsplash

WHAT TO DO: Make sure that your jar is clean and dry.

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Take your twine and start at the top below the neck of the jar, secure your twine with hot glue from your glue gun.

Slowly wrap the jar with the twine until you get to the bottom, keep adding drops of glue with each row.

Once you get the bottom make sure that the rows are tight and secured.

To add a little interest, tie a charm onto a piece of twine around the neck of your jar.

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Strik

g!

Look in your garden to create lovely name tags for the table or gift tags.

Your garden is a treasure trove for making beautiful wreathes.

By Anthea Campbell

Make a beautiful wreath using eucalyptus stems.

The wreath can be placed on a door, a wall or used as part of a centre piece for a special occasion.

Brig

te

Make a simple table placement card or gift tag with a stem with leaves or simply use a flower. ecobalancelifestyle.com

Photo Credit - georgia-de-lotz-rTFwYeWGU-8-unsplash & helena-hertz-wWZzXlDpMog-unsplash

Simple, Y

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Cover Photo Credit Singita/ Ross Couper