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WATER CRISIS
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ISSUE 4 • 2017
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3 SG
10 l 20 enta nm sm iro nali v En our ard J Aw er nn Wi
Inside
ican Afr ited uth Lim e So ies Th er Brew
News
Features
08 General 34 Water 92 Food 118 Motoring 124 Awards
12 Green Tech 20 Conscious Graffiti 24 SA Water Crisis 30 Climate Change Gardening
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SG 4
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Issue 4 • 2017 Volume 10 No.4 •
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40 Building with Timber 50 Cos-effective Lighting 68 Green Cleaning 76 Pest Control 82 Coconut Oil Uses 88 Bokashi
96 Hot off the Press 100 Eco Fashion
Motoring 110 Gearing Down for the Future 114 E-mobility in SA
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5 SG
SOUTH AFRICA'S ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN www.indaloyethu.co.za
EDITORIAL So-called 'normal' weather is a thing of the past. So opined an expert recently on the currentlyexperienced impacts of climate change, and we agree. Aside from the imposition of Level 5 water restrictions in Cape Town – with the unhappy prospect of its millions of inhabitants queuing at water distribution points by early next year when the taps will have literally run dry – the evidence for this statement abounds, both at home and abroad. In just two successive days, greater Durban and Gauteng had downpours of record proportions, causing extensive infrastructural, building, road and other damage in greater Durban in particular and claiming at least 13 lives. There isn't even a 'normal' for what would usually be considered relatively rare events such as hurricanes or super-hurricanes – of which there have been several in a matter of a few weeks, including Harvey which half-drowned Texas and Maria which devastated the Caribbean – along with their typhoon cousins in the Pacific region. Even as this is being written, yet another hurricane has formed off the coast of West Africa, this time headed to Ireland, rather than westward, as most move, towards the Americas. Meanwhile, historically numerous and intense wildfires are devastating large tracts of Northern California. Similar outbreaks of fire have ravage Knysna and its surrounds in our last summer season, while outbreaks have taken place in the last year or so in several other countries from Spain through to Siberia, of all places.
SG 6
We know that 2016 is the hottest year since records began and 2017 looks set to eclipse that sweltering record too. And so it goes – more extreme events, from hellishly hot to dangerously cold and from extremely dry to disastrously wet; and all that with stronger winds, larger hurricanes and more tornadoes. Weird weather in the wrong seasons is more like our 'new normal'. None of these natural processes is actually new individually, but put together there can be no rational denying that while any one event is hard to pin directly to global warming and consequent climate change, the overall trend points very obviously in that direction. Rain will come again to the Cape, no doubt. But if, as seems likely, it is in most years not enough and, more importantly, if it is not consistent year on year, then we are into an entirely new level of discussion about climate change mitigation and ways to prevent things getting worse yet. Efforts to deal with the water shortage problem in the Cape through restriction of domestic consumption – households use up to 65% of the city's total water supply – have helped, but on their own they are by far not enough. Desalinisation would seem to be the way to go, but even local authorities in the Western Cape, which has been leading the way on sustainability and renewable resources, appear to have been badly caught short as it will take up to three years before significant fresh water from this source will be available. Meanwhile, Capetonians – and people in many other places – will be reminded on a daily basis that water is
not free, cannot be taken for granted, and when there is not enough of this 'stuff of life', we are in real trouble. Cape Town's dams are at half of the levels of what they were this time last year and last year's shortage meant the city experienced its driest summer in at least 100 years, perhaps much longer than that even. Unless Cape Town has a miraculously wet spring, the summer of 2017/18 seems set to achieve some unpleasant new records. In this Cape Town is far from being alone. Already, even without more warming leading to much less rains in some areas – and much more in others – by 2030 humanity's need for fresh water will exceed the planet's reliable supply by 40%. Currently, some 800 million people around the world have little to no access to clean water. So water, or the lack thereof, represents a global problem – but it will be mainly at the local level where the impacts will be felt most acutely. By impacts we mean not merely the inconvenience of hyper-short showers once or twice a week, unfilled swimming pools and dying gardens. We mean that without adequate water, our food supply is in jeopardy, along with water-intense manufacturing – which includes, when it comes to the coal-fired power we mainly use, the consumption of a lot of fresh water. That in turns put the economy into a still trickier place than it already is. Water scarcity, food insecurity and the accompanying economic instability these bring are certain to lead, as they have done throughout history, to social and political unrest, upheaval and even possibly revolution. All of these 'predictions' are based on current and near-term conditions, which do not yet reflect how much more seriously disruptive climate change is set to be five, 10, 20 or 30 years down the line. To understand the full impending impacts one must bear in mind that the CO2 released today will still be functioning as a greenhouse gas (GHG) warming the planet yet further for 20-30 years hence, meanwhile increased atmospheric CO2 will continuously drive the massive release of the yet more aggressive GHG methane from previously frozen permafrost, more of which melts with each Northern Hemisphere summer. None of what we have described here is 'good', in the sense of being happy or comfortable. But it may all be necessary. How else will usually stubborn humanity, loath to give up what we collective know and are used to doing, make the radical changes necessary so that future generations can live harmoniously and for many millennia to come, we hope, in harmony with the natural systems upon which our very lives depend? South Africa has many challenges, some social and political. While being headline-grabbing and important in the short-term, these are, surprising as this statement may seem, not as significant as the larger planet-wide
issues which we in Simply Green focus upon and which are being discussed here. Since its inception in 2008, and precisely because of the changes we are now experiencing and which are yet to come to the planet's climate regimen, Simply Green has focused almost exclusively on what each one of us can do as individual people, as families and communities and as businesses to reduce the likely impacts of what people, over recent generations, have wrought and brought upon ourselves. We strongly encourage everyone to redouble their efforts, because each little bit counts. But we cannot and will not offer 'pie in the sky' simplistic solutions since there really are none. We still have a national government and power producer obsessed with the entirely unnecessary desire to acquire more nuclear power production, which is slow to build, very costly and rife for corruption – the latter factor, we are convinced in the wake of the 'state capture' revelations made to date, being the primary motive for this unwise approach to our future power needs. We hope that with the departure of certain people now in powerful places, preferably sooner than later, some sense will return to our future energy planning. Meanwhile, we shall continue to deal with water – either too little or way too much – more heat overall, more droughts, and less and less predictability as to what tomorrow's weather will be. Once, speaking about the weather was a way to make 'small talk'. These days, it's very big talk – in fact, the biggest there is, short of thermonuclear mass depopulation. Although we prefer to affirm the positive and offer steps towards solutions, we also cannot ignore the obvious challenges and negatives of our current and near-future conditions. We therefore urge all whole read these words to play their part, do their best, cut usage of all resources, especially water and power, and focus on making their impact on the planet as sustainable and 'green' as they can. This is not about saving the planet, which will do fine without 7.3 billion humans crawling about its surface and making a mess of things which have taken many millions of years to evolve. The planet will survive humanity. The question is whether humanity will survive what we are currently doing to the planet, and only time will tell if we have acted wisely, in time and adequately to the collective threats we all face.
Chris & The Team If you are reading this on ISSUU, you might like to try our new platform for a quicker upload and smoother reading experience by clicking here.
7 SG
N ews FOREST CITY The vision of Italian architect Stefano Boeri is starting to take shape around the world, with his so-called vertical forest towers going up in Switzerland and Milan. Now the Chinese region of Liuzhou will also play home to some of his handiwork, with construction underway on a so-called Forest City that is hoped to soak up some of the country's infamous air pollution. The Liuzhou Forest City will be constructed in the mountainous region of Liuzhou, in Southern China. Commissioned by the Liuzhou Municipality Urban Planning department, the city will host some 30 000 residents and feature the hallmarks of a typical city, such as offices, houses, hotels, hospitals and schools. These buildings will draw on geothermal energy and rooftop solar panels for their power needs.
Full Story
ZERO TRASH LIFESTYLE Michelle Pellizzon, a health and wellness writer, nutritionist, and health coach, didn’t want to live in ignorance, so she chose an exercise to open her eyes. Pellizzon wanted to try out a zero waste lifestyle, in which no waste is produced that can’t be recycled, reused, or composted. She began the exercise in January, first collecting her waste in a canvas bag throughout the day to better understand how much waste she was generating. Pellizzon never recycled before, so the lifestyle change was drastic. Now, over seven months later, she has maintained her low-trash lifestyle, with the exception of travelling and moving apartments. She now uses cloth bags, mason jars, a worm compost bin, cloth hankies and rags, homemade cleaning supplies, and more.
Full Story
CLEAN DRINKING WATER A UK-based team of researchers has created a graphene-based sieve capable of removing salt from seawater. The sought-after development could aid the millions of people without ready access to clean drinking water. The promising graphene oxide sieve could be highly efficient at filtering salts, and will now be tested against existing desalination membranes.
Full Story
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LAURA STORM: How silence can lead us to a sustainable world
Surfers Against Sewage NO BATTERIES REQUIRED University of Washington researchers have invented a cellphone that requires no batteries – a major leap forward in moving beyond chargers, cords and dying phones. Instead, the phone harvests the few microwatts of power it requires from either ambient radio signals or light. The team also made Skype calls using its battery-free phone, demonstrating that the prototype made of commercial, off-the-shelf components can receive and transmit speech and communicate with a base station. Full Story
BILLY BARR spent 40 years alone in the Woods – now scientists love him
It is believed that there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean, 269 000 tons of which float on its surface. Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is a movement dedicated to the eradication of this problem and to the protection and preservation of the United Kingdom’s beaches and marine life. Formed in 1990 by a group of Cornish surfers, it has since grown into one of the UK’s most active and successful environmental charities. SAS’s latest campaign is using a 10m warship made out of ocean plastic from around the UK’s coastline to communicate a message about a growing, continent-sized island of plastic rubbish – the North Pacific Gyre – floating in the North Pacific. The largest ocean garbage site in the world, it contributes to the death of one million seabirds and 100 000 marine mammals annually. A public call to action, the warship was constructed from approximately three tons of plastic collected from beaches across the UK and is situated on Marazion beach, along the scenic Cornwall Coastline. The campaign is also seeking to rebrand the North Pacific Gyre as ‘Wasteland’ and position it as ‘the world’s newest and most threatening country’.
Full Story
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N ews
The 10 biggest global concerns according to millennials From climate change and destruction of nature to lack of education and employment, here's what's worrying the world's young adults according to the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Survey 2017. 1. Climate change / destruction of nature (48.8%) • 2. Large scale conflict / wars (38.9%) 3. Inequality (income, discrimination) (30.8%) • 4. Poverty (29.2%) • 5. Religious conflicts (23.9%) 6. Government accountability and transparency / corruption (22.7%) • 7. Food and water security (18.2%) 8. Lack of education (15.9%) • 9. Safety / security / wellbeing (14.1%) 10. Lack of economic opportunity and employment (12.1%)
Full Story
HURRICANE HARVEY DEVASTATION After Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas recently, you probably didn’t think the situation could get any worse. Sadly, it did. ExxonMobil acknowledged that two of its refineries were damaged during the natural disaster, causing hazardous pollutants to leak into the environment. The company said in a statement, 'The unit was stabilised. No impact to the community has been reported. Actions were taken to minimise emissions and to restore the refinery to normal operations.'
Full Story
BIO BOMB DETECTOR A group of MIT engineers led by Michael Strano has converted ordinary spinach plants into biological bomb detectors. The engineers implanted customised carbon nanotubes into the leaves of living plants to turn them into a real-time monitoring system for explosive molecules. When the plants suck water from the ground into the leaves, the carbon nanotubes can detect the presence of any nitroaromatics – chemical compounds often found in explosives such as landmines. When the researchers shine a laser on the nanotubes, they emit a fluorescent signal if they pick up nitroaromatics. This signal can be detected by an infrared camera up to a metre away. The research has yet to be tested for real, but eventually it could be possible to sow seeds across a site suspected of containing landmines and use the plant detection system to locate them.
Full Story
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INDUSTRIAL FARMING LEADING THE WAY TO EXTINCTION Earth is presently experiencing its sixth mass extinction, and humans are largely to blame, says a leading academic. In his new book The Value of Nothing: How to Reshape Market Society and Redefine Democracy, Professor Patel of the University of Texas explains how mass deforestation to clear grounds to grow mono-crops, the creation of large dead zones in the sea caused by run-off of fertilisers and the trend of over-fishing are a detriment to the world and are driving the destruction of our planet.
Full Story
SAVING THE EARTH FROM YELLOWSTONE A new study from NASA’s Jet Propulsion unit has determined that the threat of a supervolcanic eruption to life on Earth may be more pressing than any interstellar collisions. An eruption of a supervolcano, like that found in Yellowstone National Park in the United States, could trigger a collapse of the global agricultural and economic systems and result in the deaths of potentially millions of people. Although NASA scientists can’t predict when such an event would occur, they have already begun preparing a preventative measure: drilling into the magma chamber of a supervolcano to cool it down. Although the potential consequences of a supervolcano eruption would be devastating, earthlings should rest easy knowing that the chance of such an eruption taking place this year is roughly 1-in-730 000. Even then, there is a chance that it could be nothing more than a little lava flow. Nonetheless, NASA scientists are preparing to deal with the problem before it happens..
THE FUTURE OF FOREST PLANTING For the past five years, a group of villagers in the delta of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar has painstakingly planted 2.7 million mangrove trees in an attempt to begin to restore an ecosystem that has been disappearing for decades. But the work is laborious, and the local nonprofit guiding the work wants to cover a much larger area – so they’re now turning to tree-planting drones. The drones, from the startup BioCarbon Engineering, can plant as many as 100 000 trees in a single day, leaving the local community to focus on taking care of the young trees that have already started to grow. In September, the company will begin a drone-planting program in the area along with Worldview International Foundation, the nonprofit guiding local tree-planting projects. To date, the organisation has worked with villagers to plant an area of 750 hectares, about twice the size of Central Park; the drones will help cover another 250 hectares with 1 million additional trees. Ultimately, the nonprofit hopes to use drones to help plant 1 billion trees in an even larger area.
Full Story
Full Story
11 S G
S mart Tech
tech
Smart
=
green (tech) T
he IoT is all over the place these days – if
Rather, it is the basis for a new way of doing
(though likely it's already potentially in your
things which is likely to affect almost everyone
smart device and car, if the latter is not more than
connected to the modern world and in almost all the
five years old).
even routine daily tasks we undertake, at home, in
If you have not read about it in our pages
the office or at play.
(here's the link to our previous report on IoT) you
If the internet is the backbone for the IoT, the
will certainly be seeing and hearing more on this
latter should be thought of as both the superstructure
subject, in many more places and at a rapid rate.
built around that infrastructural skeleton and as the
But the IoT, while a vast field of unfolding possibilities, many good some worrying, is not the
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whole story by any means.
not in actually as yet manifest in your home
logical expression of our growing connectivity's next step.
In our previous issue we investigated the oncoming rush of the Internet of Things (IoT). If you are reading other material on the broad topics of 'new tech', 'green tech' or 'smart tech', you will discover that the IoT is considered to be one of the baseline realities that is introducing entirely new ways of doing things that are vastly more efficient, and therefore cleaner and greener, than that which came before. We take a look.
But along with it, and all the 'smart' devices that
undertaken here (see our feature on page 48).
will be linked at a growing rate to the IoT, there
But one could look at virtually any technological
comes a parallel development – the emergence
sector or sub-sector and find similar equivalents
of smart tech which is so efficient that it is also,
and convergence points.
technically, 'green'. This development will affect everything from the
Smart tech
most complex aspects of our technologically-based
What actually might 'smart tech' be defined to be,
lives through to the simplest.
one could ask. It's a good question.
Elsewhere in these pages, for example, we have
Relative to their forerunners, the first motor
looked at developments in the lighting sector which
vehicles of the 19th century (some steam driven) did
specifically apply within the broader discussion
not all have brakes worth talking about or even at
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all, in some cases. In this instance, 'smart tech' would qualify as essentially exactly the same vehicles with working brakes. So 'smart tech' is a relative term and does not define anything in specific nor anything that will later likely become 'smarter yet' – it is all about finding better ways to do what we do already or what needs to be done. So 'smart tech' could be anything, literally, which improves efficiency, with the rider that it must also not increase waste, materials consumption and energy production at any point in the lifecycle of the goods produced using it. A few more examples should help cement the idea further. Let's take shower heads. This is not a zone to which one would necessarily think that 'smart tech' can really apply, but it does. In the last 10 years there has been, because of
and blingy bits that did nothing for aerodynamics (in
eco-necessities, a growing realisation that fresh
fact, they were counter-efficient) or fuel efficiency
water is one of the planet's most precious resources
but did everything for the style of the car.
and should be protected and preserved as much as
That was because the design criteria did not
possible, even in countries which are not currently
include smooth motion through airflow analysis,
or historically water-stressed.
optimal reduction in wind resistance and maximum
The result has been the development of aerated water flow systems, plus some other proprietal
cars have all those features built in.
tweaks, which have resulted in virtually any hardware
There are, of course, exceptions to this general
store having a range low-flow shower heads on sale,
rule, including the current and rather hideous move
from basic to high-style variants.
towards what some are calling 'urban agro' in terms
These shower heads reduce overall water usage,
of styling of ordinary city run-arounds that have
reduce energy consumption through reduced amount
been designed to look like smaller 4x4 derivatives
of heated water used and generally improve the
on steroids. In other words, to literally look like
user's experience – the latter because of engineered
'muscle cars'.
adjustments to outlet distribution patterns, among
It is in the view of many, rather infantile,
other things. This latter aspect is 'smart by design'
pathetic even, but it is the taste of the day and
rather than because a new technology is being used.
so manufacturers are pandering to their buyers'
In other words, smart tech is, in this case,
preferences, even when unevolved or outright
greener in all regards. These same criteria may be applied to virtually every circumstances and gadget imaginable.
Smart design
irrational. Such fancies and fads will, inevitably, pass way, not least because in the case of the motor vehicle style just mentioned, though now somewhat in vogue, the look achieved has been arrived at
Inevitably, as one explores the widening field of
through compromises on efficiencies in other areas,
'smart tech', one must begin with 'smart design'.
mainly with respect to airflow and overall drag.
Once, 'smart design' was anything that looked the part. So, 1950s era American cruising cars – Chevies and the like – had futuristic-looking wings, flanges
S G 14
reduction in other drag factors. These days, many
In due course, sleeker, cleaner design criteria will no doubt re-impose themselves and the 'pseudo-muscle car look' will go the way of the dinosaurs.
The era of smart design in home and office machinery has been with us as long as there have been devices to fill these categories, so smart design itself evolves over time. So 'smart design' criteria, while occasionally back-seated, so to speak, will always be in the mix –
and/or with some proto-types and test models developed.
and increasingly will be the lead criteria for any new
But often 'new tech' is not so much an actual new
design of anything, be that cars, washing machines,
technology as much as it is a new application of an
air conditions, fridges or whatever.
existing and long-tested idea.
The era of smart design in home and office
As you read this article, one such development
machinery has been with us as long as there have
is rapidly racing through 'white goods', being those
been devices to fill these categories, so smart
various appliances occupying floor or counter-top
design itself evolves over time.
space in most modern kitchens.
It was once 'very smart' to incorporate into what
Here the obvious developments towards much
was really just an open barrel with an agitator in
greater efficiencies in both the use of electricity and
it, being the first generation or two of automated
water have long since been incorporate – in some
washing machines, a set of rubber roller so that
lines for upwards of 10 years or more – with new
washed clothes could immediately be wrung out,
aspects coming on line all the time.
with the mechanical advantage of washing being
But there is another new development which is
put between two rollers to squeeze out as much
set not so much to revolutionise this sector as to
water as possible, albeit being driven in part by
push its 'smart/green tech' credentials further – and
muscle power.
for South Africans and many others, it can hardly
Today finding such a machine in working order
come at a better time.
may result in a good sale to someone who likes
This is a classic case of 'new tech' being the
punk steam retro as a look, but smart tech has
application in a smart way of applying existing
moved way beyond where it began with washing
technology – the use of inverter technology.
machines, or anything else you could name.
New tech
Inverters One of the big moves in many devices already in or
Increasingly, 'smart tech' and 'new tech' are one and
soon to be found in modern homes and offices will be
the same thing.
the use of inverter technology. Inverters, technically
This is the case with new motoring hybrid
speaking, are electronic devices or circuitry that
technologies such as electric and hydrogen combos
change direct current (DC) to alternating current
with which some manufacturers are experimenting
(AC) – or the reverse.
15 S G
If you are confused, it is because of terminology. The transformer at the heart of your local sub-station converts high-voltage input to much lower, household or industrial output. But both input and output are AC. But a transformer can also be used to not only step down power but convert the way that it flows and this is what an inverter does. In the big fight of just over 100 years ago about which electricity system was best for production and distribution and use by the general public, Thomas Edison's DC solution was shown to be much safer (he used horrific scenes of dogs and other animals being electrocuted with AC to make his point in public demonstrations of the safety of DC) but essentially useless for anything other than local production and use of electricity because there was such a major drop-off in power over distance from point of production. DC is safe because it produces a steady and
low-current power in a singular direction of flow. Nikolas Tesla's AC, on the other hand, instigated
converted into usable DC power.
many alternating pulses per second of a high
A power inverter can be entirely electronic or
voltage, and usually much higher amperage current,
may be a combination of mechanical effects (such
making it much more powerful, transmissible over
as a rotary apparatus) and electronic circuitry. Static
long distances (though there is still significant
inverters do not use moving parts in the conversion
power drop-off over distance) and usable for a much
process.
wider variety of applications on the receiving end.
The use of static inverters in devices that
If a device, like your computer, cell phone or
previously only used direct AC – such as washing
many other modern-era devices, would be better off
machines, fridges, air conditions and so on –
on a lower current from a steady supply, that device
means that there is inherently much lower usage
or its charger will have an inverter/transformer in it
of electricity overall because AC devices need
to change the AC current arriving at the socket into
much more power than DC devices to do much the
DC power in the device.
same thing, once other design improvements and
Most people refer to inverters as part of
efficiencies are brought to bear.
something like a PV power supply for home or
While not new at all, inverter technology (DC) is
office and/or off-grid applications. But in real terms
the latest evolution of technology concerning the
inverter and transformer are subsets of the same
electro-motors of any compressor or similar device
basic electricity-based output or usage technology.
working inside modern equipment.
Pretty much every battery ever made uses DC at
Aside from overall power requirements, one of
a lower voltage and weaker current than AC power
the great benefits of inverter technology is that it
sources.
allows for variability whereas traditional electric
So if this technology (or the principle behind it)
motors are either on or off, with no variation in
is some 100 years old or more, what's really 'new'
between short of installing other bits of electronics
about it? The answer is in how it's applied.
such as variable rheostats (as in dimmer switches
The input voltage, output voltage and frequency,
S G 16
by the AC source and, as with a growing number of household and office machines and devices, is then
on lights).
and overall power management depend on the
In the context of white goods, which we have
design of a specific device or circuitry. The inverter
taken as our example, an inverter is used to
does not produce any power; the power is provided
control the speed of the compressor motor, so as
Inverter tech in air conditioners makes them potentially safer, cheaper to make and cheaper to run as well as potentially lasting longer – and all of that is both smart and green. to continuously regulate the temperature of an air conditioner, a fridge or any similar device. In the case of microwaves, similar qualities of
potentially safer, cheaper to make and cheaper to run as well as potentially lasting longer – and all of that is both smart and green.
inverters are also highly effective in that inverter
In a regular air conditioner, on the other hand,
technology lets the microwave actually cook at
the compressor is either off or on – just like the
different powers. Traditional microwaves have
previous era microwaves. When it is on, it works at
pseudo power levels – but they really are always
full capacity and consumes the full electricity supply
cooking at either full power or no power. Defrosting
it is designed to consume. When the thermostat
for such devices means full power usage for a few
reaches the temperature level set in the AC, the
seconds and then not for a few more and then back
compressor stops and the fan (in AC) continues to
to full power and so on.
operate.
Panasonic is one manufacturer which has been
By now most readers of this article will have
using this technology in its microwaves for several
seen, if perhaps only in general terms, the ups and
years, allowing foods cooked in their devices to
downs of inverter technology in the new ranges
simmer and defrost evenly and completely. But
being produced by leading manufacturers such as
others have or will follow suit.
LG, which has gone all-out on the application of
Air conditioning
inverter technology to its latest ranges. But a quick breakdown of the advantages of this
Air conditioning (AC) is an obvious arena for inverter
approach could and should be outlined to really
technology to come into full play.
understand how much better this way of using
Non-inverter AC provides fixed heating or cooling
power is.
from a fixed power supply with the compressor
In short, inverter technology to replace straight
running at a fixed speed. The compressor has to
mains electrical power with DC is the most
start and stop when required. On the other hand,
eco-friendly option currently (sorry about the pun)
inverter aircon has a controllable compressor that
available.
provides the exact amount of heating and cooling
As described, the biggest single difference
as needed – with no additional technology such as
between inverter and non-inverter AC is the fact
rheostats and related bits and bobs, all of which can
that the motor of the inverter compressor has a
and do go wrong eventually.
variable speed while the speed of the non-invertor
So inverter tech in air conditioners makes them
compressor is fixed. Instead of operating at full
17 S G
speed or not at all, the device is likely to work on a sliding scale of power utilisation, without numerous switch-offs and switch-ons. A censor in the invertor adjusts the power according to the temperature in the room, lowering (or raising) the electrical consumption and saving energy, accordingly. It doesn't take a genius to see that in principle and practice this is likely to be the much better, longer-lasting, cheaper and more cost-efficient option. If you are saving power then you are saving money – and this is especially true in South Africa where, once again, consumers are facing up to an electricity tariff increase that looks certain to be at or very near double digits and may be as high as 20%, if Eskom gets its way (see page 48 for more on this development). On top of this advantage, which is overwhelming in its own right, there are also other improvements in that inverter systems tend to be much quieter,
In many regards, we are truly on the event horizon of an entirely new world wherein 'smart' and 'new' tech will be the cornerstones, wherein efficiency and efficacy will be the key result effects and in which our whole world stands to be remade anew.
and, as we have already said, they last longer as there is less switching of things on and off. One even gets faster cooling or heating.
newly-discovered version of carbon which we have
technology are overwhelming so expect to see
previous discussed in detail and which consists of
widespread application of inverter technologies
a single atom thick layer of graphite-like carbon –
where they have not previously been used or where
both have the highest thermal conductivities of all
one or only a few manufacturers are currently
known materials.
engaged.
Other things
The many possible applications of both carbon allotropes cannot even be fully considered in an article like this – and these new materials
Inverter technology is but one very simple example
developments are from just one of dozens of
of a phenomenon that is set to run, and is already
elements which are being studied both at nano level
running, across the full spectrum of consumer and
and in new formations and compounds.
manufacturing goods.
In other words, when it comes to materials
Other major developments lie in materials
science, we are only just on the verge of really
technologies, such as the development of usable
getting to grips with 'smart' and 'new' tech and
applications for carbon allotropes (a fancy name
therefore most applications where these will come
for 'varieties of') such as carbon nanotubes and
to bear in due course have not yet even been
graphene.
imagined, let alone tried.
Carbon is the element which is crucial to
In many regards, we are truly on the event
almost all life as we know it and is the basis for
horizon of an entirely new world wherein 'smart' and
organic chemistry. But its many forms have many
'new' tech will be the cornerstones, with efficiency
characteristics.
and efficacy the key results and in which our whole
Diamond, being pure carbon in crystalline
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the former newly created and the latter a relatively
In fact, the arguments for the use of this
world stands to be remade anew.
matrix formation, has zero electrical conductivity,
The inevitable question, then, has to be: are
while graphite (your pencil 'lead') is a fairly good
you ready for this brave new 'clean and green' tech
conductor. But carbon nanotubes and graphene –
future?
SG
to view p r e v i o u s ly magazine click
all our published s online here
w w w. s i m p ly g r e e n . c o . z a 19 S G
Community
ARTIMITA Graffiti is truly becoming the culture of our times. Many urbanites are coming to feel comfortable with the expressing of something important for the world. The key here is it’s not just for our individual selves, but for the world. People are telling their neighbours, their friends, their families and even strangers that something is up and they need to know about it. The sharing of alternate perceptions and the love that is at the core of it all is inspiring a collective change in consciousness and culture that is leading the way for a world we all dream of but still aren’t sure is possible. www.collective-evolution. com shared these incredible street art pieces that tell a disturbing and uncomfortable truth about society, Click here for their full story.
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ATINGLIFE
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RTIMITATINGLIF
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W ater
Southern African water crisis grows S G 24
Access to clean water in the future is by no means certain for many regions in Africa. These include semi-arid regions like the Western Cape of South Africa, where droughts are predicted to intensify under climate change, and wetter countries like Nigeria, where many water resources are polluted. Population growth, industrialisation and pollution will also add to the problem for people needing clean water. Andrew Slaughter PhD, a Rhodes University Researcher, takes a look.
S 
outh Africa has recently experienced one of the worst droughts on record. In particular, the levels of dams in the Western Cape have been
dropping alarmingly. The drought has had a bad effect on agriculture in the region which employs almost a quarter of the country's agricultural workforce. Most of the Southern Africa shares this water scarcity. Desalination has been proposed as one of many strategies to deal with the water shortages in the Western Cape in particular. Algeria, Ghana and Namibia are also building desalination plants. Desalination involves removing salt from salty water, like sea water. In the process, a highly saline brine is produced which is discharged into the sea. Desalination is sometimes said to be relatively environmentally friendly compared to the building of dams or transfer schemes. But it's an expensive way of producing fresh water because it consumes a lot of energy. In addition, the brine put back into the sea can damage marine life. The world's main producers of desalinated water are in the Arabian Gulf region. In 2008 they were collectively producing about half of the global total. Only about 1% of the world's population is dependent on desalinated water for the majority of their domestic use, but this is expected to increase to about 14% by 2025. Other regional centres of production have emerged, such as the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea and the coastal
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Cape Town's Granger Bay, Hout Bay and Dido Bay may soon be home to three proposed new desalination plants that the city intends commissioning to make extra drinking water for its residents and visitors. waters of California, China and Australia. These are
to the environment, particularly marine life.
oil-rich or relatively wealthy countries which can
Pipes used to suck water in to the plants can kill
afford the high energy cost of desalination. African
marine life and disturb sediments. And the saline
countries are not as wealthy and have to consider
brine released into the ocean tends to sink to the
the cost of desalination plants.
bottom layers of the ocean as this water is heavier. There, it kills species that aren't adapted to such
The challenges
saline conditions.
There are two broad categories of desalination
The brine is also relatively hot, leading to further
technologies.
environmental damage, as certain fragile marine
•
The first large desalination plants to be
ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, are sensitive to
built, mostly in the Middle East, are based on
temperature. Chemicals and toxic metals that may
distillation technology. Here, salty water is
be produced and added to the brine before and
heated until it evaporates and then condensed
after treatment are another threat to environments.
to produce fresh water. This technology requires a lot of energy. •
Plants
built
use
The environmental impact of desalination plants
salty
must be assessed before they are built. Cape Town
water under high pressure is forced through
is going to speed up the environmental assessment
a semi-permeable membrane. The salt stays
associated with a planned mobile desalination plant.
reverse
more
osmosis
recently technology.
tend
to
Mitigating the risks
Here,
behind while the water goes through. This is
If possible, lightly salty groundwater should
the most energy-efficient form of desalination
be used instead of sea water. This would use less
technology, and most new plants outside the
energy and produce less brine. Where possible,
Middle East use variants of it.
desalination plants should use renewable energy.
The second process requires 4-7kWh of energy
Still, there's a case to be made that desalination
per cubic metre of water, depending on the
is energy-expensive and environmentally harmful.
technology used. A reverse osmosis plant with
A better course of action would therefore be to
a capacity of 25 000m3/day and energy demand
manage water resources more efficiently. This
of 5kWh/m consumes about 125 000kWh/day of
means reducing water losses and water demand
energy. This plant could supply around 48 000
and reusing waste water. But these problems are
four-person homes with water. The energy used in
complex and require long-term planning and large
desalination could supply about 10 300 of the same
infrastructure investments. Desalination in contrast
households with electricity.
allows the immediate need for an additional source
3
The type of energy used is a problem too. Running
of water to be satisfied.
SG
plants on fossil fuels creates more greenhouse gas, which contributes to climate change. Desalination plants can, as indicated, be harmful
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Published courtesy of The Conversation.
The SA Patented Water Saving Innovation The Flushy is a plumbing retrofit device which allows one to easily converts large single flush cisterns to a multi-flush system, thereby saving 50% and more of water disposed of during each flush. Flushy users can benefit from savings on municipal monthly water accounts! The Flushy Pays for itself over and over again.
For more info contact 064 514 5573 •info@flushysa.co.za
www.flushysa.co.za
Meeting the demand for water in the 21st Century, requires a different way of thinking about water. Water is taken for granted and that is a huge concern to us. Besides wasting water, the pressure of population growth, climate change and depletion of ground water resources are reasons for communities struggling to have enough water just for daily use. Every one of us can do our part in saving our planet by recycling household water. Our systems are totally 'green' and use No chemicals. They allow for maximum greywater storage, are low maintenance and have no filters. The stored greywater can be used to produces fertilizer for your garden or water to flush your toilet.
Endless possibilities for use of treated greywater. Let us help you!
CONTACT BERNARD WESSELS 082 897 4130 • bernard@waterrescue.co.za
www.waterrescue.co.za
COMPANY PROFILE
A T WHA
G N O P Sannitree International is a diversified international company offering its customers a wide variety of microbial based products specifically related to waste treatment. It is a research-based company and aims to be the market leader in its chosen field. Let's take a closer look at this company and some of their 100% environmentally friendly, biodegradable products for the treatment of organic waste and waste water.
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S 
annitree International began in South Africa in 1981 when Mike Mayne initiated the idea of providing economical sewage treatment
in rural areas, farms and settlement camps. At this early stage he realised the need to treat the sewage with something that would rapidly break it up, but at the same time not harm the environment. Together with Dr PG Celliers, one of the world's most respected enzymologists, they began testing, analysing and marketing their very first microbial based product, Sannitree Bio-Enzymes. Mike was then joined by Gordon Bruce (Director, Finance and administration) and Brian Goodman (Director, Marketing & International Development). Today, the group is represented by distributors in numerous countries around the world. Sannitree International markets more than 15 niche products ranging from granules for septic tanks and grease traps to special enzymes based odour digesters and
granules to convert the
ammonia levels found in pig sty's. The Company has achieved a level of business commensurate with its well proven reputation for Quality and Service and maintains and improves an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Programme in order to further endorse this position. Let's take a quick look at their PONG range.
WEE PONG
TANK PONG Many of us are doing all we can to save rainwater and greywater in tanks but you may not have anticipated smelly
your
just
how
greywater
can become after just a few days of storage. If this is putting you off using the water in your garden, try Tank Pong. This simple enzymatic solution makes ponging tank water fresh-smelling and safe to use in your garden again.
TURF PONG You’ve laid artificial grass and it looks and feels great. When you installed it you were told cleaning it was simply a matter of hosing it down. But every time you turn the hose on it, the stench of dog urine seems to get worse, not better! You've probably
tried
a
range
of
disinfectants and bactericides but nothing seems to work.
Water shortages are now critical. We need to be doing all we can to save every drop before we run out. Wee Pong is Sannitree's solution to help home-owners and ordinary people seriously save water. The average toilet uses 6l of water with every flush. This simple
Sannitree's solution for artificial grass utilises a combination of enzymes and bacteria that work together to first stop the smell in its tracks, then eliminate the source of the odour. If you've own dogs (or cats for that matter), urine smells on artificial grass can be an ongoing problem. TurfPong is just the start of managing the problem.
enzymatic spray solution allows you to leave urine in the toilet bowl without suffering the unpleasant smells
associated
with
stagnant and decomposing
Check out the web site below for more information.
urine.
www.sanNitree.co.za 29 S G
Garden
Climate change gardening
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With Cape Town entering into the era of emergency water rationing for all, and no real prospect for a change back to the 'good old days' of plenty of potable water, what do avid gardeners do? And what about those who grow their own produce in their yard? We take a look.
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W
ith level 5 water restrictions being imposed on Capetonians and the Western Cape in the grip of the worst
drought it has seen in 100 years or more, a new summer season looms for a province already in dire straits when it comes to water. We have been warning for years that this situation was coming, but as is often the case, people only really pay attention to disasters when they are personally hit. Once everyone has to line up every couple days at a designating watering station and fill up a given amount of personal drinking water (don't even bother by that time to try to turn a tap on as they will all be dry or running at the merest trickle), the message will have hit home thoroughly. But, of course, we shall be in a new era by then. Indeed, we are already in it. In our previous issue, and many before that, we have looked at ways to sensibly cut your personal, family or business water usage to a minimum. Now, it would seem, most gardens, so loving tended by enthusiasts, are doomed to extinction. But you can still have green things growing around you, even under near desert-like conditions. The very first thing to do, not only because it is inevitable but also to save you the pain of watching
stalked the land.
your garden shrivel up and turn into a dust-bowl, is
This past summer season, while very hot (the
pull up those annuals and not plant your summer
hottest on record in many places) had sufficient
flower seedlings, as once was normal.
rainfall to ease the drought in most regions and
Instead,
replace
everything
you
can
with
water-wise, local and hardy drought-resistant plants.
areas that were suffering badly, the relief was temporary and not entirely complete.
With some 2 000 species of Protea types and
The forecast is that the creeping permanent
5 000 species of Erica, all indigenous to one or other
drought conditions, interspersed with extreme
of the worst-affected areas of the Western, Northern
rainfall events such as Gauteng and the greater
and Eastern Cape, you have plenty of choices of
Durban area and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal have
plants that will, if not immediately but down the line
most recently experienced, is likely to set in virtually
a bit, develop into a wildlife-supporting seasonal
across all of South Africa.
garden of beauty and delight – and not filled with
So if you read this as the thunder booms and
delicate non-indigenous plants requiring lots of
the rain pours down in some up-country part of
water to keep them happy and alive.
South Africa (or anywhere else in the world, for that indigenous
matter, since this is a global issue), realise that what
water-scarcity resistant plants some which flower
we are discussing in this article is coming to your
in spring, some that will look good in winter and
region sooner than later.
There
are
among
these
many
some that will thrive in hot summer conditions with occasional rain.
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summer rainfall area – where drought has recently
The only real exceptions to this general rule are areas where climate change is driving multiple
And just because you do not necessarily live in
high-rainfall events, like the Caribbean islands hit
the Cape or have yet been hit as severely as that
so hard by a series of hurricanes, presenting
region has been by recent droughts, you are almost
an altogether different set of problems, albeit
certain to live in a part of the country – probably a
fundamentally related to what the Western Cape is
Upkeep for busy urbanites of water-wise gardens, sans water-hungry and quick-growing plants and ever-thirst lawns, is literally at a minimum. Green things in such gardens grow, albeit slowly when little rain falls, and bloom in their season, fulfilling the essential role of a garden which is to keep alive within us some aspect of connectedness to our natural environment. experiencing due to overall global warming, which despite all efforts to date continues to gallop way.
At current rates, and with a recalcitrant and retrogressive US President and his climate-denialist
Back in 2013 the planet passed the symbolically
environmental appointee, there seems no real
important milestone of 400 parts per million (ppm)
prospect for putting the climate change genie back
of CO2 which is already well over the previously set
in its bottle.
level in the low 390ppm range required to stop and/ or slow global warming.
In other words, what we are enduring now is just the beginning, with much more to come.
Currently we are sitting at 403.3ppm, which
So, back in the garden, and wherever you may
does not seem like much of an increase, but climate
find yourself in South Africa or elsewhere, best
doesn't work in a linear fashion.
then to bite the bullet, realise the inevitable and
In fact, past certain 'tipping points', climatic and
sooner than later, switch to local indigenous and
other complex systems with feedback loop processes
drought-resistant or even semi-desert-adapted plants
in them, take on a life of their own and increasingly
to beautify your space.
run away from our ability to have an effect on them
It may sound horrible to gardening traditionalists
until such time as there is nothing we can do to stop
but it really isn't – many water-wise gardens are
what has been unleashed.
actually very beautiful.
This is more or less what has happened with regard to global climate. The increasing carbon dioxide levels have driven ever-larger areas of the North Polar region in particular
And there's a major upside – upkeep for busy urbanites of water-wise gardens, sans water-hungry and quick-growing plants and ever-thirst lawns, is literally at a minimum.
to get much warmer – by 7ºC or more on average –
Green things in such gardens grow, albeit slowly
each summer, leading to massive releases of the
when little rain falls, and bloom in their season,
much more aggressive and longer-lived greenhouse
fulfilling the essential role of a garden which is to
gas methane from where it had been trapped for
keep alive within us some aspect of connectedness
millennia in the now defrosted 'permafrost'.
to our natural environment.
SG
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W ater N ews A WATER CRISIS SOLUTION? Eliodomestico is a new concept of a solar seawater distiller earmarked mainly for developing countries. Italian designer Gabriele Diamanti is the man behind this game changing invention. The invention can transform salty water from the sea to drinking water by using only direct sunlight. No electricity, filters or moving parts. This means there is no need for maintenance hence no operating costs involved. All one has to do is fill it with salty sea water and get about your day. At the end it delivers 5l of drinking water. A genius yet very simple way to produce healthy, bacteria-free water. It could go a long way in solving water problems in Africa.
Full Story
HEALING THE OCEANS 85% of the world’s fisheries have been pushed beyond their limits – and the future of ocean life looks grim. Fortunately, GreenWave has developed a revolutionary floating farm that actually regenerates our oceans while providing jobs and a sustainable source of food. The vertical aquaculture farm yields bountiful crops of shellfish and seaweed – species specifically selected to absorb greenhouse gas and filter out harmful chemicals.
Full Story
FLOW LOOP After initiating the shower in the regular mode, all you need to do is step on the drain cover – which will automatically activate the circulation mode. Instead of letting all the warm water go to waste down the drain, Flow Loop recovers it from the floor and passes it through the filtration system, before re-circulating it to your shower head cleaner than before and with 50% higher flow – while adding just a little bit of warm water to keep the temperature adjusted. The water you use will continuously circulate through the purifying filters and the ultrasonic de-scaler. Once you’re done, simply step on the drain cover again and after a few moments, the system will clean and flush itself through an automatic back-flush, so you or the next person won’t have to. Already after the first circulation, it is cleaner and safer than most tap water.
More info
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F ood N ews RESEARCHERS DISCOVER PLASTIC FIBRES FOUND IN TAP WATER AROUND THE WORLD We have the ability and the technology to clean up our water systems and start producing our products and energy in clean green ways, but industry corruption and red-tape prolong the process. At the same time, disease rates are rising at an exponential rate, and it’s clear that multiple factors could be contributing to this, including a lack of access to clean healthy water, on a global scale. A new investigation conducted by Orb Media, who shared their findings exclusively with The Guardian, had tap water samples from more than a dozen nations around the world analyzed by scientists, and they found that a shocking 83% of the samples were contaminated with plastic fibres. This is a huge problem, and microplastic contamination is now extremely widespread. Our oceans are littered with plastic, which is killing whales and other marine mammals, and contaminating fish. Previous studies have shown when people eat seafood, they are also eating high levels of microplastics, not to mention taking in a lot of mercury as well.
Full Story
GS-2 Medium-Large Gardens R 3 999
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400 Watt Pump 110 litre Water Tank 15 metre Hosepipe Removable Filter Pyramid Sprinkler Head
GS-1 Small Gardens R 2 999 200 Watt Pump 90 litre Water Tank 15 metre Hosepipe Removable Filter Pyramid Sprinkler Head
All AquaRenu products include a free biodegradable conditioning laundry gel from Better Earth which allows users to safely irrigate their lawns with used laundry water.
For more visit www.aquarenu.co.za Twitter: @AquaRenu_SA Facebook: @AquaRenuSA
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BRAIN GAIN
Why SA’s brilliant expats are bringing their skills home
I T IS MORE THAN A M AG A ZINE, IT'S A MOV EMEN T The Digital version of Fast Company South Africa is now available on Apple iPad and Android tablets
Water doesn’t come from a tap. Water goes on a long and complicated journey to get to you.
Visit journeyofwater.co.Za to learn more about where your water comes from. Photo Š Hougaard Malan
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Energy
VISITING INTERNATIONAL ANTI-NUKE ACTIVISTS WARN ABOUT ‘FAILED NUCLEAR POWER EXPERIMENT’ COMING TO AFRICA
American activist, Chris Williams says that two plants in the US have abandoned construction, due to excessive cost overruns, as a result of unprecedented construction delays with new nuclear builds.
Joined by ELA-JHB’s Makoma Lekalakala – who accompanied the activists on their tour of Johannesburg, Eastern Cape, Durban and Cape Town – Vladimir Slivyak explains that nuclear has even lost its appeal in Russia.
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'Don’t let South Africa become the dumping ground for the remnants of the failed nuclear energy experiment.' That was the message from international anti-nuclear activists touring the country during September 2017, as part of a national awareness campaign, Don’t Nuke the Climate – hosted by Earthlife-Africa Johannesburg (ELA-JHB) and the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI).
S
easoned activists, Chris Williams from the
last 50 years, nuclear is basically a failed energy
United States and Vladimir Slivyak from
experiment. As they pointed out, if it had been a
Russia – who have more than five decades of
success, we would see a lot more future plans for
anti-nuclear activism between them – focussed their
new nuclear reactors. But in fact, what is reported
attentions on two of the core issues influencing the
is that France, US and Russia (which have been
developed world’s move away from nuclear energy.
the leading nuclear powers), are now looking at
This includes nuclear’s exorbitant price tag, which
alternative energy, and particularly at renewables,
continues to rise years after decommissioning, and
rather than build more reactors.'
also the unprecedented radioactive waste storage
'It then raises the question, why is South Africa
problem that nuclear countries continue to struggle
pushing ahead with what is now an old technology?
with.
It looks like this is another case of old technology
Both Williams and Slivyak urged local activists to
being dumped on an unsuspecting Africa, and this
guard against Africa becoming the dumping ground
is something that civil society and all South Africans
for what can be called a failed energy experiment
should resist emphatically,' continues McDaid.
of nuclear energy technology, which is losing its appeal everywhere else in the world. 'Two
plants
in
the
US
The financial woes of two of the industry’s heavy hitters provides further evidence that the nuclear
have
abandoned
industry is fighting a losing battle. Westinghouse
construction, due to excessive cost overruns, as
in the US filed for bankruptcy, while Toshiba (the
a result of unprecedented construction delays
mother company) sold-off part of its operations,
with new nuclear builds. France has reduced their
just to survive.
SG
number of reactors by 50%, without any planned replacements and the country is also experiencing problems with their plant under construction in Finland, due to inflated costs,' says Williams. According to Slivyak, even Russia has big plans to decommission reactors over the next fifteen years, with no matching plans for replacement. He adds that it is significant to note that China, which initially seemed to be going full-steam with nuclear energy, has since slowed down its efforts and is now investing far much more in renewable energy, since recognising its impact as a valuable poverty alleviation measure. Liz McDaid, Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment
Institute’s
energy
expert
says,
'According to these international activists, over the
Both Williams and Slivyak urged local activists to guard against Africa becoming the dumping ground for what can be called a failed energy experiment of nuclear energy technology, which is losing its appeal everywhere else in the world.
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Home
Meeting Nature halfway
A sustainable future buil S G 40
I n
Buildings, be they domestic, commercial or industrial, are major consumers of energy the world over and this applies to much more than just their day-to-day running. From basic components, transport, construction, operation and final decomposition after its useful life, a building has significant potential for a gentler environmental footprint. Werner Slabbert, Rustic Homes’ Director, weighs in on timber as a construction material with high potential for energy efficiency, sustainability and a real future in South Africa.
lt with timber
defining
energy
efficiency,
the
term is often confused with ‘energy conservation’ and ‘sustainability’. While
these terms are most certainly related, they are not the same thing. Energy conservation means to save or use less energy by minimising or cutting back on the energy we use; switching off unnecessary lights and washing fewer loads of laundry, for example. But energy efficiency implies fulfilling the same tasks or functions as before, but with less energy. These both contribute to the sustainability of a structure or operation, which is popularly defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report as '[meeting] the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.' 1
From seed to site When applied to construction, there are a number of materials and technologies available to us today to render a project more energy efficient and sustainable. While there is a place for all types of construction materials, timber boasts many properties that make it particularly well suited to the homeowner, builder or property developer looking for a building option that is kinder to the environment, not just during its useful life, but across its entire lifecycle. This means that we need to pay attention to where the timber comes from, how it was grown, processed, treated, stored and transported before it reaches the construction site; all the energy that goes into that piece of timber from seed to site is known as embodied energy, which is a significant determinant in how sustainable a structure is. We also need to think about what happens to timber after its useful life. All construction materials, whether they are grown or mined, will have to undergo processing, storage and transport, which means that once they arrive on site, they will all carry a measure of embodied energy. Timber, however, is unique in that during its ‘manufacturing’ process, it takes up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, stores the
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carbon molecule (which it uses for energy) and
lighter than other ‘traditional’ building materials
releases oxygen in a process commonly known as
and therefore more energy-efficient and less costly
photosynthesis. Furthermore, since wood is grown
to transport.
and is not a finite resource, like oil, for example, timber remains the only truly renewable building material available to us. SA Pine, predominantly used in timber frame
construction in South Africa, has the propensity to take up and store between 600kgs to 1 ton of carbon from the atmosphere per cubic metre of wood. Timber is arguably the only building material that starts out having removed carbon from the atmosphere before its working life, which means it has a head start on mitigating the activities that will later make up its embodied energy by the time it gets to site, and the potential to contribute to a structure with an effective zero net carbon footprint. Timber as a construction material also adds value from the very start of its journey. Not only does it fix carbon from the atmosphere as it grows, it supports employment in the forestry sector, it is
Interesting fact The amount of the carbon taken up
Construction & energy efficiency Laws in South Africa regarding both energy usage and energy efficiency in buildings were promulgated in 2011. These apply not to the embodied energy of a given structure, but rather to the performance of the structure in how it consumes energy during its working life. Both SANS 204: Energy Efficiency in Buildings and SANS 10400 section XA: Energy Usage in Buildings set clear guidelines in place for the architect and builder on how to provide for an allowable level of energy usage of a structure through design and compliance with deemed-to-satisfy requirements outlined by the National Building Regulations. According to Jacques Cronje of Jacques Cronje Timber Design, the more typical issues that impact on a construction’s energy efficiency include the structure’s orientation, window size and positioning, shading, material choices with consideration for thermal and insulating properties, solar heating,
by a tree is dependent on a number
natural cooling and considerations for natural light.
of variables, 'including tree species,
The regulations take the performance of all aspects
growth conditions in the environment,
of a build into account, including walls, roofs, water
age of tree and density of surrounding trees.' 2
heating and lighting, in line with requirements per climatic zones in South Africa. 3 Cronje notes, 'Non-masonry walls shall achieve a minimum total R-Value of R2.2 in climatic zones
S G 42
1 and 6 and an R-Value of 1.9 in climatic zones 2,
'timber, a naturally insulating material, makes for an
3, 4 and 5. Insulation of roofs has been determined
excellent choice. Air pockets within timber’s cellular
as the single biggest factor impacting on energy
structure create a natural barrier to heat and cold.' 6
efficiency [… and] the minimum R-Value of roof
Furthermore,
'of
all
the
timber
options
assembly (i.e. all components of the roof and
in construction, lightweight timber is the best
ceiling) required in zones 1 and 4 is R3.7 with the
insulator overall as thermal conductivity increases
other zones only marginally less.' 3
with density. In addition, thermal conductivity
'Timber frame homes are included in the South
will vary slightly with moisture content, residual
African National Building Regulations standards
deposits in the timber such as extractives, and
in SANS 10082: Timber Buildings. When built to
natural characteristics such as checks, knots and
these standards, they also automatically achieve the
grain direction.' 6
standard required for registration with the National
Construction design with a focus on energy
Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and are
efficiency through lightweight timber can greatly
easily designed to meet the requirements of the recent energy efficiency regulations.' 4
How does timber add value to the sustainability equation?
Plantations, not natural forests In South Africa, most timber frame companies
use
timber
grown
in
responsibly managed pine plantations
Aside from its potential for relatively low embodied energy, other significant contributors to a timber
and not natural forests. These plantations are like working factories with the sole
construction’s potential for high thermal resistance
purpose of growing timber in a controlled
and energy efficiency performance are its inherent
environment for the market. Managed
thermal properties as well as its propensity to take
and/or overseen by reputable bodies
on bulk insulation and limit thermal bridges.
like the Forest Stewardship Council,
According to Wood Solutions, the Australian initiative
created
professionals
to
offer
'independent,
timber
industry
non-proprietary
information about timber and wood products',
for example, these plantations are run in line with the highest standards for ensuring sustainability.
when considering the physical properties of wood,
43 S G
contribute to maximising comfort and minimising
According to the Peter Müller website, 'Thermal
non-renewable energy use. […] The natural thermal
bridges are areas where, for example, heat is lost
properties of timber also maximise the energy
through a switch in materials than in neighbouring
efficiency of insulation material as wood will not
structural elements. Thanks to the low thermal
become cold or dissipate heat, therefore requiring
conductivity of wood, the thermal bridge effect of
less energy to maintain warmth throughout a
wooden structural elements is very slight.' 7
building.'
The walls, floors and roof of a timber home
6
While the higher the thermal resistance of a
have the capacity to take on almost any type of
material in construction, the better; the lower its
bulk insulation, which means that the structure’s
thermal conductivity, the better it will insulate.
ambient temperature will behave more moderately regardless of seasonal changes and require less
Calculating R-Values and heat loss R-Value
refers
to
the
energy for heating and cooling, provided it is designed in line with energy efficiency regulations. Building envelope sealing is also a significant potential contributor to a structure’s thermal
thermal
performance with the addition of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) and sheathing overlaid with the
resistance of a material. The higher
cladding of choice, all adding thermal value to the
the R-Value, the more effective its
wall structure and limiting thermal transmittance.
insulating properties. R-Values are
One can implement all kinds of energy efficiency
usually represented in physical units of m2K/W or square metre Kelvin per
measures, but if the building envelope is not properly sealed, the thermal performance of the structure will drop significantly, negating all the
Watt.
energy efficiency measures implemented in the first
Heat loss per square metre is
place.
calculated by dividing the temperature
Making comparisons
difference by the R-Value of a given material. So if a home’s internal
In a recent South African study conducted for a local association, research concluded that clay brick
temperature measures 20ºC and the
walling (both thermally insulated cavity walling
temperature in the roof cavity is at
and solid clay brick) outperformed timber frame,
10ºC, the temperature difference is
among others, in terms of energy usage across
10ºC (or a 10 K difference). Holding the assumption that a ceiling is insulated to an R-Value of 2, for example, energy will be lost at a 2
rate of 10 K ÷ (2m K/W) = 5 Watts per hour for every square metre of ceiling. For the same temperature difference,
varied contexts. While it is important to keep an open mind, especially when presented with new information that could well be at odds with one’s own understanding, I find it somewhat troublesome that this study’s outcomes are overwhelmingly in favour of the industry on behalf of which it was conducted and far less so towards its counterparts. The study also suggests that a building material’s embodied energy is a far less important consideration than the operational energy usage of the structure it
but with insulation bearing an R-Value
makes up, which contradicts today’s commonly held
of 1, the heat loss calculation will
understanding among industry professionals that a
2
resolve as follows: 10 K ÷ (1m K/W) = 10 Watts per hour for every square metre of ceiling.5
structure’s entire life cycle – from cradle to grave – is important when we think about a structure’s sustainability. This is especially disconcerting in the light of overwhelming evidence from studies done across the world that timber frame, built to
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standard, has excellent potential to lead in terms of energy efficiency. Australia, New Zealand, America and Europe have long embraced the benefits of timber frame construction, where this construction type is the norm, as opposed to the exception, as has a small but burgeoning and well-informed market in South Africa keen on a lighter construction footprint. The majority of new houses in these developed markets are built using timber frame, which begs the question why. Being one of, if not the biggest, contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, 'buildings represent [at least] a third of global emissions, and a third 8 of energy and materials worldwide'. Concrete
and steel account for 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions and 'clay for bricks is extracted from the earth, ie, it is of a finite quantity, and then fired 9 in an energy intensive process.' Interestingly, a
2009 study found that 'emerging economies cause nearly 60% of the global construction sector total CO2 emission.' 10 So I ask, what are we missing in
the local context? Are we the only ones who believe that brick and mortar outperform timber frame by
sustainable design and construction in South Africa. There is no denying that all building materials have something to offer the construction sector and its end users, but there is no more urgent time for timber to fully occupy – and be appreciated for – its role as a viable construction material with high potential for legitimately sustainable construction. Nature has come to the table; it is time we begin to arrive there as well.
SG
For more information on Rustic Homes, visit www.rustichomes.co.za.
default, despite global evidence to the contrary? The words of Rear Admiral Grace Hopper come to mind: 'The most dangerous phrase in the language is "we’ve always done it this way".' What better time than the present to really consider what big industry is trying to sell us and why, who is set to profit from the heedless buy-in and why we are so afraid of change? If we all knew just how well timber frame performed globally across a number of variables, how would our construction and housing markets
References 1. Finding and resolving the root cause of the sustainability problem. Thwink.org. Accessed: 11 July 2017. 2. Leys, Andrea Jane. ‘How is carbon stored in trees and wood products?’ Forest Learning. Forest & Wood Products Australia. Accessed: 11 July 2017. 3. Cronje, J. Energy Efficiency: Understanding the New Building Regulations in South Africa. Jacques Cronje Timber Design. Posted: 6 December 2012. Accessed: 12 July 2017.
begin to change over time?
4. Cronje, J. 10 Good Reasons to Consider Building a Timber Frame Home. Jacques Cronje Timber Design. Posted: 6 November 2012. Accessed: 12 July 2017.
Conclusion
5. Slabbert, W. Energy Efficiency of Timber Homes. Rustic Homes. Posted: 6 September 2016. Accessed: 10 July 2017.
The construction sector globally has a duty to make more responsible, better-informed decisions about how it plans and executes its work for a more sustainable future; there is no more room, excuse, or time for ignorance and self-indulgence. While timber alone may not be a silver bullet for our carbon footprint woes, it does represent nature’s commitment to the solution. With well-considered planning, sourcing of responsibly grown timber, adherence to legislation governing energy efficiency and usage, timber as a construction material is poised to be at the forefront of energy-efficient and
6. Thermal Performance. Wood Solutions: Design & Build. Accessed: 12 July 2017. 7. Thermal Insulation & Energy Efficiency. Peter Müller. Accessed: 12 July 2017. 8. Condliffe. J. The Building Industry Could Cut our Global Emissions by One Third – So Why Hasn’t It? Posted: 12 March 2015. Accessed: 25 July 2017. 9. Cronje, J. The Benefits of Building with Timber. Jacques Cronje Timber De sign. Posted: 11 February 2013. Accessed: 1 August 2017. 10. Huang, L, et al. 2017. Carbon Emission of Global Construction Sector – Abstract. Research Gate. Accessed: 25 July 2017.
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47 S G
COMPANY PROFILE
decor
DELIGHT
Designing beautiful, eco-friendly, hardwood furniture that is still easy on the pocket need not be impossible. Eco Furniture Design is a furniture store & supplier based in South Africa that specialises in lifestyle furniture and décor to create stylish, high quality solid wooden furniture that is both functional and affordable.
A
ll of the items available from Eco Furniture
can also incorporate steel, glass and upholstered
Design
elements on request.
are
all
locally
made
using
sustainable raw materials and eco-friendly
paints and finishes. They can even accommodate
Eco-friendly
both individual requests as well as large and bulk
Eco Furniture Design use only the most eco-friendly
orders.
and sustainable products they can find. Everything
From the inception of a simple idea, every
from raw natural timbers to environmentally friendly
sought-after piece they’ve produced has had to
finishes have been meticulously sourced to ensure
meet three self-appointed requirements: Client’s
our products are as earth conscious as possible.
specific needs; sustainable raw materials; and design functionality. The result? A stunning range of
Perfect Balance
affordable, high-quality furniture, and an abundance
They say that form follows function. Eco Furniture
of satisfied customers.
Design
have
discovered
the
perfect
balance
Their concepts embrace a blend of rustic and
between them by designing products for their
contemporary styles, which are truly enhanced by
highest functionality, while shaping a beautiful,
a passion to work closely with clients on custom
contemporary or classic form which will stand the
designs that suit their exacting requirements.
test of time.
Wether you fall in love with a piece from their
Perhaps their greatest achievement is their very
ever-growing collection, or work together to design
successful social upliftment program whereby they
and build bespoke furniture that will live in your home
hire mostly unskilled and semi-skilled staff and train
forever, Eco Furniture Design's sustainably-sourced
them up in-house.
timbers include Blackwood, Saligna, Oregon Pine, SA Pine, various reclaimed timbers, Yellowwood, Cape Holly, Stinkwood, Rosewood and Cottonwood. They
For more info call 021 827 1336 / 021 827 7701 or email info@ecofurnituredesign.com.
Order online or quote 'Green2017' and receive a discount ••••••• S G 48
••••••••••••• Visit ecofurnituredesign.com 49 S G
E co L ighting
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Cost-effective lighting that looks good With another 20% increase in tariffs being asked for by Eskom for its electricity supply, everyone, home-owners and businesses, should prepare for another hit to the pocket. But there are things one can do to mitigate the cost of energy, specifically, electricity. We take a look at optimising your lighting as one step in cutting your usage and reducing your costs.
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L
ong gone are the days when lighting,
the underlying argument is simply
especially in offices and manufacturing
overwhelming, both logically and
plants, was just lighting. These days there
economically. Indeed, with advances on so
is so much more to lighting than that. For one thing, there is the cost of having it.
many fronts taking place at present,
Settling for the old standard-issue but blindingly
nano-tech systems in which entire
powerful 200W incandescent bulb, or its 100W or
walls, ceilings, floors, buildings or
60W cousins, is simply not even thinkable – and
whatever one wishes to light up,
many people have already switched most bulbs from
will soon be in place and becoming
incandescent to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs),
increasingly common – and for the
with the most forward-looking using light-emitting
same reasons already cited. The average New York City Times
diodes (LEDs). Both CFL and LED bulbs and fittings have come
Square billboard of bright lights is
a long way in a short time as the pressure of cost,
eating up an enormous amount of
plus the underlying reality that most our electricity
power annually – by one account,
is still made using coal and making it generates
enough
plenty of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to further warm
homes each.
power
thousands
of
our already over-heated planet, have combined
Once the 'new tech' in lighting
to drive a new wave in good-looking and highly
rules, even in that most blingy of
efficient lighting systems.
bling-oriented places, the result will and
not only be huge reductions in energy
low-energy usage LED lights are to be found not
used, with concomitant reductions
merely in blingy bars and nightclubs, but offices,
in GHG outputs, and much-reduced
hotels, convention centres, and increasingly in
operating costs, but the end result
homes.
will also look better.
Strips
of
low-cost,
low-maintenance
Indeed, LEDs in particular have opened up whole
This is because LED technology is racing along
new ways of looking at and thinking about lighting,
at high speed as market demands incentivise
beginning with design and ending with integrated,
manufacturers
smart-device operated systems that do just about
applications of this technology with not only an
everything for you, from switching off lights when
equal effective lighting output (measured in total
you leave a room to turning them on when you
lux received by one's eyeballs) but one that is even
come back in.
more attractive, literally easier on the eyes, and
IoT
to
produce
ever-more
flexible
highly adaptable to almost any situation. Not to mention that the lifespan of the average
In the increasingly smart-device world of the
LED bulb is vastly longer than even CFLs which are,
Internet of Things (IoT), which we wrote about in
in turn, vastly longer than incandescents.
our previous issue (click here read more on that), an
Even when LED bulbs in a large array go down, it
integrated lighting system which is driven by smart
is hard to spot them in many instances, especially
technology (like self-dimming systems, for example)
where they are surrounded by a large number of
is increasingly a great idea.
other similar bulbs, such as in a large billboard-sized
Obviously initial cost is an issue, but when
lighting display.
you combine smart-tech with low-energy devices,
So even what maintenance would normally be
whether that be in dealing with lighting or any
required to replaced dead LEDs is reduced because
other energy and power usage, the advantages of
one can get away with not replacing them for some
an entirely new system will, sooner than later, be so
time before 'black spots' appear to anyone beyond
great as to ensure that the capital and installation
10m away or so.
costs are rapidly defrayed by much lower operating costs. The details will change according to the specifics of each and every installation or system, but
S G 52
to
Tomorrow's lighting So the push is there for a rapid move in many places and circumstances towards a LED-filled future.
variations based on computer-generated algorithms. Instead of wall art, one could make the art, wall and the lighting system all part of the same design – with effectively a limitless number of variations possible so that a décor update would simply be a keyboard or voice instruction for the bio-tech lighting system to run another display.
At this point, it is one's imagination which becomes the main limitation to what may become possible, and in only a very short time, when it comes to creative, cost-effective and gorgeous lighting, indoor or out. One could even make such a display appear virtually retro – making it look like an artfully distressed wall of bricks or some such, but all subtly lit in whichever fashion or manner that takes your fancy. These latest developments are a few years down the line, not decades away, nor are these ideas born of dreamy sci-fi wishful thinking – they are almost literally tomorrow's lighting realities. But there is more coming down the development pipeline than that. Work
is
advancing
At this point, it is one's imagination which becomes the main limitation to what may become
rapidly
in
understand
possible, and in only a very short time, when it comes
bioluminescence, the phenomenon of biologically-
to creative, cost-effective and gorgeous lighting,
produced light. The most obvious to many people
indoor or out.
would be fireflies and similar creatures which come
Light has always been a critical component of
out at night to attract mates using their biochemically
human development – where light has become
produced little lights.
available,
Similarly, the oceans can on occasion become huge light displays on the move whenever bioluminescent
much
progress
and
an
enormous
improvement in life quality and variety of lifestyles have followed.
plankton populates the surface. When disturbed by
We can look forward to much more of the same –
wave action, the movement of a boat through water,
and as light is also very closely aligned with human
oars or whatever, the whole ocean surface affected
experiences of beauty and even romance (Paris has
by that motion lights up in a truly stunning fashion.
been dubbed 'the city of lights' for good reason), the
Briefly, spectacular and beautiful rivers and swirls
future of lighting is looking, well, very bright.
of light emanate from the source of whatever has
Meanwhile, back to current time and present
disturbed these tiny creatures into switching on their
realities: put into straightforward language, this
own body's light, before it all fades way gradually.
means that if you have not already fully moved to
As the biochemistry of these processes is
CFLs, you will shortly have to, and if you have not yet
understood in greater detail, so progress is being
considered or begun to move to LEDs, then you ought
made towards living lighting systems that, perhaps
to do that immediately too.
at the sound of your voice and run by a smart-tech
And with an ever-growing range of fixtures and
or IoT system, will switch on whole walls of light that
systems to choose from, your lighting options are
could be made to change colours, ripple through with
already, dare we say it, much brighter than once they
variations and make an almost unlimited number of
were.
SG
53 S G
Buildings
SA's green building sector continues to grow
S G 54
Since its inception just on a decade ago, South Africa's Green Building Council has moved from the fringes of the construction sector to become a major player in shaping how future buildings are thought about and built. Indeed, the GBCSA has impacted the entire built environment community and stakeholders as the notions of low-impact, sustainability and resource protection and renewal, along with an improving positive built environment experience, have taken root. This report reflects the state of play.
55 S G
G
reen building as a concept is no longer an idea lurking on the sidelines of an industry sector that remains fairly stable
amid turbulent macro-economic conditions – and which is, even under constrained growth conditions, still producing numerous 'green' buildings, private and public, every year. As
real-time
savings
and
efficiencies
are
repeatedly demonstrated in newly built or revamped structures, so the related sustainable building principles which have driven those positive changes have increased in relevance and importance.
'If developers want a high Green Star rating
It seems likely that in not too long a period –
for their building, then the Local Content category
perhaps a matter of just several years – the great
points, gained for using a local supply chain of
majority of new structures will be incorporating core
sustainable materials and skills, is a key contributor,'
green building elements or being put up entirely
Modise explained. As established corporates order
around the conceptual framework they provide.
new green products from SMMEs, the general
Similarly, existing buildings are also increasingly likely to be revamped according to Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) standards and guidelines.
skills base increases to accommodate the growing demand. Helping to drive this 'virtuous cycle' is a growing number of GBCSA-accredited sector experts – in
In a recent assessment of progress made, the GBCSA underlined what all this means in actual
savings – not just in spreadsheets and glossy come-ons to potential investors, but in real-time, measured effects.
2017 one training group alone consisted of 200 individuals.
Good business Most South African firms give the motivation of their
So, for instance, water-saving measures, as
green builds as 'the right thing to do', comments
endorsed by the GBCSA and incorporated into
Modise. However, with extended irregular rainfall
buildings they certify, already save enough water to
affecting the country, and especially the Western
meet the daily needs of 550 000 people each year.
Cape, along with the continued hikes expected in
This
has
been
achieved
in
just
300
resource-efficient buildings certified by the GBCSA, says the organisation's CEO Dorah Modise. 'GBCSA is meaningfully contributing to the
electricity and fuel prices, the 'right thing to do' is also often the most financially prudent. Beyond cheaper running costs, green buildings also show a higher return on investment.
planet,' Modise told conference delegates at the 10th
'Green buildings consider people first, and we
Green Building Convention, held in the Century City
urgently need to build better to enable thriving
Conference Centre in early October.
communities, better businesses, efficient cities and
Growing demand
Chairperson. 'The GBCSA is perfectly positioned to
In 2018, the proportion of green buildings will climb
build a better world in South Africa – and the rest
from 2017's 41% to 61% of all South African building
of the continent.'
a sustainable economy,' says Rudolf Pienaar, GBCSA
project activity. That is a huge leap for a single year
The GBCSA strategy has matured since the
and represents green building fully 'coming of age'
South African Property Owners Association's initial
in South Africa.
sponsorship paid for the development of a rating
The GBCSA certifies buildings according to the
tool relevant to South African conditions.
Green Star rating system. These buildings are
'Today there are 10 rating tools, including a
recognised for their resource efficiencies, which are
world-first framework to build better places for
rated in minute detail using sustainability indicators
people,' says Pienaar.
on every aspect of each development, from light and water fixtures, to paint and carpeting.
S G 56
Local job creation is one very positive result.
The GBCSA continues to grow 'exponentially', says the organisation.
'It took six years to certify the first 100 buildings, and just two and a half years to certify the next 200. Plus, we've signed up all the municipalities in the country through an agreement with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA),' adds Pienaar. Beyond those achievements, Local Context
Growing awareness surrounding the linkages between human activity and related climate responses is providing a driving force for change in many fields, not least the building sector in South Africa and many other countries and regions around the world.
Reports have been developed for Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Namibia and Mauritius to initiate growth in their green building sectors as well. The success of the GBCSA as an economic and social imperative depends on collaboration, says the GBCSA. Citing the hurricanes across the Americas, the crippling drought in the Western Cape and recent violent storms in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, Pienaar emphasises that the effects of global warming are very real. 'A significant 23% of greenhouse gases stem from buildings, and if we don't act now, and fast, there will be no chance of achieving reduced carbon emission targets,' he warns. The negative consequences of not meeting such targets are literally too horrible to contemplate, as recent disasters of various kinds, local and distant but all linked by climate change, have shown. Growing awareness surrounding the linkages between human activity and related climate responses is providing a driving force for change in many fields, not least the building sector in South Africa and many other countries and regions around the world. So look forward to an every-increasing number of buildings which, even if they don't overtly declare themselves to be 'good and green' from their external appearances, will be contributing positively to a sector that appears to have taken on our climate and eco-related challenges with gusto – with long-term benefits for all of us, not merely their owners and those who live or work in these structures.
green 300 certifications
since 2007
R85 billion worth of property greened
Equivalent to
million 430 130 000 kilowatt hours cars off the road every year in terms of CO2 emissions
of electricity saved every year
500
Equivalent to powering up
million kilograms
30 000
of C02 will be saved every year
400
homes annually
million litres of water
will be saved every year
Equal to the daily water needs of
550 000 people
SG
57 S G
Q&A: E nergy
KEEPING IT CLEAN AND SIMPLE Over the years, the fight to save the environment has been tough, to say the least. Getting everyone rowing in the same direction and ensuring that we all do the little we can to save the world we live in are key in this crucial battle. We question one brave young entrepreneur that has taken it upon himself to invent innovative ways to help save the environment.
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59 S G
T 
he war against pollution, saving water and energy are challenges we have to meet together. It needs the creative minds of
business and other leaders who have the capacity to change how we use our precious resources and invent lasting solutions to preserve the environment for future generations. Solar systems are one of the greatest inventions on the planet, converting sunlight into electricity without harming the environment. Jaco Venter is a CEO making moves to eradicate the use of and dependency on fossil fuels through Zeroth Energy, a consulting company that supplies solar systems for sectional complexes, retirement villages, commercial businesses, industrials, schools and fuel stations. Jaco chatted to Simply Green and shared some insight into what the company is all about.
Can you give us a brief background of your childhood and adult education? I was born in Vereeniging on 18 July 1985, grew up incredibly poor and often moving from school to school, house to house, neighbourhood to neighbourhood. Even though it was painful growing
for numerous companies while living in London, one
up in that manner, I appreciate the value it had on my
of them being a billion dollar fitness/detox company,
life, as I started asking the question 'why', especially
as well as the biggest art company in the world in
in patterns I noticed. This helped me to become a
America, where I was an Art Auctioneer. Even though
top 10 student in school even though I was a massive
I was never actively pursuing a career in art or fitness,
rebel and always got in trouble. This foundation gave
I did get interested in sales as it was aligned with the
me the opportunity to go to North West University,
human nature and my philosophically way of thinking
where I studied Mechanical Engineering, which I later
was intrigued. The time I spent in sales jobs around
changed to Actuarial Science. I left university with a
the world was great, as I had different teachers and
few credits short, best decision I made in my life even
different perspectives, making my view point on sales
though I was classified as a failure. This allowed me
very unique. For a brief stint I lived in Thailand where
to pursue my true passion, which was to know me and
I taught philosophy and yoga for free on the beach.
the universe, so I went travelling, I travelled the world
This is where I got more aligned with the energy of
for seven years, where I visited over 90 countries on
the universe, as well as learned how I was in control
all seven continents. Looking back I basically got a
of my own reality and the creator of my own life.
seven year degree in human psychology, philosophy
I came back home in 2015 for two of my sisters'
and learning to think big. For me, knowledge is not
weddings, and decided to stay in South Africa.
the key, but experiences are the key, and experiences leads to the ability to do things smarter with a bigger picture in mind.
Can you give us a brief background of your career? My career has always been sales orientated. I worked
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Can you give us more info on Zeroth Energy and what it is about? Zeroth Energy is a unique African Energy Brokerage firm, specialising in making renewable energy accessible to the masses. We work with numerous solar and wind suppliers, installers and financial
'WE HAVE ONE OF THE BEST CLIMATES IN THE WORLD TO HAVE RENEWABLE ENERGY IMPLEMENTED. THE ONLY PUSH WE NEED IS SOME EDUCATION TO THE MASSES THAT RENEWABLE ENERGY IS NOW ACCESSIBLE, AND THAT IT WORKS.' institutions to simplify the process from client
the whole world I felt I wasn’t challenged in my own
introduction to system implementation. We have
life anymore – been there got the t-shirt, so I started
successfully managed to shorten the process, as well
asking what it is South Africa needs. The rating
as make it much more cost effective for solar/energy
agencies said two things will make life better in SA,
suppliers to operate in the market, bringing the total
one is the political situation and the other is the
cost down for the clients. We have also introduced
energy problem. Since I wont be a great politician
Solar Rental models with our partners to the market.
with my rebellious nature, I started questioning
Making renewable energy accessible to the masses
the energy space. I got my first chance for an IPP
by completely removing the upfront costs. Our
company helping them start a division to bring the
mission at Zeroth is to change the way we use energy
PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) to the private
and effectively and productively manage our energy
market. From my sales background and learning
sources – energy in all forms. Our principal objective
to make no’s into yes's, I started realising that my
is to make renewable energy (RE) accessible to the
ability to turn no’s into yes's was very limited being
masses and effectively, through a comprehensive
associated with only one company, even though I
paradigm shift, alter methodologies of producing
was bringing a product to the market that was a
food, as well as personal and produce transportation
no brainer – no upfront cost to get solar and your
and power to our industries and residences.
savings is from day one and growing as time goes
What was the need to facilitate change in the energy market? Did you see a gap for an opportunity?
passed, and coming from a travelling background where I saw plenty of solar installed even in countries with little to no sunshine, I questioned why Africa is not fully renewable energy, why are the clients not taking it, why is there no competition, why is there nobody representing the clients. I also saw and
When I came back to South Africa I wanted a
realised that most solar and energy companies are
challenge, as I am a big thinker, and after travelling
run and developed by engineers, who are the ones
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needed for the innovation, but they didn’t have the ability to sell their innovation to the public. This is where I saw the gap, that you need a company that represents both the suppliers and the clients, helping the clients get the best deal and helping the suppliers to sell and to always improve, which will lead to better product offering to clients and better pricing. A never-ending cycle where everybody wins. If it is not a win-win situation then Zeroth don’t get involved. So I started Zeroth Energy. It was a poor start as I lost all my clients I built up with the other company, eventually going from two suppliers to none as I left them for unethical business practises, I refused to do business with people who didn’t treat my clients like I did, even though it almost cost me my entire business. My ability to stick with something, even though it is costing me in my personal and family life, as everything in my life is about Zeroth Energy, helped me keep persisting, and eventually build up an amazing business with talented people all over South Africa. Even though I had the ability to not give up, it was the people who worked for me, past and present, who helped me build this company. Since the beginning I knew this was bigger than me, and I could not have got Zeroth to this point without the people involved. And with the divine energy it places
the world followed the working model. However, it is
the right lessons and the right people in my path to
changing rapidly.
steer Zeroth to great heights.
What are the pros and cons of being in the industry of manufacturing renewable energy in South Africa? Con’s – To have a financial model work in renewable energy we can only use Tier 1 products. Tier 1
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Zeroth has consultants across South Africa. What is the response towards your services from customers and entities who you supply to? Zeroth have an amazing team of Partner Consultants
means they are Vertically Integrated with over five
and Consultants, together with a team of Referral
years’ experience. In South Africa we only have Tier
Agents.
2 & 3 locally produced solar products. So it makes
technology enhancements, but from the way we have
it incredible hard to buy and support local products.
broken down all the barriers for somebody that wants
Something I would love to change, however this will
to get into the renewable energy space at little to no
take a tremendous amount of money and a few years
costs. We provide our consultants with everything,
to do it.
from solar to wind to smart meters, to designing to
Our
innovation
does
not
come
from
The pro is that we have one of the best climates in
installation to maintenance, to contracts to marketing,
the world to have renewable energy implemented. The
as well as one hell of a brand. All they have to do is
only push we need is some education to the masses
talk to the people of this world and tell them that
that RE is now accessible as well as that it works.
they can switch over to renewable energy at no cost.
Funnily enough, solar was invented before AC
What more can somebody ask for wanting to start a
electricity. JP Morgan saw the opportunity to make
successful business in this incredible space? All our
loads of money with Thomas Edison and so pushed
consultants are their own business owners under the
the funding for the electrification of New York, and
brand Zeroth, our model is to make sure we empower
'I believe that South Africa's renewable energy market will grow tremendously once people get familiar with our brand and realise that we are there for them, there to help them get the best solution for their business or home' people to grow their own business and to run a
entire African market, and eventually into the entire
flexible schedule. We don’t believe in office hours
world. By introducing our app in the near future it will
or checking up on each other. They are all business
help us to control the demand, as we are struggling
owners and as long as they act like business owners
to keep up with limited amount of installers and
and keep up with our high standard, they will always
suppliers. So our aim is first to make sure we
be part of us. We work on a PRIDE system – Personal
can handle the demand in effective ways without
Responsibility In Developing Excellence. Make your
disappointing our clients in the process. Our goal is
targets and help the clients and you can take the rest
to be all over Africa end 2018 and all over the world
of the month off if you want to. They all are fantastic
end 2019. With our current growth rate we might get
at what they do and have an incredible product
their quicker.
knowledge. However, their best ability is to relate to
our consultants and company as a friend. Customers
Who would you consider as your competitors and how are you staying ahead of the competition?
have come in flocks and lately we have experienced
I personally believe our biggest competitor is who
a growth rate of almost 4000%. As people learn more
we as a company were yesterday, and that keeps
about our effortless approach, they are more drawn
us thinking in a creative mindset, making sure we
to doing business with us.
improve every single day. We are never satisfied
the clients on a personal level and become friends with their clients. We are in this for the clients. Our number one thing is to make sure every client see’s
Do you have a global presence or are you currently based ONLY IN South Africa? At the moment we are exploring our entry into the
with where we are. Currently, our business model is working perfectly, and without any modifications we will be in business for a long time. However, we want to make it even better and quicker and more accessible to every client. Others trying to do what we do in the market
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are miles behind us, as we have a global view of doing things and they have a local view. We will never chase as we set the example, and with our high standards we make sure the bar is raised high and keep raising higher on a daily basis. This is not to shut down competition, but because we believe we are doing this for the right reasons, to help our clients. And we want our clients to always get the best. And the best is Zeroth Energy.
What are your thoughts on collaboration partners? As I said earlier, this is much bigger than who I am or my team, so I am always up for more partners and collaboration. We are doing this for the planet and for the people of this planet, the quicker we can stop our dependency on fossil fuel and start relying on Renewable Energy, the better off we will be as a species and leave a healthier and better planet to future generations. In the end, we are all going to die and be buried in the same graves, so its not about us, it’s about the change we make. Zeroth is here to make change
every day with persistence that makes a company
in the masses so the more people we can get
great and will make us stand the test of time.
involved, the more wonderful change we can make.
What are the business's most notable accomplishments since its inception?
One of my first partners, Terry Tompson died just before we had a meeting with a client. It hit me incredible hard, and really made me re-evaluate
It was our first client that signed up. As everybody
what we did and who we did it for. We are in this
doubted us and the way we were doing things,
for the people of the planet, for the people who
even suppliers were reluctant to sign up with us,
work with us and their families, for the creatures
and since our first client signed up, which was a
and plants of this world in any form. I stood up
5 star hotel. All our current suppliers (who at that
at Terry’s funeral, even though I didn’t know him
point were not our suppliers) bid as well. Suppliers
long, I thanked him as he was one of the most
have been flocking to us wanting us to do their
important people in our company’s short history.
sales and help them improve in the market space.
Thank you so much Terry.
It took us over a year to get our first client, as the
that moment. It took Colonel Sanders 1008 no’s
As the CEO of Zeroth Energy, what are your thoughts on SA's manufacturing and renewable energy industry?
before he got his first yes, and look where KFC is
If this industry were a human, at the moment it
today. It is not the no’s that create a business, it’s
would be a baby. The baby has just been born
the ability to take a no on the chin and improve
and has a whole life ahead of itself. We are at an
market was not ready and we worked on helping suppliers create products for us to sell. There was also some doubt in our business model. However we learned more in that year than we would have getting sales straight away, so I am grateful for
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What has been your greatest challenge to date?
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'I realised that most solar and energy companies are run and developed by engineers who are the ones needed for the innovation, but they didn't have the ability to sell their innovation to the public. This is where I saw the gap.' amazing stage with renewable energy only playing
the solution we are offering to our mothers, then we
a 1% role in the entire market at this moment. Now
won’t recommend it to you.
is the most crucial time in the growth, as what we childhood of superior development or slow him
What does the future hold for the company?
down. I believe that South Africa’s Renewable
Amazing things. We are growing super-fast and we
Energy market will grow tremendously once people
actually have an inside goal we are aiming at. That
get familiar with our brand, and realise that we are
goal is to buy Eskom in three years’ time. We believe
there for them, there to help them get the best
our business model will be the downfall of them,
solution for their business or home, there to tell
and we would like to buy them for their distribution
them straight in their face if it’s a good or bad
network, shut down all fossil fuel power stations
choice, there for them to save money, there for
and build huge solar farms. There shines enough
them to improve their brand and business image
sun energy in 1 hour to power the entire planet for a
to the public, there for them to spend their money
year. It is do-able and Zeroth is not just showing the
on their own business, instead of giving it away to
way, we are making it easy for anybody who wants
Eskom and get nothing in return down the line. As
to be involved.
do now will either propel the baby into an amazing
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soon as they see us as their friends and that we
I would like to thank my accomplished, proficient
will do anything to help them, then we can speed
and marvellous team, Danie Jansen, Gerhard Janse
up the process and get everybody on renewable
van Rensburg, Mark Venter, Warrick Reynolds,
energy. We are doing it for you. All you have to do
Wietze Post, Saveni Mbhiza, Dries Bester, Waldo
is call us. From there on sit back and relax as we do
Ludik, Brent Wanliss and Willem van Graan. Thank
everything for you. All you then have to do is make
you so much for seeing the vision, believing in it
a choice, which will be guided with our expertise
and helping make it work for the people of this
and recommendation. If we won’t sell or provide
planet.
SG
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G reen C leaning
'green
clean is not necess
We've all seen the ads: Mom holds up some or other cleaning agent used in the bathroom, kitchen and so on, and tells you that this product will keep you and your family 'safe' as it 'kills more than 99.9% of all germs'. Great. Except the same stuff that 'kills the germs' also kills everything downstream once you flush, sending toxins into the collective water supply, which may or may not all be eliminated when that same water comes round again after recycling, and also kills all other living things, more or less, including humans and pets. It is only in recent years that the long-term impacts of growing up in chemically 'sterilised' conditions is beginning to show on whole generations' health, and little of it in a good way. But there are natural options to harsh chemicals. We take a look.
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n'
sarily
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O 
bviously almost everyone wants their home or office to be clean and fresh, everything sparkling and spotless.
It's important in business to put on a good
appearance
and
one
doesn't
want
business
associates or staff contracting diseases which could be avoided. On the home front, we all want what's best for our families. Turns out that what's best for us and our loved ones is not some 1950s era notion that the more toxic chemicals one can throw at the 'nasty bugs' the better. Rather, it is nature doing what nature does with us helping it along. But a lot of people are still held in the grip of the chemical industry propaganda and misunderstandings of past eras, and they don't necessarily
fully
trust
so-called
'eco-friendly'
cleaning products to really get the job done.
Myth
reproduction and survival of salmon, among other fish, due to mimicking the hormone estrogen. There are other known endocrine simulators
But it's a myth the 'eco-friendly' means a free meal
and disruptors which are now being linked back to
ticket for the nasties and potential health issues for
a whole range of degenerative health conditions,
the family and pets. Effective hygiene simply does
especially those affecting the nervous system and
not require ever-stronger chemicals floating about
the digestive system of those who are especially
or waiting to be picked up unintentionally from
sensitive or who have been over-exposed.
exposed surfaces. Eco-friendly products can be just as effective
Harmful chemicals
with natural harmless ingredients – and some turn
There are lots of other harmful chemicals hiding
out to be even more effective at getting rid of the
in
nasty bugs than even some of the most toxic and
hypochlorite
harmful chemical cleaners on the market.
trisodium nitrilotriacetate, xylene, phosphates,
your
cleaning
products,
(basically,
such
as
super-strong
sodium bleach),
Also, unlike conventional cleaning agents, the
2-butoxyethanol, silica and methylene chloride,
'green' variety aren't corrosive, so you needn't worry
and they all contribute to the poisoning of our
about spoiling your brand new bathroom surfaces
environment.
with vicious chemicals or contributing to deadly toxins entering water systems.
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What makes natural products so much more healthy is that we tend to replace many toxic chemical products with one or two natural products, once we get the picture and want to make the switch because, in eco terms, less us usually 'more'. The fewer products used, the less damage to the environment, goes this formula.
Phosphates, for example, are a group of water-softening mineral additives which act as
When you pull the flusher handle after loading
a fertiliser when introduced into the waterways,
your loo with bleach or you rinse out the contents
leading to an overgrowth of algae which eventually
of the kitchen sink after you've smothered it in
depletes the water's oxygen supply, harming and
anti-bug potions, some of the longer-lived effective
killing fish and other aquatic life.
ingredients will eventually end up in a sewer or
Unfortunately it doesn't end downstream in
septic tank system or, worse still, the sea, soil and
some now toxic swamp, the remnants of what
waterways.
used to be a pristine wetland. Residue from these
This type of largely un-thought of contamination
products gets left behind on work surfaces, in baths
happens routinely in much of the world, dramatically
and sinks and on your taps, floors and carpets.
decreasing water quality and, eventually, affecting
From there, you are probably in contact with
fish and other wildlife. For example, a rather
these chemicals on a daily basis and that can't be
common class of chemicals known as alkylphenol
good. These products have the potential to cause
ethoxylates (APEs) have been found to harm the
respiratory irritation, chemical burns, watery eyes,
irritate asthma, and in severe cases with prolonged exposure, can cause cancer.
Simple & easy The simple and easy solution is to eradicate such toxins from your home and business altogether and switch to eco-friendly cleaning products – an easy and effective solution that you can start straight away. Most manufacturers of such products not only go out of their way to produce earth-friendly products, they do so because they are passionate about the cause of both human health and that of the natural environment. What makes natural products so much more healthy is that we tend to replace many toxic chemical products with one or two natural products, once we get the picture and want to make the switch because, in eco terms, less us usually 'more'. The fewer products used, the less damage to the environment, goes this formula. One of the main problems with chemical agents, aside from their inherent toxicity, is that most people use more than one cleaning product for the bathroom or kitchen – there is one for the toilet, one for the mirror, perhaps one for surfaces, another to clean mildew from tiles and then tons of other 'specialised' cleaning product options. Repeated exposures to the multiple chemicals in all of these products adds up over time, becoming in some cases a toxic burden that's too much for your body, or those of your family, to cope with.
'Dirty' cleaning ingredients Certain chemicals commonly found in conventional cleaning products present known or suspected problems for the people that use them, and their impact on the environment once washed down the drain is well documented. Volatile organic compounds, used to enhance the
performance
of
a
product,
can
impair
neurological functions in humans and animals, for example, while other chemicals can act as respiratory irritants, carcinogens or reproductive toxins, depending upon the extent of exposure, according to the National Environmental Trust and other environmental groups. As
indicated,
phosphates
can
cause
the
eutrophication of rivers and other bodies of water, which can deplete them of oxygen and decrease water quality for creatures living in these waters – but there are growing indications that even after treatment water from systems badly affected by toxic chemical build up is not entirely safe to drink. There is little effective regulation of cleaning chemicals, and labelling requirements don't always tell people what they need to know regarding what they are exposing themselves and the planet to. Companies select ingredients for cleaning products to enhance their performance, but a lot of the chemicals, we simply don't know anything about. Bear in mind for a moment that in the late 1990s it was estimated by leading US scientists that as many as 200 000 entirely new-to-nature chemicals had been developed in labs globally since
71 S G
the end of the World War II. For example, phthalates, which are suspected or strongly believed to have adverse hormonal effects, help distribute dyes and fragrances and act as plasticisers (they are widely used in the plastics industry but also in the cleaning and bodily product industries). Other chemicals, like parabens, are used to keep a product stable on the shelf, while still others, such as glycols, act like anti-freeze. Yet other chemicals could simply be impurities left over from the manufacturing process – and they certainly won't be declared on any label. With some 80 000 chemicals in common use daily, there are still some that could have as-yet unknown toxic effects. More likely, say concerned chemists, there are going to be in-body chemical interactions which, until specifically studied, we will remain entirely ignorant of, including what dread diseases may be brewed in the process.
Chemical companies Obviously leading chemical companies are not out to literally poison their customers – that would be
Each of us has the responsibility to look carefully into what we use, not only from a health and an eco-impact downstream point of view but what it takes to manufacture and bring to us these products. And we simply cannot in good faith assume that any manufacturer, whether of self-proclaimed 'chemicals' or of 'natural products', is necessarily telling us everything we should know.
suicidal for them as businesses, especially if it got out that they were aware of the negatives attached
(so-called 'good' bugs) which do us no health
to one or more of their products.
harm but which out-feast the nasties, leaving them
But these companies operate with much narrow parameters than most of us realise – they set out to
There will likely always be a knowledge gap in
solve, using chemicals, a particular problem and if
terms of what we think of as best for us and our
their solution is effective and there are no obvious
family when it comes to this issue – and deciding to
and immediate glaring dangers, they will go ahead
use a 'natural' product is not an automatic free pass
and market their new products, perhaps where
to quit thinking about what one is doing.
required by national governments, with appropriate warnings for known dangers, but also maybe not.
Each of us has the responsibility to look carefully into what we use, not only from a health and an
Given the lack of firm data and reliable studies on
eco-impact downstream point of view but what
many chemicals, the choice between conventional
it takes to manufacture and bring to us these
and green cleaning products may for many people
products.
be based on politics and sentiments more than health.
And we simply cannot in good faith assume that any manufacturer, whether of self-proclaimed
Added to this, it is not yet entirely clear whether
'chemicals' or of 'natural products', is necessarily
all the products now marketed under 'green' or
telling us everything we should know – the makers
'eco' labels are necessarily safer than their chemical
of such products are often finding out more about
cousins, remembering that for the purposes of this
their effects over the long term but in a process
article we have, artificially to some degree, separated
which obviously must itself take time.
natural cleaning products' contents from those of 'chemical cleaners' – in the end, all are working on
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nothing to grow on or feed on.
So it comes down to you, the consumer, in the end.
either chemical solutions to our cleaning needs or in
You, and each one of us who lays down money
some cases using bacteriological counter-measures
for products, must apply our minds to what we
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are buying, what system we are supporting, what
and constrained use with the notion that when it
practices we are encouraging and entrenching and
comes to pouring toxins or potential toxins around,
what things we are releasing into our domains,
even those less harmful than some other types, less
bodies and eco-systems.
is always likely to be better than more in the end.
Natural products may well do what they say can;
SG
and they may well be safer overall. But it is important to remember that no substance, even plain pure water, is entirely free
Sources
from becoming itself a poison, dose being the
•
Mirror.co.uk
determining factor.
•
TheGuardian.com
Therefore, the final word on cleaning products,
•
Academic.OUP.com
of any kind including 'natural', is sensible, limited
•
Natural News
Extinction Warning: Chemicals in food & personal care products 'making humanity infertile' If human sperm counts continue to fall at the
Since the study, published in the Human
according to recent reports on a new study
Reproduction Update, did not find a significant
by a team of researchers from the Hebrew
decline in sperm count in South American,
University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health
Asian, and African men, the scientists suggested
and Community Medicine and the Icahn School of
commercial chemicals in Westernised societies are
Medicine at Mount Sinai. The scientists analysed
playing a major role in this trend.
the results of 185 studies involving nearly 43 000
Though infertility treatments such as in vitro
men from America, Europe, Australia, New
fertilisation (IVF) can offer solutions to couples
Zealand, Asia, and Africa who provided semen
who want a child, little has been done to address
samples between 1973 and 2011.
the root of the issue. He added that low sperm
After evaluating the results, the researchers concluded that the concentration of sperm in the
counts might be an indicator of poor health among men in general.
ejaculate of men in Western countries has reduced
The field of male reproductive research is
by more than 50% in the last 40 years. Every year
under-investigated and more research is needed
the sperm count drops by an average of 1.4% and
to confirm the potential causes for the sperm
the rate of decline is not slowing down; rather, it
count decline. Previous research has found links to
may well be increasing.
body weight, a lack of physical activity, smoking,
'This is an urgent wake-up call for researchers
and exposure of pregnant women to toxic
and health authorities around the world to
substances found in a broad range of processed
investigate the causes of the sharp drop in
foods, cosmetics, and household products. These
sperm count, with the goal of prevention,' said
substances are known as endocrine disruptors.
Dr Levine, an epidemiologist and lead author of the study. 'Decreasing sperm count has been of great concern since it was first reported 25
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industries, and farming may be behind the crisis
current pace our species could become extinct,
As a parallel, rates of testicular cancer in vulnerable populations are also on the increase. Without being able to point at any particular
years ago. This shows the decline is strong and
chemicals,
continuing,' added Dr Swan, another of the study's
researchers is that the correlations between
researchers.
incidence of increased testicular cancer and
the
overall
consensus
among
Though the study did not directly examine the
lower sperm counts with exposure to many toxic
drivers behind the decline, the scientists believe a
chemicals used in Westernised societies and
number of chemicals used in everyday products,
communities cannot be ignored.
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Our products do not contain nitrogen or phosphate and rehabilitate soil and water. We use gentle, food grade ingredients. Teaming with life makes sense! Visit mrsmartins.co.za 75 S G
P est C ontrol
 Natural
bug contro
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controls
As summer sets in, so do the hordes of bugs, mostly mosquitoes and flies but also lots of moths, beetles and many other creeping and flying insects. We take a look at some natural bug control measures that don't involve heavy-duty toxins.
H
umans and bugs have a long and trying relationship with each other. For one thing, without bugs – and there really are
a lot of them as insects and their kind are the most successful non-plant species – we would likely not have evolved as we have. On the other hand, mosquitoes alone account for a million human deaths a year, by far the single biggest killer of people aside from germs, motor vehicles and a handful of the most common serious diseases. And bugs can really, well, bug us. So keeping them at bay in an earth – and human-friendly fashion should be top of our list of easy ways to improve the quality of our lives without spending a lot of money and without running the risk of serious health effects.
Screens The most obvious and old-school method for keeping the majority of bugs out of any place, home or office, is the window screen. You won't see many of the latter in Cape Town, for example, except on some older buildings, mostly homes. But it is an oversight. Perhaps in the modern age we get more bugs for a longer time than in the past, given how climate change has driven distribution of pests and other creatures into environments where previously they were absent or rare. But even so, the standard bug screen on windows and even doors that are common mostly on farms, but also present in many homes (also likely to be older) can be found almost anywhere from the rural Cape on up north and eastwards almost throughout the rest of the country. There is no good reason not to go the screen route, aside from some cost involved – as long as you are prepared to put up with, or be inventive about, the aesthetics of screens on building apertures. Most people living in suburban modern homes would likely
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shudder at the thought of 'ugly old screen' on their windows, but smart design can effectively hide these in winter, when not needed and blend them into the exterior design so that when in use in summer months, they are not an eyesore. The great thing about screens, aside from the fact that it will cost a bit to install them, is that they work all the time and they keep out pretty much everything except some dust (most of that too) and fresh air. But screens aren't for everyone and so other options need to be looked at too.
Using plants Generally insect repelling plants would be found in the garden, but some can be grown indoors in window mini-gardens where they are going to have the most effect in keeping bugs from getting into your home. Among the best plants for this approach are: basil, which has a strong-smelling oil in its leaves
methods of keeping away more or less any sort of
that apparently kills mosquito eggs but also puts
bug is to use khakibos, which grows abundantly as a
off other flying insects (though some crawlers might
weed throughout Southern Africa.
like to chow down on your lovely basil leaves, so
It contains a potent insect repellent and killer,
check them before inclusion in a salad), petunias,
pyrethrum, from which many more dangerous (to
marigolds, peppermint, alliums (which are defined as
human and pets) commercial insecticides have been
small-growing herbs such as chives and garlic chives,
synthesised to be yet more deadly to flying and
leeks and shallots, and which will protect any of your
crawling beasties.
sensitive indoor plants from aphids), rosemary, sage,
For this reason alone, caution needs to be used
lavender, chrysanthemums (a member of the daisy
if you go for this option. To make an effective spray
family along with khakibos, the latter containing
khakibos must be picked fresh, leaves stripped from
even more pyrethrum, the original active ingredient
stems (using gloves) and then left to simmer for some
in many indoor insect sprays), lemongrass (which
minutes in water just short of boiling, then left to cool.
has citronella oil in the leaves, a long known insect
Mixed with peppermint, which is also an insect
repellent) and, perhaps surprisingly, nasturtiums. Some of these plants are not really suited for window gardens but can be placed in pots around, for example, a family entertainment or braai area for effective relief from most bothersome 'noo-noos', or
roses but won't chase your guests away, as it will the great majority of insects. Sprayed directly onto insects, it will kill them, even cockroaches which are notoriously hard to take out.
grown along walls where conditions are appropriate,
But it has a drawback in that the pyrethrum will
reducing insect influx through any nearby doors or
quickly break down from even indirect UV light and so
windows.
surfaces frequented by bugs will have to be sprayed
We shall explore the use of these plants and other
regularly – and these surfaces, though they will
approaches in our next issue when we focus on insect
become safe in a matter of a day or so as the active
repelling solutions for outdoor environments.
phyto-ingredients break down, will still be toxic to the
Sprays, powders & potions
unwary who touch them or use them to prepare food. Sufficient dosage or exposure to pyrethrum can
The variety of anti-bug solutions used by humans
lead to death, especially in infants and in pets, so
through history is surprisingly long and varied. But
it is important to note that while this approach may
over the centuries many tried and tested methods
be 'natural', one cannot assume that this means
have evolved.
necessarily 'safe' under all conditions for people and
One of the most effective and cost-efficient
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repellent, the resultant spray will not exactly smell of
pets.
One of the most effective and cost-efficient methods of keeping away more or less any sort of bug is to use khakibos, which grows abundantly as a weed throughout Southern Africa. and left to cool down and steep for an hour or two. Spray this liquid around the house for best results, but once again maybe if you can't take the vinegar pong, do your spraying around the outside of doors and windows rather than on the inside of the home. Baking soda, again potentially surprising to many, Also, khakibos is not exactly the most attractive
turns out to be another natural bug killer, since it
of odours, so the use of this particular anti-bug spray
absorbs the moisture from organisms. Just place
may well be outdoors around window frames, beneath
baking soda around the house, especially in the
lintels and around doorsteps.
corners and cracks of the floor. After a few days,
Peppermint oil on its own is also a good repellent
vacuum baking soda and repeat once more. If you
and has the added advantage over khakibos of not
have a flea infestation, this solution will eventually
being outright toxic in ordinary quantities of use. It
work but you cannot leave the flea eggs to hatch,
is largely intolerable to most bugs, so they keep their
mature and rebreed – you must treat and vacuum
distance. Mix 8-10 drops of peppermint essential
every three days for at least three weeks to ensure
oil with a little water. Spray the liquid in the corners
you have got all the little blighters' eggs, and you
of your house, along window ledges, external and
must simultaneously treat your pets with a natural
internal, door steps and other places where bugs tend
flea repellent at the same time or they will simply
to hang out. For stronger effects, merely increase the
keep on breeding on your pets and dropping eggs
peppermint oil dosage. Also, you can add vinegar
between your floorboards or into your carpets and
to the mix and get even more effective results – but
your problem will never go away.
remember that as far as visiting human noses are concerned (or even those of the people living in the wrinkling up their proboscis and complaining that
Lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus & more
your home smells 'like a fish and chips shop' since
These three well-known plants all destroy bugs –
the vinegar smell will likely overwhelm even the
or drive them away – very quickly and effectively.
peppermint odour and will outlast it too.
Combine a few drops of the essential oil of each and
home so treated) there will very likely by someone
While vinegar alone can be truly effective where
add water. Spray liquid around the house, especially
insects are concerned, it is simply smelly. Using it with
in the sleeping areas. But as you are mixing oil
peppermint leaves (this must be by decoction and not
and water, you must shake up your spray container
using peppermint oil since oil and water don't mix)
vigorously before each spray to ensure the mix is
once can ameliorate the smelliness, but not cover it
evenly spread. The upsides of this particular approach
up entirely. But if you wish to use this combo, begin
are that it smells great, is easily made (though the
by combining one part vinegar with two parts water,
essential oils might be a bit costly) and it goes a long
the latter being the cooled water in which bruised or
way, with no danger to pets or little ones crawling
chopped and ground peppermint leaves have been
about the place and putting toys or whatever in their
placed when the water was at boiling temperature
mouths
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Mint leaves, it may not be too surprising, given
their bodies become desiccated. Know that if you do
the effect of another of the mint family, peppermint,
this at the ant colony nest, you are dooming all its
on bugs, turns out to also be intolerable to most
occupants to death, so if you are a creature lover,
bugs. Spearmint can also be used, and for the same
even of bothersome ones like insects, and you don't
reasons. Crush a few mint leaves and leave them
want to actually kill or harm the ants, then don't use
around the corners of your house and around the
this option.
mattresses. Also you can use it against moths. Keep a
Finally, use your common sense. When insects
little bouquet garni bundle of various mints, a smidge
make an unwelcome arrival in your home, don't just
of crysanthanthemum, with some lavender, rosemary
reach for the most toxic and 'effective' insecticide
and sage for a fresh, clean smell and you can put
you can get your hands on (always read the labels
it into cupboards, clothes storage bins or anywhere
when buying anything of this sort and avoid any
fabrics are kept.
that have anything other than pyrethroids in them,
Cayenne pepper & silica gel
though these analogues of natural pyrethrum are also potentially harmful if wrongly utilised) and consider a
Yet another bug repellent is cayenne pepper. This
gentler approach which might achieve the same end,
substance, in powdered form, doesn't actually kill
without toxifying you and your family.
SG
bugs but it does drive them away as its odour is intolerable to them. Just sprinkle a little on mostly affected areas and say goodbye to bugs forever. Silica gel, placed in your bedroom, is also claimed to very effective against bugs, though it is not necessarily clear whether those bugs include mosquitoes and flies, our main problem insects in this part of the world.
Don't use 'chemicals' Humans (and their pets) are being exposed to something like 80 000 widely used entirely new (since the end of World War II) man-made chemicals that are everywhere and in everything, especially bug sprays – and some of them are real human killers. The rule should be that unless you are literally down to no other alternatives, don't use commercial chemical sprays. There are some options involving natural substances (such as a natural pyrethroid which breaks down quickly and less toxic to higher order creatures) but they must still be used with caution and good common sense. And there are plenty of other options for common problems, like an invasion into the kitchen or any other area of the house. So, for ants, spray their routes with apple cider vinegar to cover their invisible pheromone tracks so they can't find their way back to foraging sites. Alternatively, pour equal parts baking soda and powder sugar into a bowl and blend thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a cheese or salt shaker and apply directly to ant hills and trails. Finally, if all else fails, shake diatomaceous earth (the type used in swimming pool filters) into areas when the insects invade. When ants climb over it,
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Some quick home brews Rosemary Spray: Add 17 drops rosemary essential oil to 1 litre of water. Apply frequently.
Thyme Spray: Run a couple of handfuls of fresh thyme through a blender with water. Strain and spray plants to help repel stink bugs.
Garlic Spray: Soak 6 large, crushed garlic cloves in vegetable oil overnight. Strain and mix oil with 2 litres of water. Spray immediately and often. Garlic & Chili Pepper Spray: Crush 6 garlic cloves and mix with 1 tablespoon powdered cayenne and 1 quart warm water in a glass jar. Cover and put in a sunny spot for 3 days. Strain and spray entire plant. (Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when spraying).
Bioway Multi Insect and Dustmite Killer provides safe, effective, clean and easy insect control for households, hospitality establishments, schools, hospitals, creches, restaurants, kennels and stables etc. Increasing infestations of all irritating and harmful flying, crawling, biting and disease carrying insects is a major concern for all. Dustmites, in particular, cause allergies, hay fever and sinus problems as well as trigger asthma attacks. Bioway Multi is extremely effective in combating these problems and while this pyrethroid and water based product kills all insects, their larvae and eggs, any exposure to humans, mammals and birds has no adverse effects. It is totally safe and stainless once it has dried on any surface - material or textile. Swiss Technology
Made in South Africa
REST ASSURED YOU WILL NOT BE "BUGGED" CONTACT STEVE BERGS FOR MORE INFO, ORDERS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: bergssteve1@gmail.com • 082 838 401781 S G
COCON OIL
H ealth
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ONUT In Sanskrit, the word coconut tree or kalpa vriksha, translates roughly to 'the tree that gives all that is necessary for living'. Coconut oil is known to have several benefits such as boost immunity against a host of infections and diseases, improving digestion, treating yeast infections nourish skin care, hair care and assist with weight loss. Liesel James looks at why this super fruit is so healing.
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B 
esides Vitamin E & K and minerals like iron, coconut oil is laced with MCTs, short and
Medium Chain Triglycerides, which makes it a lot easier for your body to access as an energetic path way which helps with thyroid function, kidney function and really every organ in your body benefits from coconut oil. Most oils used for cooking are laced with LCTs, Long Chain Triglycerides like
soybean oil and sunflower oil, the most commonly used, and are hard to digest. They require pancreatic enzymes in order to be broken down into smaller units. They bypass your liver and are dumped into your bloodstream to circulate throughout your body. As long as you're eating enough to satisfy your body's immediate energy requirements, LCT-oils will end up as excess body fat and that is why people who use coconut oil every day as their primary cooking oil in tropical coastal areas are normally not fat, obese or overweight. In patients with insulin resistance their brain cells prevent them from excepting
glucose,
their
primary
fuel. Without it the cells die, however there is an alternate fuel known as ketones which cells easily accept. Ketones are metabolised in the liver after eating coconut oil and assist all insulin resistance-related diseases like, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, MS, dementia, diabetes, ALS and autism. There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. The reality is that it is quite beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Coconut oil does not increase bad cholesterol known as LDL (low density
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lipoprotein) levels, rather it reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries, and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that
cause
diseases
like
herpes,
influenza,
cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Coconut oil is a stable oil and has a moderate smoking point and supersedes 177ยบ compared to olive oil's 135ยบ. Heating oil too much can cause free radical damage in your body. This happens when unstable oils oxidise or go rancid, they create toxic molecules (free radicals) that attack your cells and, at least, are involved in the development of many health problems. Coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the development of bones. Thus, it is very useful
There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. The reality is that it is quite beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
YOUR LOCAL SOURCE OF
100% NATURAL
COCONUT PRODUCTS We supply everything you need for a healthy lifestyle. From banting and vegan-friendly wraps and biscuits to everything to leave your skin glowing and moisturised. Try our wide range of coconut products suitable for babies, pets and the rest of the family. Jenna: 082 842 9006 โ ข orders@coconutconnection.co.za
www.coconutconnection.co.za
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to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age. Coconut oil strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties which reduces bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections that cause indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and yeast infections like Candida albicans. Coconut oil is also considered to be a natural antibiotic and is used to kill the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea, throat infections and pneumonia. Coconut oil is highly effective on bruises because it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues. Coconut oil is a great moisturiser, hair
Coconut oil is a great moisturiser, hair treatment and lubricate. It helps in treating various skin and scalp problems, including psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side-effects on the skin from the application of this oil.
treatment and lubricate. It helps in treating various skin and scalp problems, including psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side-effects on the skin from the application of this oil. Oil pulling or swishing a small amount of coconut oil in your mouth for up to four minutes, is proven to fight bacteria, plaque, and gingivitis. Making your own toothpaste is really easy and very refreshing. See below a simple recipe. Start systematically and gradually increase dosages of coconut oil in your daily life to optimise your health. Be sure when eating you opt for unrefined, but for the above uses, refined is absolutely okay. Coconut oil is the last oil change you will ever make for your health and budget as it is truly so versatile and can be used for more than a 100 things. Coconut oil is like my 'duck tape' in health and I am never without.
SG
Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste Ingredients •
1 tbsp coconut oil
•
1 tbsp baking soda
•
1 tsp Essential oil
Instructions References
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•
Mash together baking soda
•
CBN News
•
www.coconutresearchcenter.org
•
www.home-remedies-for-you.com
•
www.Thecoconutmama.com
•
www.Organicfacts.com
your brush in when you are
•
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ready to use.
and coconut oil. •
Mix in the essential oils to form a paste.
•
Store in a glass jar and dip
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N atural F ood D isposal
Don't trash
compost
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st
Getting rid of food waste should be easy but really isn’t experienced as such by most urbanites, aside from tossing it in the trash. So, generally, food and other organic waste does get tossed into the general trash to end up in landfills, for the most part, producing methane, which is not good – and the rich organic resource which food waste represents is lost. The obvious thing to do is to compost this material for reuse as a fertiliser, perhaps to grow your own veggies. But many people balk at the added burden of ‘yet another thing I have to attend to’ – and proper composting does require some space, time and effort, as well as using water, which these days is an issue. These are some of the reasons that bokashi food waste processing has emerged as a favourite of many eco-conscious people. We take a look.
B
okashi is a Japanese term meaning ‘fermented organic matter’. It is often referred to as a type of ‘composting’
but it is actually an anaerobic fermentation process, resulting in a much different end product than that produced via composting. Many people like bokashi because it is very easy, and generally (bad) odour-free. All that is needed is a bucket with a lid, some special bokashi mix and organic waste. There are many good reasons for getting into the habit of not tossing your organic waste into the trash. Organic waste makes up a considerable proportion of the total waste stream that ends up in the landfill – typically in the vicinity of 20-40%. This is far from ideal since, apart from needlessly taking up dwindling landfill space, these materials can easily be diverted and turned into a rich organic compost. And then there’s the matter of all the methane – a powerful greenhouse gas contributing to global warming and devastating climate change – produced as the food waste breaks down.
Pros & cons As with almost all things, there are pros and cons with this system. First, here are some of the key advantages to going the bokashi route: •
It is extremely easy and time-efficient;
•
It can be done on a small or large scale, making it a good option for home owners;
•
It generally doesn’t produce bad odours, unlike a lot of other anaerobic processes;
•
It produces material that can be used as a ‘slow-release’ fertiliser in your garden;
•
It works excellently in accompaniment with a composting and vermicomposting or worm composting; and
•
It can be used to deal with all organic kitchen wastes, even meat and dairy. Ok, you may say, but at what cost, how
long does it take and are there any catches? Here are the 'cons': •
You'll need to make or purchase bokashi mix;
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•
You will also need at least a couple buckets (assuming
no
other
waste
management
strategies are used) for continuous bokashi processing of new waste materials; •
‘Finished’ material is not really finished – it still needs to be aged in soil or a compost bin before being fully beneficial for plants; and
•
Even though it can be done on a small-scale, the end product needs to be put somewhere, so space may become an issue for some. Looking at these sets of opportunities and
constraints together, it may occur to you that the few ‘cons’ do not count for much as against the several significant ‘pros’. Most experts in this field and homeowners who have tried this system agree with that assessment. Those seriously engaged with not only cutting back on their landfill contributions but also to using
There are many good reasons for getting into the habit of not tossing your organic waste into the trash. Organic waste makes up a considerable proportion of the total waste stream that ends up in the landfill
all waste to create further downstream user value will likely opt to combine bokashi with conventional
composting. The only real down side is that you will
composting, if they have enough space, and with
need to bury or contain the bokashi compost so it
vermicomposting, if they have gone that route.
can finish off its process and be a viable compost
The simple bucket system offers a bother-free method of quickly disposing of food wastes, but it
The key to the bokashi process is fermentation.
also serves as a great way to get the decomposition
Through
process started by preparing the organic materials
generates the specialised microbes, yeast and fungi
for a much more rapid breakdown and stabilisation
that are the primary building blocks of a healthy and
process in a compost/worm bin, or directly into
productive soil structure.
fermentation,
bokashi
composting
With bokashi many of the challenges associated
your garden.
with ‘traditional’ composting are eliminated. While
How is it different?
traditional back-yard composting typically works
Traditional composting uses both aerobic and
on select food scraps only, bokashi composting
anaerobic bacteria to break down your scraps
works on all food scraps: cooked foods, dairy, meat,
and garden waste. The aerobic bacteria work on
grains, pasta, fruits and veggies. And this is also the
air-exposed waste, the anaerobic work on organic
key to its popularity.
material within your compost heap that is not
In addition, it is fast, easy, produces no foul
exposed to the air (oxygen). Aerobic bacteria
odour (if done correctly), will not attract pests
produce both methane and the many ‘nasty smells’
and the majority of the process is completed
often associated with uncontained decomposition of
conveniently right in one’s own kitchen. The bokashi
organic waste materials.
compost produced from your food waste is richer in
A
bokashi
composting
system
uses
only
anaerobic bacteria and yeasts to break organic
effective beneficial micro-organisms than any other form of compost and your garden will love it.
wastes down and works well for any kitchen. You
It’s so simple that you can transform all of your
need to separate wet waste (food waste) from dry
food scraps to compost in just 4-6 weeks in four
waste at source. If you live in a dry climate this
easy steps: collect food waste; treat with bokashi;
is also helpful because a traditional compost pile
convert into compost; and enrich the soil.
dries out easily. Bokashi composting is also a great
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for your plants.
way to conserve water, which must be added to
Resources
your compost pile at points during conventional
bokashibran.co.za • compostguy.com
SG
company profile
FOOD>WASTE>COMPOST Bokashi Bran (Pty) Ltd, established in 2012, is a business located in Johannesburg, South Africa, that manufactures bokashi and offers a sustainable, green solution to food waste management. Untreated food waste rots at landfill and generates methane gas and leachates. Bokashi Bran’s vision is to make a difference to diverting food waste from landfill. We take a look.
F
ood waste has long been a waste problem for municipalities which operate waste processing plants in the form of landfill dump sites. The separation of recyclable waste at landfill is hampered by food waste. Food waste rots when dumped, attracting vermin, disease and causing environmental damage. Bokashi Bran presents an opportunity to recycle landfill-bound food waste, save the landfill space, and give the consumer the opportunity to benefit from the many positive properties the Bokashi compost offers. • No more smelly bins • Rich, nutritious compost for gardening • Easy to separate recyclable material Bokashi food waste contains a high nutrient value which can be composted to produce quality plant food and soil enhancer free from chemicals or harmful substances. It is a simple bucket system where food waste is layered with bokashi. Bokashi was developed in Japan and is wheaten-bran that's been infused with effective microorganisms (EM). EM has been revolutionary in that you can compost cooked food, protein and dairy safely without pathogens in your compost. Through the fermentation process, it also speeds up the composting process to an unbelievable 7 to 10 week period. Bokashi Bran has a starter kit consisting of two buckets with straining trays and taps as well as 2kgs of bokashi. You need 2 buckets for the system to work so that when one bucket it full, you can start the next. The first bucket needs to complete the fermentation process before being composting in a traditional compost heap or trenched in the soil. Full instruction come with the kit as well as very informative videos on their website showing composting hints and the 'how to's'.
For more info visit www.bokashibran.co.za 91 S G
F ood N ews
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF EVERYONE ATE BEANS INSTEAD BEEF? Experts are constantly stressing that the environment is in total disarray, that we’re on our way to massively affecting our climate, and that we need to adhere to specific emissions targets in order to prevent further damage. Though we clearly need to treat the environment with more respect, the focus is often misplaced on other industries including transportation, oil and gas, and fast fashion. A team of scientists from Oregon State University, Bard College, and Loma Linda University discovered exactly what would happen if every American substituted beans for beef. These researchers actually found that by switching out beef for beans in all Americans’ diets, even if they continued to eat all other animal products, people could reduce their environmental footprint significantly. This small dietary change could actually make a huge impact on the environment; in fact, it would have a greater impact than downsizing one’s car, reducing your electricity usage, or even refraining from showering entirely.
SPACE10 absorbs sun and CO 2 producING super food & oxygen Industrial agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions – but what if there was a way to sustainably produce food while solving some of the world’s toughest environmental problems? That’s what the folks at SPACE10, a Copenhagen-based future-living lab, tackled with the futuristic Algae Dome, a four-metre-tall food-producing building that pumps out oxygen in a closed-loop system. Powered by solar energy, the Algae Dome is a sustainable and hyper-local food system that can pop up almost anywhere with minimal impact on the environment.
Full Story
Full Story
Anthony Bourdain’s latest project, Wasted!: The Story of Food Waste, saw its theatrical and video-on-demand release on Friday, October 13. The documentary addresses the global food waste problem and boasts a veritable who’s who of modern culinary stars. Among the famous faces spotted in Wasted’s just-released trailer are Bourdain himself, Dan Barber, Mario Batali, Massimo Bottura, Sean Brock and Danny Bowien.
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GrowMore planter expands along with your garden GrowMore is a clever planter that expands as your garden grows. Designed by Danish architects Sine Lindholm and Mads-Ulrik Husum of Husum Lindholm Architects, the modular gardening system can be bolted together in a variety of configurations to host everything from mini pocket gardens to large food-producing crops. The GrowMore modular system is comprised of just six main elements including planting boxes, shelves, and connectors. The plywood shelves and boxes can be arranged to create large circular pavilions and funky free-standing planters. The structures can also create small 'urban nests' that enable people to reconnect with nature. Sine Lindholm and Mads-Ulrik Husum wanted to create a system that would make it easy for anyone to build their own three-dimensional garden – and they plan to make GrowMore an open-source system so that anyone with a CNC machine can cut their own plywood components to arrange as they see fit.
Full Story
desert farm in Jordan can grow 286 600 pounds of veggies each year Vegetables are sprouting in the desert at the Sahara Forest Project’s recently inaugurated launch station in Aqaba, Jordan. The project draws on the sun, saltwater, and carbon dioxide to grow food and generate clean energy and freshwater. The new three-hectare launch station will be able to grow around 286 600 pounds of vegetables a year, and produce over 2.5 gallons of water a day. Photovoltaic panels will generate solar power at the station, and there are salt ponds to produce salt. Another benefit of the project is job creation; the Sahara Forest Project aims to fight poverty and promote development through green jobs.
Full Story
BRITAIN'S first zero-waste store At Earth.Food.Love, one will find grains, pastas and even maple syrup. The supermarket also stocks regionally-grown oats, sanitary products, metal shavers on which the blade can be swapped and bamboo toothbrushes. Because the store seeks to deliver 'ethical, wholesome and organic' goods, milk and alcohol are nowhere to be found. Chips are banned, too, as they can have up to seven layers of packaging.
Full Story
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Shelf
Deliciously modern healthy recipes for DIABETES Leanne Katzenellenbogen Penguin Random • 978 1 4323 0 701 1
Many South Africans are affected by insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disorder that results in high blood-sugar. Diabetes sufferers often think they have to give up a variety of foods, but a combination of diet and exercise can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help to maintain optimum blood-sugar levels. A balanced diet can stabilise blood glucose levels and reduce sugar cravings, and the key is to consume appropriate daily amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Delicious, Modern, Healthy Recipes for Diabetes offers solutions for all occasions, from breakfast and light meals to entertaining, plus ideas for desserts and baking. The uncomplicated recipes are in tune with modern food trends and meet our desire for healthy everyday meals that are easy to prepare.
Weber Classics: The Ultimate Braai Book Jamie Purviance Penguin Random • 978 1 4323 0 797 4
The latest title from Weber, the world's leading authority on braaiing, this
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essential fireside companion includes proven techniques and mouthwatering dishes you might never imagine would come off the fire. From deep-dish pizza to recipes for steak stir-fry to bacon-wrapped prawns and vegetarian chilli, there are recipes to suit all tastes. Weber Classics offers a selection of recipes that are suitable for everyday meals, casual entertaining and special occasions. The introduction offers tips for using a wok, griddle or pizza stone, as well as basic techniques such as braising, smoking and setting up a rotisserie. From lighting the fire to serving up a delicious dessert cooked over the coals, Weber Classics has got you covered. With this book, even the most dedicated 'chops 'n wors' enthusiast will be encouraged to grab the braai tongs and try something different.
DELICIOUS, HEALTHY, SUGAR-FREE Patrick Holford & Fiona McDonald Joyce Piatkus • 978 0 349 4 1445 4
Designed to make healthy eating taste as delicious as it is nutritious, the best super foods from around the world to create exciting recipes. A low-GL diet is vital to losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight. This is not a diet or cookbook in
the traditional sense but rather a celebration of the ingredients that can help us all to eat a healthier diet. This is no tough dietary regime though – the recipes are delicious and exciting and have the added advantage of being low-GL too. That means you – and your guests – can enjoy meals that are both deeply satisfying and health enriching. Written in association with Fiona McDonald Joyce, who specialises in healthy food that doesn't compromise on taste, This book is filled with dishes that will impress family and friends – without the need to resort to creamy sauces, sugar-laden concoctions or overly complex cooking techniques. With everything from curries to healthy roasts and gluten-free chocolate brownies, good food is firmly on the menu. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to feel and look healthier and boost energy levels, without disappointing their taste buds.
COLD BREW COFFEE: Techniques, Recipes & Cocktails For Coffee's Hottest Trends Chloe Callow Octopus Books • 978 1 7847 2 360 6
Cold brew is taking the coffee world by storm, with its sweeter, mellower taste and potential health benefits.
Brewed by leaving coffee grounds to steep in cold water for hours, it offers a completely new take on coffee – and once you try it, there's no going back. This handy guide will give you all the knowledge you need to get on top of the trend, with illustrated step-by-step techniques for making your own cold brew at home, plus expert advice to help you get the best results from your drink. Also featuring 35 delicious recipes for creating cocktails and desserts with your cold brew coffee, from Espresso Martini and Cold Brew Negroni to Coffee Chocolate Tart, this is a must-have for brewing beginners and small-batch artisans alike.
Land & Sea: Secrets to Simple, Sustainable, Sensational Food Alexandra Dudley Orion Publishing • 978 1 4091 6915 4
A celebration of real food and wholesome ingredients, Land and Sea brings sustainable eating to the table in true flavour and style. With advice on using the whole ingredient (no matter what it is): how you can make the most of leftovers; and how to be creative with herbs and spices. These recipes show you how to inject every mealtime with flavour and goodness. Inspired by her Dutch and German roots, Alexandra's
storybook style recipes include family breakfasts of sweet-spiced, apple puffed pancakes – a traditional 'Dutch Baby' – warming lunches such as Hake, Prawn and Lemongrass Curry, and comforting dinners to share like Spatchcocked Persian-Spiced Peanut Butter Chicken. And with a whole chapter on how to make vegetables 'king', you'll also find lots of ideas to make the most from your bounty, such as Caramelised Carrot Tarte Tatin and Shepherdless Pie. Including beautiful photography and stunningly designed, these recipes will show you how to celebrate all that Land and Sea has to offer, to the full.
Safaris & Spices: An African Journey Nico Verster Jacana • 978 1 4314 2532 7
This is an African cookbook that takes inspiration from all over the world, highlighting specific African regions and food cultures. The book features North, East, South and West African cuisine as well as the Middle Eastern, South East Asian and European recipes that have influenced and sculpted the food scene in South Africa over centuries. Safaris & Spices takes you on the same African journey author, Nico Verster, experienced while travelling to all corners of Africa. It captures the
essence of African food steeped in tradition and ancient recipes, while highlighting the modern diversity in the current gastronomic scene. 'On our food safari we start in North Africa among the Kasbahs and medinas of Morocco, following the ancient trade roots all the way past East Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar down to southern Africa,' says Nico. Nico compiled this recipe book to capture the essence of African food. He was inspired by traditional recipes but has added his own signature twist to each dish. This book highlights the modern diversity in the current gastronomic scene and reminds you why you love Africa. Nico effortlessly guides the reader through a colourful range of magnificent but easy to follow recipes. With stunning photography from award-winning Joe Dreyer, the recipes will inspire you to make your own stocks, spice mixes, chutneys and sauces that can be used with an array of local dishes, as well as give you simple tips on making the most delicious cakes and desserts.
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H ot O ff T he P ress
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FreshBag launched in July 2016 with a synthetic polyester mesh bag. They are busy finalising some new products which will be made from more natural fibres and will be in various different sizes for fresh and dry produce, as well as breads. They will be launching these over the next few months and will have images and prices in the next few weeks. FreshBag offer customers an environmentally friendly choice when buying their fresh produce.
•
creating & maintaining an environment that is fantastic to work in.
By using FreshBag, customers reduce the use of single use plastic produce bags and positively impact the reduction of plastic in our landfill and
For more info visit www.freshbag.co.za
oceans. FreshBag is a sustainable and ethical business which creates jobs within our South African communities; paying a living wage to everyone involved in the creation of FreshBags. We are committed to building a business model that does not use profit as the only measure of its success. In many ways, it is as much about creating jobs as it is about saving the environment. Empowering people to earn a decent living is one of the most important things we can do in our country at this time. FreshBag will always make their bags in South Africa despite the impact this has on our costs. FreshBag is committed to the following: •
offering customers an environmentally friendly choice when buying their fresh produce
•
reducing the use of single use plastic produce bags
•
positively impacting the reduction of plastic in our landfill and oceans
•
creating jobs within our South African communities
•
paying a living wage to everyone involved in the creation of our FreshBags
•
building a successful ethical and sustainable business
•
developing a business model that does not use profit as the only measure of it's success
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H ot O ff T he P ress
Garlict odour fighting capsules have just launched in South Africa – now you can enjoy garlic and still smell like a dream! Invented locally, manufactured at a US FDA approved manufacturing plant and boasting non-GMO Ingredients, Garlict’s peppermint infused capsules embrace 4 powerful ingredients to ensure fresh breath. Let’s face it, we all fear having bad breath, or
What Causes Bad Breath?
being that 'stinky person' socially or at work, let
There are many categories of 'bad breath', two
alone being left un-kissable thanks to whiffy garlic
specific categories are food-related bad breath
breath. The new Garlict capsules stop odours
and halitosis, the latter being a medical condition
associated with eating garlic and onions before
caused by digestion issues, disease or tooth
they have a chance to embarrass you. Garlict
decay.
gives you the confidence and freedom to eat what
The reason you get bad breath from garlic is
you like without considering your work and social
because when it is consumed, the assimilation
calendar.
and digestion process kicks into gear with bacteria
According to Loretta Atkinson from Neutrapharm,
breaking down the food and excreting volatile
Garlict is perfect for our food loving, culinary
sulphur compounds as part of the digestion
aspirant South African lifestyle. 'Being the food
process. These sulphur compounds are not
loving nation that we are, we often avoid our garlic
expelled by the intestines, but are absorbed
or eat it anyway and then dread the aftermath
through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream.
reeking from our breath and pores. Who wants
From there they circulate throughout the body,
that? Now you can enjoy your garlic pleasure,
including into the lungs and sweat glands. This
follow it up with two capsules swallowed with
results in bad breath and body odour, which may
liquid after your meal, and presto, the job is
last as long as the digestion and detoxification
done. No smelly odors, no embarrassment, just
process takes – sometimes days!
confidence and fresh breath,' says Loretta.
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How Garlict Fights Back
flushes the digestive system of built-up toxins.
Garlict to the rescue. Garlict has been developed to
Pop two capsules in your mouth after consuming
combat body and breath odours produced by the
a smelly meal, swallow with some liquid and enjoy
release of sulfuric compounds in the belly when
the sweet smell of success! Repeat dose after 6
eating garlic and onions. That’s why mouthwash
hours if necessary.
or gum are unable to eliminate this specific odour – they don’t target sulphur compounds in your gut! Garlict contains four superhero’s fighting for your fresh breath – Parsley Seed Oil, Green Tea Extract, Chia Seed Oil and Peppermint Oil. In addition to
Garlict is available at Dis-Chem Stores, Pick ‘n Pay Pharmacies and select independent pharmacies nationwide.
the health benefits, these ingredients oxygenate and cleanse the blood, aid digestion, detoxify free radicals and provide a rich source of fiber which
For more info on Garlict visit the brand on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/GarlictSA
Garlict Recipe – Parmesan, Basil and Garlic Spaghetti Ingredients: 400g spaghetti 150g butter (salted or unsalted) 3 cloves garlic, minced 30g fresh basil, finely chopped 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 pinch salt 1 pinch black pepper 1 tablespoon fresh chili minced (optional) 2 tablespoon Parmesan shavings
Method: 1) In a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to the product instructions, drain well but do not rinse the pasta after cooking (be sure not to over cook the pasta) 2) In large pot, combine the butter, garlic, salt, pepper and chili (optional) over medium heat until the butter has completely melted. Using a whisk stir the mixture until the bubbles/foam disappear and the butter turns golden brown. 3) Add the cooked pasta, grated Parmesan and basil to the butter mixture. While on the heat stir the sauce through the pasta until well mixed. 4) Flash fry the pasta for 1-2 minutes on a medium to high heat before removing from the heat. 5) Stir pasta once more and serve immediately, garnish with Parmesan shavings 6) Enjoy!
Don’t forget to take 2 Garlict capsules after your meal! Happy cooking from The Garlict Team!
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E co F ashion
Looking cool shouldn't cost us the earth The rise of cheap and disposable clothes, while profitable for their retailers, hasn't been kind to the planet, not to mention the people
I 
n the United States alone, consumers buy about 20 billion pieces of clothing a year – that's roughly 68 items per person. Americans are also throwing
away a lot of what they buy, frequently after only one use or perhaps just a few. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans chuck at least 12.7 million tons of textiles into their garbage annually. While textile-recycling schemes divert some of that waste, a lot is not recycled and then contributes both to
who make them. Some
the rapid exhaustion of landfill space and the production
earth-friendly alternatives are
once in landfills.
considerably more expensive.
3D printing as one possible, though partial, solution
But looking 'cool' and 'hip' should not cost us the earth, in all meanings of that phrase. We take a look at what's up in eco-fashion.
of more global warming greenhouse gases like methane Some far-sighted entrepreneurs have pointed to in that a growing range of materials is being used to manufacture all sorts of things using 3D printing, so why not one's clothing. Many man-made fibres are extruded as threads in factories and then woven into fabrics which are cut and sown into clothing items. There is plenty of energy used in all this, along with the subsequent packaging, storage and transportation embedded costs, a great deal of which can be bypassed using 3D printing, at least in theory. But there can be no real argument in principle that, even if not yet offered in many online stores, 3D printing
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3D printing could also
do away with ill-fitting clothes and shoes. Customers of the near future could upload body scans to online stores, for instance, and eliminate the guesswork of sizing.
meet the growing demand for personalised apparel and footwear, and at much lower cost to both user and the environment, since 3D printing can be managed in a sustainable and ethical way. While this new way of sourcing our fashion, even as we make it highly personalised, is very promising and exciting to the fashion industry as a whole, it also offers profound challenges in that it may seem to threaten many jobs in the textiles and clothing manufacturing industries. These human-related issues must be resolved, in the end. But they are not limited to developments like 3D can bring a range of solutions to the table, reducing
printing – much the same issues are manifested across
one's fashion footprint from start to finish.
the board where mechanisation, new technologies,
No limits
smart tech and the Internet of Things (IoT) are converging to make human beings redundant to many
Proponents argue that with 3D printing there really
of the manufacturing and production processes of the
are no limits – in theory – to what you can build
near future. Already, this process is underway.
and it is this design freedom which makes the
Despite the required adaptations and inevitable
technology so exciting by bringing to life what was
disruption that come with such a profoundly powerful
previously considered to be practically impossible or
technology, there is no doubt that fashion as a
very expensive.
whole, from eyewear to footwear and everything
It is a breakthrough technology which allows
in between, is set to move from the old to the
designers to innovate faster and create personalised,
new, incorporating into mainstream manufacturing
ready-to-wear fashion in a digital world with no
radical but positive notions of much-reduced waste,
geometrical constraints and almost zero waste
sustainability
material.
efficiencies, invidualisation, increased convenience,
Three-dimensional printing could also do away with ill-fitting clothes and shoes. Customers of the near future could upload body scans to online stores, for instance, and eliminate the guesswork of sizing. Printing clothes using additive manufacturing will also revolutionise the fashion industry worldwide by opening up digital manufacturing to the masses via online retail, bringing a much needed update to
of
resources,
huge
increases
in
lower cost to users, lower output wastage and overall less impact on the planet as a whole. Eco fashion is set to become not merely 'cool' and 'chic' in high-end circles, but the standard in just about everything we wear and available at lower cost to an ever-growing number of consumers. Watch this space for more on this subject in future issues.
SG
essentially 19th century techniques and processes currently still in use. This approach to clothing production could help
Resources ecouterre.com • greeneyewear.com
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nature a lw ay s delivers For those who desire design that echoes their individuality, David Green creates eyewear as unique as nature herself. Handcrafted from the finest raw materials, Each piece guarantees exacting quality, natural comfort and timeless style. When you choose David Green, you’re saying, “I don’t just want to look good, I want to feel good – about myself and the world in which I live.” Be kind to yourself. Be kind to the earth. Discover David Green. Designed in Cape Town. Unique by Nature.
David Green is giving away a pair sunglasses from the Arniston range to ONE lucky Simply Green reader. Simply send you name and address details to Susan.ball@anapublishing.com to stand a chance of winning. Entries close November 25th.
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E co -C onsciousness
H T g n i v sa
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As everyone knows, the world's rhinos are in trouble and wildlife television presenter Bonné de Bod is on a quest to find out why and what's being done to save these magnificent beasts. Ten years ago De Bod changed her life to follow her childhood passion. She left a successful career as a model to find and tell stories on wildlife in Africa.
S INO H R E H M
at Tukkies, part of hostel life was doing stage
any know De Bod from her seven
productions and competing between the different
seasons as a 50/50 presenter on SABC2
hostels, and I loved it. I became very involved with
where she informed viewers about
theatre and while I was performing in a production I
pressing environmental issues, winning a number of
was scouted by a modeling agency who offered me
awards along the way, including the 2015 SANParks
a contract in Cape Town. So after completing my
Kudu Award for Best Journalist, 2015 SANParks
studies I packed my bags and started my modeling
Kudu Award for Best Programme – the Rhino Blog
career. I also studied drama so my days were very
series, and 2016 ATKV Media-veertjie Award for Best
full. Being a model was a lifestyle so completely
Educational Programme.
different to one I had grown up in. I had always
Now, focusing on her passion for rhinos De
considered myself a bit of a tomboy and a real nature
Bod is heavily involved in the highly anticipated,
lover. So walking down catwalks in tight fitting
forthcoming
and
dresses and five-inch heels was a strange world for
currently appears in her Rhino Blog broadcast daily
me, but I stayed in it for three years. By that time I
on People's Weather (DStv 180). She's also SABC's
had finished my drama course and I started landing
special correspondent reporting on any breaking
parts in soapies such as Villa Rosa, Egoli and 7de
news involving rhinos and can be seen monthly on
Laan. I enjoyed playing characters but it was at this
DStv Channel 404 with rhino updates as well as on
time that I started to realise that if I wanted to be on
documentary
film
STROOP,
kykNET (DStv channel 144) with Grootplaas on Die
TV, I wanted to be myself. I was offered a modeling
Groot Ontbyt. She can also be heard on Groot FM,
contract with a very prestigious agency in London
Radio Today and RSG.
and, at the same time, I was also offered the field
Tell us a bit about your background?
presenting role on SABC2's environmental show 50/50. For me it really was a no-brainer. I had spent my childhood watching 50/50 every Sunday night
After finishing school, I studied BCom Industrial
and couldn't believe that I would possibly be on the
Psychology at the University of Pretoria. While
show. So I turned London down and over the next
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decade I spent seven wonderful seasons on 50/50, and I have never looked back.
Have you always been passionate about wildlife? Yes, and I owe it to my grandparents. My best memories are of my grandparents taking me and my sisters on trips to the Kruger National Park. We would go twice a year in school holidays, and it became my most favourite place on earth and, needless to say, it still is. Besides the fact that I was introduced to all the big and small creatures by very passionate wildlife lovers, it was the famous 'animal sounds' tape being played in the car that really stuck with me. By the end of each visit I would know the tape so well that there was no need for it as I could recite it out loud. We were treated to my oupa's extensive knowledge – from animals to trees. Stopping, talking and observing... my passion and love for the natural world was born then, and you know even now when I come back from a shoot in the Kruger, my oupa will grill me on what I saw and will pull out his Kruger maps wanting to know exactly what roads I was on and how the park is looking.
Why the fascination with rhinos?
The cruelty is totally beyond anything I can think
They are beautiful. They are iconic. They are beasts
up. Pure evil and human greed. And I do sometimes
of a bygone era. When you look at a rhino, you
wonder when, if ever, we will defeat it. Seeing a little
immediately see that defining feature, its horn.
orphan calf crying while standing next to his mother's
And yet as we know, this distinctive and unique
dead carcass, is probably the worst scene I've had to
feature is what humans kill them for. And there is
witness in this poaching war.
just something so special about seeing that massive my parents and grandparents in Kruger, and what
How did the documentary film STROOP come about?
always stuck out for me was the reverence they had
It was during a 50/50 story I did on the rhino
whenever they saw a wild rhino. In China, India and
poaching crisis when I realised that I needed to do
Vietnam, the places where they are gone from, they
something more. We were filming a story in the
are viewed as very spiritual animals where the horn
Kruger and we were taken to a double carcass. When
points to heaven and provides a link from earth to the
we got the crime scene, Susan Scott, the producer told
spiritual realm. I get asked all the time why we must
me to sit in between these two carcasses and deliver
save them, and I always say that we, as humans, have
my lines to camera. At that moment I was confronted
a moral responsibility to protect them, to protect all
with so many emotions and questions... How can
living species, it is simply the right thing to do. And
humanity be so unbelievably cruel? And how can we
something desperately needs to change or we will
as South Africans allow this? It was then when I knew
lose our wild rhinos. I've had many ups and downs
that I had to do something to slow the slaughter and
over the last three years investigating this world of
the eradication of this beautiful animal. That's where
greed. The most difficult part is witnessing what we,
the idea for a documentary feature film on the rhino
as humans, are capable of. I've attended the scenes
poaching crisis was born. An independent film with no
of many murdered rhino; I've seen rhinos still alive
censorship or broadcast sensitivities, a publicly owned
with half hacked off faces – what unbelievable pain. It
film where we can show all the aspects surrounding
animal out in the bush. I spent a lot of time with
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shocks you to your core to see that, to witness that.
'The cruelty is totally beyond anything I can think up. Pure evil and human greed. And I do sometimes wonder when, if ever, we will defeat it.' into the wild. We look at the controversial topic of legal trade in rhino horn and then we take the viewer to the dark underground backrooms of Vietnamese and Chinese smugglers and directly to the rhino horn users. We are making this film, so that no one can say they didn't know. We are now busy with the editing of the film as well as some last minute shooting we have to do but we have to finish it later this year for an early 2018 release.
Tell us about Rhino Blog Something we realised while filming STROOP was that so many aspects of the rhino poaching crisis are this very complex situation. STROOP was initially a six month project, but I think when director Susan Scott and I started filming we had no idea just how many layers the rhino situation really has. So, three years later, quitting our jobs, selling our homes, cashing in our investments and moving in with our mothers – well, it has certainly become a passion project.
Tell us more about the film itself. STROOP is an in-depth look at the world of rhino
poaching and everything in between. From the battlegrounds in the Kruger National Park and Hluluwe iMfolozi in Kwa-Zulu Natal, the two hardest hit areas in South Africa, where we have been given unprecedented access to the rangers, forensic teams and crime scenes, to the dingy court rooms in the bush towns bordering Kruger as well as the high courts of Pretoria and Kempton Park where we follow the work of state prosecutors working against well-paid defence teams working inside a justice system that is slow at the best of times. We follow the police on busts and spend time with private
security sensitive or must remain classified because it involves organised crime. So while filming Susan and I recognised that we were seeing so many aspects of the rhino poaching crisis that wouldn't necessarily be put into the film and decided to make an accompanying TV series that highlights the positive work being done
on the ground. Each episode is a positive, uplifting look at a hero on the front lines of the rhino war. From the rangers in our national and provincial parks to the use of the latest technology to fight this war, to our courts where the state prosecutors are battling to get the criminals behind bars. To the little rhino orphans who have lost their mothers and how orphanages are handling this flood of babies into their facilities, to the forensic investigations of crime scenes. We even cover the work being done by sportsmen like Mark Boucher and Kevin Pietersen and high profile names like Prince Harry and world conservation icons like Dr Jane Goodall and Dr Ian Player. There are people who deeply care and have given up their life of safety and comfort to save our rhinos. These are the true heroes in this crisis, and showing their work is what Rhino Blog is about.
SG
rhino owners. We follow the journey of little orphans who have lost their mothers to poaching and the rehabilitators who try everything to get them back
Follow Bonnè on social media: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
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Shelf KINGDOM OF DAYLIGHT: Memories Of A Birdwatcher Peter Steyn Struik Nature • 978 0 620 7 4256 6
This book details the author's adventure with birds over nearly 70 years. There is probably no bird book published anywhere in the world with such a wide variety of destinations. The book is not an identification source, but rather the autobiography of one of South Africa's leading bird experts. Starting his interests in the Cape mountains, Steyn spent from 1961 to 1985 teaching in then Rhodesia, where he honed his photographic skills. Thereafter he travelled to the USA, Costa Rica, the Galapagos, Patagonia, Australia, and New Zealand to name just some of his destinations. Steyn has authored nine books on birds, including the well known Birds of Prey and my own first bird book, Wankie Birds. In this latest edition, as in recent Struik Nature offerings, the pictures are excellent, and you will see birds from around the world that you would normally not see. There are also many photographs of general interest, including wildlife and the Victoria Falls, all from the authors vast collection. For twitchers, this book will add to their bookshelf.
BIRDS OF NAMIBIA Ian Sinclair & Joris Komen Struik Nature 978 1 775 8 4522 5 This small booklet, by two of Namibia's best known birders, covers 350 of the most common Namibian birds with full colour quality photographs. The introduction includes information on biome types, and the best birding sites, including the Okavango, the Namib Desert, and Etosha. Data on each species includes a distribution map, and the usual identification criteria. Unsurprisingly, a large number of the 350 species covered, will also be found in a South African bird book. Presumably aimed at distribution mainly in Namibia, it will be handy for anyone visiting destinations such as Etosha and Okavango.
NICOLE
Richard Peirce
Struik Nature 978 1 775 5 84534 8
This book is the story of a female Great White Shark. Not something many people may easily associate with, but this tale is truly fascinating. The author has written several books on sharks over 25 years, and has chaired the Shark Conservation Society and the Shark Trust. In November 2003 a 3.8m great white was tagged near Dyer Island in South Africa. By February 2004 her tag was picked up 11 000km away in Western Australia. Even more amazing was the return to South Africa by August 2004. Many long-distance shark travels have been detailed, but Nicole was the first. Apart from covering the tagging of Nicole, the author considers why she may have swum 22 000km, and how she navigated. He also covers the move of the Great White to the Cites Annexure two, giving the shark protected status. A good read for anyone interested in wildlife, and of special interest to anyone into sharks.
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We cater for all functions no matter how big or small and we do so much more... Conferences, weddings and events, full catering services
Tel: +27 12 7114002/3 Cell: 082 459 0451 Email: stanley@rensgroup.co.za website: www.poshfunctions.co.za Located within the Dinokeng Big 5 Game Reserve
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M otoring
GEARING
D OW N FOR THE FUTURE
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Electric Mobility has gained signification traction across the various sectors of the transport industry globally. It essentially entails the use of electric power as a means of enabling mobility that emanates across improving accessibility, efficiencies and the effects of mass urbanisation while also in-turn, combatting human-induced climate change. It spans across a wide range of solutions from the basic means of how the disabled now have electric powered wheelchairs to aid mobility, personal mobility options of the single, two and three wheeled systems, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, public transport, motorsport as well as marine and aviation. The entire transportation sector is revolutionising towards electric propulsion. Hiten Parmar, Director of the national uYilo eMobility Technology Innovation Programme, reports.
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lobally, countries are promoting the electrification of transport to reduce expensive fossil fuel
imports, greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. On 12 December 2016 in Paris, South Africa once again reasserted its commitment to tackling global climate change as one of the signatories of the Global Climate Agreement under the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention
adopted
in
December
2015. The 2030 South African National Development
Plan
(NDP)
includes
critical actions of interventions to ensure
environmental
sustainability
and resilience, this towards reducing greenhouse
gas
emissions
and
improving energy efficiency. South Africa is not only a contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – it is also particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change on health, livelihoods, water and food, with a disproportionate impact on the poor, especially women and children. Climate change is already having an impact locally, with marked temperature and rainfall variations and rising sea levels. Emission from the transport sector account for 10.8% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport being responsible for 91.2% of these GHG emissions – mainly from the combustion of petrol and diesel. While these figures represent direct emissions only, principally comprised of tailpipe emissions, if indirect GHG emissions associated with the transport sector were to be included, such as GHG emissions associated with fuel
refineries and electricity generation for transport, these figures would be substantially higher. This places the transport sector second only to the energy sector in terms of emissions volume. Local zero
consumer
emission
access
vehicles
to
through
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internationally manufactured 100% Electric Vehicles began with the Nissan Leaf in 2013, and BMW i3 in 2015, and as such currently no local assembly or manufacturing of any 100% electric vehicles taking place due to the lack of supporting incentives, investments and supply chain viabilities. Mercedes Benz South Africa, however, initiated local assembly of the C-Class hybrid for export in 2016 at its East London plant. As of July 2017, there have been 355 100% electric vehicles sold since initial
Currently all public electric vehicle charge points are provided as a free service towards an incentive to promote electric vehicle usage.
market introductions and approximately 2 500 hybrid-electric cards sold, statistics as provided
Innovation Act 26 of 2008) towards stimulating
by Lightstone Auto. The new 100% electric vehicle
and intensifying electric mobility technologies in
market entrants from 2018 onwards will include
South Africa. The activities of the uYilo Programme
Jaguar, Audi and Volvo.
include
development,
integration
While Electric Vehicles are supplied with a
and incubation, pilot projects, policy alignment,
convenience charging cable that allows charging of
awareness and knowledge transfer, as well as local
an electric vehicle from any traditional wall socket
SMME development across the spectrum of electric
outlet within homes and businesses, the added
mobility opportunities.
availability of public charging stations increases greater access to re-charging points, as well as
range anxiety
allowing faster charging times. Supporting public
Range anxiety is usually brought about through the
charging infrastructure has solely been initiated by
low exposure to electric vehicles and understanding
the private sector with approximately 100 public
of their operations – a perception. We are
charging stations deployed to date across 12
unfortunately within faced traditional behavioural
national cities. Currently all public electric vehicle
pattern of having to re-fuel a vehicle at a dedicated
charge points are provided as a free service towards
fuel station before embarking on a journey.
an incentive to promote electric vehicle usage.
However, there is a change across the operation of to
electric vehicles whereby as consumers are exposed
carbon
to, and start using electric vehicles, a re-charging
reduction, it is the complementary fiscal reforms
opportunity takes place whenever the vehicle is
to the Integrated Resource Plan that are required
parked idle. For example, while a consumer is at
to broaden the price on carbon to encourage
work the vehicle is in the parking lot and can be
economy-wide
into
on charge from an generic timeframe of 9am to
greener technologies. Over the short term, policy
3pm while being in the office, this is also actually
needs to respond quickly and effectively to protect
when the electricity grid also has surplus capacity
the natural environment and mitigate the effects of
available in off-peak state. By 3pm, the vehicle is
climate change. Over the long term, with realistic,
then available with full charge for the journey back
bold strategies and global partnerships, South Africa
home. The vehicle can then charge overnight again
can manage the transition to a low-carbon economy
while consumers are asleep and this is again while
at a pace consistent with government’s public
the electricity grid has surplus capacity available,
pledges, without harming jobs or competitiveness.
off-peak. An additional aspect is across consumers
Efforts towards developing and implementing
being aware of the operation of electric vehicles
electric-mobility in South Africa need to be facilitated
with the functionality of ‘regenerative braking’
by a multiple of stakeholders within the respective
where a user is able to add an additional amount
public and private sector organisations.
energy back into the battery by adapting their
Although improvements
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technology
South in
Africa
is
committed
transportation
efficiency
and
and
investment
The uYilo eMobility Technology Innovation
driving pattern. An electric vehicle has a feature
Programme was established in 2013 by the
of regenerative braking which allows the driver to
Technology
lift of the accelerator pedal earlier than normal and
Innovation
Agency
(Technology
allow the electric motor to slow down the vehicle.
by global manufactures within SA. Currently in SA,
This feature and driving pattern can aid a small
import taxes are not supportive of sustainable
amount towards extending the range of an electric
vehicle technologies like electric vehicles. As a
vehicle through making use of its additional feature
current barrier, electric vehicles are imposed with
of the technology.
an additional Ad valorem Excise duty in SA which
As battery technology improves there will be
is a disincentive for a sustainable transport option.
longer range options available from the electric
The current taxation framework of electric vehicles
vehicle manufacturers which will de-bunk the
is being addressed through the Electric Vehicle
current perception of range anxiety as these will
Industry Association to the Department of Trade
be in direct parity against traditional internal
and Industry alongside their International Trade
combustion vehicles. The global launch of the new
Administration Commission. Norway as a leading
Nissan Leaf in early September is already expected
example has achieved an electric vehicle market
to have double range capacity of the current Nissan
penetration of 29% with the supportive regulatory
Leaf. The additional aspect is of greater rollout of
framework. The Department of Transport has been
charging options available at high traffic public
actively developing the Green Transport Strategy
areas like shopping malls and business parks,
which aims to provide a facilitative framework of
for example. The radical rate at which electric
green transport legislation, inclusive of electric
vehicle technology is developing is surprising many
vehicles. The lesson globally is that there certainly
forecasted statistics that have been presented
needs to be the greater supportive policy framework
so the consumer options across electric vehicles
to allow electric vehicle introductions.
options are going to exponentially increase.
e-mobility in sa
Local
property
developers
are
already
acknowledging the inclusivity of charge points as well as green transport being recognised by Green
In respect of the local South African market, we
Building Society of SA. Leading shopping malls
already acknowledge global vehicle manufacturers
providing electric vehicle charge points include
like Nissan that introduced the Leaf into SA in 2013,
Menlyn, Melrose Arch and V&A Waterfront.
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and BMW that launched the i3 in 2015 so we should take note of local market opportunities envisaged
For more visit www.uYilo.org.za
Hiten Parmar, Director of the national uYilo eMobility Technology Innovation Programme, has 13 years of experience across automation and automotive industries of which he has since developed key expertise across Electric Vehicle Systems and Charging Infrastructure with certification from IMI UK on Electrically Propelled Vehicles. He holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Honours in Business Administration, and is a registered member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers. Through activities of the uYilo Programme, Hiten serves as strategic stakeholder across numerous industry and governing entities, as well as the Secretariat of the national Electric Vehicle Industry Association.
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E-MOBILITY IN
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Tim Abbott, CEO of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa looks at how legislation, technology and infrastructure need to come together in order for electro-mobility to thrive in South Africa.
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here is no doubt that the long-term future of the automotive mobility includes electric. In 2016 nearly 774 000 Electric Vehicles (EV)
and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) were sold worldwide, pushing the number of electricallypowered vehicles on global roads over the 2-million mark. While that figure may represent just 1.1% of international vehicle sales, cuts in global emissions targets and a drive towards sustainability as well as energy-saving in the automotive sector mean that future trajectory of electric drivetrains has been accelerated. The current growth in EV and PHEV sales is attributable largely to incentives and legislation put in place by governments, with aggressive emissions targets only attainable if electro-mobility is embraced
BMW i3
on a massive scale. China, one of the leading markets for EV and PHEV vehicles, with over half a million EVs
BMW i is the innovation driver for the BMW Group.
sold in 2016. One of the motivations behind the
We have successfully transferred the technology
rapid adoption of EVs in the country's major cities
featured in the BMW i8 to models within BMW
is their exemption from license plate lotteries and
and MINI, firstly with the introduction of the BMW
significant registration fees that apply to vehicles
iPerformance model range and recently the MINI
with internal combustion engines. In all, China
Cooper SE Countryman ALL4. The eDrive technology
provides subsidies that amount to approximately
featured in BMW i3 has been transferred to the first
23% of the price of a mid-size EV car. While the Chinese 23% subsidy may seem staggering, consider that the prices of EVs and
introduced in 2019.
PHEVs in Scandinavian countries are subsidised
Our long-term goal is to offer customers the
by as much as 49% (Denmark) and 45% (Norway).
broadest range of electrified premium cars. By the
Subsidy percentage are lower, but still significant
end of 2017, we will offer 10 models, which by
elsewhere: the United States subsidises purchase
2025 we will increase to 25 – of which 12 will be
prices by 18%, Germany by 13% and Japan, 10%. In
pure electric.
the UK (the largest market for EVs in Europe), the
This year alone, we will deliver 100 000 electrified
introduction of the 2017 Automated and Electric
vehicles to customers, which will mean that by the
Vehicles Bill means that, among other things, every
end of 2017, there will be a total of more than
petrol station and motorway service centre must
200 000 BMW Group electrified vehicles on the road.
install electric charging stations. It also establishes
The BMW Group's global electro-mobility strategy
common technical and operational standards for
includes South Africa. Since market introduction in
these charging stations. The UK government's aim is
March 2015, a total of 439 BMW i models have been
for the country to 'lead the world in EV technology
delivered to customers in South Africa. In terms of
and use', with almost every car and van to be
the BMW i3 a total of 211 units have found homes,
zero-emission by 2050. The BMW Group started its electro-mobility journey
making it the most successful EV ever launched locally, while the BMW i8 is the market leader
in 2008, when we began testing our MINI E fleet
among PHEVs, with a total of 228 units delivered
worldwide. The results gleaned from those tests not
to customers. While we are proud of the strides we
only formed the basis for our global electro-mobility
have made in this young electro-mobility market,
strategy but they were also integrated into the
the role of legislation in the development of the EV
BMW i range, which features our first fully-electric
market is pivotal – as clearly evidenced by the global
production car, the BMW i3 and the revolutionary
trends.
BMW i8 PHEV – the most progressive sports car.
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fully electric BMW X3, which will make its debut in 2020 as well as a fully electric MINI which will be
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to a
in electro-mobility in South Africa. We believe that the reduction of import duty tax will not only make EVs more affordable, but also will give the whole automotive industry the means to contribute to the expansion of a public charging network. Alternatively, government can also support the growth of EVs without a direct monetary subsidy by introducing measures for EVs like designated parking areas, the use of bus lanes during peak hour traffic times and no charge on toll fees. Our approach to electro-mobility is holistic and is typified by our 360° ELECTRIC strategy, of which the introduction of public charging infrastructure is key. 'Range anxiety' remains a stumbling block for many would-be buyers of EVs in South Africa, which is why a more comprehensive charging network is a critical tool to mitigating this factor. competitive EV market in South Africa is the current
With the market introduction of BMW i we
rate of import duty tax which currently stands
established a nationwide public charging network
at 25%. Imported petrol and diesel vehicles with
of 54 charging stations, free to customers with
engine capacities under 1l attract zero percent
ChargeNow cards. In Scandinavia, public charging
duties, and other traditionally-powered, imported
stations are abundant in large cities. There is no
vehicles under EU trade agreements attract duties
reason why this cannot be the case in South Africa.
of 18%. In December 2016, BMW Group South Africa
The proposed review of the import taxation
submitted a formal application to the International
issue is a the first step in a long journey –
Trade Administration Commission of South Africa
over time further adjustments may be required to
(ITAC), for the reduction of the import duty on pure
enable sound thinking to become good practice in
EVs. The submission calls for a zero percent duty
action. This is when we will see the benefit to all
on the import of all electric vehicles for a period of
manufacturers who currently offer or have plans
three years and thereafter, for a 10% import duty to
to introduce EVs in South Africa. More importantly,
be applied.
this is when we will see the conversation around
It is our belief that a reduction in the import duty
electro-mobility take on real meaning.
on EVs will create a more competitive market, with
The BMW Group will continue to be at the forefront
a wider offering for customers and with the added
of these conversations, helping bring about real,
benefit of attracting potential long-term investment
sustainable change in the electro-mobility field.
SG
Tim Abbott is the Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. After completing his studies at the University of Loughborough in the United Kingdom (UK), he joined BMW Group UK in 1986 where he held several sales positions in both Regional and National Sales Departments. In 1996, Abbott left BMW Group UK in order to pursue a career in the retail sector at Audi motors. In 2006, he re-joined BMW Group UK as a Sales Director and was responsible for the entire dealership network. In 2008, Abbott was appointed the Managing Director of BMW Group UK. Abbott possesses high level experience as well as expertise and has proved to be a great asset to the BMW Group. In November 2014, Abbott was appointed the Managing Director of BMW Group South Africa. In July 2016, the footprint of BMW Group South Africa was extended into the continent and Abbott took on the role of CEO, BMW Group South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Growthpoint powers innovation with its NWU Solar Car team sponsorship Pushing the boundaries of what is possible for alternative energy and engineering, Growthpoint Properties has announced that it is sponsoring the North West University’s Solar Car challenge team.
W
ith its sponsorship, Growthpoint helped to
In 2015, at the previous biennial Bridgestone World
the give the team its day in the sun at the
Challenge, NWU Solar debuted to become the first team
Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, which
from Africa to cross the finish line. It took 11th place in
took place from 8 to 15 October in Australia. The gruelling
an overall field of 29, beating some world-renowned
journey starts in Darwin and follows the Stuart Highway
universities in the process including MIT and Cambridge.
to Port Augusta followed by Highway 1 to Adelaide about
It holds the record for the furthest distance travelled by a
3 000km away.
South African team in a single day (611.9km), as well as
NWU Solar has already set the bar high with its solar
car challenge achievements. It was co-winner of its very first outing at the 2012 Sasol Solar Challenge, an honour it shared with Tokai University, which is consistently ranked as one of the top three teams in the world. The team has gone on to break various records.
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the furthest distance completed by a South African team (3 524.9km). But why would a property company invest in a university solar car team? Growthpoint is no ordinary property company. It provides space to thrive. Its pursuit of sustainability
across its diverse portfolio of 547 owned and managed properties can be seen in the innovations in its buildings, in South Africa and internationally. Growthpoint is a Platinum Founding member of the Green Building Council South Africa, a constituent of the FTSE4Good Emerging Index and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index. It owns and co-owns the biggest portfolio of certified green buildings in South Africa. Growthpoint also embraces solar power in South Africa with several solar plants already in operation. It has already installed photovoltaic solar panels with the capacity to generate over 8.1MWp (DC, excluding the V&A Waterfront) at sixteen of its office, retail and industrial properties (all below 1MWp AC). Head of Sustainability at Growthpoint, Werner van Antwerpen, explains: 'The objective of the NWU Solar car project is to go beyond simply competing in challenges.
LJ Grobler, Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the North-West University and Werner van Antwerpen, Head of Sustainability at Growthpoint
Its goals include performing interdisciplinary research
roots at the NWU Faculty of Engineering. The team from
and development that drives a sustainable future based
NWU will also be using solar tracking technology to soak
on innovative new technologies. This really appealed
up sun rays, keeping its panels at an optimal angle to
to us. For real and sustainable innovation, we need
the sun at all times. The body shape with the use of solar
to close the gap between universities, government
tracking makes Naledi one of the most unique vehicles
and business. NWU Solar is innovating in a way that
in the competition.
produces commercially viable products that create jobs and opportunities. We support this wholeheartedly.'
With its impressive track record, the NWU Solar team has a lot to live up to, but it has already proven that it
He adds: 'Growthpoint’s sponsorship of the NWU
relishes a challenge. Van Antwerpen says: 'True to the
Solar team is an excellent platform to showcase our
name of their car (and its power source), we believe that
commitment to sustainability and innovation while also
they are stars who will continue to shine in this global
supporting a group of students who are the future
challenge.'
leaders of our industry and others. We also want
Its sponsorship of the NWU Solar car challenge
to encourage young people to achieve success in
team is just one of the ways the Growthpoint invests
STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and
in sustainability and innovation at university level in
mathematics – and apply their skills to create relevant
South Africa. Growthpoint also founded the Greenovate
and commercial solutions.'
Awards programme with the Green Building Council
Strong synergies form the foundation for this
South Africa (GBCSA), which sets university students of
sponsorship. For instance, with Growthpoint’s increasing
the built environment and engineering on a quest to find
use of renewable solar energy at many of its buildings,
more sustainable ways of living.
it stands to benefit from the university’s advances and
Growthpoint is the largest South African primary
research in solar power, battery and hydrogen fuel cell
listed REIT on the JSE, and is emerging as a leading
technology and the algorithms to manage these storage
international property company. It owns and manages
solutions.
a diversified portfolio of 547 property assets. This
Van Antwerpen highlights that the NWU Faculty of
includes 471 properties in South Africa valued
Engineering has also proven courageous in what it
at R76.9bn and Growthpoint’s 50% interest in the
takes on, and this is a quality that Growthpoint values,
properties at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, valued at
encourages and invests in.
R8.7bn. Internationally, Growthpoint owns 57 properties
The faculty recently launched Naledi, the 2017
in Australia valued at R32.5bn through its investment in
iteration of the solar car that will be competing in
ASX-listed Growthpoint Properties Australia (GOZ) and
Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Naledi, meaning
18 properties in Romania valued at EUR1.0bn through
‘star', boasts a brand new design with the body based
its investment in LSE AIM-listed Globalworth Real Estate
on the world-class JS3 Jonker Sailplane that also has its
Investments (GWI).
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Britain to ban new diesel and petrol cars in 2040
TESLA MODEL 3 HITS THE ROAD
Britain just announced plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by the year 2040. The plan follows a similar move in France, and it will invest £1 billion towards promoting low-emissions cars, with £100 million devoted to boosting charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. More money could go to a green bus fund, cycling and walking infrastructure, and low-emission taxis. The government endeavoured to move away from taxes on polluting cars, although they’d been encouraged to introduce charges for cars entering clean air zones. They wanted taxes to be a last resort, and a government spokesperson pointed to a £3 billion, around $3.9 billion, program to clean dirty air near roadways that will offer funding to advance local efforts, like retrofitting public transportation, reprogramming traffic lights, and altering road features like speed humps and roundabouts.
While Tesla has received over 500 000 reservations for the Model 3, buyers may be disappointed to learn that many of the first Model 3 sedans will have a higher starting price than the base $35k the company originally boasted about. The 'electric car for the masses' will initially only be offered with a long-range battery, which carries a $9k premium over the base Model 3. This brings the starting price to $44k – before you add any other options. Either way, the Model 3 is one of the most significant new entries in the EV segment. The base Model has a driving range of 350km, which is longer than any other EV currently on the market (besides its brother, the Model S).
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INDIA TO BAN AUTONOMOUS CARS TO PROTECT JOBS By the year 2030, 25% of American citizens will transit via self-driving vehicles – but the situation will be very different in India. This is because India’s transport and highways minister, Nitin Gadkari, announced today that self-driving cars will not be allowed in the country. He told reporters, 'We won’t allow driverless cars in India. I am very clear on this'.
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ECO-COMMUTING JUST BECAME AFFORDABLE The dream of being able to commute to work in a solar-powered car is finally becoming a reality. Sono Motors recently unveiled the SION solar-powered electric car that can travel up to 30km using nothing but energy from the sun. The best part is that the SION isn’t just for the wealthy, since it only costs around $18k plus the cost of the battery, and it is packed with incredible features like built-in moss filtration, bi-directional charging and integrated solar panels. Using 300 photovoltaic panels, the SION can store enough energy from the sun to travel up to 30kms, but if you need to travel further, the SION can also be recharged using a standard outlet, like a conventional electric car.
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The world’s first all-electric sport utility truck Electric vehicle buyers are spoiled for choice these days – there’s electric sports cars, sedans, SUVs, minivans, and motorcycles. So where’s the electric truck? New York-based Bollinger Motors just answered that question with the B1 – the world’s first all-electric, all-wheel drive sport utility truck. It’s remarkably refined with a strong, stealthy profile – and it’s rough and rugged enough to haul heavy loads and tackle challenging terrain. The B1 has better horsepower, torque, and ground clearance than any gas-powered truck in its class – plus a few features you simply won’t find in internal combustion engine vehicles.
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2018 NISSAN LEAF IS HERE After teasing us for weeks, Nissan has finally unveiled the second-generation 2018 Nissan Leaf reportedly being sold at an affordable $30k. The new Leaf is completely new inside and out, with single-pedal driving, automation, more power, and most importantly, its driving range has been increased to a more usable 240km. Under the hood, there’s also a new electric powertrain that now generates 147 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. If you want a more powerful Nissan Leaf with a longer driving range, Nissan has confirmed that another more expensive version of the Leaf is coming for 2019.
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M obility N ews COMMUTING VIA TRACK & FIELD Taipei is getting into the sporting spirit by transforming the interiors of its subway trains into mini sports arenas to celebrate the 29th Summer Universiade Games. The fun artwork, which is shockingly realistic, was inspired by the major sporting events that will take place during the event such as swimming, track and field, soccer, baseball and basketball. The fun campaign, which is sponsored by The Department of Information and Tourism and EasyCard Corporation, encourages subway riders to take selfies to post on Instagram to generate awareness of the sporting event.
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CYCLISTS FURIOUS OVER TAX IN OREGON, US Riding a bike is good for your health and the environment – so you’d think governments would go out of their way to encourage cyclists, right? Wrong. Oregon – a state known for its avid bicycling culture – just approved the nation’s first statewide bicycle tax. The new excise tax will require consumers to pay $15 for bikes that cost over $200 with a wheel diameter of at least 26 inches. According to Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bill Currier, the tax is an effect of Governor Brown’s 'endless obsession with finding new and innovative ways to take money out of the pockets of Oregon taxpayers.'
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AROUND THE WORLD IN 6 YEARS The world watched in anticipation as the groundbreaking Solar Impulse 2 plane circumnavigated the globe last year. Now, the 'Solar Impulse of the Seas' has set sail, aiming to demonstrate in a fresh way that clean energy can power our world. Dubbed Energy Observer, the solar-, wind- and hydrogen-powered catamaran will sail to 50 countries over the course of six years. Solar panels line the top of the Energy Observer, and two vertical axis wind turbines harness the power of the wind, but those aren’t the only energy sources that make this vessel self-sufficient. The boat is able to generate hydrogen from seawater thanks to an electrolysis system.
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autonomous, all-electric cargo ship to launch IN 2018 The world’s first crewless, autonomously operated ship is set to sail in late 2018. The Norwegian-built Yara Birkeland is being dubbed the 'Tesla of the Seas' because the vessel is fully electric. The $25m ship will initially start out as a manned vessel, moving to remote operation in 2019 before going completely autonomous in 2020. In late 2018 the vessel will start transporting fertiliser 43km down a fiord from a production facility to the port of Larvik.
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solar car you can pedal like a bicycle Evovelo recently unveiled a tiny solar-powered vehicle that combines the advantages of a car – such as safety, weather protection and stability – with the ease of a bicycle and the low energy consumption and space utilisation of a light electric vehicle. The cute little trike is called Mö, and its practicality, customisation, and sustainability make it a great fit for commuters looking to lower their environmental impact. With a top speed of 45Km/h and a set of roof-mounted solar panels rapidly recharge the vehicle’s 1000Wh battery.
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FOLDABLE E-BIKES SHOULD BE THE WAY OF THE FUTURE Shipping in 2018, the Brompton Electric is built very much like the iconic, existing Brompton folding bike which you'll see hundreds of at any London train station around rush hour. Featuring a 250W front hub motor, 40-80km of range and a removable battery pack, the Brompton also offers the option of a 4A 'fast charger' providing 80% charge in 1.5-2 hours, and 100% in somewhere around 2.5-3 hours. E-bikes are increasingly a serious transportation choice in cities around the world. And once you view them as such, the price tag on this beauty starts to make a whole lot more sense.
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wooden motorcycle powered by algae The concept isn’t too far out, considering algae has been used to create everything from eco-friendly sneakers to living lamps that absorb CO2. There’s even an entire algae-powered building in Hamburg. Dutch designer Ritsert Mans and scientist Peter Mooij created a wooden motorcycle that runs on algae to increase the visibility of the lesser known fuel source. 'For every part of the bike, I looked to what nature could provide me with,' said Mans, who built the frame and springs with wood.
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CUTTING EMISSIONS ON GERMANY'S AUTOBAHN We rely on trucks to get the goods we need from one place to another, but all of those semi trucks spew a lot of pollution. So Siemens and the German state of Hesse teamed up to create a 10km stretch of electric highway on the autobahn. Hybrid trucks can connect to overhead charging cables to drive on pure electricity, and then switch back to diesel power once they leave the eHighway.
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A wards Frost & Sullivan Honours Outstanding Companies Frost & Sullivan honoured recipients of its 2017 Growth, Innovation & Leadership Awards at a prestigious banquet held on August 17 in Cape Town, South Africa at The Table Bay Hotel. The event brought together top leaders and innovators to celebrate their success. These awards are presented each year to companies that are predicted to encourage significant growth in their industries, have identified emerging trends before they became the standard in the marketplace, and have created advanced technologies that will catalyse and transform industries in the near future/ 'Frost & Sullivan’s Awards program has now been recognising companies for more than fifteen years,' said Jeff Frigstad, Global Sr. Vice President, Best Practices, Frost & Sullivan. 'These Awards come from the rigor used by our talented team of 2 000 thought leaders from over 50 global offices working with over 200 000 clients, to locate the best.' Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices. For a full list of winners click here. TOP PICTURE: Left, Hendrik Malan Partner and Operations Director, Frost & Sullivan Africa. Right, Jesper Daugaard, Senior Vice President, Kamstrup, who received the African Smart Water Meter Customer Value Leadership Award. BOTTOM PICTURE: Kyle Villet, Evans Manyonga and Robbie Stammers of Fast Company.
MISS EARTH 2017 CROWNED Irini Moutzouris is a dynamic and determined individual, completing her final year as an education student she says waste and the education around waste and recycling is key and is everyone’s responsibility and says that she 'believes we all need to be re-educated on waste and our own role in the waste management of the city.' Moutzouris who is originally from Klerksdorp in the North West is completing her Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Pretoria. 'To me, being a Miss Earth South Africa winner, means being a role model to fellow South Africans and an ambassador and voice for the Environment and creating awareness about the environmental problems we face on a daily basis, especially in waste management,' says Moutzouris. PICTURED FROM LEFT: Rose Mantsho – third runner up from Limpopo, Orielia Egambaram – first runner up from Tshwane, Miss Earth 2017 Irini Moutzouris, and Bianca Rungasamy – second runner up from Kwa-Zulu Natal
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South Africa’s leading entrepreneur of 2017 revealed Creating, growing and innovating a business to such a degree that a new market and industry is created is no easy feat and demonstrates many qualities of a remarkable entrepreneur. It is thereby no surprise that Willem van der Merwe, of Africa Biomass Company (ABC) has been named this year’s overall winner in the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year competition sponsored by Sanlam and Business/Partners, as announced at the awards ceremony held in Johannesburg on 6 September On being named this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year, van der Merwe says that he is both humbled by and grateful for the opportunity. 'It is always so great to learn from other entrepreneurs, so to have the opportunity to network with others in a similar position to our business has been a wonderful experience.'
South African Plastics Recycling Organisation’S BEST RECYCLED PRODUCT AWARDS Making bed bases from old car bumpers turned out to be anything but a rubbish idea for Graham Coleman and Gianni Nosenzo of Cycliq in Wadeville – two veterans of the bedding industry whose innovative Space Base Bed Base was awarded the SAPRO Trophy for the Best Recycled Product of the Year at the organisation’s 6th biennial awards ceremony held at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni recently. The double base folds up into a quarter of the space of a traditional bed base‚ making it far easier to move, store, re-assembled or export overseas. Locally, their plant produces about 3 500 of the black bases per month‚ but has the capacity to double that. PICTURED: Graham Coleman of Cycliq (Pty) Ltd receives the certificate for Best Recycled Product of the year from Rudi Johannes, SAPRO Chairman
ECO LOGIC Lifetime Achievement Award South Africa’s ‘Green Bishop’, Geoff Davies of Cape Town, is the recipient of the 2017 Eco-Logic Lifetime Achievement Award. He is Founder of the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), a trustee of WWF-SA, and was awarded the SAB Environmentalist of the Year in 2009 by Ian Player. Last year, the Archbishop of Canterbury presented Bishop Geoff with the Langton award for his persistent 'urging of the Church to embrace environmental care and justice' as part of the Church’s community service. It is named after Archbishop Stephen Langton, who was crucially involved in the signing of the Magna Carta 800 years ago. 'That was a great step in establishing human rights and civil liberties. We now need to recognise the rights of all life, not just human life.' For more info on the 2017 Eco Logic awards and its winners, visit www.eco-logicawards.com
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