Life in balance issue 4

life in balance

your monthly green solution to natural & eco-friendly living your free copy

ISSUE 4 A pril / M ay 09

02

news & innovations recycling cans, green printing i nvest i ga ted

04

design & living eRea ct – ca bi net po l i cy fo r cl i m a te cha nge, m et a l cra f t

06

special feature green vehicles, architecture – energy wo r ks, eco m o

08

travel & living t ra nsi t i o n towns, eco l o dges, wi l d do gs a nd cheet a hs census

10

food & drinks t he green chef, va ni l l a spi ce, m i cro brewer i es & f ree beer

12

wellness pro duct upda tes, j i n si n j i tsu, avo i di ng bur n o ut

14

art & books wire art, top eco reads, events ca l enda r, cl a ssi f i eds

This issue proudly sponsored by...

02 news

welcome

it’s election month and the environment is not being touted as a key concern of the ruling party. thankfully however there are committed party members in parliament doing their bit to get climate change issues put on the agenda and our new columnist (pg4) will be keeping you updated each month as to the progress of renewable energy legislation. the state of our environment is a political issue as it directly affects the economy and living conditions. what are the options to reduce our carbon emissions? the eagerly awaited electric car is one as well as smarter ways of utilising local resources. transition towns are actively collaborating to utilise their community power to create hubs of service delivery. architects are designing buildings that are carbon neutral and able to operate off the grid (pg7) and travel expeditions are actively assessing what impact their exploration has on the environment they are visiting. this is all good news. not so good news is Martinus van schalkwyk’s declaration that it will take three years for sa to develop an effective carbon reduction programme. why, when we have an abundance sunshine, wind and technology ready to create renewable energy sources? and why is nuclear energy even on the cards? it costs too much, there is no solution to the waste it generates and it will not create work for the unemployed. it’s time our leaders tackled climate change issues as seriously as the impact that it will have on all of us. melissa@lifeinbalance.co.za

our contributors eric Mair is a renewable energy and energy efficiency consultant working in the small business and domestic market. nan haMilTon practises Jin shin Jyutsu and works with osho deep tissue rebalancing Massage in cape town.

Jean nel, our new green chef, teaches at the pick and pay cooking school and believes life is too short to eat bad food. paTrick schofield, founder of streetwires & winner of the ernst & young/schwab social entrepreneur of south africa 2008/09 is passionate about what it means to be african. richard asher golf-mad capetonian, meat lover whose regular use of a bicycle gives him much-needed green credentials.

Publisher: Michael beatham 021 702 7640 michael@lifeinbalance.co.za editor: Melissa baird 021 702 7650 melissa@lifeinbalance.co.za assistant editor and subscriptions: Michele beatham 076 270 6658 michele@lifeinbalance.co.za art director: elinore de lisle elinore@iafrica.com Marketing, advertising and distribution: nicky barber 021 702 7650 nicky@lifeinbalance.co.za Production manager: Janine Weaver 021 702 7642 Printing: paarl print

cover photograph “forgotten ride” by elinore de lisle © life in balance is published 11 times a year by green publishing (pty) ltd, Miltons way, 11 bell crescent, westlake business park, 7945 cape town, south africa tel: 021 702 7640 fax: 021 702 7657 all rights reserved. reproduction in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the publishers is strictly prohibited. all prices correct at time of going to press, but subject to change. the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited materials. it is assumed that any images taken from sources which are widely distributed, such as on the internet, are in the public domain.

However, since such images are passed freely between sources such as websites, the original source is not always possible to trace. it is possible that copyrighted material has ended up being treated as public domain as a result. if you see a graphic or image in this publication which is not public domain please contact green publishing.

south africa calling…

Early March saw our editorial director, Melissa, interviewed for RSG (Radio Sonder Grense) by Christine Wessels. We could not have anticipated the incredibly positive response. Hundreds of emails, calls and messages arrived from listeners throughout South Africa, from urban, suburban and rural areas in all nine provinces. A month later, we are still receiving requests for subscriptions from RSG listeners, over and above our usual requests.

A warm welcome to our new subscribers and thank you to Christine Wessels of RSG.

event review

earth hour 2009

In the lead-up to Earth Hour, cyberspace was abuzz with heated discussion as to its value.

Sceptics cited emissions from candles (did anyone light 40 candles for every 40watt bulb they switched off?) and the possible power surge at 9:30pm, while a few global warming deniers vowed to switch on every light and every appliance in their homes, including their Christmas lights, in protest.

Yet, a quick glance at Earth Hour celebrations around the world reveals that Canada outdid itself by reducing consumption by 15.1%, up from 8% in 2008. Over 1,000,000 people in Russia participated and the Middle East hosted a carbon neutral music concert.

In Greece 50 000 people and 400 businesses took part. Commonwealth Edison’s 3,8 million consumers in Northern Illinois saved 100 megawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to the removal of around 154,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The V&A Waterfront hosted a concert in the dark while in Johannesburg the Soweto Gospel Choir celebrated Earth Hour in Mandela Square. Eskom reports that South Africans saved 400 megawatts, which equates to switching off 4.7 million 60-watt light bulbs, and for every kWh saved we save 1kg of CO2.

From the Chatham Islands, the first to participate, to Hawaii, the last to switch off, Earth Hour saw 4 000 cities and towns in 88 countries dim or switch off non-essential lights for one hour. A remarkable achievement, considering that in 2008, 400 cities and towns participated and in 2007, just 2,2 million residents in Sydney, Australia.

However, Earth Hour was about much more than one hour. It was a global election.

The results will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009, which meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. Without a doubt, people voted for the EARTH.

talking garbage yes we can!

by Michele beathaM

During a recent Cape Town heat wave, I surprised myself by buying a can of carbonated soft drink, something I generally avoid.

With metal a theme for this issue, the empty can became, for a time, a desk ornament.

Did you know it takes 500 years for aluminium to break down? Motive enough to recycle, especially given that beverage, food, paint and aerosol cans are 100% recyclable.

However, I also discovered that recycling a single can is able to power one television set for three hours or a 100-watt light bulb for twenty hours; facts, in my opinion, much cooler than the temporary relief offered by the cold liquid within.

Through the work of non-profit organisations like Collect-a-Can, the recovery rate for cans increased from 18% in 1993 to 70% in 2008, thereby aiding the planet, providing tens of thousands of South Africans with a way to earn a living and raising awareness at all levels, particularly among the youth, as their annual schools’ competitions prove.

In 2007, Collect-a-Can set the Guinness world record for the most number of cans collected from schools in one month. In 2008, they successfully defended their title. The company gives away prizes totalling more than R250 000 annually for total amounts collected, fun can-creations, essays, poetry and more. Proof that recycling nurtures more than just the planet. We CAN make a difference.

For more information call 011 466 2939, email info@collectacan.co.za or visit www.collectacan.co.za

s hot off the Pres – virtual access in keeping with the vision to lessen our impact on natural resources most paper subscriptions will be converted to online subscriptions. however, please let us know if you have less than a 128K connection or no internet service. www.lifeinbalance.co.za

26-28 JUNE ’09 The Coca Cola Dome, JHB

We believe that deciding to be actively involved in South Africa’s original green industry event is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself, for your business and for tomorrow.

The Natural & Organic Products Exhibition provides the widest range of natural and organic products, services, information and practical advice for all your lifestyle, health and green business requirements!

Good for you; good for business; good for tomorrow

THIS YEAR

the Natural & Organic Product Exhibition will be hosted alongside the Women’s Show. This means two shows for

the price of one!

Be part of the green revolution

Call SE Shows & Events for more information: 021 671 0935

our condolences

we extend our heartfelt condolences to the staff of paarl print and their family members after the devastating accident at the press on 17 april.

Thanks To our disTribuTion parTners...

www.naturalandorganic.co.za

PRODUCTS EXHIBITION 2009

advertorial 03

walking the green talk?

The increasing number of environmentally conscious articles and magazines being published, as well as the trend towards ecofriendly products, are a strong reflection of the growing desire of consumers to make green choices in their purchases in an effort to minimise their impact on natural resources.

Yet how many of these publications or marketing materials produced to support sales actually “walk the talk”? What effort is being undertaken to ensure their actual production processes are the most ecologically sustainable available?

We asked the Paarl Media Group, who invested over R50 million in environmentally responsible practices, for some insight into which questions should be asked when selecting a printer to determine if they are genuinely “green” or just “green washing” to get the business?

Copper skins for recycling

Paper recycling system

Pumped inking system

green education Publishers of magazines and marketing management can really bring environmentally sustainable practices to life for their customers through the measures they take in the production of their publications.

Their inclusion of the eco-labels for paper and printing processes can increase the consumers’ awareness of the options available and add to the credibility of the material. Not to mention, reminding the users once they are finished with their publication, to recycle it or donate it on to those who need reading materials.

Quick insight into printing methods

Offset printing is a printing process in which the inked impression is first made on a rubber-covered roller, and then transferred to paper. Web offset printing uses a continuous roll of paper fed through a printing press whereas sheetfed printing uses sheets of paper.

Heatset web offset printing is a printing process in which ink is dried rapidly by forced-air heating. In the alternative method, coldset web offset printing, uncoated newsprint is used and the ink dries more slowly by evaporation. With gravure printing an image is etched on the surface of a copper cylinder, the etched area is filled with ink, which is then rotated transferring the image to the paper with heat again used in the drying process. This allows the very high speed printing of large volume publications Which steps are taken to reduce harmful emissions in the printing process?

Most magazines are printed on heatset web offset presses, except for very high volume publications best suited for the gravure process. During the printing process in both, heat is used for drying the inks on the paper, which results in evaporation of solvents into the air. These can only be eliminated on the web presses by the installation of Regenerative Thermal Oxidisers (RTOs). If the publication is gravure printed then there should be a sound system to recover the fumes from the volatile ink solvent, Toluene, for reuse by the ink manufacturers. Coldset printing is emission free; however, this method is limited to newsprint paper.

Emissions can be even further reduced in the web offset process through the implementation of alcohol free printing. In offset lithography, the dampening system transfers a water-based solution to the printing plate as a way to make the non image areas of the plate ink-repellent. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is the additive of choice in most dampening systems because of the advantages it offers, but is the target of increasingly stringent environmental regulations because it is a volatile organic compound (VOC). The fumes of IPA are toxic and can be irritating without proper ventilation. It has a low flash point resulting in fire and safety hazards in the workplace. Alcohol substitutes are now available which, with the required adjustments, allow presses to run alcohol free without compromising on the quality of delivery.

Volatile alcohols are used in various inks

Five quick questions to ask your printer to measure their eco-credentials

Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser

Toluene recovery system

of Custody (CoC) certified to ensure their clients will be able to apply the FSC mark of certification to products printed on FSC paper.

There is a wide range of environmentally sustainable paper options available to publishers and marketing managers in South Africa.

Do you implement recycling of all waste products?

All waste paper from the printing process should be gathered for recycling. The used plates and gravure copper skins can also be recycled and copper can be recovered from the solution used in the gravure plating process. and other coatings as a solvent to control viscosity and drying characteristics. International ink suppliers spend significant money on Research and Development and have succeeded in developing many ‘Mineral Oil and volatile organic compound (VOC) free offset inks including metallic inks that are based on 100% vegetable oil.

Consumers should not forget to factor in any transport involved in the production process when calculating the carbon footprint involved. Printers that offer a full inhouse service from pre-press to an extensive bindery and finishing facility will cut back your product’s travel requirements as opposed to those that need to outsource these services.

Which sustainable paper options are available?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) reports that each year about 13 million hectares of the world’s forests are lost due to deforestation with one and a half acres of rainforest lost every second. Deforestation of closed tropical rainforests could account for the loss of as many as 100 species a day and deforestation accounts for up to 20% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. This is why plantations are critical for responsible paper production.

A key certification standard, the FSC trademark, serves as an independent international verification that the products printed can be traced back from their point of origin to responsible well managed forestry, controlled and recycled sources. Printers can apply to have their production supply chain FSC Chain

Additional green points

Further environmentally sustainable printing practices include the implementation of a full digital pre-press to eliminate waste chemicals and water and efficient ink systems. Pump inking systems decrease wastage and ink delivered in bulk, reduces transport requirements and impact on landfills.

In South Africa, Paarl Media’s real commitment to printing responsibly is clearly outlined in an official environmental policy, which is readily available on request. The Group acknowledges the importance of preserving the natural resources that sustain all life on the earth for future generations and walk their talk through their substantial investment and implementation of more ecologically sound business practices across all their plants nationally, including proactively managing production efficiency, energy and water consumption, emissions and waste reduction.

Paarl Media offers a full range of printing services including gravure, web, sheetfed and coldset. For more information call 021 870 3800, e-mail: info@paarlmedia.co.za or visit www.paarlmedia.co.za.

1. Do you have an official environ mental policy? Ask to see a copy.

2. What do you do to reduce harmful emissions into the air from volatile compounds used in the printing process?

3. How environmentally friendly is the ink system that you use?

4. What recycling do you do of waste products?

5. What environmental certification, if any, does your organisation have?

Paarl Media reduces, re-uses and recycles reduce

The Paarl Media Group led the way in South Africa in 2005 by installing centralised Regenerative Thermal Oxidisers (RTO’s) to service all web presses in order to eliminate the harmful emissions in line with stringent international standards. All new web presses are fitted with the best available integrated RTO systems. Paarl Gravure has an excellent Toluene extraction system and Paarl Web is the first in the market to currently run 100% alcohol free with Paarl Print offering a full range of green inks. All the Paarl Media plants offer a full inhouse finishing service to reduce transport requirements during the production process. re-use

Energy is recovered from the oxidisation process on web printers to be re-utilised in the drying section; thereby vastly reducing gas consumption, and water is re-used in the Toluene extraction process. recycle

On Paarl Media’s gravure presses, the evaporated ink solvent, Toluene, is recovered and sold back to the ink manufacturers for re-use. The used gravure copper skins from engraved cylinders are recycled and copper is recovered from the excess copper that builds up in the copper sulphate solution used in the plating process. All waste paper generated is recycled with baling facilities in all the major plants.

04 news & innovations

news & innovations eco-font

dutch creative agency sprang has developed a new font called Ecofont specifically designed to extend the life of ink cartridges and toner by using 20 percent less ink than traditional fonts. based on the sans serif verdana, making it ideal for personal and business use, the free, downloadable font is available for windows, Mac osX and linux, and works best at a 9- or 10-point size. www.ecofont.eu

food kiosk: even after dark as it is fitted with a small neon light powered by a solar battery.

3. income as a transporter of passengers (even wheelchair-bound), life essentials, consumer goods and general freight.

4. sponsorship. visit www.wheelandwater.co.za electro Joule?

a completely viable electric car has yet to hit the world’s showrooms, but south africa might just be the country to provide the answer. later this year optimal energy

is scheduled to release the first demo of its Joule – a car that runs entirely on electric energy. it’s described by optimal energy boss kobus Meiring as an “urban electric vehicle.” which means it won’t get you from Joburg to cape town without a re-charge, but will be fine as an everyday city runaround. to be precise, it should be able to do a minimum 200km between re-charges: far more than the average urbanite needs each day. the general idea is to plug in the car overnight, something Meiring says will be far cheaper than paying for fuel. He has also calculated that, even considering the burning that goes on at power stations, it will mean far fewer carbon emissions than an internal combustion engine. finally, he believes that overnight charging will not put strain on eskom’s systems; in fact it will use what is currently ‘wasted’ off-peak power. could it be the revolution we’re waiting for? we can’t wait to try it! www.optimalenergy.co.za

corporate Heroes in training

big brands starting to do their bit for making change. audi sa offsets co2 in eKurhuleni

audi sa, in partnership with food & trees for africa, committed to planting one tree for every new audi sold. in february 2009 they distributed a further 440 trees in tembisa. launched during arbour week in 2008, this initiative has resulted in 9 500 fruit trees being planted thus far and 118 unemployed residents trained as community based educators to spread environmental, climate change and greening awareness to the residents of ekurhuleni.

rural uPliftMent

by harnessing animal power to unlock people potential, project ‘wheel and water’ is more than just a ‘self-help’ programme. it is also about creating entrepreneurs and secondary industry. over-and-above basic transport, mobility, solar generated power, cell-phone connectivity, clean water and light - the project “wheel & water” Hapv offers entrepreneurs the following: 1. income as a phone kiosk.

2. income as a fresh (clean) water and

total coMMitMent to school food gardening

ereact puts political differences aside in tHe interest of tHe environMent by lance greyling, MP ereact is an acronym for e-parliament reneweable energy e activists, was first established in November 2006 in an effort to bring together Members of parliament from different political parties but who share the same desire to fight climate change and fast-track the uptake of renewable energy in south africa. although it is currently a small band of parliamentarians, we have been able to record some success by working together in a non-partisan way.

Our first joint action was to put forward a legislative proposal in the name of ruth rabinowitz, which would establish the legal framework for the introduction of renewable energy feed-in tariffs. this would have the effect of opening up the

electricity grid and offering premium prices for electricity that is generated by renewable energy. it would also allow for two-way metering, which means that households that installed solar panels or mini wind turbines could be paid for feeding energy into the grid during the day and would be able to draw energy from the grid during the night.

We managed to get through the first parliamentary hurdle by having the proposal accepted by the committee with the recommendation that an ad-hoc committee be established to finalise the legislation. we have also been greatly encouraged by an announcement by the national energy regulator of south africa of feed-in tariffs that are set at a realistic enough levels to promote the

industry. this represents a huge step forward but as a parliamentary body we will be monitoring its implementation to ensure that Eskom does not find a way of sabotaging the process. we will also be pushing for the inclusion of photovoltaic technology and two-way metering in the second phase of its implementation as this will allow households to also play a part in building a clean energy future. in addition we will also consider whether there needs to be accompanying legislation that can ensure that the financial benefits of such technology can passed on to communities and cooperatives rather than just large businesses. south africa is certainly entering an exciting period where we finally have a chance to harness our abundant natural energy resources so lets get out there and do it! lance is chief Whip of the parliamentary caucus and the national policy convenor. email: lance@id.org.za

the windsor secondary school’s vision of creating a permaculture food garden in its hometown of ladysmith in kwaZulu natal is now a reality, with support from total south africa. Harvesting has started with produce shared amongst the project members and needy learners, and some sold for funds. permaculture food gardening helps alleviate poverty within the school and community. through projects like these, schools are empowered to contribute to the upliftment of families and generate income.

Pizzas with Passion

st. elmo’s are stating their commitment to “eco-wise” and planet-friendly business practices. they use recyclable packaging that are printed with non-toxic inks and aim for water saving by using alien, wood-thirsty woods in their ovens. the pizzas are made using rbst-hormone-free cheese. and when they aren’t making pizzas they go and plant trees. read their full green manifesto at www.stelmos.co.za/goinggreen.htm

design 05

fruitfull

magical iron

Iron first gained its magical reputation when meteorites containing pure iron fell from the sky. This magic metal was used to make simple tools, replacing primitive bone and stone implements.

Iron was manufactured first by the Hindus in the east while Europeans were still using bronze. The magical reputation of iron increased everywhere as native people found bronze weapons useless against the iron swords of invading tribes. Because of the legendary fame of the smith gods and heroes, blacksmiths and farriers were regarded as magicians and their forges endowed with magical significance.

METAL 2009 is an annual New Designer Search pioneered by Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd. Every year, Carrol Boyes invites aspiring designers – no experience or qualifications required – to submit a three-dimensional prototype based on a particular theme.

This year’s theme, ‘FRUITFULL – Design beyond the Bowl’, should inspire the creation of a fresh, functional and original prototype of a fruit bowl. The design needs to be viable for manufacture in aluminium, stainless steel or pewter, but the prototype may be constructed using any medium, eg. wood, ceramic, plastic, wire.

First prize is R50 000 and the possibility of working with the Carrol Boyes team in the design and manufacture of the bowl.

Entries close 30 June 2009.

Superstitions around iron

• Horseshoes are believed to bring good luck and stave off misfortune and are displayed upwards so that their luck won’t run out.

• Iron placed under a pillow at night was thought to improve the immune system.

• A piece of iron buried under the threshold of a house prevents negative influences from entering.

metal man chymera creations Metal Art

Civilisation was forged with the use of iron by skilled blacksmiths. We have come a long way since the first implements were created and now have access to over 50 metals and a range of finishes to complement them. Metal in various forms is used in all aspects of design: from jewellery to building structures and in most elements of our lives.

Charl creates and forges with mild steel, stainless steel, brass and copper, used on their own or combined with each other as well as with wood. From candleholders to staircases and balustrades, Charl prefers to create oneoff unique pieces. Examples of his burglar bars just prove that even if something is practical, it doesn’t have to be plain or ugly.

Contact Charl on 083 651 6287

Source: Ancient Wisdom by Cassandra Easton.

ISBN: 0-75257-428-0

bejewelled

Tiffany Marx Jewellery Design

Feminine and intricate, inspired by nature and unique in their form, we just love the designs that Tiffany Marx is creating for pure and beautiful adornment. Simplicity, balance and a modern influence inspired by Japanese design and elements in nature form the basis for Tiffany’s work.

See www.tiffanymarx.co.za

Entry forms can be downloaded from metal.carrolboyes.co.za. To have an entry form e-mailed to you, please email metal@cbfa.co.za or call 021 424 8263

Sustainable or Green design in building terms refers to a designed space that would have no negative effect on the environment and is achieved by using sustainable or renewable resources.

At bcs we use a structured and informed approach to sustainable design enabling us to create effective, creative and balanced design solution.

Our design process includes design solutions where the spaces responds effectively to local climate and site conditions in order to maximise comfort for the occupants.

Constant investigation into efficient energy solutions.

Implementation of renewable energy methods.

Using low embodied energy products/materials.

corporate | retail | leisure

www.bcsdi.com | 08611bcsdi | info@bcsdi.com a member of

06 design idling at red robots. The Italian firm also offers a ‘Blue & Me’ system, which analyses a driver’s own influence on fuel consumption and emissions – driving style can make a big difference!

Moving further from fuel technology is a car like Volvo’s ReCharge Concept (left), which is more efficient than the Prius in that it can – through individual electric wheel motors – run for 100km on electric power alone.

There’s also the electric Mini E, which is a promising concept from the BMW group, and South Africa’s very own Joule (see pg 4).

But while it’s these last cars that are most promising, it’s not a lot of good until they hit the mass market. The challenge for every company now is to turn their concepts into affordable reality.

driving the green line

by Richard Asher

It’s been interesting to watch the press releases from motor manufacturers dropping into my inbox of late. Almost every week, another car company tells me how its latest technology is a little more eco-friendly or green than their previous efforts – or those of the competition.

This has, on the face of it, got to be good news for the eco-conscious among us. If the manufacturers are now trying to get a green edge on each other rather than trying to eke out more gas-guzzling power from their motors, then competition should dictate that the industry as a whole gets greener.

Of course, as long as most of the world’s cars continue to run on fossil-fuel powered

internal combustion engines, then the car companies still have plenty of work to do.

A technological revolution is needed, and the firm that can come up with a viable, mass-produced, affordable car that runs on an entirely new and eco-friendly power source could be in for a lot of money.

It may be risky to go down an entirely new technological path, but the car companies are beginning to accept that they’ll have to do it at some point. Hence the shift in focus from their marketing and technical people.

Toyota’s Prius, now over a decade old, was among the first real ground-breakers.

This electric hybrid keeps the petrol engine

PSPC [life in balance]march09 2/23/09 5:38 PM Page 1

running time to a minimum, and the 2009 generation even features solar panels to help power the ventilation system. The Prius concept is also found on various Lexus models.

On a far smaller production scale, the Ronn Motor Company in Texas claims its Scorpion, with its Hydrogen Fuel Injection fuel delivery system, improves fuel mileage by up to 40% and reduces CO2 emissions to nearly zero.

Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, is also looking at ways of upping its efficiency, for example its BlueEFFICIENCY special packages that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 12% through aerodynamics, tyres and automatic stop-start functions. In South Africa, this can be seen on the C180 KOMPRESSOR model from this year.

Fiats like the ‘new’ 500 also boast stop-start technology, which cuts down on unnecessary C

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Toyota Prius Fiat 500

Mercedes-Benz Blue Efficiency

architecture 07

the energy works

live, sleep, play, ecomo

come rain or shine, Mcnab’s green building, The energy Works, continues to function. in fact, sunshine and rain are what keep this building running.

architecture and nature are the two guiding principles behind ecomo, an innovative new company based in cape Town.

Rainwater fills the water tanks and the solar panels and photovoltaic cells on the roof generate electricity and heat water, eliminating the need for geysers, one of the biggest electricity guzzlers. It may sound like a rustic eco-friendly farmhouse out in the bush, but is in fact an innovative, first of its kind energy-efficient building in the centre of busy Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Rupert McKerron, founder of McNab’s, believes his work environment should be congruent with the ethos of his brand and that sustainable lifestyles are essential to safeguard the environment and our future in it.

The building was designed to use renewable energy resources and provide positive energy for the building’s inhabitants. Daffonchio Associates Architects, chosen for their design philosophy of energy efficiency, the use of natural light and the way in which proportion and colour affects people’s mood, have created not only a practical building; they’ve created a beautiful environment.

The Energy Works is an interesting mixture of residential accommodation and offices, merging the two realms in a single

area. On the same property are two eco-lofts designed to complement the office space while retaining privacy for the residents.

This trendy upmarket building utilises the most of the natural light with large windows to let light in and dark shutters to keep out the heat of the day and eliminate the need for artificial air-conditioning. Cork flooring and bamboo kitchen fittings, two of the very few truly renewable surfaces, make for interesting textures and surfaces. The building also has open plan boardrooms and offices, a fully functioning kitchen and comfortable areas for staff and visitors to relax, recharge and rebalance. An indigenous, landscaped garden surrounds the building.

“It has been such an amazing process seeing our green building develop and I am thrilled that my dream has finally become a reality,” says McKerron, who is in the process of getting the building officially accredited as ‘green’.

The Energy Works stands proud as a South African leader in sustainable architecture. Call 011 442 5010 or visit www.mcnabs.co.za

Ecomo is devoted to the future of design, exploring innovation in concepts, technology and materials that push architecture towards a sustainable and efficient future. With a passion for design that enhances sustainability in the home, Ecomo‘s attention is focused on objects and spaces that are eco-friendly, multi-purpose and modular.

Each predesigned, prefabricated and customised home offers numerous options in layout, size and finish. The flexible design means it can be situated virtually anywhere and positioned to frame the given natural scenery, dissolving the barrier between interior and exterior. A variety of modular blocks incorporating three components – LIVE, SLEEP & PLAY – means that spaces

can be added, or removed, to adapt to modern living, and budgets.

The homes, designed with an ecoconscience, use mainly renewable sources such as bamboo and wood, with possible additions of solar panels, grey water catchments and double glazed windows to maximize sustainability and environmental integration.

The idea is to create unique living spaces that grow organically with the owners, reflecting and respecting the natural landscape.

The result is beauty, function and ethical minimalism – an ideal design for life.

Contact Pietro Russo on 072 445 9373, email info@ecomohome.com or visit www.ecomohome.com

is your dreaM hoMe a nightMare?

According to greenenergytv.com, environmentalists have confirmed that buildings – from skyscrapers to the family home – rather than transport, are one of the leading contributors to global warming, despite popular misconception to the contrary. nicola douglas, ceo of the green building council of south africa, confirms that while transport accounts for 16% of CO2 emissions, buildings can account for 23%, with energy resources being a main culprit.

08 living

transition towns Restrictions in global and local transportation will mean the transportation of people, goods and services will become very expensive to use, either directly or indirectly. To counteract this we will need to start thinking very locally in terms of skills, food, water and energy supplies, which is where a Transition Town enters the picture. By Eric Mair

The term ‘peak oil’ is not well known and is often misinterpreted to refer to the imminent demise of our oil supply. This is in fact not the case. Peak oil theory warns us that the cheap, easy-to-get-at oil is coming to an end and that what is left is of lower quality and more difficult to extract. This means that production costs will start to increase, which will increase the price of fuel at the pump, this in turn will also increase transportation costs, effecting the price of everything we buy. The increase in the cost of some goods and services will become too expensive for most people to afford.

The reality of climate change is making people more aware of the vital need to address carbon emissions. In essence, there is a range of gasses in the atmosphere which we call greenhouse gasses because they trap some of the heat radiated outwards from the earth, regulating the earth’s atmosphere to within a liveable range of average temperatures (around 15 degrees C). Our problem is that we are producing too much of these greenhouse gasses and the excess gasses are trapping too much heat which is causing the planet to warm up.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead The concept of a warming planet may sound like an attractive proposition for some of us but, for most of the species on the planet, this warming, and specifically the speed of the increase in temperature, is a problem. It is causing weather patterns to change, producing extreme weather conditions globally and changes in local climatic conditions. This directly affects plants and they stop growing so well. For example the wine industry in the Western Cape is already feeling the strain of reduced yields because our weather patterns have changed sufficiently already, affecting the health and wellbeing of the vines.

Changing weather is only one of the problems we are facing. Rising sea levels, increased incidences of diseases such as malaria, typhoid and cholera are others and there are more, with much more far reaching

consequences than I have space to address here. The upshot is that life will soon be quite different for many of us, more so for the rural communities which depend on agriculture and even more so for the indigenous populations across the globe who already live very precarious existences on the very edge of viability. Many of these communities face the very real possibility of not being able to make the adaptations necessary, or quickly enough, to survive.

There is not much we can do about water vapour, it’s not increasing in volume and it only stays in the atmosphere for a few hours, maybe as long as a day. Carbon dioxide is the most common of the rest and, apart from water vapour, has the biggest effect on our climate. It is followed by methane and the other gasses. Carbon Dioxide hangs around for hundreds of years. Mostly it is a result of burning coal and other fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and gas. In South Africa most of our greenhouse gas emissions come from our coal fired power stations.

The problem is that even if we were able to stop all greenhouse gas emissions right now, the gasses already in the atmosphere will continue to cause the temperature to increase, and at current rates we are likely to see a temperature of about 2 degrees higher than the “norm” by the middle of this century. This doesn’t sound like much, but the scientists tell us it will cause many profound changes to plant and animal habitats which will naturally have a knock-on effect in the way in which we all live.

The Transition Town movement acknowledges the need to create localised communities which are as self-reliant as possible, in order to be independent of supplies of essential resources, like food and energy, from outside the community. They call these communities resilient because they are able to withstand shocks from outside the community. The transition from the ‘business as usual’ scenario to resilient self-reliance is what the Transition Towns movement is all about.

We will need to become educated in matters such as renewable energy and rainwater harvesting, permaculture and animal husbandry and re-learn many other skills from the pre-industrial era to enable us to function without as much liquid fuel as we have become used to. We will need to learn to be more creative and less consumptive, living in closed loop communities where nothing is wasted. We demonstrated phenomenal levels of ingenuity and intelligence as we raced up the energy curve over the last 150 years and there’s no reason why we can’t use those qualities, and more, as we negotiate our way down from the peak of the energy mountain. By actively participating in a Transition Town we can create a resource to enable us to

handle these challenges.

If we plan and act now, and use our creativity, this co-operative effort could unleash the genius within our local communities. We can then build a future that could be far more fulfilling and enriching, more connected and gentle on the earth than the lifestyles we have today.

There are over 100 registered Towns and Communities already in transition all over the globe with a further 600 plus in the process of registration.

Visit the Transition Towns website www.transitiontowns.org to see the full list and to find out how you and your community can begin the journey to resilience and self-reliance. Transition South Africa: www.transitiontowns-africa.org Main causes of greenhouse gas emissions:

1) Water vapour, which is water at the stage before it condenses and clouds are formed 2) Carbon dioxide 3) Methane 4) Nitrous oxide

grow your own

clever cleaning

Start growing your own wonderful herbs with this set of three growing tins, including Purple Basil, Flowering Oregano & Chive seeds. Keep them on your windowsill, water them every now and then and you’ll have fresh herbs whenever you need them.

Available for R295 from yuppiechef.co.za

The Enchantrix superb new cleaning range is highly concentrated and only very small quantities need to be used to get great results.

FREE OF: Petrochemicals and other harmful chemicals; colourants, harmful preservatives and synthetic fragrances, Sodium lauryl/ laureth sulphate and Parabens, Propylene, Propylene glycol and mineral oil.

WIN

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travel 09

to eco, or not to eco?

census expedition On the Hunt for Wild Dogs & Cheetahs Wild dogs and Cheetahs are among the rarest of Africa’s large carnivores. Both species, severely impacted by loss of habitat and persecution from man, are on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. As an understanding of population dynamics is essential for the development of sound conservation strategies, a Census Expedition was organised in late January to obtain preliminary information about the distribution of these animals in the Parque Nacional do Limpopo.

Researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust, assisted by intrepid explorer Kingsley Holgate, travelled the entire length of the park to determine whether the animals had been sighted. Fortunately, researchers are able to recognise individuals of both species from their unique coat patterns, thus enabling easy recognition to try establish an estimate of their minimum population numbers.

The outcome was positive, and according

to Harriet Davies-Mostert, Manager of EWT’s Carnivore Conservation Group, the park has the potential to become a carnivore stronghold in the years to come.

Any visitors lucky enough to see Wild Dogs or Cheetah in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park should report sightings to the Census Hotline Number (076 725 5242) or census@ewt.org.za. Visit www.ewt.org.za for more information.

There’s no doubt that “eco-lodge” is the new buzzword, but just how can travellers be sure that the latest, must-visit lodge is indeed dedicated to the principles of eco-tourism rather than merely exploiting the phrase for financial gain? A little research and a few questions can help ensure your lodge of choice meets the criteria. Lodge owners serious about their commitment to the environment and local people should have a written policy with clear and measurable guidelines.

• What percentage of locals are employed and in what capacity; i.e. are any employed in a managerial capacity?

• How many programmes do they have in place in terms of environment protection, rehabilitation or community upliftment?

• Do they subscribe to the three Rs – reduce, re-use, recycle – and how?

• Do they utilise solar power for heating?

• How do they treat waste water?

• Are products and services sourced locally?

• Do they support local culture and customs and offer advice on how guests are able to get involved?

• Do they employ guides from the local communities?

SA in Top 50

National Geographic Adventure recently announced its choice of the Top 50 Eco-lodges worldwide, which included three lodges from South Africa. Congratulations to the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Phinda Private Game Reserve and Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

ecoFriques In 2008, Ian Kingsley and PJ Eilander conducted a remarkable research trip that took them through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Their aim: to lay the groundwork for a travel series – for the international and local markets – to show the positive side of Southern Africa, what local communities are doing to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism, focussing on aspects such as recycling, community development, nature conservation, carbon offsetting and water purification.

They are almost ready to embark on the next phase of their journey – to film the planned 12 or 13-part series. One episode will highlight how, in partnership with Climate Africa, they mapped the carbon footprint of their journey, what measures were implemented to reduce it whilst travelling and what they did to offset the balance, thereby producing Southern Africa’s first carbon neutral travel series.

However, they do require further sponsorship, so if you or your company would be interested in taking part in this project or would like to learn more, contact Ian or PJ of ecoFriques – eco-centric film making and research – on 076 0303 859, info@ecofriques. co.za or visit www.ecofriques.co.za

Amakhala

Game Reserve FTTSA certified FTTSA (Fair Trade Tourism South Africa) certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism based on specific criteria such as ethical business practice, fair wages and working conditions, and respect for human rights, culture and environment.

Amakhala Game Reserve, a unique conservation initiative, has sought to reintroduce animals that once roamed free and re-establish the original flora and fauna. All six of the lodges within the reserve are now FTTSA certified. The lodges, owner managed by the descendents of the original families who arrived with the British settlers in 1820, offer various accommodation options including bush lodges, an historic inn, colonial homesteads and a Settler farmhouse.

For more information call 046 636 2750 or visit www.amakhala.co.za

The original name in fun clothing

New Fall 2 Range in all main stores 2 April TYGER VALLEY V&A WATERFRoNT CAVENDISH SQ CANAL WALK SoMERSET MALL SANDToN EASTGATE CRESTA EPSoM DoWNS WooDLANDS BLVD MENLYN GATEWAY WESTWooD WALMER PARK

Boys & Girls 0-10yrs

10 food

4 tbsp olive oil juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried oregano 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 bay leaf sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 green pepper-seeded-cut into 5cm cubes 1 large baby marrow-cut into 2.5cm thick rounds 4 cocktail tomatoes 1 long, thin eggplant-cut into 2.5cm thick rounds 1 red onion-cut into small wedges 8 large button mushrooms

Jean nel will be cooking up delicious recipes to tantalise your tastebuds every month.

I love spices because of their flavour and sexy textures. They play a central role in how I cook and have stimulating, calmative or balancing effects on the body. My advice is to buy whole spices of the best quality and invest in a good quality pestle and mortar to make your own spice blends.

3 dried birds eye chillies 3 large garlic cloves 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup pureed tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste MeThod To make the harissa- put the chillies, garlic, coriander seeds and cumin in a food processor.

Whizz for 30 seconds, or until roughly ground.

Add the olive oil, tomato puree and tomato paste and whizz for 12-15 seconds or until smooth.

Serve with toasted pita bread and a bowl of natural yogurt on the side. Serves 4 For me the vanilla bean is the queen of spice because it gutsy, tempting and so luscious to cook with. Vanilla beans (pods) grow mainly in Central America, Mexico, Madagascar and Uganda. The beans are picked when immature and sun dried for several months, during which time they ferment and develop their familiar brown, wrinkled appearance and tobacco-like aroma. Pure vanilla extract is the only real substitute for a vanilla bean.

Just be warned-there are many imitations and poor quality flavourings in supermarkets that need to be avoided at all costs. The pure extract is costly but a little goes a long way. vanilla and banana lassi

A Lassi is a refreshing drink in hot weather and can also be used as an after dinner meal to aid digestion. Serves 2.

410g plain organic yoghurt 80ml pouring cream 250ml full-cream organic milk

2 tablespoons caster sugar 1/4 teaspoon natural vanilla extract 2 organic bananas Freshly ground nutmeg and ice-to serve MeThod Place everything except the ice and nutmeg in a blender and blend till smooth.

Half-fill two glasses with ice and pour in the lassi. Sprinkle the nutmeg on top. vanilla dreaMs

vanilla Man imports vanilla pods from Madagascar and uganda and creates all his vanilla products in langebaan along the cape west coast. call 082 8613986 for details

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introducing the green chef

MeThod In a bowl, mix all the oil, lemon juice and dried herbs. Add the garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper.

Add the vegetables, toss well together and leave to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Preheat the barbecue grill or griddled pan.

Thread the vegetables in alternating order on the wooden skewers (soaked in cold water) Grill vegetable skewers, turning them regularly.

Baste with the marinade. Grill, turning often, till cooked. Serves 4

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soil for life build the soil, harvest the plants, feed the people, heal the planet. by Pat featherstone A recent edition of Time magazine carried an interesting article on how to reduce your carbon footprint. You can choose to do it the costly way by purchasing the latest hybrid vehicle, or installing rows of solar panels on your roof, or burying a bio-digester in your garden to process the household effluent and produce gas for cooking. Planting a tree for every flight you and your family make to overseas destinations is another option. But what about the simple first step of weighing up the carbon merits of eating at home?

There are not many of us who can afford costly ‘green’ additions to our homes but, fortunately, there are many other choices we can make to fight the ‘carbon battle’. Two that come to mind immediately: Look at what you eat. A 110g serving of steamed vegetables has a carbon footprint of 0.08 kg. The same size portion of pasta – 0.18 kg; grilled chicken – 0.6 kg, cheese – 1kg and beef (the worst by far) – 4.8 kg.

The figures speak for themselves. One of the most important ways to shrink your carbon footprint is to eat less meat, especially beef.

Rather eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and grains, but most importantly vegetables.

yummy!

In this way you not only reduce your impact on global warming, but improve your health and well-being.

Use earthworms to turn your household waste into life-giving, water-conserving humus to improve your soil, and at the same time reducing the impact on land-fill sites that belch out methane in alarming volumes when organic waste is broken down in the absence of oxygen.

Most important of all, choose to join the food-growing culture and grow your own ‘good, clean’ vegetables using simple, low-cost, water-wise methods.

For weekend workshop information email info@soilforlife.co.za

naturally goJi’s dark chocolate goji berries are

made with premium dark chocolate (70% cocoa) blended with whole goji berries. the ultimate antioxidant treat. available at wellness warehouse. www.naturallygoji.co.za

drinks 11

local flavour In the late 1970s, the UK coined a new term for an emerging trend that would be embraced world wide, including Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand and naturally, given our culture of beers, braais and sunny skies, South Africa.

Micro brewing originally referred to the size and production capacity of a brewery, but as the concept spread in the 1980s so did the meaning, to become the hallmark of a refreshingly different attitude to brewing – one of flexibility and experimentation, catering for those seeking fresh, new beer drinking experiences.

Cape Town based Jack Black Beer is taking this concept further, and with delicious results.

Founded by Ross McCulloch and Meghan MacCallum and inspired by the maverick

1920s American brew master after whom the company is named, Jack Black beers are slow-brewed in small batches with only the finest natural ingredients and unlike mass produced beers, contain no additives or adjuncts.

Besides producing refreshingly crisp, premium quality beers for the discerning drinker, their goal is to become possibly the first carbon neutral brewery in South Africa. With this in mind, the brewery has moved from Hermanus to Cape Town, considerably reducing carbon emissions.

Less travel time also means better quality beer and outstanding delivery service.

Their newly launched sleek, black, recyclable box with 24 beers offers key benefits: no sunlight penetrating means better quality, easier in-store recognition and easy to carry handles – no need for plastic bags.

Jack Black Beer is available on tap at various establishments in and around Cape Town, including the Mount Nelson’s prestigious Planet Bar and selected retail outlets.

You can also find Jack Black at the new Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market at Bosman’s Crossing and the trendy Neighbourgoods Market at the Biscuit Mill, where it is a sell out every week. All local, all natural and all flavour, without compromise.

Full details are available on their website www.jackblackbeer.com or call 021 438 4676

WIN!

OSUMO 126 x 182.5 FA 30/9/08 10:28 Page 1

One lucky re ader stands a chance of winning a case of 24 Ja ck Black Beers. Email your details to nicky@lifeinb alance.co.za with “Black Jack B eer” in the su bject line. Entries cl ose 30 April 2009.

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on tap

Other micro breweries in SA

look out for...

Western Cape

Boston Breweries, Cape Town www.bostonbreweries.co.za, 021 511 4179 Birkenhead Brewery near Stanford www.birkenhead.co.za, 028 341 0183 Napier Brewery www.napierbrewery.co.za, 083 703 8004 Mitchell’s Brewery, Knysna www.mitchellsknysnabrewery.com, 044 382 4685 Dieu Donné, Franschhoek www.dieudonnerestaurant.co.za, 021 876 3384 Paulaner Bräuhaus, V&A Waterfront www.paulaner.co.za, 021 418 9999 Gauteng

Draymans Brewery, Pretoria www.draymans.com, 012 804 8800 Gilroy Beers, Ngwenya Glass Village www.gilroybeers.co.za, 011 796 3020 Mpumulanga

Hops Hollow on the Long Tom Pass www.hopshollow.com, 013 235 8910 Perry Bridge Brewery, Hazyview perrysbrewery@lantic.net, 013 737 7767 Eastern Cape

Sneeuberg Brewery www.nieubethesda.co.za/brewery.html, 049 841 1602 / 076 512 9026 The Rose ‘n Ale, Gonubie, East London Leigh & Pierre Leppan - 083 546 1175 Kwazulu-Natal

Nottingham Road Brewery www.rawdons.co.za, 033 266 6728 Robson’s Beer / Shongweni Brewery www.robsonsbeer.com, 031 769 2061 Zululand Brewing Company, Eshowe www.zulubeer.com, 474 12:37 2298PM Page 1 RVR HONEYMOON F035 2/11/09

juicy boost with change

Boost Juice Bars, created by Janine Allis, a busy mother of two who struggled to find healthy fast food alternatives, not only offers delicious, all-natural smoothies, juices and wraps; they hand out redeemable parking vouchers with every purchase of an original size product. Pay-for-parking is the norm in Gauteng, so now you can pop in to any one of their five stores for a quick smoothie. Call 011 372 4770 or visit www.boostjuice.co.za Fruity Bubbles!

Whole Earth’s organic carbonated soft drinks offer a refreshingly healthy alternative to conventional carbonated sodas. Six delicious flavours containing real fruit juice and no artificial flavours or additives make them the ideal thirst quencher.

Call Organic Matters on 083 463 2911, email sharon@organicmatters.co.za or visit www.organicmatters.co.za C

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Romantic Honeymoon ON BOARD THE PRIDE OF AFRICA

Recapture the romance and atmosphere of a bygone era, when privileged travellers experienced the magic and mystery of Africa in a relaxed and elegant fashion. In a series of train journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations.

TEL: (+27-12) 315 8242 FAX: (+27-12) 323 0843 reservations@rovos.co.za www.rovos.com

Composite

Composite

12 products our staMp of approval

glowing beauty “The most beautiful make-up is a healthy skin” is the founding principle of Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics and the reason why this unique range of cosmetics in the most up to date colours is a true extension of skin care. A blend of natural minerals and pigments provides a protective filter, allowing skin to breathe while shielding it from pollutants; so safe and beneficial it is recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Distributed by Strawberry, it is available at selected pharmacies, spas and health stores nationwide.

For further information visit www.strawberry.co.za or email always@strawberry.co.za

LIB endorsement

when life in balance was launched last october last year we began reviewing a range of fabulous products that are using all natural ingredients and are doing their best to be kind to the earth. some of them really stood out and we decided that in order to celebrate them further we would give them our very own stamp of approval for their extra “wow” factor.

“Kiss�Chlorine�Goodbye”

eco-fusion natural

biowashball eliminates

purification technology

laundry. info@htp.co.za

Natural��Freshwater�Pool�&�Whole�Home�Systems oxidation water the need for detergents in Protecting�You�and�the�Environment

revolution teas available at the oolong café. 021 424 1175. www.revolutiontea.co.za

see you at the cowshed Cowshed by FUEGO Lifestyles, the cheeky, addictively indulgent bath and home fragrance range has arrived in South Africa. The stylish range of natural, therapeutic products contains a high ratio of the highest quality organic, fair trade and wild-crafted essential oils to provide maximum therapeutic effect and enhance wellbeing.

Contact FUEGO Head Office on 011 902 5349 for stockists. www.fuegolifestyle.com.

Tel.�021�881�3223�������������������Cell.�072�744�2801 info@eclear.co.za��������������������www.eclear.co.za

equavie bambini

flowers dietary supplement

Soft for little skins and safe and easy to use helping to ease congestion and offer relief from coughs and colds. R70. Contact Janin on 083 441 9741 or info@beautiful-earth.co.za

Equavie draws inspiration from flowers to create an ideal supplement to protect and embellish the skin. Rich in anti-free radical agents (zinc, vitamin E and lutein), Equavie Flowers helps the skin protect itself from harsh environmental conditions. R490.

Contact A&I Importers on (011) 486 4904

shave king

youthful skin

high glide cooling shave cream

dr. hauschka intensive treatment 04

beautiful earth’s bambini breath easy chest rub

New from REN Bioactive Skincare, this provides a smooth, comfortable shave and leaves skin healthy, cool and calmed. R250 from selected Woolworths stores nationwide.

Specially formulated to suit the needs of demanding, mature skin that has become unbalanced and needs a normalising stimulus.

It hydrates, smoothes and vitalises the skin with its rhythmitised treasures from nature, including herbs, precious stones, gold, royal jelly and sandalwood water. Contact 021 702 3617 or visit www.drhauschka.co.za lifeinbaliredale.indd 1

3/24/09 10:52:03 AM

wellness 13

Jin shin ® Jyutsu by nan haMilton

burnout!

by Michele beathaM

It’s one of those days.

You oversleep, the car won’t start, work offers unscheduled meetings and interruptions at every turn, fantasies about desert islands reach triple figures, caffeine is the only food group and when you finally get home (having worked late) domestic bliss is little more than chores completed in a haze of exhaustion.

Stress affects all of us and rightfully receives much attention, but a far more insidious illness that few recognise and for which fewer get timely help is becoming more and more prevalent.

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress from a number of sources. As the stress continues, you begin to lose interest or motivation, which reduces productivity and saps energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical and resentful. Do any – or even all – of the following sound familiar: • Exhaustion, even after a good night’s sleep • Insomnia • Dreading work • Hard work, less productivity, more procrastination and not caring • Lack of focus and concentration • Withdrawal from the world, including friends and family • Increased or decreased appetite leading to unhealthy diet choices • Growing depression, cynicism or feelings of negativity • Increased apathy, lack of passion and inner creativity • Lack of confidence, feelings of low self-worth • Feelings of powerlessness or resentment • Increased health problems: headaches, anxiety, gastro-intestinal problems, muscular tension, rashes, dental problems, etc.

• Memory lapses

• Avoidance of or difficulty carrying out even basic tasks and responsibilities • Escaping from the world through daydreams, fantasies, television, alcohol, etc Burnout is a gradual process and by its very nature – apathy, withdrawal, depression, avoidance, etc. – professional help is often sought only when the physical effects become debilitating. This means that recovery will take time and require a multi-disciplinary approach under guidance of a professional.

There is no magic cure and we urge readers who feel they may be suffering burnout to seek help no matter how difficult.

In an increasingly fast-paced, stressful world, finding balance and caring for ourselves is no longer an option, it’s a necessity.

Our bodies contain various pathways that feed life into all our cells. Jin Shin Jyutsu® Physio-philosophy is about knowing the body’s vital life force and tapping in to its source – the “battery” from which universal revitalising energy comes.

When this energy flows unimpeded we are in harmony, but this perfect harmony may be interrupted by daily eating habits, working habits, hereditary characteristics, environmental and weather conditions, mental and emotional anxieties, accidents causing injury, or by chemicals or poisonous substances introduced to the body.

When one or more of the pathways become blocked, this damming effect may lead to discomfort or even pain. This blockage will not only disrupt the local area but, unattended, will eventually disharmonize the complete path or paths of energy flow.

The Art of Jin Shin Jyutsu is the application of ones hands as “jumper cables” on the body to allow the energy to flow through the body and thereby heal itself. More generally, it is the awakening to awareness of complete harmony within the self and the universe, physically, mentally and spiritually.

stress solutions some activities and therapies that help relieve stress: Pilates strengthens and balances the body. visit www.pilatesinfo.co.za or telephone 021 913 0947 for a list of practitioners. yoga has numerous holistic health

benefits. To find out more, contact wendy wood – 011 887 2027 or Mary seegers – 011 682 2171 or visit www.yft.co.za a number of different Massage therapies are available, from shiatsu to ayurvedic, aromatherapy to hot stone.

Ask around to find a therapy and therapist with whom you are comfortable. reflexology is far more than a foot massage. information on its health benefits and a list of practitioners can be found at www.sareflexology.org.za or telephone 021 558 9868.

one of the best free therapies is a gentle walK in nature, at the edge of the ocean, a peaceful forest or your even your own neighbourhood.

For information on sessions, self-help classes and book resources available please call 0826571809, email nan@jinshinjyutsu.co.za or go to www.jinshinjyutsu.co.za

core crystal healing If not ourselves, we all know at least one person who expresses feelings of “emptiness” or a yearning to fulfil their heart’s wishes and step into a bigger piece of themselves. Others experience blockages, from belief systems or through trying or traumatic experiences.

Julia Tiffin offers a healing modality dating back thousands of years. Known as the 22-Strand DNA Activation, it re-awakens your original divine blueprint, opens brain capacity and pathways of possibilities, ignites unused gifts, and clears genetic and environmental debris, leaving you filled with passion, energy and light.

Using specially prepared crystal and sacred wood, this remarkable technique produces maximum results with minimal effort (only one session is usually required) and because it works with one’s DNA, a visit by one family member often triggers positive results in others.

It is particularly suitable for Indigo children, helps stabilise those with ADHD and while not a cure for serious illness such as depression or cancer, it supports and strengthens the immune system, essential for health and healing.

For more information, to book a session in Cape Town, or find a practitioner near you, contact Julia on 084 680 6029, email Julia@spiral-light.net or visit www.rmmssa.com and www.spiral-light.net/za

JIN SHIN JYUTSU® PHYSIO-PHILOSOPHY

Professional and Self Help for personal transformation Jin Shin Jyutsu® Physio-philosophy is the knowing of the body’s vital life force or the “battery” from which Universal revitalising energy flows. When this energy flows unimpeded then we are in harmony.

Ongoing practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu releases tensions, discomfort and pain. It enables energy to flow through the body and thereby heal itself. More generally, it is the awakening to awareness of complete harmony within the self and the universe, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Next self-help course in Cape Town on 18 & 19th April 2009 For information on Sessions, Self Help classes and book resources available please call 0826571809 or email me on nan@jinshinjyutsu.co.za or go to www.jinshinjyutsu.co.za

14 art & books

wired

streetwires

What if? This question drives many an artist and is answered only in the execution of the idea. By Patrick Schofield

When Mike Carella and Riaan Hanekom started working together, both were involved full time at Streetwires, a craft organisation that develops, creates and markets mostly wire & bead craft. It was in this environment that they learnt to sculpt using the materials with which they worked on a daily basis.

But when did ‘craft’ become ‘art’ for them? While the eurocentric among us may point to marble or oils and pronounce it art, closer to home, we find it in the beads, clay, wood and wire that have been used for generations by those who, while true artists, had neither the means nor even the inclination to use materials imported from other lands. The truth though probably lies not in the material, but in the intent, whether to copy other works or create an original.

Mike and Riaan may use the craft of wire & beads, but they interpret it in an exceptional way and in so doing, it becomes, unquestionably, fine art.

While Riaan loses himself in the world of fire and metal, cutting and creating 3D lines in wire and steel and forming animals that in stance hold all the tension of a living creature, Mike paints in beads. Pointillist GeorgesPierre Seurat worked on canvas; Mike’s

world is that of the alchemist; bottles of light, variations of colour, mixed, shuffled and finally threaded to create sculptural pieces that are truly breathtaking.

The marriage of creativity that has given birth to this partnership showcases how, given a conducive environment, the creative potential of an artist can be realised. Rather than attempting to contain artists within an existing structure, Streetwires is an organisation that allows artists to grow within and then supports them in their path beyond.

In building a long-term relationship based on symbiosis rather than indebtedness, a community is formed that allows the cross pollination of ideas and opportunities on an individual and group level.

What inspired Riaan & Mike to capture the beauty of African animals in sculpture? Riaan answers simply that he would much prefer people to be taking home sculptured African animals rather than shooting the living and mounting them on a wall. Both are lovers of the bush and with their roots from outside the city, Mike and Riaan are passionate about the animals from which they draw inspiration for their sculptures and relish the idea that for every piece they create, there may be another ‘similar’

“I have been told that as an African, if you can make a really good Lion, then you can call yourself an artist” – Riaan Hanekom.

that continues breathing somewhere else.

With a harmonious marriage of materials and talent, the work of these two men has truly come of age and with their sculptures having already been featured locally in galleries and on Top Billing, they are now focused on building towards an exhibition in New Orleans in 2010.

For further information or to contact the artists visit Netsomi Zam / Streetwires studios at 77 Shortmarket, Cape Town, info@streetwires.co.za, 021 426 2475

In South Africa, the story of wire art is very much a human one, starting with children in impoverished areas creating their own toys from debris and garbage.

As these children grew, impoverished conditions and lack of skills or opportunities in the formal and informal job sectors meant that many had to generate their own incomes, and wire art took to the streets.

Streetwires, founded in 2000 as a place where talented people could share knowledge and skills, is home to a number of people working together to design, create and market unique wired and bread art and craft, all of it handmade by over 120 permanently employed artists working full time from studios in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

This social entrepreneurial organisation believes that empowering individuals through meaningful work is essential and that sustainable work contributes to growth. The vision of founding members Winston Rangwani and Patrick Schofield has resulted in a successful creative collaboration of people from the professional design, business art and craft worlds.

The 60 students enrolled at each of the organisation’s training studios are taught more than just their craft; equal focus is placed on developing business skills and identifying areas into which they would like to grow.

The shop, showroom and working studio in Cape Town is open to visitors, where they can interact with the artists, and view and purchase anything from a simple key ring to a one-off sculpture.

Guided tours are offered for those wishing to learn more about the history of wire art and the skills required to work in this medium.

Streetwires also offers interactive wire workshops and team building events.

Contact Streetwires at: 77 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town 021 426 2475, info@streetwires.co.za www.streetwires.co.za

on the shelf Reviews by The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town. 021 462 2425

Boiling Point Leonie Joubert This excellent book on environmental change in South Africa raises an important point: the discrepancy between the effect that wealthier citizens have on our environment, and the subsequent consequences for the impoverished. We are introduced to individuals already negatively affected by environmental change, such as Hendrik Hesselman, a rooibos farmer; Ernest Titus, a fisherman from Lamberts Bay; and Selina, a sangoma in Limpopo.

ISBN: 9781868144679

Small Wonder Barbara Kingsolver A highly praised collection of essays by the author of ‘Animal, Vegetable, Mineral’ that explores various topics from vegetable gardens to motherhood, from genetic engineering to civil rights.

Kingsolver believes that our problems have arisen in the most remote areas of our planet and our own back yards, and that the answers lie in these places too.

ISBN: 9780060504076

Ten Technologies to Save the Planet Chris Goodall This cutting-edge book introduces developments that are meeting the environmental and climate change crises head-on. Goodall profiles ten technologies and the inventors behind them. We may be familiar with the electric car, but how many are aware of algae’s role in absorbing carbon dioxide, or how charcoal made from water vegetable and forestry matter can reduce the need for fertiliser?

ISBN: 9781846688683

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life in balance

your monthly green solution to natural & eco-friendly living

what’s happening? sundays go green natural – organic – Holistic Market at norwood Mall. sundays 9am – 5pm - a ‘one stop shop’ for healthy, eco-conscious living. www.go-greenmarkets.com aPril – daily rivers of the world art exhibition in government avenue, company’s garden, cape town is a creative visual art and design project which links over 2 000 young people around the world and aims to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the featured rivers. www.capetown.gov.za/en/ pages/artexhibitionincompanys Garden.aspx or call 021 400 2521

1 & 2 May prince albert town & olive festival: unique gardens, art, craft and unusual stores meander, story-telling, historical tours, archaeological and botanical walks, karoo food & wine, organic produce, olives and olive oils and more. www.patourism. co.za/olive festival.htm or call 023 5411 366 1 – 3 May riebeek valley olive festival: food village, wine tastings, artists’ walk, live entertainment, kiddies play section and more. www.riebeekvalley.info or 083 299 7731 or 082 896 5022

24 – 26 aPril the sustainable living festival at southern cross school, raptor’s view wildlife estate, Hoedspruit offer workshops, lectures, exhibits, food, wine, fashion and more with freshly ground performing on the 25th. www.hoedspruit.co.za/ sustainable_living_festival.htm

3 May the village Market, simonstown library Hall, st. george’s street – 10am – 3pm refreshments, affordable fine art, collectibles, veggies, herbs, bottled chutneys & jams, books, sheet music and more. call Venitia on 021 786 2300, peter on 021 788 8897, angela on 021 786 5621

24 – 27 aPril the sa cheese festival, synonymous with superb culinary experiences, offers old favourites and adventurously new dairy and related products in the rustic setting of bien donné farm between paarl and franschhoek. tickets at computicket or checkers stores: r85 (weekdays), r100 (weekend), senior citizens r65, children 12 and under free.

10:00 to 18:00 (17:00 Monday) www.cheesefestival.co.za, cheese@agriexpo.co.za or call 021 975 4440

7 May “strong immune system” with guest speaker dr annelise bunce – 10:00am at the fresh earth food store, 103 komatie road, emmarentia. www.freshearth.co.za

24 – 27 aPril decorex cape town at the cticc showcases the most exquisite collection of exhibitors, design icons & rising stars. www.decorex.co.za or call 011 549 8300 25 aPril nottingham road grape crushing festival, the stables wine estate, nottingham road, natal Midlands. stomp grapes in the classic french method; food, wine and children’s activities. call christelle on 033 266 6781

15 – 17 May franschhoek literary festival a 3-day gathering of readers, writers, booksellers and publishers with discussions, poetry, literary breakfasts, plays and interviews including pulitzer prizewinning american novelist richard ford. tickets available from franschhoek wine valley & tourist association. call 021 876 3603 30 May - 6 June ecoscentia launch - nature’s Hidden connections - a week long course with ian Mccallum, ian Michler and Jan vlok exploring the interconnection of birds, plants and the Human experience. set in the baviaanskloof wilderness. call Galeo on 082 888 8181 www.ecoscentia.org

ecoexhibit

in april & May 22 april 24 – 26 april 25 april 9 May 10 May 15 May 22 May

earth day global youth service day world penguin day world fair trade day national Mothers day international day of families international day for biological diversity

rayne neave has opened ecoexhibit, South Africa’s first physical space dedicated to sustainable development in the building industry — a space that promotes innovations in project planning, eco-design and green construction materials. Under one roof, you will find suppliers of solar energy alternatives, recycled brick products and planet-wise paint and tiling options. some of the exhibitors at eco exhibit in the building centre include bamboo warehouse, breathecote, life-wise eco loo, the power company to name but a few. the building centre and eco exhibit are holding a public open day on saturday the 16th of May 2009 where exhibitors will be giving talks on their products and able to answer any questions that people may have. impartial industry leaders will also be at the open day giving talks on different topics.

eco exhibit is at the building centre, belmont square, belmont road, rondebosch. call 021 685 3040 or visit www.ecoexhibit.co.za