Simply Green Magazine - Issue 5, 2013-lores

DIGIMAG

simply Leading the eco-lifestyle

ISSUE 5 • 2013

&

vertical gardens plant sculptures

eco-cleaning solutions

the

6 great th

extinction? motoring

tesla's EV • FranKfurt: EV fest • JHB: what's new in sa • SUSTAINIA

Sustainable Cities

ENERGY

THE SUN'S STILL THE ANSWER

clean-up sa recycling drive • rhinos in danger

Cement extende

SG 2

ers

Cement extenders are also finding increasing favour from an enviro-perspective. We take a look.

T

here is a great deal of discussion around

the

use

of

extenders

landfills.

in

The Green Building Council of South Africa

concrete. However, in order to ensure

(GBCSA) recently refined its requirements

a blend that is uncompromised in strength

to qualify for each of the three points

and integrity, extensive experience and

focused on the use of concrete to lessen a

knowledge are needed. AfriSam is able to

building's enviro-impact. In order to support

leverage a multitude of applications in the

the construction industry in meeting the

successful application of chemical admixture

criteria for all three points AfriSam has

technologies. Primarily, the use of extenders

closely reviewed the content of concrete

results in a large reduction in the equivalent

used in various building projects.

CO2 per ton of cement. AfriSam's 'green

Examples of this collaboration include

cement' uses extenders such as AfriSam

AfriSam assisting Standard Bank to qualify

slagment, fly ash and limestone to reduce

for two GBCSA points in the concrete

the amount of clinker needed in the cement.

category, for its new customer service office

The use of these extender materials is a

in Rosebank, and the design of custom mixes

classic example of recycling at its best,

for Nedbank's new Lakeview development in

since most of the material would end up in

Roodepoort that will attract two points.

Left: AfriSam's 'green cement' utilises extenders such as AfriSam slagment, fly ash and limestone to reduce the amount of clinker needed in the cement

A FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES ON A GREENER HORIZON AT AFRISAM, WE DON’T JUST CONTRIBUTE TO ECO-FRIENDLY STRUCTURES THROUGH OUR LOW CO2 ADVANCED COMPOSITE CEMENT, WE CREATE SUSTAINABLE POSSIBILITIES. Take our work on the construction of the Standard Bank Green Building. This eleven-storey, five-basement green giant not only adheres to the Green Building Council guidelines but excels at energy and resource efficiency - earning it a well deserved 5 Green Star SA rating.

www.afrisam.co.za With the planet as one of our core values, we assess the carbon footprint of each and every one of our operations and products while actively striving to drive down our impact on the environment.

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

154 128

News

Features

10 General 46 Motoring 61 Solar 76 Energy 81 Building 111 GMOs 164 Conservation

16 Botanical sculptures 18 Arbor sculpture 20 Sustainia 26 6th extinction 172 Sappi

Mobility

simply Leading the eco-lifestyle www.simplygreen.co.za • admin@simplygreen.co.za Cape Town Office • P O Box 30946, Tokai, 7966 Tel 27 (0) 21 713 0018 or 27 (0) 21 712 4665 082 579 7915 • Fax 27 (0) 21 715 2809

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32 Tesla 38 Ford

SG 4

148

48 JHB Motor Show 50 Frankfurt Motor Show

Home & Buildings 52 The sun's still the answer 56 Solar farming 66-75 Heat pumps vs solar water heating 78 Energy cybernetics 84 LED Lighting

Publisher & Executive Editor Chris Erasmus publisher@simplygreen.co.za Consulting Editor Nicole Sherwin editor@simplygreen.co.za Creative Director Silke Erasmus admin@simplygreen.co.za

National Sales Consultants Kyle Villet kyle@simplygreen.co.za Tamzen Scoulelis adverts@simplygreen.co.za Studio Manager Kevin Rule

Assistant Editor Lenard Roos studio1@simplygreen.co.za

studio2@simplygreen.co.za

Issue 5 • 2013

84 120

Volume 6 No.5 •

32 101 Spring cleaning 106 Eco-cleaning solutions 118 Greening your pantry 148 Pest control

Tech 28 Carbyne

Youth 154-156 Ms Earth

Food

124 Garden World 128 Living walls 136 Afmine

152 Fairtrade

Energy 166 Ugesi Gold 170 Eco-power for the people

Conservation 114 Sustainable fishing 159 Beach clean-up

Regulars 110 Hot off the press 140 Eco-experiment 144 On Safari 170 Book reviews

Garden 120 Jane Griffiths

House GS Publishing Green Spaces Publishing House

Webmaster Garry Doel web@simplygreen.co.za

GREEN SPACES PUBLISHING

HOUSE

Copyright Simply Green is a registered trademark and is copyright protected worldwide. Material

Webdesign Michael-Ray Erasmus

Disclaimer

published in Simply Green, including all

webdesign@simplygreen.co.za

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not

artwork, may not be reproduced without

necessarily those of the publishers or staff.

the permission of the editor.

Accounts Tracy Lee Nash accounts@simplygreen.co.za

ISSN 1998-1309 Green Spaces.indd 1

2/20/2008 3:51:48 PM

SOUTH AFRICA'S ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN www.indaloyethu.co.za

Flagship Member

5 SG

PUBLISHEr's VIEW SG 6

'Foolhardy'. That's how SA Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has described any rushing into new nuclear power station builds, before dealing with a number of concerns, not least being safety. And that's not even to mention the cost, conservatively estimated at R300bn but more likely to run to the higher-end estimation of R1tn or more, once all is said and done. South Africa simply doesn't have the money for this sort of infrastructural capital expenditure, regardless of the additional power demands that are not only troubling the country's power producer Eskom currently, but will become extremely acute by 2017.

So, foolhardy indeed, we would say in full agreement with the minister, regarding SA's current plans to install several new-generation nuclear power stations. And these plants take a long time to build, so even if we were to start building tomorrow, the 2017 power bottleneck will have come and gone by the time any more power comes from nuclear sources for our national grid.

Conservatively-minded folk like to say that we cannot provide for our base-load energy needs without resorting to coal and nuclear. The latter is preferable, such people say, since when it's working and not dangerously broken, like the six reactors at Fukushima – some of which are currently spewing radioactive particles and radiation all over the place – nuclear is actually 'cleaner' than coal. These people are both right and wrong. Nuclear is clearly a cleaner source of power – and more cost-effective – than coal, when it's working. The problem is that when nuclear goes bad, things become very serious indeed. It may be that the exclusion zone around Fukushima ends up at around 50km, perhaps 100km say some experts, depending on whether Tepco, its owners, can get things under control, which is a pretty big assumption at this point. And that still leaves the unsolved problem of high-level nuclear waste which plagues the entire industry worldwide, accidents notwithstanding.

Coal is just plain 'bad'. It's really dirty and our coal still remaining for exploitation is becoming increasingly costly to get at and move around. It is also filled with sulphur, toxic heavy metals and contaminants. So coal as a medium- or long-term energy solution, to be blunt, is not only 'bad', it's also just plain senseless. It will, in short order, become increasingly cost-ineffective and you don't need to be an actuarial scientist or statistical economist to work that out. That's the direct economic downside, let alone counting the enormous eco-cost of a coal-fired future.

So what's the alternative? The answer, as we have said in the past, is the sun. There are large swathes of this country – right across the Karoo and into the Drakensburg – where we have 320+ days of full sunshine a year.

There are large sections of the western and north-western areas of the country which are semi-desert and which receive even more sunshine than that – around 340-345 days of full sunshine each year on average. While huge strides have been made in photovoltaic (PV) energy-production, it is still expensive, relatively speaking, and difficult to build in large scale. So PV will play a role but more as a fill-in and add-on, than a base-load contributor.

And, say critics, what happens on cloudy days? The answer to that is that on such days the wind is inevitably blowing (in those parts of the country where the sun shines the greater portion of the year). So wind-power has a role to play filling in where PV can't contribute. That still leaves us short of base-load power supply. But there is an answer for that too – and it's still the sun.

The key in the last few years has been the breakthrough in concentrated solar power (CSP), of which there are three facilities either in development or awaiting construction in this part of the world. Many people, when they talk about solar, are thinking primarily of solar water heaters and/or PV. CSP is a newish idea in this part of the world – indeed, anywhere. But in Seville in Spain, two CSP plants are up and operating. One, a trough array, with much-reduced building costs and rapid construction time, is routinely producing 24 hours worth of energy from 12 hours worth of sunshine.

The energy supply debate is bound to go on for some time, but we are confident that a combination of continuing development in the CSP arena particularly, in combo with progress on other renewable fronts, might not only kick the nuclear option into permanent touch, but also the coal option along with it. If nothing else, the economics of our power needs and their costs in kW/h terms may eventually win the day with a sensible and long-term, sustainable and low-cost, low-carbon future energy supply mix emerging.

So, in this our fifth digital issue, we revisit the 'sun is the answer' conclusion we have long since already reached – and which was well received when in late 2011 our title was widely distributed among global delegates at the COP17 climate conference in Durban.

Also in this edition we look at the sudden surge in electric vehicles and at other mobility options which may be more ‘conventional' in terms of energy source (hydrocarbon fuels) but highly innovative in terms of consumption, emissions and overall efficiency.

Another major feature of this issue is a focus on clean-ups and recycling, both as specific initiatives in the month of September, but also in an ongoing way that will help reduce the amount of junk floating around in our rivers, dams and oceans.

The aftermath of the Fukushima disaster Recycling also contributes to building a secondary value stream utilising the – an ongoing testament to the danger and embedded value of a wide range of things, especially those made of plastic but also unpredictability of nuclear power. including paper, glass and aluminium, which many people still don't realise can be converted into profitable businesses, producing useful products and providing much-needed jobs.

Between these features, we have a look at another carbon-based hi-tech material, carbyne, which like its cousin graphene (see Simply Green, Issue 1, 2013, pages 23-28) is set to change our technology as much as semiconductors and carbon fibres have done, or more.

We have our usual range of business and consumer tips and hints for greener living, like vertical gardening, and selections from our broad palette of topics on how to live more sustainably on this one and only planet which we call home.

Read, enjoy – and remember that Simply Green is free to everyone, so share, share, share. Without the information that we and our partners carry, we will not be able to empower ourselves and one another sufficiently to make the changes to the way we live, and do business, in time to avoid the worst and looming prospects of an unsustainable way of being.

Chris & the team

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2013/09/13

2013/09/13

Contributors Jane Griffiths is a TV producer, writer, artist and traveller who has been growing organic vegetables and herbs for more than 15 years. Her best-selling book, Jane's Delicious Garden has led to a vegetable revolution in SA, with thousands of home growers now following in her green footsteps. Her second book, Jane’s Delicious Kitchen, is a collection of delicious recipes for making the most of seasonal abundance.

page 120

Roger Metcalfe is a writer specialising in the environment, technology and medicine. He is an ex-diplomat and produces marketing films for the corporate sector. Roger is a partner in Solar Connect – his own solar energy business, offering a cost-free advisory service to architects and developers regarding energy efficient buildings.

page 66

Dr Marc Sher is currently studying for a diploma in Implantology, a new branch of dentistry focussing on the reconstruction of missing teeth and their supporting structures with natural or synthetic substitutes. He practices from The Dental Practice in Sea Point, Cape Town, which boasts a team of highly skilled dentists and oral hygienists.

page 95

Derek Markham is a digital dad with an analogue streak, as comfortable with a smartphone as he is with pencil and paper. He's got a soft spot for babies, bicycles and bouldering, and is the head shoveler at his small farm in New Mexico. You can also find him letting it all hang out on Twitter, Facebook, and http://naturalpapa.com.

SG 8

page 56

SG Advisory Board Sean Doel is the founding editor of Simply Green. A Technical Director at WSP, specialising in contaminated land investigations and remediation.

He is also passionate about what we can all do to address climate change.

Jeunesse Park established ProGreen, SA’s first environmental communications and public relations company, as well as Food & Trees for Africa and has won many awards.

Liz Eglington (Western Cape Woman Farmer of the Year for 2005/2006) owns Buffelshoek Farm, is Chairperson of Terra Madre SA and Director and Secretary of the SA Organic Sector Organisation.

Cormac Cullinan is an enviro-attorney and governance expert who has worked on environmental issues in more than 20 countries and founded the specialist enviro-governance consultancy, EnAct.

Prof Bruce Hewitson is the director of the Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG) and was the co-ordinating lead author on regional climate projections for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Prof Mark Swilling is an internationally-recognised expert in sustainable development and is Academic Director of The Sustainability Institute, University of Stellenbosch.

Raj Lochan is CEO of the Rose Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the recycling of used oils in South Africa, and has served on the regional committee of the Wildlife and Enviro-society of SA.

Dr Pat Garratt is Managing Director of the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, currently sits on the Steering Committee of the International Aquarium Congress and is vice-chair of the International Aquarium Forum.

9 SG

N ews

Nests for humans

As we've seen previously with the wide range of amazing treehouses, tree tents and tree lounges, there's more than one way to hang out in a tree. Using sustainably-harvested wood found locally, Californian artist Jayson Fann creates astounding human-sized 'spirit nests' that mimic 23 - 24 October 2013 One and Only Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa bird-built structures and allows people to sense a special kind of tranquillity one can only find among the trees. Fann's method begins with finding the right branches on site, More and more corporates are becoming after which he strips them of leaves, aware of their operations' or products' scattering them to lower the risk of impact on the environment and, as such, fires. Beneath their bristling exterior, they are in constant search of ways to the nests have a lot of invisible reduce the enviro-harm that their business structuring built in, like cross-bracing may cause. Chris Erasmus, founder and and other measures, explains Fann. publisher of Simply Green will be speaking, among others.

'The process consists of fitting the Date: 23-24 October 2013, Venue: One and Only Hotel, Cape puzzle of branches into a flowing form Town, South Africa. Visit here for more. that integrates structural integrity with artistic flow. I use tension by bending the wood and counter-sunk screws that are virtually invisible to ensure a strong structure,' says Fann. To ensure that the nest actually holds up, Fann builds a separate base The recent installation of 15, 300l Apollo Solar that can support a 1 ton load, upon Geyser units at the SOS Children’s Village in which the nest is anchored using Mamelodi is one of the ways that the Embassy a crane. In addition to running a of the People’s Republic of China in SA is cross-cultural arts organisation, Big celebrating its 15 years of relations with SA. The installation has Sur Spirit Garden, Fann has created been commissioned with an underlying theme of Sunshine Green a number of privately commissioned Friendship Future that underscores the Embassy’s hope for the nests all along the Californian coast children at Mamelodi. and elsewhere.

Green corporate conference

Organised by:

Accredited by:

10462

China donates solar geysers to Mamelodi SOS Children's Village CONTACT US:

TELEPHONES: +27 31 826 6678 FAX: +27 31 561 3584

EMAIL: WEB:

info@asmcomm.co.za www.asmcomm.co.za

To book for this event, complete the Registration Form and send it back to +27 31 561 3584

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WATCH THIS!

Infographic explains math of global warming

Climate change is simple TEDx

Designed by David McCandless, this infographic, which you can see above, illustrates the amount of carbon dioxide that has been released into the atmosphere, how much can 'safely' be released into the atmosphere and how much fossil fuel companies have ready to burn, plus other related data (visit here for the full infographic).

The Tree Shrew addict

The pen-tailed tree-shrew (Ptilocercus lowii) spends its days sleeping, but by night, this little creature indulges its taste for naturally fermented palm wine – a lot of it. In fact, booze is pretty much what they live on. So what can we learn from them and many fruit-eaters like bats and birds? They spend several hours each night sipping the equivalent of up to 12 glasses of wine. They are the only known wild mammal with such a regular drinking habit. Their drink of choice is served in the tops of the Southeast Asian bertram palm. A rich yeast community flourishes in the flowers of this palm, producing a heady brew of fermented nectar. With up to 3.8% alcohol content, the palm wine is one of the most alcohol-rich foods found in the wild. It seems that the wine is made especially for the tree-shrew, which finds itself unable to resist the opportunity to pollinate the palm. The flowers ferment all year round, and the treetop bar never closes.

Madame Tree-Shrew’s rich source of calories allows her to nurse her young somewhat infrequently, and once the babies are full and drowsy, mom leaves them alone in the nest for up to two days while she goes on her next bender.

It seems they metabolise the alcohol differently than we do, neutralising its effect. Which is probably a good thing. Wandering alone drunkenly through the nighttime trees would be a poor choice for such a delectable morsel, if not for this useful adaptation.

11 S G

Mangrove forest reclaims coal ship

Artists, designers, filmmakers, and writers often imagine what a post-apocalyptic world will look like – and we think this wrecked ship offers a hopeful clue. Originally built in 1911, the SS Ayrfield had many functions before it was decommissioned in the '70s, but now it sits in Sydney’s Homebush Bay, where it is protected by heritage laws – and a mini mangrove forest has reclaimed it as its own. The floating mangrove forest is a key attraction at this site near Olympic Park.

Hungary destroys GMO corn fields

Hungary has taken a bold stand against biotech giant Monsanto and genetic modification by destroying 1 000 acres of maize found to have been grown with GM seeds, according to Hungary deputy state secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, Lajos Bognar. Unlike some EU countries, Hungary is a nation where GM seeds are banned. In a similar stance against GM ingredients, Peru has also passed a 10 year ban on GM foods.

WATCH THIS!

The billboard that produces potable water out of air S G 12

WATCH THIS!

The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra

WATCH THIS! WATER-LIGHT-GRAFFITI

Water Light Graffiti LED Wall in France

The ACDI's 2013-2014 internships

The African Climate and Development Initiative is now offering internships. Interns will work on a range of projects and activities in support of ACDI activities, including: Research assistance on a range of projects; organising ACDI events; development and maintenance of the ACDI website; maintaining and researching the ACDI mailing list, calendar of events, news items, and so on. Internships are for an initial period of six months, renewable for up to a further six months subject to satisfactory progress. The internships attract a stipend of R10 000 per month, based on a 35 hour week, or adjusted pro-rata for part-time internships. Starting dates are negotiable for 1 October 2013 until end of 2103. Visit here for the requirements.

Red Dog Eco-Design & showroom

Ongoing. Silverton, Pretoria. A new enviro-friendly art and design showroom, demonstrating that it is possible to create beautiful things while contributing positively to the planet. www.thereddog.co.za

Events

Choose your weapon – squirt gun, Evian spray bottle, wet sponge, paintbrush or even a bucket of water. All of these tools can be used to paint on Water Light Graffiti - a new interactive LED installation by Antonin Fourneau in Poitiers, France. Working in collaboration with Parisian Digitalarti Artlab, Fourneau experimented to create a wall of LEDs that lights up when hit with water. The result is an addictive night-time art installation that is totally legal (unlike tagging) and fades away in a few minutes. Antonin worked for weeks in residence at Digitalarti Artlab to create the Water Light Graffiti project. The wall is made up of thousands of LED lights that were engineered to turn on when water hit them. Anything that is wet, your finger, spray bottle, brush, or water atomiser can be used to 'paint' the surface – abstract shapes and words, for example, with a result that is glowing, ephemeral and temporary.

Cool as Folk

23 September. The Side Show, Cape Town. It's Greenpop's 2nd birthday so they're going to celebrate by hosting a night of awesome bands, DJs and so on. www.greenpop.org

Hout Bay Green Faire

2 November. Kronendal Primary school.

The 'greenest event' in Africa, powered by solar and wind power, with almost zero waste and only healthy vegetarian food options available. http://houtbaygreenfaire.org

Look & Feel Good Expo

8-10 November. Coca-Cola dome, Johannesburg. SA's premiere health, fitness and well-being event. www.ifeelgood.co.za

The Green Expo

1-3 November, SCC, Sandton. 29, 30 November-1 December, CTICC. Focusing on sustainability issues appealing to the homeowner as well as the business person. http://thegreenexpo.co.za

13 S G

Leading the eco-lifestyle

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simply

SA's leading eco-lifestyle magazine, Simply Green has arrived in the digital realm, and Issue 1 here Issue 2 here is FREE of Issue 3 here Issue 4 here charge.

LESS-WASTE • CARBON NEUTRAL • CONTENT RICH • PRODUCTS, SERVICES & BRANDS MULTIMEDIA • SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS • DIGITAL

OUR PLANET NEEDS YOU Calling all sustainable and green businesses

Anchor your market share and own your space in Sustainability. : @GreenExpoSA

: TheGreenExpo

www.thegreenexpo.co.za JOHANNESBURG SCC 1 - 3 NOVEMBER 2013

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CAPE TOWN CTICC 29, 30 NOV - 1 DEC 2013

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Announcing

simply N E W o n l i ne d i r e c t o r y FREQUENCY The Simply Green Online Directory will be a digimag that goes out once a month alongside Simply Green digimag, beginning with our next edition, Issue 6, 2013.

WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE? The Simply Green Online Directory will be filled with short descriptive editorials, business listings and all the usual directory entries. This will replace the directories section in the actual digimag. It will be independent (freely available on Issuu.com) but regularly promoted, and cross-referenced, in our digimag as well as promoted through our regular mailers and website.

HOW IT WORKS You can enter your details under one of the separate categories – click on each category for full alphabetical list of options – which will be continuously expanded: Babies and Children, Business Services, Causes to Support, Eco Homes and Buildings, Ethical Economy, Gardening, Growing, Greening, Green Lifestyle, Green Transport, Holidays and Recreation, Kindred Spirits, Media, Information, Events, Organic Body Care & Health, Organic Food and Drink.

EVENTS Events-related matters – will now appear exclusively in the front of the Simply Green digimag. We will charge R7.50 ex Vat per word, with a minimum of 20 words, including a free image or logo.

Classified advertisers can have the option of being in the Simply Green digimag, the Online Directory or both. Email or call below for rates.

WHAT IT ENTAILS Online Directory details Advertisers need to commit to a minimum of a 6 month period. Changes can be made on a monthly basis – if need be. Payment must be upfront or in two parts – one upfront and one in the next three months – as and when agreed to beforehand.

We will use a standard template; which means that clients supply us with 50-60 words for R100 ex Vat per month. Logo or image for free.

We do not create or source images – material has to be complete and correct when supplied.

We do not edit – no revisions allowed after submission.

If you choose, your directories entry can have live hyperlinks.

If we do an article on solar water heaters in the Simply Green digimag, for example, then the solar water heater suppliers listings will be in the online directory and strongly cross-referenced and promoted.

CONTACT

Do not hesitate to contact Jessica Erasmus on directories@simplygreen.co.za or call her in our offices, on Tel 021 713 0018 for further queries.

15 S G

Garden

bringing fairytales to life S G 16

Over 50 truly incredible plant sculptures are currently on display at the Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal (MIM) competition and exhibition at the Botanical Garden in Montreal until September 29.

D

esigned by artists from 25 countries, the

works of mosaiculture (a horticultural art form that involves creating and mounting living artworks made mostly from plants) beautiful and unreal scenes through careful manipulation of plants, flowers and shrubs.

Visitors to the gardens are able to see giant figures of shepherds,

WATCH THIS!

depict a range of delicate,

forest nymphs, monkeys, and so on, which bring to life a magical fairytale landscape.

MIM has been bringing

together botanical artists from all over the world for 16 years, promoting gardening and horticulture through some of the most creative plant art out there. This year’s exhibition features an impressive collection of sculptures – thematic gardens scattered along a 2.2km path that runs through the garden.

SG

Visit here for more.

17 S G

F eature

Arborsculpture

Our earth is hungry for solutions. From climate change and deforestation to overpopulation and pollution, our lives are ever dependent on our delicate dealings with the environment. But amongst the grassroots, an ancient practice is resurging again, combining art and science, humanity and nature, to deliver an innovative contemporary response: arborsculpture. Ansel Oommen reports.

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The Artful Science of Tree-Shaping

D

ating as far back as the 16th century, tree-shaping

and easily grafted (thin barks); notable examples being

has been hinted at in paintings and literature,

willow, sycamore, poplar, birch and box elder.

but it was not until Axel Erlandson, the father of

The potential of tree-shaping for eco-solutions is

modern arborsculpture, that the art form truly flourished.

promising. However, much of it still remains dependent

As a young man, Erlandson was inspired by the sight of

on the trial and error projects of a few pioneers.

two conjoined branches in a hedgerow on his property.

The movement is so recent, in fact, that the term

As a result, he began designing and sculpting over 70

arborsculpture itself was coined only in 1995 by Richard

different trees into various stunning horticultural and

Reames and Barbara Delbol in their book, How to Grow a

architectural specimens. He would then go on to open a

Chair: The Art of Tree Trunk Topiary. True to title, living

roadside exhibition in Scotts Valley, California, in 1947,

furniture is a popular application; so too is the prospect

debuting his curiosities in an aptly named Tree Circus.

of living houses and landscape architecture. The ability

What Erlandson had observed, and used to great effect,

of growing trees to incorporate foreign material such

was a natural form of grafting known as inosculation.

as metal and glass further solidifies arborsculpture as a

Rather ordinary, the phenomenon occurs when trunks,

viable green alternative for use in urban design.

roots or branches in close proximity gradually fuse

Unlike their dead lumber-based counterparts, living

together; it can arise within a single tree or neighbouring

architecture continues to combat soil erosion while

trees of same or different species. Over time, as the limbs

providing oxygen, sustenance, shelter and habitation.

grow, they exert pressure similar to the friction between

An important part of the ecosystem, trees can convert

two palms rubbed against each other. This causes the

carbon into biomass, mitigating the effects of climate

outer bark to slough off, exposing the inner tissue or

change. Even when harvested (essentially killing them),

cambium and allowing the vasculature of both trees to

living architecture persists as a source of aesthetic

intermingle – in essence, joining their lifeblood.

wonder. employs

When asked how he was able to shape trees,

pruning, bending, weaving and bracing to create the

Erlandson often replied: 'I talk to them.' Indeed, when

dramatic loops, twists and knots evocative of the form.

mankind and nature work together, the results can be

Many of the techniques are borrowed from related

mutually impressive. Rather than cutting trees down,

horticultural practices like bonsai, espalier and topiary.

arborsculpture seeks to cultivate a natural passion for

However, not all species are suitable for such creative

the future of our world and our environment – a greener

treatment. Trees to be shaped must be flexible, vigorous

step towards a more sustainable balanced tomorrow.

Besides

grafting,

arborsculpture

also

SG

19 S G

S eries

sustain The people behind 'Guide to Sustainia': Sustainia Founding Partners

Realdania, DNV, Novo Nordisk, DONG Energy and Monday Morning

Sustainia Knowledge Partners

HEALTH In this series, we will republishing excerpts from Guide to Sustainia: Exploring the Sustainable Society of Tomorrow (2nd edition). Text and research by international sustainability institute, Sustainia.

Microsoft, Philips Lighting, VELUX, General Electric, Vestas, Tetra Pak, UBS Investment Bank, Rambøll, IKEA, SAS, Cisco, Gehl Architects Executive Director, Sustainia

& Editor of 'Guide to Sustainia' Laura Storm

Project Manager of 'Guide to Sustainia' Jakob Anker Hansen Lead Writers

Laura Storm (Welcome to Sustainia, Cities & Homes), Jakob Anker Hansen (Health), Justin Gerdes (Transportation), Morten Jastrup (Energy & Homes), Jakob Riiskjær (Energy), Solvej Karlshøj Christiansen (Fashion), Jonas Eder-Hansen (Fashion), Summer Rayne Oakes (Fashion) Proofread

Justin Gerdes

Design of 2nd edition

Lisa Haglund & Tine Vognsen

Guide to SuStainia

SUSTAINIA

Acknowledgement

Claire Hamer (ASOS), Christian Smith (ASOS), Aaron Bolte (Future Fashion Guides), Marie Engberg (Future Fabrics), Mark Bannister (Echo Sourcing), Gauden Galea (WHO/Europe), Andy Haines (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), Bjarne Bruun Jensen (Steno Diabetes Center), Christina Warren Schnohr (University of Copenhagen), Buvana Chinnaswamy (Novo Nordisk), Ray Pinto (Microsoft), Charles Nielsen (DONG Energy)

SuStainia

The secretariat of Sustainia

explorinG the SuStainable Society of tomorrow 2nd edition

Monday Morning

Valkendorfsgade 13, P.O. Box 1127 DK-1009 Copenhagen K Phone: +45 33939323 Email: Sustainia@mm.dk www.sustainia.me www.facebook.com/sustainia

SUSTAINIA

Printed in Denmark 2013 Sustainia is initiated by Monday Morning, Scandinavias largest 54

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1P ri

n t e d m atter

45

7

independent think tank and monthly magazine.

BUILDING THE WORLD OF TOMORROW

Welcome to our city. We look forward to explaining what we have done to make cities more attractive.

In Sustainia, we know that successful cities generate economic prosperity and an improved quality of life for their citizens31. Sustainia is the urban age. The world’s cities – from capitals and metropolises to new, innovative urban areas and old, cultural epicenters – are home to the majority of the global population, and have regained their historic role as drivers of economic progress. They are the champions of the low-carbon age, platforms for

experiments,

innovation,

and

systemic

solutions. Cities are innovative production hubs; as metropolitan engines, they drive economic growth32. Cities are, by many measures, greener than suburbs. City dwellers produce much less CO2 than their suburban counterparts. They live closer to work and to each other, and are more likely to use public transport. And many people love living in the city. The cultural diversity and endless possibilities in cities has attracted billions of people in recent decades. Cities offer better access to jobs, education, sanitation, health care, recreation, and social mobility33. Cities attract young people seeking to learn, artists looking to perform, and migrants looking for work. In this chapter, we share

nia

welcome to cities in Sustainia

the key components of a successful city. We look at how cities can be transformed to make them smarter, more efficient, more sustainable, and, of course, more livable. We hope that you, a visitor to Sustainia, decide to stay.

arguments for change In the past, cities grew too quickly, and were simply not able to sustain themselves. Something had to be done. Pollution increased with population. In Mumbai, for example, breathing the air was the same as smoking 2½ packets of cigarettes a day34.

Had changes not been made, demand for resources would have outstripped supply as cities added evermore inhabitants. In 1900, 11 cities were home to more than 1mn residents; in 2020, there are 600 such cities35. The number is sure to rise.

21 S G

More people now live in cities than in rural areas.

As more people migrate to urban centers, the role of cities on the global agenda increases. Urbanisation is not bad if done sustainably – when cities grow, so does GDP. Every time the share of people living in cities increases by 10%, GDP in the country increases by 30%36. In Sustainia, we have come a long way in making cities more sustainable. By reducing pollution, we have reduced healthcare costs; by improving

tHe SiMPLe equation oF RetRoFittinG: SPendinG $10Bn a yeaR to RetRoFit GoVeRnMent BuiLdinGS = CReateS 100 000 joBS + SaVeS taXPayeRS $1.6Bn annuaLLy + ReduCeS PRiCe oF eneRGy aS deMand FaLLS*.

energy efficiency in buildings, we have reduced utility costs; and by making infrastructure smarter, we have made the business environment more competitive.

that streetlights come on gradually as darkness falls.

giving cities a makeover You will want to visit Sustainia’s cities. You will come away inspired. By retrofitting our lovely cities, we have improved the quality of life for citizens, reduced negative enviro-impacts, and saved money. Another bonus is one that mayors often stress: Retrofitting cities creates jobs.

Here is what we have done to make cities in Sustainia more attractive and sustainable: 1. Painted roofs white to reflect sunlight, keeping buildings cooler in the summer and preventing the 'urban heat island' effect.

boasts free Wi-Fi and tickets purchasable via SMS. 9. Encouraged recycling by making it easier.

10. Made it easy for homeowners to generate their own electricity and sell it back to the power company.

smart & efficient cities In Sustainia, we take full advantage of available technologies to help run cities as efficiently and cleverly as possible. We realise that the ability to operate effectively determines if cities succeed

2. Installed solar water heaters. Previously, water

at creating a high quality of life for citizens. A

heating accounted for 17% of the energy used in

city consists of three different kinds of systems:

buildings43.

infrastructure, networks, and environments. This

3. Made cities bike friendly: bicycle-sharing programs

includes city services (healthcare, kindergarten,

and well-developed bike infrastructure are standard.

police, security, and schools), business environment

4. Improved the energy efficiency of buildings.

5. Prioritised community gardens and parks.

S G 22

8. Attractive and efficient public transport that

(does a city have what it takes? – employees, customers,

and

transportation

efficient

infrastructure

administration), (roads,

public

6. Cleaned harbours and beaches to make them

transportation, and air-ports), communication

swimmable.

(telecommunication infrastructure – telephone,

7. Improved the energy efficiency of street lighting

broadband, and wireless), water (supply and

by replacing traditional bulbs with LEDs and ensured

sanitation),

and

energy

(smart

grid,

power

cation infrastn ment and hig natural resou

elements In A holIstIC smArt CIty system

elements In A holIstIC smArt CIty system ull advantage s toCIty help run strAtegy City operations systems d cleverly as CIty strAtegy City operations systems City User systems t the ability to City User systems City infrastructure systems rmines if citCity infrastructure systems a high quality City services

Communication

be bigger than the whole intern

Citizens

Citizens

Energy

Energy

Water

(inspired by: iBM Center for Economic Development analysis)

In Sustainia, we have applied smart technology wherever we possible, alIn Sustainia, have applied lowing great control and insight into technology wherever possib energy use. This transparency and lowing great control and insig knowledge helps improves planning use. This transparen and energy informs decision-making.

Citizens knowledge make better decisions about rehelps improves pl source consumption when informed and informs decision-makin about their energy and water usage. zens make better decisions ab Technology changes behavior in a source positive way asconsumption citizens become when more in educated andtheir aware energy about theand effects about water of badTechnology habits. changes behavio ©Mithun

three differCity services nfrastructure, Business nments. This (healthcare, Business security, and onment (does ? – employees, t administranfrastructure ation, and air(telecommu– telephone, Transport s), water (supenergy (smart n, waste disTransport in the chapCommunication inia)44. These ore efficiently echnologies.

Making cities more efficien

Making efficient with cou the cities help more of technology the help of technology could, researchers say, create millions searchers say, create millions of jobs, reduce emissions by 15 percen reduce emissions by 15 percent globally, and save a ton CO2 per ally, and save a ton of CO2 perof person and nearly a trillion and nearly a dollars. trillionSome dollars companies working in this space esticompanies working in this spa mate that the smart grid market “may mate that the smart grid mark be bigger than the whole internet”45.

positive way as citizens becom educated and aware about the of bad habits.

Centre for Urban Agriculture

Water (inspired by: iBM Center for Economic Development analysis)

generation, waste disposal – we explain this in the 58

chapter on Energy in Sustainia44. These elements can all run more efficiently with the help of smart technologies.

Making cities more efficient with the help of technology could, re-searchers say, create millions of jobs, reduce emissions by 15% globally, and save

58

a ton of CO2 per person and nearly a trillion dollars.

whAt Is A smArt CIty? A city can be called 'smart' when investments in human and social capital, transportation, and modern communication infrastructure fuel sustainable economic development and high quality of life, with wise management of natural resources, through participatory governance13

59

Some companies working in this space estimate that the smart grid market 'may be bigger than the whole internet'45. In Sustainia, we have applied smart technology wherever possible, allowing great control and insight into energy use. This transparency and knowledge helps improves planning and informs decision-making. Citizens make better decisions about re-source consumption when informed about their energy and water usage. Technology changes behaviour in a positive way as citizens become more educated and aware about the effects of bad habits.

31 Living in the Endless City, London School of Economics (lsE), 32 33 2011, p. 349. Bruce Katz, Intelligent Cities, 2010. UnEp. Jan. 34 2010. green Economy report: green Cities (summary report) 35 London London school of Economics. 2011. ibid. p. 368.

36 DnV research & school of Economics. 2011. ibid. p. 305.

44 innovation. 2011 Technology outlook 2020. IBM institute for Business Value. 2009. A vision of smarter cities – How Cities Can Lead The Way Into A Prosperous And Sustainable Future. p.5 45 according to Cisco CEO John Chambers, as cited in The Wall Street Journal, September 29, 2009. * Economist Trevor Houser, Peterson Institute for International Economics, speech given Jan 2009, here.

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sUstAInIA CIty solAr hot wAter rooftop tanks, heated by the sun, provide domestic hot water instead of furnaces.

hybrId tAxIs Taxi fleets converted to hybrid vehicles reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

White rooftops whIte rooFtops Rooftopspainted painted white rooftops whitereflect reheat, lowering a buildings' flect heat, lowering a buildcooling cost andand a city's ings cooling cost a city's heat buildup. heat buildup.

green wAlls see page 69.

UndergroUnd pArKIng subterranean garages near commuter destinations eliminate the need for cars to surface.

hArboUr wIth CleAn wAter

UndergroUnd trAnsportAtIon Underground Commuter trains, subways and primary transportation roads run underground in massive tunCommuter trains, subways and primary nels, freeing ground inlevel fortunnels, easy, roads run the underground massive clean bikefreeing and pedestrian traffic. the ground level for easy, clean bike and pedestrian traffic.

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72

Community gardens & parks CommUnIty gArdens And pArKs These do not only function as These do not only function as recrerecreative spots for citizens, but also as ative spots for citizens, but also as a a natural air conditioning for the city. natural air conditioning for the city.

vertICAl FArms Vertical farms food grown indoors could reduce Food grown indoors could reduce fertilizer use, shorten fertiliserand and freshwater freshwater use, shorten transport and recycle gray water othtransport and recycle gray water erwise dumped by treatment otherwise dumped by treatmentplants. plants.

solAr power panels generate electricity instead of power plants and also shade rooftops to lower a buildings cooling needs.

solAr FIlms photovoltaic sheets on south-facing building facades generate electricity.

green rooFs rooftop vegetation insulates buildings against heat and cold and absorbs storm water.

hIgh-eFFICIenCy wIndows hIGH-efficiEncy windows ENERGY STAR EnErgy sTarqualified qualifiedwindows windowsand and skylights allow skylights allowemployees employeestotoenjoy enjoythe the light and and views views in their office light in their officebuildings buildings while the company saves money on utility while the company saves money on bills and protect valuable furnishings from utility bills and protect valuable fursun damage. nishings from sun damage.

For the full the publication, visit www.sustainia.me.

Look out for more in coming editions of

Simply Green.

Three-binreCyClIng recycling three-bIn Requiring businesses and homes to requiring businesses and homes to separate trash, recyclables and separate trash, recyclables and comcompost, spares landfills; collection postcharges sparesdrop landfills; collection chargas trash drops. es drop as trash drops.

bIKe rACKs And lAnes ample bike lanes and racks encourage more people to ride instead of drive; they also promote fitness.

(This illustration is inspired by: scientific american, september 2011)

73

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C limate

change

'Five major extinctions have rocked life on Earth, one of which was characterised by unprecedented increases in temperature. Simply put, it became too hot to survive. Are we headed for a similar fate with temperatures rising every year? 'Humankind has a critical responsibility, now more than ever, to avoid a 6th mass extinction.

We have the opportunity to change the impact we are having,' says Lindsay Marshall, Marketing and Communications Manager at Maropeng. She takes a look.

Are we th facing the 6

?

extinction S G 26

Image Don Davis

n

D

uring the five periods of mass extinction, huge numbers of species of life died out due to wide-scale enviro-changes. Although the

debate surrounding the extinction of dinosaurs will no doubt continue for many years to come, a hybrid

The force of the Chicxulub impact would have been equal to the simultaneous explosion of two million hydrogen bombs.

theory, volcanism combined with an asteroid strike, seems to answer most questions surrounding the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Using radiometric

example, blasted 100km3 of rock into the atmosphere.

dating analysis of rock and ash samples, an

The climatic effects of the eruption of Tambora were

international team of scientists has established that

so extreme, the year Tambora erupted was often

the dinosaurs died out around +66mn years ago, a

referred to as 'the year with no summer' because

more accurate date than was previously believed.

those living in north-eastern US and large parts of

This is according to the findings published in the

Eurasia experienced frost nearly every day.

February 8 issue of Science journal by a research team

However scientists believe volcanism alone was

headed by Paul Renne, and comprising scientists from

not enough to cause the dinosaur extinction. It's more

Berkeley Geochronology Center and the University of

likely that volcanism was a contributing factor to a

California at Berkeley in the US, Glasgow University

change in the world's environment. 'We also know that

in the UK, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the

there were changes in sea level around the same time,

Netherlands.

possibly due to a decrease in global temperatures as a

The findings show a correlation between the latest extinction date with a theory that an asteroid

result of climate change or due to one of the cyclical events experienced by planet Earth,' she says.

that hit Mexico killed off all dinosaurs except birds.

So while climate change appears to have played a

'The hybrid theory, however, suggests that it was in

part in the extinction of dinosaurs it was not the only

fact a combination of climate change prompted by

time climate played a role in mass extinction.

volcanic eruptions, and culminating in the asteroid

Going back to around 250mn years ago, before

strike, that led to the extinction,' explains Marshall.

dinosaurs ruled the Earth, there was the end-Permian

There is evidence that animals that roamed the Earth

mass extinction, which was followed by tens of

at the time were stressed by several unseasonal cold

thousands of years without the appearance of new

snaps towards the end of the Cretaceous Period. The

species. Scientists now believe that this was because

discovery of iridium in the '80s by father-and-son

extremely high temperatures (around 50°C on land)

team Luis and Walter Alvarez established that a layer

severely reduced the chances of survival at the time.

of clay found throughout the world, which marks the

If alarm bells are ringing, it's because the rise in

end of the Cretaceous period, is iridium-enriched.

temperature over the past 100 years or so is exactly

Iridium is a common component of space rocks but

what environmentalists are concerned about.

is uncommon in most earth rocks, which led to their

In fact, many scientists claim that currently we

theory that an asteroid impact had wiped out the

are experiencing a sixth mass extinction, propelled

dinosaurs.

in part at least by human industrial development.

The Chicxulub crater, formed by the impact of

The lack of life following the end-Permian extinction

an estimated 10km-diameter asteroid, would have

was caused by a breakdown in a familiar cycle: plants

resulted in a sunlight-blocking dust cloud that wiped

converting CO2 into oxygen. After the extinction, there

out plant life and reduced global temperature. The

was significantly less plant life, and that meant more

force of the Chicxulub impact would have been

CO2, which in turn meant higher temperatures.

equal to the simultaneous explosion of two million

'We may be facing a similar scenario – not because

hydrogen bombs. However, the asteroid impact may

of a lack of plant life, but because of the significant

still not be the whole story in the end-Cretaceous

increase in CO2 levels as a result of a variety of human

extinction.

activities. The reality is that we need to be conscious

Volcanism, as well as climate change, could have

of our activities and what the effects are on our planet

played a powerful catalytic role. Volcanoes have

or the consequences could be devastating. Now is

caused dramatic changes in the world's climate. The

the time to act and start making a difference,' she

1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, for

concludes.

SG

27 S G

N ew Tech

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carbyne nanomaterial A new research paper published on Arxiv describes in detail the properties of carbyne, a supermaterial that is stronger than graphene (which we covered in Simply Green, Issue 1, 2013) and diamond, which can be synthesised and stabilised at room temperature. Carbyne is stiffer than anything that scientists have seen before, and it could potentially have a wide variety of applications in nanotech applications and electro-mechanical devices. We report.

WATCH THIS!

Properties of Carbyne Nanomaterial Swagbucks TV

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Carbyne could have an impressively wide application. Carbyne and carbyne-based nano-structures could revolutionise nanotech systems (nanocoatings, composites, nanotubes, and so on) and opto-electromechanical devices (microlenses, sensors) as an incredibly strong and lightweight material.

T

he Arxiv research paper, authored by Mingjie Liu, Vasilii Artyukhov, Hoonkyung Lee, Fangbo Xu, and Boris Yakobson from Rice University, shows the

carbyne supermaterial as a chain of carbon atoms linked by alternative triple and single bonds or by consecutive double bonds. They have calculated and written down carbyne's physical and chemical properties – mechanical response to tension, bending, torsion deformations and atomic structure.

The research shows that, in order to break a single atomic chain within the material’s molecular structure, a force of approximately 10nN (nanonNewtons) – a strength which surpasses that of any other known material – is required. It’s torsional stiffness can be zero but can be ‘switched on’ by appropriate functional groups at the ends, according to the paper.

Carbyne could have an impressively wide application.

Carbyne and carbyne-based nano-structures could revolutionise nanotechnology and could be used in nanomechnical systems (nanocoatings, composites, nanotubes, and so on) and opto-electromechanical devices (microlenses, sensors) as an incredibly strong and lightweight material.

Scientists have synthesised single strands of carbyne, 40 atoms long, but they haven’t figured out how to make it into a sheet of material – yet.

SG

The research paper can be downloaded here MATERIAL structures in order of durability

a – carbyne • b – graphyne • c – diamond

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OGILVY CAPE TOWN 58075/E/REV1

WHY CHANGE WHAT NATURE HAS PERFECTED? Water contained within a plant. It’s the most natural thing in the world.

That’s why we’ve introduced the PlantBottle TM from Valprè ® – a PET bottle made from up to 30% plant material.

It’s inspired by nature for a better tomorrow, because at Valprè ® everything we do is for tomorrow.

Valprè® and the Valprè® Urn Device are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company© 2013.

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M otoring

PERFORMANCE D R I V E EFFICIENCY S G 32

The American-built Tesla Model S has been winning the motor world over for the last two years. Many leading publications have hailed it as their 2013 car of the year as it has set new standards for premium performance. At the heart of the vehicle is the proven Tesla powertrain motor, delivering both unprecedented range and a thrilling drive experience. We take a look at what exactly this electric, luxury sedan has to offer.

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W

ith a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low centre of gravity, the Tesla Model

S offers the responsiveness and agility expected from the world's best sports cars while providing the ride quality of a sedan. Their advanced electric powertrain

delivers

exhilarating

performance

that, unlike the internal combustion engine with hundreds of moving pieces that spark, pump, belch, and groan, has only one moving piece: the rotor.

'Model S is a remarkably important car. This car shows that it can be done and it will be done.'

Chris Paine, director of Who Killed the Electric Car

As a result, this car's acceleration is like flipping a switch. The car proved that in 5.4 seconds it has already reached speeds up to 100km/h, without

of under-steer or over-steer by reducing torque

hesitation and without using a drop of gasoline.

and applying the brakes to individual wheels for

The car's suspension system was developed for the unique architecture of Model S. It works in

With no tailpipe to spew harmful emissions,

harmony with the rigid and light Tesla platform to

Tesla vehicles liberate their owners from the

provide precision handling and optimum comfort.

petroleum-burning paradigm. At the moment, they

Unencumbered by an engine, the lightweight front

are the only cars to get more efficient from the

suspension optimises wheel control, while the rear

moment they're first driven. Gasoline-powered

multi-link suspension is designed to seamlessly

vehicles and hybrids mostly burn refined petroleum.

integrate with the powertrain.

Tesla vehicles can use electricity however it is

STRONG, RIGID & LIGHT The

Model

S

body

is

a

state-of-the-art,

aluminum-intensive design. Weight-saving benefits make aluminium a natural choice. Extrusions,

S G 34

enhanced control when cornering.

produced, be it from coal, solar, hydro, geothermal, or wind power. As the grid shifts to increasingly efficient technologies, Tesla owners reap the efficiency benefits – and so does the environment.

stampings, and castings are expertly joined for

GO FURTHER

rigidity and strength. This structure not only protects

The Model S has certainly set the bar for electric

the driver and passengers, but also contributes to

driving with its three battery options, each delivering

overall control behind the wheel.

unprecedented range. All three batteries are

Unhindered by an internal combustion engine,

contained within the same enclosure, integrating

the front of the car is optimised for occupant safety.

with the vehicle in the same way, providing

Perfectly straight double-octagonal rails run along

structural, aerodynamic and handling advantages.

the bottom of the structure and are designed to

All three batteries use automotive-grade lithium-ion

absorb the energy of impact should one occur.

cells arranged for optimum energy density, thermal

High-strength steel is used in key areas to enhance

management, and safety. The car comes standard

occupant safety.

with everything you need to plug into the most

Model S Traction Control is designed to ensure

common 240V outlets. Using a high-amperage 240V

maximum contact between the road and the

outlet, the Model S can be recharged at the rate of a

tyres. Whether you are accelerating off the line,

100km range per hour. A 50% charge in 30 minutes

zooming along winding

can be achieved with a

mountain roads or in

Tesla Supercharger.

a heavy rainstorm, the

If you were to ask

traction control feature

Tesla owners how long

prevents loss of traction

it takes to charge, they'll

and maintains control.

probably say 'just a few

The car's stability control

moments'.

reacts

would do with a cell

in

moments

Like

one

phone, Tesla owners simply plug in and leave the car charging overnight, and by morning their battery is completely recharged.

The battery is a rigid, high-performance structure in its own right, but when married to the state-of-the-art body structure, Model S achieves even higher torsional rigidity and a lower centre of gravity. Liquid-cooled, the battery itself is designed for safety and maintains consistent temperatures to prevent cells from overheating. In the event of a crash, the battery structure protects cells from impact and automatically disconnects the power supply. The battery not only protects its contents, but its position augments the overall strength of the passenger cabin.

BUILT TO THE DRIVER It can be said that, without a doubt, the Model S is a driver's car. Behind the wheel, you'll notice that Tesla has combined meticulous noise engineering with their uniquely quiet powertrain motor to obtain the sound dynamics of a recording studio.

The gem of the interior is the 17" touchscreen that puts rich content at your fingertips and provides mobile and web connectivity, as well as music and maps. The touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and steering wheel controls seamlessly integrate media, navigation, communications, cabin controls and vehicle data. From the moment you open the door, the high-resolution

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Model S touchscreen powers on and returns to its last function. The most commonly-used controls line the bottom of the screen for easy access any time and connectivity keeps you connected while on the go.

Whether you'd like to carry large water bottles or just need a place to rest your phone, the drop-in centre console is a stylish storage solution and features a non-slip phone deck with cord pass-through, a leather sliding cover and removable curved dividers. There are also USB ports for you to charge your phone while on the move.

The rear-facing child seat option provides seating for seven and is optimised for safety and equipped with 5-point seatbelts, and, when not in use, the jump seats fold completely flat.

The

unique

architecture

of

Model

S

creates

unprecedented storage space that can pack a mountain bike, surfboard and flat-screen TV, all at once. Fold the seats flat and you have more than 1.64 cubic metres of storage in the cabin alone, with an additional 0.15 cubic metres available under the hood.

SG

ABOUT TESLA Tesla Motors' goal is to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable transport with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. California-based Tesla designs and manufactures EVs, as well as EV powertrain components for partners such as Toyota and Mercedes. Tesla has delivered over 15 000 electric vehicles to customers in 31 countries. www.teslamotors.com

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Tesla Model S Beats Crash Tests to Achieve Highest NHTSA Safety Rating of Any Car Ever Tested After a series of crash tests the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently awarded the Tesla Model S with the highest safety score of any car ever tested. The electric vehicle fared exceptionally well in a range of crash situations, and it even broke the testing gear at an independent testing facility.

The NHTSA's overall 'Vehicle Safety Score' for the Model S is a new record of 5.4 stars.

Of all vehicles tested, including every vehicle approved for sale in the US, the Model S set a new record for the lowest likelihood of injury to occupants. The NHTSA safety rating takes into account the probability of injury from front, side, rear and rollover accidents.

Some of the reasons that the Model S was able to achieve such a high rating are due to its electric car platform. The lack of an engine in the front of the vehicle, the battery pack being located below the floor and the placement of the electric motor near the rear axle helped the Tesla Model S achieve top ratings in all of the safety tests conducted.

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M otoring

Ford EcoSport

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t's green cred WATCH THESE

Ford EcoSport

Rear Storage on the Ford EcoSport

Avoid the crowds with the new Ford EcoSport!

You could WIN a Ford EcoSport

Does a car need to be all-electric, a hybrid or use a non-oil-based powerplant to be 'green'?

The answer, as Ford has demonstrated with the manufacturer's latest offering in SA, the compact SUV EcoSport range, is a definite 'no'. We take a closer look.

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T

he thing about the new Ford EcoSport range

upwardly-mobile urban professional, which is more

is that it breaks away from what many other

or less its target market. In essence, the idea was to

manufacturers of the growing selection of

make a car that offers the lifestyle components that

urban SUVs and compact SUVs are doing, which

SUVs have become popular for (either in fact, or in

in layman's terms might be termed 'going for the

the imaginations and desires of its owners), with the

urban-agro look'. Urban-agro, for those who haven't

practical realities of urban motoring today in which

come across the term previously, is that currently

driving a behemoth is neither sensible nor, for an

in-vogue combo of sleek wedge-like modelling with

increasingly larger number of people, affordable.

muscle-car styling. Next time you see an SUV that fits

In all, the new range from this manufacturer

the description just given, you'll know immediately

offers three engines and three trim options to

what the term means.

ensure a comprehensive offering for its customers.

Ford have used South American designers to

With the new range going on sale as of the

come up with the look for this new range of compact

beginning of August it remains to be seen what its

SUVs – and the fact that they have not meekly

uptake is in the local market, but if international

followed the rest of the pack down the 'this is what

trends are anything to go by, it should be a

urban motorists currently want so we'll do what

thumping success. And certainly our recent drive in

everyone else is doing' path shows guts and insight.

all the vehicles in the range seems to underline the

Shortly, the heavy-on-gas SUV muscle cars are likely

fact that the folks at Ford have done a lot of work

to be increasingly falling out of favour with their

to get the mix of lifestyle SUV elements with urban

high CO2 outputs (mostly) and relatively poor fuel

mobility imperatives just right.

consumption. To be clear, most of the latest SUV type

Some might grumble a bit about the use of the

offerings from manufacturers are far less in the way

'EcoSport' name, given that there's nothing especially

of being fuel guzzlers than their predecessors. But

'eco' about it in respect to a knee-jerk reaction to that

that still doesn't make them fuel-sipping paragons

descriptor. It's not a hybrid or exotically-powered

of modern urban driving either.

vehicle. But it is very fuel-efficient. And the 1 l model

So Ford's new compact SUVs offer both the

uses a 1000cc engine that has the equivalent output

versatility of an SUV but with small-car fuel-efficiency.

of a 16 l engine of just a couple of years back. Now

In respect to the latter aspect – using a smaller but

that's progress in anyone's book. Combine that

more efficient 'conventional' internal combustion

with outstanding drag co-efficient of 0.371, and

engine without a hybrid add-on – Ford is among

one can see that this offering isn't a mere cosmetic

leaders in the motor manufacturing field who've

reworking of an existing model – and that the 'eco'

seen the future and what it demands from urban

label in the name is earned by contraction of the

mobility solutions.

word 'economy' as opposed to 'ecological', but

In addition to the above-mentioned aspect, numerous

smart

features

make

EcoSport

an

attractive proposition, especially for the young,

S G 40

equally that the notion of the new vehicle being less impactful in terms of emissions and fuel-efficiency is therefore deserving of the 'eco' tag.

In short, this is an on-the-showroom-floor version of the sort of motoring solutions which a growing number of motor manufacturing heavyweights say

variants.

'The little engine that can'

they are either developing or will shortly have

The smallest engine in its class, Ford's 1 l EcoBoost

on offer in response to a growing awareness

engine is big on power, torque and refinement.

by motorists almost everywhere that the days of

Producing 92kW of power with a peak torque

8-cylinder growling beasts of machines are pretty

of 170Nm, the quiet and smooth-running engine

well done.

delivers power and performance that rivals traditional

And with the cost of the vehicles starting in the

1.6 l petrol engines. The 1 l EcoBoost engine has won

under R200k range, the economy label applies in

the coveted title of International Engine of the Year

other respects as well. As we say, this one looks like

for the last two years running.

it's a winning formula.

With 25% fewer moving parts, the three-cylinder EcoBoost is able to deliver superior fuel economy

Ford's vision

and lower emissions. On a combined cycle run the

Based on Ford's global B-segment platform, the

innovative powerplant ensures minimal consumption

EcoSport, says Ford, 'is a stylish choice with

of just 5.7l/100km. To be fair, we can neither verify

enough space for five adults. The SUV's blend of

nor contradict those figures as, on our recent drive

practicality and smart connectivity will attract young,

in Durban in this vehicle, the consumption reading

adventurous customers who not only live life to the

wasn't zeroed out before we took the wheel, though

fullest but also love exploring the world at large'.

the consumption figure in question did drop steadily

The

EcoSport's

high

driving

position,

during our drive, indicating that Ford's claims in

rugged capability, superior fuel economy, easy

terms of fuel consumption appear to be in the right

manoeuvrability, and convenient features make it the

ballpark, at the least.

right vehicle for both city streets and adventurous

Ford's EcoBoost technology, which holds more

pursuits, says Ford, and we would not disagree. The

than 125 patents, combines direct fuel injection,

well-rounded EcoSport is just as comfortable wading

turbocharging and variable valve timing to enable

through flooded areas as it is entertaining the driver

a downsized engine to gain fuel economy by

through hands-free phone calls and music selection.

up to 20% over larger engines with no loss of

'Stylish, robust and dynamic, the all-new EcoSport

performance. And, indeed, that claim is definitely

is sure to appeal to a new generation of customers,'

accurate. There is a proviso, however. That is that

says Ford Marketing Manger Gavin Golightly. 'It is

the vehicle's rev range for each gear is relatively

set to be a game-changer for us, solidifying Ford's

limited, up to top (fifth) gear. But, once one has

volume position in South Africa.'

adapted to that fact, and once cruising on the open

Giving customers the power of choice, the

road, you would never know you were driving a mere

EcoSport will be available in eight colours, three trim

1 l-engined vehicle based on performance alone,

levels, three engine options, and two transmission

with no significant drop-off of speed or power in

41 S G

hills, as you might otherwise expect.

'It requires a shift in mind-sets,' explains Golightly.

'Traditionally, we have equated performance with larger capacity engines but advancements in technology now mean smaller displacement engines are able to outperform their larger counterparts.'

More choices for fuel-efficient power The EcoSport will also be available with the global 1.5l four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers peak power of 82kW at 6 300rpm and peak torque of 138Nm at 4 400rpm. It uses an average of 6.5l/100km on a combined cycle.

For customers who prefer diesel, the 1.5l TDCi intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine fits the bill perfectly. With power rated at 66kW at 3 750rpm, the engine also delivers an outstanding 205Nm of torque from 2 000rpm to 2 750rpm. The result is strong acceleration from standstill together with the flexibility that can reduce the need for gearshifts.

Fuel efficiency is a standout feature with this model which boasts a combined cycle figure of just 4.6l/100km ensuring the EcoSport is kind on the pocket.

To further improve fuel efficiency, the five-speed manual transmission is standard on all models bar the 1.5l Petrol Titanium, which utilises the six-speed Ford PowerShift transmission.

The advanced six-speed PowerShift transmission combines the efficiency, optimised gear ratios and responsive performance of a traditional manual

superior quality and craftsmanship. Controls and

transmission with the smoothness, convenience and

knobs are ergonomically placed while seats are

ease-of-use of a conventional automatic. Low-friction

designed to be soft enough for comfort and firm

dry clutches are employed, combined with six

enough for longer journeys.

well-spaced gears to provide responsive acceleration

Meticulous efforts to reduce noise, vibration and

from rest, smooth transitions between gears and

harshness ensure a quite cabin. Add to this a very

optimised fuel economy when cruising.

effective climate control system, and the customer

Quality that speaks to the senses

The

EcoSport's

compact

sub-four

metre

dimensions and the electric power-assisted steering

With its signature Ford face, dramatic rising beltline

with Pull-Drift Compensation help drivers tackle the

and a 'ready-to-pounce stance' (Ford's words which,

stress of city driving, be it parking in small spaces,

to be honest, are a slight exaggeration in respect

manoeuvring in heavy traffic, or making tight

of the 'urban-agro' look discussed previously), the

U-turns.

EcoSport conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in

The EcoSport's high ground clearance of 200mm

action. The spare tyre, with an exclusively-designed

also means customers won't have to worry about

wheel, is mounted on the tailgate as a classic SUV

driving over speed bumps and potholes. And with

cue.

its exceptional ability to wade through 550mm of

Inside, soft-touch fabrics and the global Ice Blue dashboard illumination all convey a feeling of

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will be perfectly comfortable in the EcoSport.

water, drivers can confidently drive through large pools of water.

Unlike passenger sedans, an SUV does not naturally lend itself to an aerodynamic shape. That's why the design and engineering teams spent a year and a half shaping the body of the EcoSport to make it more efficient when slicing through the air.

Safety & driver assistance The EcoSport has been designed to provide high levels of protection and driver support through a range of advanced features. About half of the urban SUV's body structure is made up of high-strength

steel and ultra-high-strength steel, such as boron steel, making the EcoSport's frame especially strong yet lightweight too.

The SUV's array of airbags include protection for the driver and front passenger, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags. To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems.

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is available on all models helps prevent the wheels from locking up and helps the vehicle to stop quickly on slippery road surfaces. Other advanced safety technologies such as Electronic Stability Control, which is available on some high-series models, also helps customers remain in control at all times, especially on slippery roads. When it detects that the car is potentially losing control, it automatically reduces engine power and selectively brakes individual wheels to stabilise the vehicle and keep it travelling on track.

'The

EcoSport

offers

a

well-rounded

and

comprehensive line-up as well as a host of fantastic features, which place it well ahead of its competitive set. Coupled with a very competitive price point, Ford has a winner in this segment,' concludes Golightly.

Clever capability

The

EcoSport

is

available

with

a

fully

comprehensive 4-year/120 000km warranty and

The EcoSport makes driving fun and intuitive with

4-year/60 000km service plan. Service intervals are

an array of smart features. The urban SUV offers

staggered at 20 000km intervals for the petrol

Ford SYNC, the voice-activated in-car connectivity

derivatives and 15 000km for the diesel derivatives.

system powered by Microsoft. The award-winning

Customers will also benefit from 3-years of Roadside

system allows drivers to keep their eyes on the

Assistance and a 5-year corrosion warranty.

road and hands on the wheel while choosing their favourite music and making phone calls using voice

'Green engine'

commands.

Ford

EcoSport's

three-cylinder

engine,

with

The cabin also has 20 practical storage spaces,

performance to rival a traditional 1.6 l four-cylinder

including a glove box that can keep up to six

petrol engine, was first introduced in SA in the Fiesta

beverage cans cool. Its cargo space at the back

earlier this year. The smallest engine in its class,

is just as versatile. The rear seats can be easily

Ford's 1l EcoBoost engine is big on power, torque

folded down for additional cargo space. With the

and refinement, as the figures cited above show.

rear seats tumbled against the front seats, the boot

Tiny enough to fit on a sheet of A4 paper or stow

space increases to 705l, big enough to fit a washing

away in an airplane overhead luggage compartment,

machine. Alternatively the rear seats can be split

the 1l EcoBoost enhances Ford's growing global

60:40 to transport long objects such as flat-pack

family of EcoBoost engines also available in the

furniture while still carrying passengers at the back.

Fiesta, Fiesta ST, Focus ST and the new Kuga.

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The unique cast iron block warms the engine quicker than a conventional aluminium block, cutting the amount of 'warm-up' energy required by 50% and increasing fuel economy; The 'split-cooling' system has separate thermostats for the cylinder head and block to allow quick warm-up; and Two main engine drive belts are immersed in oil to deliver a quieter, more efficient engine while the variable oil pump ensures optimal oil pressure across the full speed range.

The 1l EcoBoost is unlike any engine in Ford's

These innovations resulted in the 1l EcoBoost

history spanning more than a century. Not only

being voted the 2012 and 2013 International Engine

is it the company's first three-cylinder engine but

of The Year by a jury of 76 journalists from 36

it also has the highest power density of any Ford

countries, winning by the largest voting margin in

production engine. Typically, three-cylinder engines

the award's history.

are inherently off-balance and out of sync, causing unpleasant vibrations. More than 200 engineers

An aerodynamic shape

based at Ford's technical centres in Dunton, UK,

Unlike passenger sedans, an SUV does not naturally

and Merkenich, Germany, worked their magic to

lend itself to an aerodynamic shape. That's why the

transform the three-cylinder into the smooth and

design and engineering teams spent a year and a

refined 1l EcoBoost.

half shaping the body of the EcoSport to make it

The traditional solution to reducing shaking

more efficient when slicing through the air. They

forces in small-displacement engines is to install a

spent 160 hours in the wind tunnel tweaking mere

counter-rotating balance shaft inside the motor that

millimetres and put in more than 10 000 hours on

cancels out most vibrations. But that adds weight,

computational fluid dynamics simulations to find

increases costs, and reduces fuel economy. So the

the perfect silhouette. Their hard work resulted in

engineers came up with a smart alternative. They

an outstandingly low drag co-efficient (0.371) of the

deliberately unbalanced the pulley and flywheel with

EcoSport.

weights placed precisely to counteract the natural shaking forces of the engine and drive the energy in a less sensitive direction. The engine mounts are

A slight rise at the end of the bonnet to

also designed to decouple as well as absorb the

eliminate areas of turbulence; Front baffle built into the bumper to avoid

engine's shaking forces.

The

1l

EcoBoost

also

debuts

many

new

technologies never before seen in a Ford vehicle such as: The super-small, light, and extremely

recirculation of air and improve airflow under the vehicle; Improved sealing between the bonnet and the front grille;

responsive turbocharger delivers power

The raked A-pillar and tilted side mirrors are

quickly when the throttle is open from low

designed to also reduce wind noise;

rpm. The turbocharger's ability to reach nearly

Air deflectors in front of the rear tyres; and

250 000rpm results in virtually no turbo lag

D-pillar kicker to propel air flow.

and the engine's peak torque of 170Nm over

S G 44

Some examples of the aerodynamic actions include:

From a super fuel-efficient shape to engines that

1 400-4 500rpm is more than enough for drivers

are both powerful and economical, every possible

to pull away and overtake easily when necessary;

effort has been made to ensure that the EcoSport

The exhaust manifold is cast into the cylinder

takes you to where you want to go, without hurting

head so the exhaust gases can be water-cooled

your pocket, while getting the job done, whether

to enable optimum fuel-to-air ratio across a

that's the daily commute or a family outing for some

wider rev band;

fun outdoor activities. S G

JWT63778

There’s inspiration around ever y corner in the city. With the new EcoSport, you can discover it all. Its aerodynamic design and 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbocharged engine allows you to follow your instincts with the power of a 1.6-litre engine. And with 20% less fuel consumption you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel, or ideas.

www.ford.co.za Visit FordSouthAfrica

45 S G

Motoring News

Toyota's Yaris Hybrid-R

To say that the Yaris Hybrid-R looks different from its bread-and-butter siblings is an understatement.

This radical concept adopts newly designed headlights, a wider front grille and black and blue details that contrast with the white body colour.

The front bumper incorporates two large air intakes and blue LED daytime running lights. The intakes greatly contribute to the front brake cooling, while the shape of the lower lip is designed to centrally channel underbody air flow. The flared fenders house bespoke 18-inch TRD wheels fitted with 225/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tyres featuring an asymmetrical tread design that is ideally suited for mixed use on the road and on the track. Grooved and perforated brake discs are gripped by six-piston callipers in the front and four-piston callipers in the rear. Located on the rear pillar, a quick-opening fuel cap allows for quick refuelling in the pits. At the rear, a spoiler is mounted on the roof and the bumper incorporates a large diffuser with an exhaust pipe framed by two air extractors. Matching the colours outside, the dual-tone Recaro bucket seats feature black leather side bolsters and blue Alcantara. Ideally located high and close to the driver's right hand, the shift lever of the sequential gearbox is set up to quickly change down gears by pushing the lever forwards, and to change up by pulling it back. The driving position is completed by a set of sport pedals from the 86 sports coupÊ. Here are some of the Yaris Hybrid-R Concept’s more salient performance features: The car's hybrid powertrain combines a highly tuned 1.6l four-cylinder turbo engine and two powerful electric motors to provide total output of 313kW. The Yaris Hybrid-R driver can push a button on the steering wheel to select 'road' mode for day-to-day driving or 'track' mode for competition. 'Track' mode makes full use of available performance, with the rear electric motors able to reach a combined maximum power peak of 90kW for up to five seconds. A third 45kW electric motor, located between the engine and the six-gear sequential transmission, can operate as an advanced traction-control system.

WATCH THIS!

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R S G 46

Lexus unveils LF-NX SUV Concept

Lexus debuts the LF-NX compact crossover concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, 10-22 September. Powered by Lexus' unique hybrid powertrain technology, the LF-NX delivers a mix of power and economy while being tuned for SUV performance. The LF-NX concept's exterior design reflects a further evolution of the Lexus L-finesse design language – with highly sculpted exterior panels and a powerful, low stance. The front is dominated by the now signature Lexus spindle grille and arrowhead independent Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), while unique corner styling separates the bumper from the front wing with an aggressive vertical cut. In profile, the LF-NX features a pronounced diamond-shaped belt line, while the glasshouse creates a coupé-like silhouette. Rounding out the profile are muscular black-trimmed wheel arches. The rear features stylised lamp clusters that are detailed to project downwards to the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge. The Lexus LF-NX concept is finished in a new brushed metal silver exterior colour which gives the striking impression that the body shell has been carved from a solid piece of metal. The interior mirrors the LF-NX's highly detailed exterior with bold, powerful forms creating a driver-focused cockpit within an ergonomic environment. In a continuation of the 'Human Oriented' L-finesse design concept, the cabin dash is divided into an upper display zone and lower operation zone – a design honed over successive Lexus generations. The design allows for intuitive interaction with the vehicle's next generation technology, which includes touch-sensitive electrostatic switches, and a new touch pad Remote Touch Interface (RTI) design.

Reinforcing the LF-NX crossover credentials, the strength and refinement of the interior's carved metal surfacing is complemented throughout by sunrise yellow/black leather accented upholstery with contrast stitching, and sophisticated blue instrument lighting.

WATCH THIS!

LF-NX First images

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M otoring

Held every two years during the month of October, the JIMS (Johannesburg International Motor Show) is a manifestation of the far-reaching influence and strength of the SA motor industry. It goes without saying that it is the largest automotive event in SA, and it runs in conjunction with two additional important shows, The Johannesburg Truck & Bus Show and Auto Shop, the latter being a showcase for their component and aftermarket industry. We report.

Motor Industry T

his automotive show opens to the public on

S G 48

The JIMS earned its place on the International

Friday, 18 October until Sunday, 27 October

World

and it is expected that manufacturers will

certification by OICA, the International Organisation

Motor

Show

Calendar,

thanks

to

its

launch, unveil and reveal some 20 new passenger

of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. The event is

cars during the two media days preceding the public

endorsed locally by NAAMSA (National Association of

opening. It is also practice for manufacturers to

Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa), NAACAM

import some concept cars to show future technology

(The National Association of Automotive Component

in development.

and Allied Manufacturers), Automotive Industry

WATCH THIS!

JHB Motor Show 2013

Showcase Event Export Council and the RMI. The Department of Trade and Industry also supports the event.

The JIMS provides its exhibitor clients with a unique opportunity to communicate their individual

The JIMS has a history extending back to the

brand statements to a visitor profile that includes

late '90s, when it was staged under the Auto Africa

both industry specialists, as well as the motoring

banner. After receiving world accreditation from

public. At the 2011 show, more than 220 exhibitors

OICA, it was renamed to Johannesburg International

were exposed to over 225 000 visitors, as well as

Motor Show in line with international practice of

massive media coverage of the event, both locally

naming the show after the host city.

and internationally.

SG

49 S G

Porsche 918

VW EV, E-up

2013

BMW i8 hybrid

Frankfurt Motor Show

The 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, one of the biggest car shows on the calendar, was hosted recently, at which most of the major vehicle manufacturers revealed their new vehicles – and offered a glimpse of some concept models set to break new motoring ground. We report.

H

ybrids and electrically-powered (EV) cars

after unveiling its new VW e-Up and VW e-Golf, both

have hit the big time. The Ferrari and

of which will go on sale early next year. VW boss

McLaren hybrid supercars have been joined

Martin Winterkorn outlined that the company – chiefly

by Porsche, who officially took the wraps off the 918,

through VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda – would have 14

a plug-in hybrid gem with a million-dollar price tag

electric and hybrid cars on sale by the end of next

and performance to match. But the tech trickle-up

year. He said plug-in vehicles had the greatest sales

from lowly grocery-getter hybrids and trickle-down

potential at present. Winterkorn also defended the

performance supercars like the LaFerraria has become

firm’s late arrival in the electric car market, relative

a flood. Just about every automaker is getting into

to rivals such as Nissan and Renault.

the game with cars that feature some sort of electric

So what’s next? The carmakers move on to the

propulsion for either more speed, better economy,

big Tokyo and LA shows next, where home-field

or, like the Porsche, both.

competitors will likely try to match or better their

No cars at the show made this as clear as BMW’s

Euro competition. Honda (or Acura) may have the new

clean-sheet i3 EV and its stunning i8 hybrid, which

NSX hybrid on show which could give the makers of

feature new approaches to construction, materials,

the other hybrid supercars pause for thought while

configuration and technology.

The VW Group has set its sights on becoming the leader in electric and hybrid car sales by 2018,

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Ford is gearing up for the 50th anniversary of the beloved Mustang with a new model.

SG

51 S G

Globalfoodcrisis

Food

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The sudden rise in food prices over recent years has significantly impacted on the food security of millions of vulnerable people across the globe.

The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) estimates that the recent rise in global food prices has negatively affected at least 3 billion people worldwide and has forced over 100 million people below the poverty line, with serious implications for nutritional well-being, economic stability, political security, as well as a host of other humanitarian and developmental challenges.

According to a recent study released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), more than half of South Africans do not have regular access to enough food. We take a look at the benefits of photovoltaics (PVs) in the agricultural sector.

53 S G

A

survey done by City Press shows that the cost of seven basic food items – bread, meat, milk, cheese, vegetables, sugar and cooking

– oil has increased over the past five years by an accumulative 49% (January 2008 to April 2013), with the price of bread alone increasing by 69% in that five-year period, while meat went up 40%.

Economists have further warned that inflation, currently just under 6%, will rise to 9% by the end of the year, citing a weaker rand, higher electricity and

If we can get the large scale commercial agricultural sector to change its mindset, we will be well on our way to deploying renewable energy systems that will assist the agricultural sector in becoming more cost-effective and sustainable.

fuel prices, increased labour costs, droughts and international food price hikes. This will have a dire

of the perception and mindset, in which solar

impact on an already strained economy.

energy can supply and/or supplement agricultural

Agriculture's involvement 'Agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy,' is a statement that couldn't be more

energy requirements, and can also play a pivotal role in helping to further develop and strengthen agricultural production.

A few key benefits

true. Agriculture plays a major role in our existence,

Providing rural farmers with off-grid electricity,

impacting what we eat, what we wear, where we

effectively increasing self-reliance and decreasing

sleep, and just about everything we do. Farming

operating costs.

forms the foundation of the whole agricultural

Using solar water pumping systems to provide

sector on which secondary agricultural practices

cost-effective irrigation schemes, which can

and production are based, right down the value

provide a reliable water supply.

chain to the finished product. But unfortunately

Reducing energy-consumption and the reliance on

in agriculture there is always a risk. Whether it's

the utility by way of a grid-connected PV system,

climatic conditions, livestock disease, plagues of

effectively reducing input costs.

crop pests, onerous regulatory changes, enviro-

A reduction in input costs would result in farmers

sustainability, fluctuating commodity prices, labour

being able to sell their produce at a competitive

disputes or high input costs, farmers are always

rate.

having to find ways and methods of negating risk

In SA, there has been a surge in the smaller

in order to make their operations as efficient and

agricultural sectors towards the use of renewable

economically viable as possible.

energy. The promise of lower operating costs,

The risk is further compounded by the pressure to

creating a long-term advantage against rising

respond adequately to the demand for food security.

energy prices, as well as the reduction in carbon

In order to meet this demand, agriculture would

emissions, among other potential benefits, has

have to double its yield, and do so fast. However

been the catalyst that has seen a number of solar

this increase would require the implementation of

PV projects commissioned, particularly in the wine

better farming practices, such as the use of better

and fruit growers industries. As mentioned, if we

seeds, fertilisers, and methods of cultivation. More

can get the large scale commercial agricultural

importantly it requires agriculture to drastically

sector to change its mindset, we will be well on our

reduce input costs, and become more efficient.

way to deploying renewable energy systems that

Although it may not be apparent, the agricultural

will assist the agricultural sector in becoming more

sector is heavily dependent on electricity; in fact 26%

cost-effective and sustainable.

of food produced in SA comes from energy-intensive industries.

Renewable energy, such as solar PVs, can therefore play a key role in creating a clean,

Solar energy is in its infancy in SA; it will continue to infuse itself into the agricultural sector, allowing for benefits which will reach much further than just the produce of the local famer.

SG

reliable, cost-effective energy source, particularly for agriculture. The biggest challenge is the changing

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For more info visit www.soventix.com

lighting the way Whether for a private home, a commercial business or a wine farm, you can draw smart energy from the sun for less.

Tel: +27 (0) 21 852 7333 Email: r.jacklin@soventix.com www.soventix.co.za

Soventix SA (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Soventix GmbH in Germany is involved with the development and realisation of roof top and carport solar photovoltaic plants from residential to agricultural as well as large scale solar farms. Whether you finance the solar plant yourself or sign a power purchase agreement, Soventix will ensure you’re protected from the rising costs of energy for the next 30 to 40 years. Not only will you be saving on your energy bills, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable environment. Renewable energy is the future and is more affordable than energy from non-renewable sources. becoming mo 55 S G

Energy

SOLAR WORLD S G 56

D

Solar-powered devices aren't just for the off-grid adventurers and power-hungry gadget-loving crowd, they're also quite useful in the farm and urban garden, as they can provide the 'juice' needed to fulfill many basic functions for the small grower and farmer alike. Derek Markham looks at solar technology for farming and urban gardening.

57 S G

A

lternative energy has a long history on farms

starting to make good business sense these days,

and ranches, beginning with windmills for

both to offset the operation's energy use and to

water pumping and wind generators for

earn a steady income from selling power back to

electricity in remote locations. More recently, you'd also be more likely to see a small solar charger residential street. And with the advances in both

Solar livestock fence chargers

solar technology as well as remote automation,

Farms with livestock need fencing solutions that

using the power of the sun to run parts of a farm or

are dependable, effective, and adaptable, and an

garden operation is easier than ever.

electric fence powered by the sun fits the bill,

powering an electric fence than a PV array on a

Solar power production

whether for permanent installation or for moveable paddocks. Readymade solar fence chargers are

Using an array of PV panels (or a single one) and

widely available, in varying voltages and capacity,

a battery bank, solar power can be used in a

and some of them can power a fence several miles

very conventional manner on a farm, as a remote

long. For the DIYer, the availability of affordable

power source for any electrical needs. This type

parts these days makes it fairly simple to piece

of installation isn't for those with a small budget

together a system that is a custom fit for specific

(although a tiny system for select power needs can

sites and needs. Because an electric fence doesn't

be affordable), but it has the advantage of being

need to be nearly as sturdy as a regular fence,

able to power a variety of things, with the only

portable solar fencing can keep the stock in a

limitations being the size of the array, the capacity

specific area for managed grazing and be moved

of the battery bank, and the extent of the wiring in

quickly and easily.

place to route the electricity.

For the small-scale grower, or as an entry point

S G 58

the grid.

Solar water pumping

for solar power, small standalone systems with

Another fairly traditional use of solar power on the

PV panels, charge controller, and battery bank

farm is a solar-powered well pump, especially for

included, are available either as a package or (for

remote watering of livestock. A very basic setup

the DIYer) can be built up from the wide variety of

can be as simple as a small PV array with no battery

components now available.

storage, which pumps water into a watering and

Producing solar power on a large scale by adding

storage tank only when the sun is shining. Adding

a grid-tied solar farm to a conventional farm, is

battery storage and a controller to the unit allows

for more control and more capacity, especially

outbuildings, greenhouses, animal enclosures, or

with wells with slow flow rates that may need to be

office or living spaces is another great low-tech

pumped 24 hours a day.

way to include solar energy at farms or urban

Using the sun's energy to pump water from

gardens. Because the solar collector has no moving

the ground into a reservoir isn't the only watering

parts, and can usually be built with cheap or free

application possible, as some farms are using

components, they are a good fit for the DIYer and

solar-powered irrigation to grow their crops. The

tinkerer. By adding them to south-facing windows,

most basic system uses drip irrigation attached

the devices will capture some of the energy of the

either directly to the well pump, or to a storage

sun as heat and deliver it to the inside of the rooms,

tank that would gravity-feed the water to the rows.

without using any power.

For bigger farms, such as those using center-pivot irrigation (which is responsible for those giant green

Solar ventilation

crop circles seen when flying over agricultural land),

Having the proper amount of ventilation for fresh air

solar power is an option, replacing diesel, propane,

intake and hot air exhaust is an important element

or grid power as the motive factor in these systems.

for greenhouses and animal enclosures, and solar

Solar water heating

energy can be used to power and automate those systems. The simplest versions use the heat of

Heating water by using the energy of the sun isn't

the sun to open a vent, which will then draw warm

nearly as high-tech as generating electricity is, but

air out via natural convection, but more extensive

it's just as necessary (and appropriate) on many

ventilation systems use an exhaust fan. The fan can

farms. A solar water heater can provide hot water

be powered directly by the sun (fan runs as long as

for washing or cleaning, and in some instances be

the sun is shining), or through a thermostat (fan

used to heat the water for a radiant floor system

only runs during the day when set temperature is

for either people or animals. Indirectly, using

reached), or even as an extension of a larger solar

water-filled drums or tanks that gain heat from the

power system. With the explosion in mobile and

sun can be used in greenhouses as thermal mass,

wireless technology, many of these units can now

moderating the temperature and providing warmth

also be controlled as a remote unit (Arduino or

when the sun is down.

Raspberry Pi projects).

Solar air heater

Solar dehydrators

Using a solar collector to pre-heat air going into

For the farmer who produces crops that either

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need to be dried before sale, or can be dried as a

advances in remote monitoring devices have now

value-added product such as converting grapes into

made it possible to determine precipitation and soil

raisins or plums into prunes, solar dehydrators can

moisture, analyse location-specific weather data,

be a great tool. Most of the solar dehydrator designs

and more. Feeding and watering of animals can

are completely passive, like the solar air heater is,

be monitored by remote solar-powered sensors, as

and because no moving parts are involved and they

can the reading of their electronic tags for precise

can be created from common building materials,

tracking of movements.

using the sun to dry food is a cost-effective method.

For more control, small solar-powered vents and

Solar powered vehicles

fans can be added to the dehydrators, so that on

Powering farm equipment, such as a tractor, from

hot days, the food inside isn't burned to a crisp.

electricity generated from the sun is another great

(And solar ovens are a great way to cook dinner for

application for solar on farms. Electric vehicles

a bunch of hungry farmers.)

have plenty of torque for power, and because they

Solar lighting

are efficient and quiet, may find more and more adoption around the farm. While solar tractors

The sun can also light up the night, as solar-powered

aren't exactly commonplace, there are innovative

lighting solutions are available for a variety of

farmers converting or building their own versions,

applications around the farm and garden. From

and small electric vehicles (utility or golfcart-types)

the small solar LED garden lights to larger units for

can be charged via a solar panel for a greener fuel.

illuminating entries, gates, and outbuildings, solar

Solar power on the farm and in the garden

lighting can be a great fit for not only off-grid and

can provide the electricity or heat needed to run

remote locations, but also for the urban gardener

essential parts of the growing operations, and while

and hobby farmer.

they may take an initial investment, the return on

Solar powered sensors

that investment could keep coming back for years and years.

SG

Gathering data for more optimal growing or watering is a crucial part of a large farm, and

Originally published here.

Heating water by using the energy of the sun isn't nearly as high tech as generating electricity is, but it's just as necessary (and appropriate) in many farms. A solar water heater can provide hot water for washing or cleaning, and in some instances be used to heat the water for a radiant floor system for either people or animals. Indirectly, using water-filled drums or tanks that gain heat from the sun can be used in greenhouses as thermal mass, moderating the temperature and providing warmth when the sun is down.

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N ews Solar power accounted for 100% of new energy on US grid, RECENTLY According to the latest data from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), March 2013 was a very special month for the US power grid. For the first time ever, all of the new capacity added during the month came from solar power. Granted, it wasn't quite an ordinary month for the grid: no other sources added any capacity, and solar officially grew by 44mW, a respectable amount for a single month (that's more than half a gigawatt annualised). Since 2008, the amount of solar energy powering US homes, businesses and military bases has grown by more than 600% according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. In 2012 alone, the US brought more new solar capacity online than in the three prior years combined, underscoring projections that solar will be the nation's largest new source of energy over the next four years.

Fluorescent dye boosts solar cell efficiency

Yale researchers recently discovered a way to boost the efficiency of solar cells by a whopping 38% by coating them with a fluorescent dye.

Polymer solar cells are popular for their low cost, low weight, large area and mechanical flexibility, according to Physorg, but they only convert roughly 50% of the solar energy absorbed into usable electricity. The organic squaraine dye improves light absorption and recycles electrons, thereby hastening the light-to-energy conversion process.

Solar costs headed for parity with coal & gas

Since '75, there have been a number of significant solar efficiency breakthroughs which shows just how much progress has been made in all the various types of solar cells. But what truly matters in the end is how much it costs to produce clean electricity from the sun, and how that compares to the price of dirty sources like coal and gas. The graph above tells the tale. Since the early 1980s, solar went from over $16/ Watt (in constant 2012 dollars) to about $1/Watt, and, like Moore's Law for micro-electronics, there's no indication that the pace is slowing down.

In fact, as you can see in the graph above, it has actually accelerated in recent years (in good part due to massive solar investments in China). We may or may not keep that new rate of progress, but what is certain is that we're headed for parity with fossil fuels (the gray area in the graph), and then solar will beat them on a cost per unit of production basis.

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N ews Germany sets solar power generation record

SOLARWORLD POWERS TIMBERLEA FARMING TRUST

SolarWorld Africa, together with its distribution partner enerGWorx supplied a 127kW, roof-mounted solar system to Timberlea Farming Trust, a group most well-known internationally for their blueJay branded fruit, as well as its production of the much-loved locally distributed blueJay fresh juices. The group, comprised of nine farms across the Western Cape, produces in the region of 13 000 tons of stone, pome and citrus fruit per annum and are suppliers to well-known local retailers Woolworths as well as Marks & Spencer’s, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose internationally.

The farming consortium which trades under the brand, blueJay, has made considerable upgrades to their infrastructure as part of a firm commitment to sustainable business. In an effort to reduce energy consumption and save costs across all of their agricultural assets, Timberlea Farming Trust opted for the solar system installation at their farm just outside Stellenbosch.

SolarWorld supplied its polycrystalline solar panels for the array spanning the multiple rooftops of the farm’s cold storage and packhouse facilities. The installation is expected to subsidise 30% of the farm’s total electrical output. 'The blueJay Group is already involved in a number of empowering initiatives for its stakeholders, from staff equity ownership to providing education for the children of staff. We are proud to add to their sustainability approach, enabling them to meet their ambitious environmental and commercial targets through the use of solar energy,' says Gregor Küpper, SolarWorld Africa Managing Director.

Apart from subsidising its electricity bill quite significantly, Timberlea Farming Trust is also able to fix the costs of the electricity generated by the solar installation and address a growing demand by end consumers for products with a lowered carbon footprint. Through this 127kW installation, Timberlea Farming Trust saves 213 tons of carbon per annum.

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Despite the long and dark winter, solar panels keep lining Germany’s residential rooftops. According to SMA Solar Technology, the country has just set another world record in solar energy production. Its solar power output climbed from already impressive record of 22.4gW in June to a whopping 23.9gW during peak times yesterday. The data is based on the output of thousands of SMA solar power system spread across the country.

SMA’s interactive PV performance monitoring tool shows that Germany’s photovoltaic electricity production hit a record 23.4gW on June 6 and with a full 0.5gW increase peaked yesterday at 23.9gW. The massive solar electricity output is attributed to approximately 1.3-1.4 million solar power systems installed across the country, with about 8.5 million people living in buildings which incorporate solar systems to produce electricity.

Germany has been the world’s solar power leader for some time now, although Bulgaria and the Czech Republic take the lead concerning solar power per GDP. According to the Federal Network Agency, Germany installed a total of 33.5gW of PV by the end of April 2013. The record-breaking amount of solar power shows one of the world’s leading industrial nations was able to produce impressive amounts of clean energy through a simple, strong policy and feed-in tariff incentives for stimulating solar power installation on private homes and businesses.

Greenpeace COMMENDS Gauteng Provincial Government

spinach nearly triples efficiency OF solar panels

Scientists in Tennessee discovered that combining spinach with silicon produced a much stronger electrical current in solar cells than present methods, and it could eventually lead to a much more efficient form of using the sun’s rays for sustainable energy in the future. A team of biomolecular engineers and chemists from Vanderbilt University in Tennessee used the photosynthetic protein in spinach – the vital ingredient that converts light into energy to make plants grow. They then combined it with silicon, which is already used in solar cells, in a way that produced an electrical current 2.5 times more powerful that existing solar cells. The team reported their findings to the journal Advanced Materials and have now applied for a patent for their process.

Lead researcher, chemistry professor David Cliffel, said the new discovery could lead to the production of a new wave of solar cells within three years. Previous experiments had them using the photosynthetic protein (PS1) of plants, the team also reckon to have found a way of making the combination last for much longer with no decline in performance. Cliffel said: 'Nature knows how to do this extremely well. In evergreen trees, for example, PS1 lasts for years. We just have to figure out how to do it ourselves.'

To build their cell, the protein was extracted from spinach into an aqueous solution and poured onto the surface of a specially treated wafer of silicon.This was then put into a vacuum chamber so the water in the solution evaporated but left behind the protein as a tiny, thin, film on the wafer.

The protein, when exposed to light, absorbs the energy contained within the light (photons). These free electrons huddle together and create an area of positive charge which is the electrical current produced by solar cells.

The process increases the amount of energy produced by the cells but researchers believe there is yet more energy that could be produced by the protein and are working to try and improve it further.

Reacting to the recent announcement of an R11bn investment in solar energy by the Gauteng provincial government, Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner Ruth Mhlanga has said: 'The decision by the provincial government to invest in renewable energy is a step in the right direction and needs to be backed by greater commitment at the national level in order to reassure investors and increase electricity access to the poor.

Greenpeace strongly recommends clear and supportive legislation for small-scale renewable energy to support a roof-top revolution in the country.'

Greater renewable energy investments are required to protect the environment and provide the energy security South Africans need.

Brazil's Mineirão Stadium unveils new solar roof

Brazil’s stadium Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto, or Mineirão for short, got a new rooftop solar array in preparation of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. As the tournament approaches in just under a year (tickets are already on sale), officials recently cut the ribbon on the Minas Gerais stadium’s newly minted array, which ushers in an era of greener World Cup events. The stadium joins Mané Garrincha stadium, which will have a 2.5mW solar array that will provide enough solar energy to power nearly half of the stadium.

N ews Australian & Japanese Researchers Develop Non-Toxic Solar Panels

Solar panels provide one of the cleanest forms of green energy by converting sunlight into electricity, but the photovoltaic panels we use are made with toxic elements including cadmium and lead elements. Researchers from Australia and Japan are now working together to advance the next generation of non-toxic solar panels. The new RMIT University-led research collaboration is working to develop cheaper and less toxic solar cells using nanotech.

In a mission to create non-toxic, printable nanocrystals the team of researchers from RMIT, CSIRO, and the Japan Science and Technology Agency have been trying to incorporate elements like copper and antimony – two elements that have low-toxicity and are abundant according to the researchers. In the course of the research, the team discovered it could synthesise tetrahedrite and famatinite copper antimony sulphide into nanocrystals. The resulting nanocrystals have a brown-blackish color that has a strong absorption rate of visible and near-infrared light.

'The focus of photovoltaic industries has been to reduce material and production costs for PV panels,' Professor Yasuhiro Tachibana, from RMIT’s School of Aerospace, said in a statement. 'Research into next generation solar cells concentrates on developing novel low-cost and low-toxicity colloidal nanomaterials in order to meet industry requirements.'

Best of all, these new lower toxicity semiconductor nanocrystal inks can be cheaply printed into thin nanocrystal films. And the team has already confirmed the nanocrystalline film generates electricity under light, making it suitable as a future light absorber in solar cells.

The Sun Bike

Sun Bike is not your ordinary cargo bike.

This electric tricycle has been designed to utilise the sun’s energy captured by its solar panels. Instead of co-pilot seat, you’ll find solar panels, another solar panels are also attached on the cover of the cargo. In this way, during the day, these solar panels can produce enough energy to power the bike. There’s a battery indicator at centre of the handlebar. Sun Bike features stylish and modern design, it reminds us of Johnny Loco cargo cruisers, except that Sun Bike is the electric version.

For more info click here.

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A d v ert o ria l

How Nuroof Cool Works The sun’s radiation is made up of ultra violet light, visible light and invisible infra-red wavelengths.

Roof surfaces capture enormous amounts of the sun’s energy because of their large surface area and angle of exposure. Nuroof Cool’s Enviroshield™ formulation reflects at least 30% of the invisible infra-red light off the roof’s surface, resulting in cooler roof surfaces.

TM

Reflecting the sun’s energy keeps the roof surface cooler.

Lower roof temperatures translate into cooler interior spaces – less air conditioning and potential lower energy consumption or increased comfort.

The sun’s heating energy is scattered harmlessly back into space through the greenhouse gases – helping our planet stay cool.

OL

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TEC

nce

orma erior perf ce of sup n ie c s e Th

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• Winner: Premium Paint Category • Survey of 5 000 people, by Nielsen

Lower roof temperatures mean less stress and strain on the coating and the roof – promoting longer roof life.

O G Y T H AT

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Energy

Energy-efficient water heating solutions require us to weigh up the options. With your electrical element geyser, the biggest consumer of electricity in your home, and responsible for 30-50% of your energy cost, hot water is expensive and can account for up to R500 of a monthly energy bill of R1 000.

But if you are financially savvy, this doesn't have to be the case. A solar water heating system can cut your electricity costs by up to 24%, while heat pumps can be up to three times more energy-efficient than electrical element geysers.

We take a look at these two options, side by side, using data supplied by Eskom.

Heat Pumps vs Sola S G 66

PT1

ar Water Heating

67 S G

E

nergy savings through energy-efficient water heating solutions in your home will allow you to put money in your pocket that can add

up – month after month – to treat yourself and your family to something more. So it pays to switch and save. The following easy guide to understanding these two technologies will help you make the best decisions to save energy and money.

Meeting your hot water needs

Heat pumps can be up to three times more energy efficient than electrical element geysers – they only use electricity to drive the compressor and fans and not for generating heat.

A heat pump uses electricity but is an energy-efficient alternative to an electrical element geyser, producing hot water at any time, regardless of the weather,

cloudy and rainy weather. Such systems are designed

providing 100% of your hot water requirements.

to operate efficiently in both frost and frost-free

Tank capacities range from 100 to 500l; the size of

conditions. 'Direct' systems are recommended

tank you require depends on your daily hot water

for coastal and warmer areas that are frost-free.

requirements.

'Indirect' systems are recommended for inland areas

Solar water heating systems use the sun's energy

that are frost-prone. Beyond these considerations,

to heat water. Depending on the type of system you

geographical location in general can influence the

install and how you use it, between 50% and 90%

size of the panels required to meet the need for a

of your hot water requirements could be met. Tank

specified amount of hot water.

capacities range from 100 to 300l; as with heat pumps, the size of tank you require depends on

Affordability

your daily hot water requirements.

Heat pumps are less expensive than solar water heating systems. Depending on the unit installed,

Savings potential

how it is used, and the ease/difficulty of installation,

Heat pumps can be up to three times more energy

the payback period will vary between two and

efficient than electrical element geysers – they only

four years. Solar water heating systems are more

use electricity to drive the compressor and fans

expensive than heat pumps. Again, depending on

and not for generating heat. Solar water heating

the system installed, how it is used and the savings

systems, however, can cut your electricity costs

achieved, the payback period varies between five

by up to a quarter (on average) though the precise

and eight years.

savings depend on the system you install, how it is used, and the climate of the region you are staying

Environmental benefits

in.

Heat pumps derive energy from the air, which is unlimited and maintained in its ambient temperature

Climate considerations

range by the sun. Solar water heating systems use

Heat pumps are designed to work outside at

the free, unlimited and clean energy of the sun – as

night and in temperatures as low as –100ºC.

long as it's shining – and their efficiency depends on

These units cannot freeze or overheat and modern

how much sunlight (intensity, duration and angle to

heat pumps offer system protection against frost

the sun) they are exposed to.

conditions. Heat pump performance is influenced

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by ambient temperature conditions; low ambient

Aesthetics

temperatures result in low efficiency, while high

A heat pump looks similar to an air-conditioner unit.

ambient temperatures result in high efficiency.

Usually rectangle-shaped metal units, heat pumps

However, seasonal variations ensure good average

are compact and, in terms of installation, require

efficiency.

less space than solar water heating systems of equal

Solar water heating systems' performances are

capacity. The unit is positioned on the outside of

limited to sunshine hours and can be affected by

your home and should be placed in an area with a

Image www.better-plumbing.co.uk

Basic heat pump diagram

minimum of 120 cubic metres of free space around

Ideally, the timer should be set to only allow the

it (about the size of a double garage). There is no

back-up electrical element to come on for two hours

need to position the unit in a sunny spot.

in the morning and two hours in the afternoon

Solar panels are flat, dark-coloured plates or a bank of glass tubes installed on your roof. The panels can be flush with the roof or installed by

– outside the 5pm-9pm period of peak electrical demand.

means of support structures to angle them towards

Noise levels

the sun. The solar tank, mostly installed on the

Heat pumps make a low-level humming sound

roof in a sunny, north-facing area, is large and

similar to an air-conditioner. The point of installation

cylindrical.

should, therefore, be carefully considered. Most

The electricity supply Heat pumps are dependent on electricity and operate on a six hours-per-day cycle. If the heat

solar water heating systems operate silently but there is some low-level noise when a circulation pump is added.

pump has a back-up electrical element, the control

Maintenance

must be configured to automatically trigger the

Heat pumps do require some maintenance. It

element in case of unit failure. The size of the

is important to keep the coil-surface area clean

element should not exceed two thirds the size of

of debris, leaves and dust to ensure maximum

your 'old' geyser's electrical element; if it does, it is

performance. The inline strainer must also be

compulsory to install a timer to ensure the element

cleaned regularly. Regular servicing is required,

remains switched off during 5pm to 9pm, the period

which would typically include inspecting the unit for

of peak demand for electricity in SA.

any water or gas leaks.

With solar water heating, installing a back-up

Solar

water

systems

are

relatively

electrical element is recommended to ensure you

low-maintenance. Solar flat plate and vacuum tube

have enough hot water during cloudy and rainy

collectors must be kept clean and dust-free to work

weather. However, it is important to also have a

optimally and should be washed at least every six

timer installed to ensure the back-up electrical

months in areas with very low rainfall. Evacuated

element remains switched off while the sun heats

tubes need to be replaced when they lose their

the water (to the required temperature of 55-60°C).

vacuum or if cracked or broken. The glycol in

69 S G

'indirect' systems needs to be checked on a regular basis to ensure optimal performance.

Installation expertise Heat pumps must be fitted by qualified and licensed plumbers. Water heating systems should be installed as close as possible to the source where the heated water will be needed. Solar heating system must also be fitted by qualified technicians. And such water heating systems should also be installed as close as possible to the source where the heated water will be needed.

How they work Heat pumps work on the same principle as an air-conditioner, but in reverse. Heat from air that

The gas is compressed (put under increased pressure) which causes its temperature to rise. The hot gas moves through a heat exchange device, depending on the type of system that is used. The two systems are: 'Split heat pump', where the heat exchange device is inside the heat pump; cold water from a separate water storage tank (like the geyser) is heated in the heat exchanger and transported to the tank. The water does not mix with the refrigerant as they are in two separate loops; 'Integrated heat pump', where the heat exchanger is in the form of tubes wrapped around the outside of the water storage tank – unlike the 'split heat pump', this system is equipped with a water storage tank.

As a result of either system's functioning is that cool air – as a by-product – is released into the atmosphere by a heat pump fan; and it is only released when the heat pump is in operation.

The temperature of the gas then drops because it has transferred its heat to the water. As the gas continues on its journey, passing through an 'expansion device', it returns to liquid form. This cycle is repeated continuously until the water in the storage tank has reached the set temperature.

Solar technology is somewhat more advanced – it captures the sun's energy and transfers it efficiently to heat water. Pressurised systems have back-up elements that heat the water during

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Image www.tecsolarman.com

an eco-friendly refrigerant gas in an evaporator.

Solar heat exchange diagram

has been sucked in from outside is absorbed by

With solar water systems, the 'standard' system consists of a solar collector with its own tank (your existing geyser is disconnected) – with both direct and indirect system variants available.

The pre-feed system is one which feeds into your existing geyser, thereby increasing the amount of hot water (as there are two storage tanks).

inclement weather, while low-pressure systems are ideal for unsophisticated plumbing installations and have no back-up elements. Two types of systems are available – active and passive: Active systems: electrical pumps and controls move water around the system; the two main categories of active systems are 'direct', where water moves through solar collectors, gets heated, and collects in a storage tank with the help of electrical pumps and controls; and 'indirect', where instead of heating water, the solar collectors heat a 'heat transfer' fluid. The water picks up the heat from the fluid (but never mixes with it), and gets pumped into a storage tank.

Passive systems: Nothing is used but the forces of nature. There are two main categories of passive systems, 'batch' and 'thermo-siphon'.

Batch is where a storage tank is situated inside the solar collector – the water gets heated inside the tank, and either gravity or natural convection moves water from the tank to your home's pipes.

'Thermo-siphon' refers to a system whereby the storage tank is separate from the solar collector.

Cold water moves through the tubes of the solar

Geography, physical conditions at your home, the nature of the building itself and a range of other factors will feed into your final decision on which is the best of choices for you – heat pump versus solar water heater, and which particular types of system are chosen within those two classes.

collector and natural convection pumps the

of a panel that feeds into your existing geyser – and

heated water into the storage tank from where it

once again, direct and indirect systems are available.

travels to your home's pipes.

Types of installations

The best choice Geography, physical conditions at your home, the

There are several types of installation for both heat

nature of the building itself and a range of other

pumps and solar water heaters. The heat pump

factors will feed into your final decision on which is

'standard system' consists of a heat pump with its

the best of choices for you – heat pump versus solar

own tank, or a heat pump connected to your existing

water heater, and which particular types of system

geyser. As indicated previously, a split system has

are chosen within those two classes. Cost and

a heat pump installed on an existing hot water

payback time are important for many people, as are

installation (typically, the unit is installed against

overall efficiency and the match between what these

an outside wall and connected to your existing hot

systems can deliver relative to your needs.

water tank), while an integrated system features a

In almost all instances, technical input from

heat pump with its own hot water tank (your existing

knowledgeable and reputable experts (professional

hot water tank is disconnected).

accreditation is a key aspect here) is likely a wise

With solar water systems, the 'standard' system consists of a solar collector with its own tank (your

preliminary move to any installation that is settled upon.

existing geyser is disconnected) – with both direct

Eskom advises consumers to choose a water

and indirect system variants (as described above)

heating system that suits their needs and does not

available. The pre-feed system is one which feeds

advise one system over another. Call the Eskom

into your existing geyser, thereby increasing the

Customer Contact Centre at 08600 37566 and ask

amount of hot water (as there are two storage

for free brochures and facts sheets on efficient water

tanks). Retrofit solar water systems are comprised

heating solutions.

SG

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Energy

Heat Pumps vs Solar Water H Whether we like it or not, the immediate challenge for South Africans today is that it all boils down to energy management.

If we fail to tap proactively into alternative energy solutions, we may simply find ourselves in financial hot water sooner than later.

Industry insider Roger Metcalfe looks at the pros and cons of heat pumps versus solar water heating.

S G 72

cost is a no-brainer (provided you have the cash) and you can choose from two popular

options: solar water heating and heat pumps.

SOLAR WATER HEATING Water heating using a traditional geyser powered by Eskom is costly. In an average single geyser home, water heating alone can make up roughly half your total electricity bill. If a house has two or more geysers this comprises most of your electricity bill.

Cost breakdown for the average home Installing a solar water heating system will, in one fell swoop, virtually eliminate your hot water bill, and halve your total electricity bill. If your home has more than one geyser, savings can be even more dramatic.

Payback period is around two years and improving with each Eskom increase. Thereafter for the next 15 to 20 years your hot water will be virtually free.

(There is a small 2kW back-up element to keep the system going on those cloudy days). Key requirements for solar water heating include a flat or north-facing pitched roof with no shade. Failing this, the next option is a heat pump, discussed below. Either system immediately and dramatically reduces your hot water bill.

What does solar water heating cost?

It involves a basic outlay of approximately R13 000 excluding

VAT

(depending

on

tank

size

and

configuration) and with a short payback period it makes sense to invest now. This includes installation and the Eskom rebate of around R4 000. Note that Eskom are planning to phase out the rebate, so check

PT2

Heating

W

hen it comes to alternative water heating,

the status of this rebate when you meet with an installer. The cost of some top quality, large capacity systems can approach R30 000.

Engineers do not advise connecting your standard geyser (retrofitting) to solar water heating panels.

This is because solar geysers have much higher thermal efficiencies (more insulation), are generally more durable and are covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Aesthetically there are two installation options, one is with tank and water panels mounted on the roof and the other is to install the tank in the roof. This is around R2 000 extra, is more complicated and often not feasible.

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Installing a solar tank in the roof Ensure you go for highly-efficient, quality systems which give the highest thermal efficiencies, the longest guarantees and minimal maintenance.

Remember solar water heating systems do need to be maintained, and glycol levels checked every two years or so for optimal efficiency and life expectancy.

HEAT PUMPS What is a heat pump? In simple terms it is basically a super-efficient air-conditioner working in reverse.

When you begin to grasp the concept of how a heat pump 'harvests' and generates heat, you get the surreal feeling that the laws of physics are being broken. Let's compare efficiencies of different systems: a gas water heater is 80% efficient; an electric heater is almost 100% efficient; but a heat

Become solar empowered like so many others who have discovered the joys and benefits of clean, efficient solar energy. Whether you go for a solar water heating system or a heat pump, both have tremendous cost advantages so go for the best quality you can afford.

As one solar enthusiast aptly said: 'the proof of the pudding is in the heating'.

pump can easily reach 100% efficiency.

How does it work?

In simple terms a heat pump consumes a low level of electrical energy to deliver a high level of heat energy. This is how it virtually halves your total

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generating it from scratch.

electricity bill. For the more technically-minded, a

A heat pump unit pumps hot water out of its

1 000W electric heater delivers 3 400 British Thermal

heat exchanger, straight into your geyser and

Units (BTU) of heat in an hour, but in that same hour

switches off when the desired temperature is

a 1 000W heat pump, might transfer 15 000 BTU of

reached. By avoiding the production of 'new' heat, a

heat into your geyser. Incredible but true. The trick

heat pump transcends the so-called 'efficiency limit'.

is that a heat pump scavenges and extracts heat

By extracting energy from ambient or warm air, the

from the outside or ambient air. Even on a cold

heat pump is in effect harnessing solar energy.

African day, there's enough heat energy in the air

By installing a heat pump in your home,

for such a system to run efficiently. The heat pump

guest house or business you will immediately

'transfers' this heat energy into itself instead of

and substantially reduce your electricity bill.

Maintenance is minimal and the payback period

power two geysers or more. A larger heat pump can

(including rebate) is around two years. Thereafter

also warm your pool, though these units are most

your hot water bill will be a fraction of what it used

costly.

to be for the next 15 years or so.

Small domestic heat pumps

What are you waiting for?

The longer you wait the more costly electricity will

Cost factors: to install a basic 3.6kW heat pump

become. One should ideally turn this looming energy

which can connect to and power your existing 200l

crisis into a lifestyle improvement opportunity. See

geyser, will cost in the region of R12 000 excluding

it as an investment, not a cost. According to the

VAT. This includes the Eskom rebate of R3  600.

American Appraisal Institute the value of a 'green

Prices vary and rebates are being phased out, so do

home' increases by around 5-10%.

a little research.

Become solar empowered like so many others

Advantages of a heat pump are several. In the

who have discovered the joys and benefits of clean,

final analysis it may not be as efficient as a solar

efficient solar energy. Whether you go for a solar

water heating system, but installation is quicker

water heating system or a heat pump, both have

and less costly than a solar water heating system,

tremendous cost advantages so go for the best

maintenance is virtually zero, plus it's aesthetically

quality you can afford. As one solar enthusiast aptly

more acceptable to many users, including architects,

said: 'the proof of the pudding is in the heating'. S G

body corporates and homeowners.

Also, one externally-mounted heat pump can

For more info contact Roger: roger@global.co.za

SAVE 65% of your water heating costs by employing the free energy available to you from the atmosphere.

domestic

commercial/industrial

A heat pump is a highly-efficient, cost-effective method of heating water. It utilises the sun's free energy by extracting heat from the sun-warmed air and transferring it to the water.

Our heat pump technology combines energy from ambient air temperatures with electric energy – without requiring the sun to shine. Specifically designed for South Africa's environment, some of the greatest attributes of Sirac heat pumps is our heat pumps, service and back up.

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news

Global wind energy capacity grows in 2012

Earth Hour City Challenge in SA

For the first time, South African municipalities will compete with cities around the world for the title of Global Earth Hour Capital by registering their data on the carbon Cities Climate Registry, an internationally recognised reporting platform managed by ICLEI. The challenge builds on WWF’s Earth Hour campaign, which asks citizens across the world to switch off their lights for an hour in support of global efforts to mitigate climate change.

The EHCC asks cities to take Earth Hour beyond the hour by demonstrating their plans and actions for low-carbon development and for increasing the use of sustainable renewable energy and energy-efficiency solutions in the future.

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The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) recently released its 2012 market statistics, showing continued expansion of the market, with global installed wind energy capacity increasing by 19% in 2012 to 282 000mW. Canada remains a global wind energy leader as it experienced the 9th largest increase in installed capacity in 2012 (936mW). Both China and the US, the world's wind energy leaders, installed more than 13 000mW of new capacity in 2012.

World's 1 st Wave-Powered Desalination Plant

Carnegie Wave Energy (Australia) will be using its CETO (Greek ocean goddess) technology in this project. The 2mW pilot project will operate with multiple submerged buoys tethered to pumps that funnel pressurised water to turbines onshore. There the water can either be harnessed to create electricity or to run and supply water for a reverse osmosis desalination plant.

WATCH THIS!

WATCH THIS!

Earth Hour City Challenge

Man invents machine to convert plastic into oil

www.globalwindday.org

Energy

First Few Days backpack

When disaster strikes water sources are often contaminated and the electric grid is down, meaning no clean water and no power. To get by until relief arrives, victims need drinkable water and a little bit of electricity to recharge phones, flashlights and other small devices like radios. First Few Days (FFD) is a Singapore-based concept humanitarian backpack that filters water and charges small devices with a pumping action. The backpack allows for easy portability in case victims are on the move or off helping during recovery. First Few Days is a backpack that can be worn during travel, evacuation or rescue missions and be used to filter water for drinking. Very portable, the FFD backpack is designed also for comfort and ease of use. It is intended for victims of natural disasters as well as rescue workers, volunteers and even the military. The water filtration concept was developed to include electricity generation after watching victims of Hurricane Sandy search for outlets to charge their cell phones. Worn as either a backpack or a chestpack, FFD contains a water filtration system operated with a hand-held pump. A tube with a float is placed in a water source, and a lever on the outside of the pack is pumped to move water through an activated carbon filter. Water is stored in external bottles and filled via a port on the outside of the pack.

The pump action of the lever generates electricity with the help of a dynamo, which is stored in a lithium-ion battery.

Breakthrough in power density

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created a new lithium-ion battery that has incredible power characteristics, at least in the lab. It can be charged and discharged about 1 000 faster than current lithium-ion batteries, even beating many supercapacitors. But before we uncork the champagne and imagine driving electric cars with 2 000km of range, what's incredible about this battery is the power density. It's an important breakthrough that could help improve batteries, especially if it can be combined with other new tech to improve energy density. Or maybe this type of battery can be used in parallel with more energy-dense batteries to offer more flexibility. Also, charging faster than the reputed Tesla's Supercharger might be hard for this technology (but not impossible).

1st pilot plant to convert CO2 into bricks

A new pilot plant recently launched in Australia aims to combat global warming by converting CO2 into bricks. The culmination of over six years’ effort by The University of Newcastle, the chemical company Orica, and GreenMag Group, the groundbreaking new facility could close carbon loops and divert the greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. The plant will be located at The University of Newcastle, and Mineral Carbonation International (MCi) is expected to spend $9m over a period of four years to establish the facility. The bricks can be used as construction materials, and they act as physical carbon sinks. Ian Smith, the chief executive of Orica, told ABC News that he believes the technology could be used by power plants across the world.

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Buildings

buildingbenchmark For the 4th consecutive year, Energy Cybernetics has been making its Energy Barometer tool available to building owners and facility managers to participate in the National Energy Barometer Survey (NEBS). We take a look.

T S G 78

he Energy Barometer is a non-intrusive and

endeavours to compile an accurate database of

cost-effective process to determine the energy

building energy use information in the country and

consumption stance of a building in relation

is supported by the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the

to others in a similar market and environment. NEBS

National Energy Efficiency Agency (NEEA), the South

African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) and the Energy Training Foundation (EnTF).

This year’s participation carries no costs and participants receive their ranking result that indicates where they are in accordance to others in their respective industry.

The POWER of the National Energy Barometer Survey

Building owners and facilities managers are invited to enter their shopping centres, corporate

headquarters,

banks,

hotels,

hospitals, car dealerships and general office buildings into the NEBS to find out how they are faring against other similar buildings in the industry.

Building owners and facilities managers that have been participating in NEBS since its inception have reported being able to track their energy efficiency investments’ performance against others in the industry, been able to identify what further potential savings could be achieved, and have reported increased staff

The National Energy Barometer Survey (NEBS) is a FREE national benchmarking service to compile an accurate comparison database so that each building owner can track performance over time, and to compare consumption against others in the same industry.

• •

awareness and participation in energy efficiency

•

initiatives due to the teamwork required to

•

make a success of sustaining energy savings.

Participating is fairly easy by logging onto www.energybarometer.com, mouse over the registration button and complete the required information such as: building size, energy consumption from your utility bill for the year January to December 2012, the weather patterns to your area, etc. The website contains easy to follow instruction on the documentation required to make your online entry as quick as possible.

The closing date for completing NEBS

Know where you building(s) rank against the average in your category Facility managers can benchmark portfolios of buildings against each other Track your performance when you enter year after year Identify the potential energy savings you could be achieving in your category

Building categories • • • • • • •

Shopping centres Corporate headquarters General office buildings Car dealerships Banks Hotels Hospitals

Register for the 2012 Utility Year before 23 September 2013

entries is 23 September 2013, whereafter the

Follow these easy steps

data will be analysed and audited upon which

• • •

all participants will receive an emailed NEBS certificate of their results.

NEBS encourages companies to become aware

of their energy-consumption levels, how their buildings are being operated, and to encourage improvements that will bring economic benefits

•

Logon to www.energybarometer.com Register as a participant Enter the required details for your building(s) category Enter the energy use from your utility account

info@energybarometer.com Supported by:

whilst providing a platform for comparison and learning. All data received through NEBS is treated with utmost confidentiality and results are only made public for participants who agree to allow publication of their ranking.

SG

Media partners

For more info see ad, right.

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'PVC has stood the test of time and continues to reinvent itself to fulfill the needs of a modern society that is looking for a way to combine innovation with sustainability and responsible practices,' says Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of the SA Vinyls Association (SAVA). The association recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of PVC amid the news that it was welcomed as a member of the prestigious PVCMedAlliance – a global network of international manufacturers and stakeholders in the PVC industry who raise awareness and promote informed decisions about the use of PVC in healthcare delivery around the world.

Delanie (pictured) takes a look.

'P

VC is one of the oldest synthetic materials

CELEBRATing 100 YEARS OF PVC dialogue within the industry.'

with the longest history in industrial

However, Delanie points out that it is not just the

production. Since its first application, PVC

medical industry that continues to enjoy the focus

has continued to have a dramatic and lasting impact

and attention of SAVA, but many other industries too

on modern life as we know it today. With more

where vinyl is extensively used and found, such as

than 40% of all plastic-based disposable medical

the building and construction industries.

devices used in hospitals made from PVC, it is a

'PVC has been in wide-scale use for more than

material that has proven that it is here to stay as it

50 years. It meets international standards for

fulfills a much-needed space in a variety of different

safety and health for the applications for which

industries,' Delanie says.

it is used, as well as the SANS 10400 guidelines

Considering the size and impact of PVC around

for energy-efficient buildings as prescribed by

the world, a significant milestone was recently

the SABS. When it was first developed, issues

reached for the SA vinyls industry, with the news

such as recyclability and the responsible use of

that SAVA is now one of only two associations

additives were not important. During recent years,

worldwide to belong to the PVCMedAlliance. This

however, vinyl has successfully reinvented itself in

membership allows SAVA to highlight the quality,

order to address the historical enviro-concerns of

safety and enviro-responsible uses of vinyl within

PVC and improve its enviro-performance. Taking

the healthcare environment as well as to promote

these issues to heart, local manufacturers of vinyl

the research and development within the industry

products belonging to SAVA have all committed

which will ultimately create even more uses for the

themselves to the responsible and sustainable use

material.

of additives, the implementation of a sustainable

'For the first time we are now granted access

recycling program and the promotion of a healthy

to a valuable repository of information and

vinyls industry through the association's Product

ground-breaking research which we can share

Stewardship Program.

SG

with experts around the world,' Delanie says. 'It strengthens our voice as we educate the community and medical fraternity about the important role of vinyls in the medical industry and encourage

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Visit www.savinyls.co.za

Be at the launch of the new Interiors Green Star SA Rating Tool

Be inspired to design healthier, happier and more productive interiors.

Interiors designed with the planet in mind are better for people and profit. But that doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on aesthetics. The range of eco-friendly materials available is growing daily. Come see and hear about it all at the Global Green Building Convention and Exhibition.

Reserve your place now.

Contact us on 0861 042 272 or visit www.gbcsa-convention.org.za

Principal Sponsor

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Building N ews

WATCH THIS!

The Farming Kindergarten

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When brilliant design transforms the way children think about the playground, the entire world takes note. Perhaps this is what Vo Trong Nghia Architects had in mind when they designed The Farming Kindergarten, which is a prototype for sustainable school design where children of factory workers in Vietnam can learn how to grow their own food. Set to be complete later this year, the school building will house 500 children and feature a knot-shaped rooftop, which will be used as a vegetable garden. The roof’s surface pours into a continuous loop around three courtyard playgrounds and slopes from the ground to the peak of two stories, making an easy climb to the vegetable garden a fun adventure for teachers and their pupils. 'While these internal courtyards provide safety and comfortable playgrounds for children, the roof makes a landing to the courtyards at both sides, allowing children to enter a very special eco-friendly experience when they walk up and go through it,' say the architects. The design of the new Farming Kindergarten also presents an exploration in education – visible energy-saving architectural elements of the building design include: water recycling, solar water heating, pc-concrete louvre for shading and more, to help children see their role in sustainable and responsible living. The Vo Trong Nghia team is no stranger to receiving accolades for their innovative, and earth-friendly designs. Nghia was awarded last year at the World Architecture Festival for his naturally ventilated Binh Dunong School that made use of vertical louvres and perforated screens instead of air conditioning to keep buildings cool in the tropical weather.

Vo Trong Nghia Architects

The GBSA is looking for new and emerging talent and is calling for nominations for the 2013 awards to be held 16-18 October 2013 at the CTICC. Visit here.

World's 1st 3 D Printed Architectural Structure

Echoviren 3D-printed pavilion

WATCH THIS!

A team of California-based architects has built the world’s first architectural structure using only 3D printing technology. The 3m x 3m x 2.5m pavilion, which is named Echoviren after a special type of coastal redwood, was completed recently. Architecture studio Smith|Allen designed a total of 585 individual biodegradable plastic components which were 3D printed over the course of two months, and assembled onsite in just four days.

Architects across the world have been racing to build the world’s first 3D printed architectural structure. Many of the designs, like the 'endless' Möbius-inspired house by Dutch studio Universe Architecture, are close to being built. What is different about Echoviren is the system itself – instead of using huge printers, the architects looked at aggregation as the most efficient construction system. Echoviren is located in a redwood forest at Project 387, an arts residency program near San Francisco. The designers pictured it as a structure that will integrate with the forest over time and become a micro-habitat for insects, moss and birds. In an interview for Dezeen, Bryan Allen called it 'a technological echo, a reflection, and spectre of life and of the forest'. Each of the structure’s components was made from the PLA bio-plastic that takes 30-50 years to fully decompose. The pyramidal sections make up the self-supporting circular wall that has the top part functioning as a compression ring. The pattern used for the structure was inspired by and based on cellular forms of sequoia cells, which allows for a great amount of strength while maintaining minimal volume. The team used seven of the Type A Machines Series 1 printers and worked with Ron Rael at Emerging Objects and at Berkeley to develop new materials. All attempts to build the structure using ZCorp, BFBs or Makerbots failed or were too costly. According to Allen, the Series 1 enabled the designers to 3D print large pieces reliably and at an acceptable price.

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A

Bright Future

S G 84

How many architects does it take to change a light bulb? Well the way technology is developing, light bulbs may not have to be changed at all in future. Providing they're LED of course. Roger Metcalfe takes a look.

85 S G

I

n the end it all boils down to

lights on hi-fi and electronic systems,

energy management. Whether we

Christmas lights and more recently

like it or not, this is the immediate

car tail and headlights. Over recent

challenge for South Africans today.

years, solar-powered traffic lights

If we fail to tap proactively into

and

alternative energy solutions, we'll

appearance, using LEDs which come

suffer increasing inconvenience and

in a range of colours. Lately, this

find ourselves in financial hot water

technology has taken a step up to

sooner than later. not

be

the

have

made

their

what are now termed high-powered

In the residential domain, lighting may

billboards

primary

LEDs.

energy

These include powerful floodlights

consumer. Hot water, cooking and

and hi-bay lighting used in large

space heating comprise the bulk

warehouses which use a fraction

of your electricity bill. But in the

of the electrical energy, but deliver

commercial and industrial sectors

the same lux levels. LEDs are clearly

lighting can easily take up a massive

heading for a brighter future and,

portion of the electricity account.

apart from specialised applications,

Warrior of the light

nothing can compete with them.

They've been 'winking' at us for

How an LED works

years, but by now everyone should

Unique to LED lighting is the fact

have come into contact with LED

that the source of light is not a

technology.

filament, gas discharge or arc, but

We've

seen

indicator

rather a semiconductor. Unlike an incandescent light bulb, light in the LED arises in a tiny photonic cloud

between the positive and the negative electrodes of the diode. The power to this LED is delivered by a power supply, or a driver, that has to be 'intelligent' – this is what actually determines the output and durability of an LED. For saving

electrical energy

contractors, by

replacing

traditional incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient light sources has become common

'We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.'

Dr Carl Sagan

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practice in recent years. South African

harmful neurotoxin, is released which can

power giant Eskom recently spent millions

be harmful to both our health and the

on giving out free compact fluorescent

environment.

lights (CFLs) to the public in exchange for the inefficient tungsten variety. In spite of the current popularity of CFLs, an increasing

Cool running means long life

number of energy-conscious consumers

LEDs may run cooler than other luminaires,

are upgrading yet again to LED technology.

but they still generate a small percentage of heat energy and, as heat is one of the

Advantages of the light-emitting diode

has gone into the design of effective heat

According to Cape Town-based Illumination

sinks to carry the heat away from the

Engineer Phil Hammond, 'LEDs are nearly

unit. Aluminium is one of the better heat

eight to 10 times more efficient than

dissipation materials at present – think of

incandescent lights, and certainly twice as

a heat sink as the radiator of a car.

biggest killers of LEDs, much research

Companies with a strong semi-conductor

efficient as fluorescent lights.'

Hammond, who's on the committee of the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa in Cape Town, adds

history are now coming to the fore.

For example, ALTSA (Aeon Lighting Technologies South Africa) as part

that LEDs convert virtually all

of Super Micro, (Nasdaq listed international

of their energy into light

electronics

with little energy wasted to

giant), is arguably one

heat. Incandescent bulbs,

of the leading lighting

on the other hand, only

companies in terms of

convert 10% of energy into

efficient and reliable LED

light while the rest of this

designs.

costly energy is given off as

The photo (left) shows

heat. Also, the heat given off

a high powered ALTSA LED

by incandescent bulbs increases

unit, designed for commercial

the cost of air-conditioning – a

use. Note the efficient fin design

vital consideration in a heavily lit

for cool running. This is crucial

commercial or industrial environment.

for long life. As a rule of thumb if

Durability popularity

is of

also

behind

LEDs.

Unlike

the older

you remove a LED once it's reached running temperature and cannot hold

technologies, LEDs have no breakable glass

it by hand, then it's running too hot, won't

or filament, and have longer lifespans. A

have a long life and is probably not a high

LED can burn for 50 000 hours compared

quality unit.

with a typical CFL life-span of between 5 000 and 15 000 hours. Traditional incandescent

The Future

bulbs don't come close and generally last

The lighting industry in general expects

for less than 1 000 hours. Just think of

LED costs to come down steadily. ALTSA

those ubiquitous halogen downlighters

CEO Gerhard Moolman predicts a 50%

which only last for a few months. Now

price reduction within two years. A major

dimmable LEDs are coming out.

migration to LED is busy happening as

But, the benefits of LEDs don't stop

businesses with high lighting expenses

at efficiency. In addition to drastically

realise the rapid return on investment.

reducing electric bills, LEDs do not contain

However, homeowners may have to wait

harmful toxins such as mercury as CFLs

a little longer until LEDs reach the price

do. Should a CFL bulb break, mercury, a

levels of current incandescent units.

SG

87 S G

FUTURE LIGHT

The new Future Light 5W LED Downlight provides a low energy, long life solution to GU10 Halogen Lamps. Generating 375 Lumens, this lamp offers you the opportunity to reduce energy usage by 90% and with a 40 000 hours lifespan will help reduce maintenance costs without compromising light output or light quality. True retrofit size this lamp is ideal for almost all applications and comes in a dimmable option as well. This Eskom-approved and based on international IEC/CE certifications lamp carries a three year warranty and will provide years of faultless use. www.futurelight.co.za

PURE CREATION

The Red Dog

This showroom features environmentally-friendly art and design, lovingly made, recycled and reincarnated from scrap metal and other waste materials by artist and designer Philippe Bousquet.

Recently opened in Silverton, Pretoria, the shop sells designer lights, sculpture, art, objects and small furniture. In a world where people are increasingly conscious about living lightly on the planet, The Red Dog demonstrates that it is possible to create beautiful things that contribute positively to the planet. www.thereddog.co.za

  1

2

We have one of The Red Dog's designer lights to give away. Email your name and full postal details here by 25 October 2013 to stand a chance to win.

Pure Creation was created out of pure love for nature, art and design by Nadine and Alan Marola. We are inspired by every form, pattern and design we see in nature’s creations and create things that are beautiful but functional.

Pure Creation takes pride in making unique, well crafted, natural material products. Our collection consists laser-cut circle wall lights that are made from mdf wood and art blocks. We are absolutely in love with trees and plant a tree for every 100 lights sold. www.purecreation.co.za

We have two pure Creation lights to give away. Email your name and full postal details here by 25 October 2013 to stand a chance to win.

FLAMELESS CANDLES

Wind resistant, environmentally-friendly and clean. No messy melted wax to clean. Allows you to enjoy the beauty and luxurious vanilla aroma that comes with using real candles. Contains state-of-the-art LED technology that replicates the flickering action. Safe around children pets and furnishings. Changes colors, activates sleep timers and much more, all with using a remote control. www.epromo.co.za

We have SIX Flameless Candles to give away. Email your name and full postal details here by 25 October 2013 to stand a chance to win.

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 6

Loba Sealants & Oils As Spring approaches fast, it's time to treat your wood furniture. Loba is a leading German manufacturer of finishing and care systems for parquet, hardwood and cork flooring. With their enviro-friendly, waterborne two-component finishing system, they have set a standard that remains unmatched to this day with floor oils and waxes, products for industrial applications, and products for cleaning and complete care.

For more info on the table pictured above, contact Grant Fell on 072 659 7264 or 072 639 1260 or visit their Facebook page – Contemporary Living, Indigenous by Design.

Quality suppliers of enviro-friendly German floor coatings & adhesives, as well as a superb range of wide board engineered flooring.

www.zimbostrading.co.za

Wooden Flooring, Decking & Loba Coatings



envirofriendly

10 practices to

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Authentic

Being who you are should be the easiest thing in the world, shouldn't it? Perhaps, in theory. However, I've found that staying true to who we are (and in fact, actually knowing our truth and authentic desires) is an ongoing commitment. It can be easy to stray off the path and get distracted by others, or life.

Marissa HĂĽkansson reports.

awaken your

Self

91 S G

A

s children, we grow up adopting the conditioning of our parents and society, and as adults we continue to carve a path for ourselves that is influenced by the world

around us.

As individuals, we are constantly evolving and changing too. It takes time and effort to create a relationship with who we are, where we feel deeply connected to our authentic self.

After all, only you can ever know if you are being completely true to who you are.

As part of my own journey of authentic living, and in my work with others' I've found 10 practices that help bring more authenticity into our daily lives.

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Pause during the day to sense how you are feeling

4

Honour your emotions & experiences for what they are

Image: http://3.bp.blogspot.com

1

Do more of what you love and what gives you energy

Image: http://empoweredlifesolutions.com

2 3

Take time out every day to reflect on your experiences

http://4.bp.blogspot.com

These are:

Learn to listen and act on your inner wisdom

Image: www.soulsatisfactionforwomen.com

5

6 7 8

Check if your choices are being directed by your truth or someone else's

Use your body as a guide to gauge if a decision feels true for you

Communicate from your authentic self instead of reacting from your thoughts

9

Let go of living as you think you 'should' live, and instead create a life you want

10

Take action on something you've always wanted to do, and see where it leads.

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optimum oralhygiene Cape-based dentist, Dr Marc Sher, offers top tips on the how-to and need-to-know of keeping your mouth safe.

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R

egular visits to the dentist are essential in

optimum oral hygiene. A strict flossing routine should

helping you maintain an optimum oral hygiene.

be followed which is to floss at least once a day,

These visiting should occur every six months

preferably before bed.

for a professional cleaning, and at least once a year

Use a long piece of floss, measured from your

for a full dental check-up with x-rays. One should

finger to your elbow.

avoid a high sugar diet as the bacteria in the mouth

Use the middle fingers to secure the floss in each

feed off these sugars. This is the major cause of tooth

hand, then, using your index fingers and your

decay.

thumbs, manoeuvre the floss between the teeth.

Mouth ulcers are extremely painful and difficult to

creating a 'C' shape with the floss while moving it

or low immunity to name a few (aphthous ulcers), or

up and down.

by a minor trauma in the mouth (traumatic ulcers)

Be careful when flicking the floss out if you have

such as a cracked tooth with a sharp edge, biting of

tight contacts between teeth, rather thread the

the cheek or tongue, fitting new dentures, braces, and

floss to avoid breaking it or dislodging a filling.

so on. Use a natural product such as Bye Mouth Ulcer

Floss behind the teeth at the back of your mouth.

to protect the ulcer while promoting healing.

If your gums bleed when you floss it is because

Some form of dental anxiety affects a large

you do not floss regularly enough. The bleeding

majority of people and is usually as a result of a

will eventually stop if you continue to floss on a

traumatic experience from childhood. If you are prone

daily basis.

to feel anxious before a dentist visit, use a natural

If you have bridges, orthodontic wires or a similar

calmative such as Rescue Select to ease those nerves.

prosthesis that prevents flossing, then use 'super

ADULTS

floss' and thread the floss under the prosthesis.

If you have large spaces between teeth and

You should have a strict routine when it comes to

flossing is not effective, then the use of a 'Water

brushing. Brushing twice a day is highly recommended

pick' or 'water jet' is recommended. Ask your

to maintain optimum oral hygiene. Brushing should

dentist about this.

take no less than two minutes and preferably with

The use of a mouthwash is not as essential as

an electric toothbrush. If brushing with a manual

brushing and flossing, and it should never be used

toothbrush then grip/hold the brush like you would

as a replacement of the two, however it will certainly

grip/hold a pen or pencil as this prevents the use of

add value to your oral hygiene routine. Make sure you

excessive force on the gums. Here are a few more

rinse after you have brushed and flossed, and make

tips:

sure that the mouthwash of your choice contains

Never use a scrubbing brush stroke on or near the gums, rather use small circular motions.

fluoride.

Avoid the excessive use of mouthwashes that

(Electric brushes will prevent the need to scrub.)

contain 'chlorhexidine' as this may cause staining.

Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure

(Not more than 10 consecutive days).

your toothpaste contains fluoride.

Avoid rinsing with water after brushing. Just spit

NEW BORN

out the excess toothpaste and leave the teeth

Breast

'coated'. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30

strong. The action of sucking and

minutes to allow for optimum absorption of the

swallowing is very important for your

fluoride into the enamel.

baby as it helps promote the growth

Brushing at night is the most important as there

of the jaw and face bones.

is little or no saliva to protect your teeth while

S G 96

Spend about three seconds between each tooth,

heal. They are caused by stress, stomach conditions

'Milk

feeding

teeth'

makes

or

the

the

baby

primary

you sleep.

dentition start erupting from 6-8

In the morning, preferably brush after breakfast

months after birth. By the time the

to optimise the full effects of the toothpaste.

child is three years old all the 'milk'

Remember to always brush the tongue and

teeth should have erupted, leaving

palate.

a total of 20 teeth in the upper and

Flossing is an essential part of maintaining

lower jaw. Looking after the primary

dentition is crucial for the preparation and reserving

in a positive mood when you brush your teeth while

room for the permanent dentition.

letting your child watch you will raise curiosity and

Not every baby has trouble with teething, and

they will do the same. Making the brushing experience

there should be no cause for concern if your little one

interactive and part of the daily routine is very

feels the cutting process. Some symptoms of teething

important. Using colouring charts or nursery rhymes

include; loss of sleep, little appetite, restlessness,

or creating games around brushing can all help in

temperature, diarrhoea and skin rash.

making the experience enjoyable for your little one.

Babies will put anything in their mouths to relieve

Dental floss is not important at this stage, however,

the pressure and pain caused by teething. The most

an introduction to floss and setting the example by

suitable aids are teething rings made of silicone and

flossing your own teeth in front of your child is very

cooling dental sticks. Keep them in the fridge (never

important.

freezer) so the cold effect helps relieve the pain even further.

Diet is all-important at this early stage. Limiting the amount of sugar is essential, especially surgary

As soon as the first teeth appear they should

drinks. The more natural the food, for example,

be brushed. Using either a baby tooth brush or a

fruit and raw food, the more hard chewing has to be

cloth over your finger and a small amount of baby

done and the more thoroughly the teeth will clean

toothpaste (never use adult toothpaste) brush the

themselves. A well balanced diet is essential and, as

erupted teeth once a day (before bed) for the first two

an example, should include lots of cereal (non-GM) and

years. After which brushing should be done twice a

whole-meal products, fruit and vegetables (preferably

day, morning and night.

raw or quickly blanched), yogurt, milk and cheese and

Only from a primary school age do kids develop

little meat and fish on a regular basis with limited fats

the ability to brush independently. Up until that time

and oils and very little sweets. If sweets are going to

assisted brushing is required to make sure they are

be given, it should be once a day and brushing the

cleaning their teeth correctly. Always encourage your

teeth straight away should be encouraged.

child to brush on their own as the sooner they learn

Avoid giving your child a bottle for long periods,

this the better. The brushing stroke must be in circular

especially if the drink is sweetened with sugars. When

movements for the sides of the teeth, and a gentle

children continuously drink from the bottle their teeth

scrubbing for the tops of the teeth. Only a pea-sized

are always coated with this fluid and this prevents

amount of toothpaste is required.

saliva from protecting the teeth and leads to rampant

The tooth brush should have as small a head as

tooth decay.

possible, with rounded soft bristles and thick firm

Giving fluoride at this young age is not essential

grip. Specially made kids toothpaste must be used as

(0-3). It is very difficult to determine the amount of

it has just the right amount of fluoride for your child.

fluoride that a young child ingests on a daily basis as

Try and get them to brush in front of a mirror as this

many of them swallow their toothpaste. Overdosing

helps develop good techniques.

on fluoride is very dangerous and can be harmful.

Children will always follow what grown-ups do and

Just by them brushing with a recommended children's

this is especially true when it comes to brushing. Being

toothpaste is perfect. Once older, their dentist can decide on what is necessary to provide additional fluoride in the way of a daily supplement or topical application.

The first visit to the dentist can be as early as two and a half or three years and this is purely to familiarise your child with the dental environment. I encourage mothers to bring their little ones in as early as two and a half, just for 5-10 minutes to 'play' in the chair and get used to the sights and smells. A lot also depends on the attitudes parents display at home about the dentist. Giving the child negative feedback and being apprehensive about the dentist will only build up unnecessary fear. Building trust between

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your child and the dentist is crucial, so when the time comes for that first filling or any other treatment, there is already that element of trust and a traumatic experience can be avoided.

senior citiZens

A check-up twice a year with a dentist is critical in maintaining a stable oral condition. These visits should be combined with a thorough cleaning session by the oral hygienist.

The deterioration of oral hygiene with age not only affects appearance but also inhibits the ability to eat

will also improve the way the mouth is cleaned, as

and communicate. Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies

the rotation of the brush head removes plaque more

and insufficient oral care are additional challenges.

effectively than a manual toothbrush, especially in

False teeth (dentures) are not like regular teeth.

It is important to adapt one's diet to the changing

and difficult.

of one's mouth. Food that could once be eaten with

A check-up twice a year with a dentist is critical

original teeth may not be easy to eat with false teeth.

in maintaining a stable oral condition for the elderly

Avoid hard food that requires tearing (tough meat,

patient. These visits should be combined with a

raw vegetables and so on). A soft diet consisting of

thorough cleaning session by the oral hygienist. The

fish, pasta, and soups is much easier to adapt to.

dentist will also screen the mouth to make sure there

Once you have adapted to dentures, explore different

are no signs of oral diseases including oral cancer,

food varieties.

which becomes more common as age advances.

Using the correct denture cleaning product is

The most important natural protector of the teeth,

crucial for the longevity of your appliance. Follow the

saliva, is commonly seen to diminish with age. Sjogren

instructions of your chosen denture cleaning product

syndrome and the use of certain drugs can lead to a

carefully. Never use toothpaste to brush false teeth as

total dryness of the mouth. These patients need to be

this may cause corrosion on the denture surface. Also,

treated with extra care as the teeth become extremely

note that plaque can still accumulate on false teeth,

vulnerable to decay. Special mouthwashes do exist to

leading to bad breath and the potential to develop

help the elderly treat Sjogren, however please consult

infections associated with dentures. So, keeping

with your dentist beforehand.

dentures clean is crucial.

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the elderly where manual brushing can become tiring

Certain changes can occur in the mouth with

Sleeping with your dentures in can lead to a

age. For example, the tongue can change in the

condition known as denture stomatitis, a fungal

elderly causing large swollen nodules on the side

infection of the mucosa (gum tissue). This is caused

of the tongue (foliate papillae) as well as a large

when the protective action of saliva is cut-off from

distinct vein can be seen at the base of the tongue

the underlying gum tissue (mucosa), resulting in a

(lingual varicosities). Both these may alarm the patient

redness of that tissue. It is commonly seen in elderly

initially, but are completely normal and not harmful

patients who smoke. The gums and/or palate remain

in any way.

painless. Visit your dentist regularly to check if you

Many elderly patients may be taking some form

are suffering from stomatitis which can be easily

of anticoagulant to prevent blood clots. It is very

treated with antifungal medication.

important to inform your dentist of such medication

Ill fitting dentures can cause discomfort and lead

and consult with your physician before any major

to traumatic ulcers. Dentures need to fit snugly or

invasive dental treatment. Having a tooth removed

the repetitive movement can cause an ulceration of

while on anticoagulants can cause excessive bleeding

the gum. This is incredibly painful, limiting eating

and is difficult to manage.

and making talking uncomfortable. In this event it is

It is also common for elderly patients to have had

vital to visit your dentist to try and improve the fitting

some form of prosthesis placed in their body, such

surface of your denture.

as heart valve replacement or prosthetic hip. This

Mouthwash is an excellent way for the elderly to

usually requires a form of antibiotic cover prior to any

maintain optimum oral hygiene. As one gets older

major dental treatment. Patients or carers are urged

and the ability to brush properly is lost, the daily

to check with their doctor or dentist is they require

introduction of a mouthwash will help keep the

such medication. O

bacterial count low. Using an electric toothbrush

For more info visit www.otcpharma.co.za

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Endorsed by:

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www.simonsays.co.za | 5647

CONSCIOUSCLEANINGOPTIONS

Home g and n o l the ason e s After r winte tion and y l l i h c spec o r orm, t n n i e n h t whe n are ive along o i t a n r hiber arts to ar nvite in i g st se to ealthy l u sprin p the im create h , in h t i w , and However w e n the ingly ces. a m p e s e s clean world of ia the e v s ' s y n a tod labl utio i l a o v s a quick oices equired h c f ora o are r e t w , pleth f l grea e h h t s i e w on th gate i t lly in s a e u v t n c i a to ts at is h oduc w r e p r a g c eanin s all l u c g e n ti thes affec ally and e r a t that , men e a look. y l l a ic k phys lly. We ta iona emot

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S

ynthetic household products contain harmful chemicals that react with ozone from the air, and containing toxins like formaldehyde.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the inside of homes contain around two to five times more common chemical pollutants than areas outside of homes. And considering people spend around 90% of their time inside, the denser concentration of chemicals indoors is significant. It has been found that these types of pollutants can cause headaches, flu-like symptoms, neurological issues and even increase of respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergic reactions of all kinds.

Just do some quick and easy research and you will be horrified at the facts, that most of these products' manufacturers would not want you to know about.

It is no surprise therefore that shoppers have started reaching for so-called 'green' products, which they expect to contain significantly less amounts of these toxic substances. Many products even carry labels stating that the item is non-toxic, biodegradable, natural or organic, non-hazardous, non-flammable, and non-corrosive. These are words that require repeated defining, considering the fact that there are many natural or organic chemicals that

(phenols, formaldehyde, petroleum solvents,

are part of nature and not necessary good for you.

perchloroethylene, butyl cellosolve). And

It is also important to note that household cleaning

phosphates, phthalates, ethanolamines, cresol,

products are not necessarily highly-regulated. In fact,

dye, ethanol, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric

cleaning product manufacturers are not required to

acid, phenol, phosphoric acid, propellants, and

disclose all of the ingredients used in the product

trichloroethylene.

on the label. Even companies who produce 'green' and 'natural' cleaners are not necessarily required to

Make your own

do so. So, instead of looking for words like 'green'

Using easily available household products such as

and other marketing keywords, first check the label

lemons, vinegar, herbs, essential oils, baking soda

and inform yourself. Even though many ingredients

(sodium bicarbonate), and bees wax. With some

aren't listed, it's the first step in eliminating harmful

of these items below, you can clean just about

products. If any of these ingredients are listed, find

anything.

another product right away.

 Baking soda: scrubbing, whitening  Beeswax: polishing wood  Borax (sodium borate): removing stains/

Ditch the toxins Avoid these toxic ingredients when buying cleaning products:

 Alkylphenol ethoxylates  Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including 1,4-dichlorobenzene, chlorine, ammonia, bleach,

 Glycol ethers  Lye  Nonylphenol ethoxylate

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 Sodium laureth sulfate  Sodium lauryl sulfate  Synthetic fragrance  Terpenes  Triclosan and other antibacterial agents

disinfecting

 Club soda (or any unflavoured fizzy water): lifting stains

 Cornstarch: absorbing stains  Hydrogen peroxide: disinfecting, removing stains

 Lemon: removing stains and odours  Liquid dish soap: sudsing power

4. Most homes do not need strong, chemical disinfectants. A natural disinfectant can be made by mixing: 4 tablespoons vinegar, two teaspoons borax, ¼ teaspoon liquid castile soap and three cups hot water.

5. Homemade cleaners for floors are also simple.

To clean linoleum or vinyl, combine: 1 cup vinegar, 3 drops of baby oil and 2.5l of warm water. People can still get tough jobs done and stick to natural cleaning solutions by adding ¼ cup of borax to the floor cleaner. Wooden floors are easy to clean with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and vegetable oil.

6. Homemade cleaners for bathrooms. To clean a toilet, add 10 drops tea tree oil and three cups white vinegar into the toilet bowl and let sit for 15 minutes. Vinegar is an excellent ingredient for homemade cleaners used in bathtubs and showers because unlike soap, vinegar does not leave a residue. Fill a spray bottle with half water

 Olive oil: polishing wood  Pine oil: cleaning soft wood floors  Plant essential oils: chemical-free fragrance  Salt: scrubbing  Toothpaste: polishing metal  Washing soda (sodium carbonate): scrubbing, removing stains and cutting grease

 White vinegar: disinfecting, removing stains Remember, even all-natural cleaning ingredients can be irritating. Open windows to ventilate rooms while you clean, and wear gloves. Store homemade

and half vinegar for a basic shower cleaner. Add liquid detergent for extra strength. Leave the spray for 30 minutes before rinsing off.

7. A spray bottle filled with club soda makes a perfectly efficient glass cleaner or mix ¼ cup white vinegar or 1 tablespoon lemon juice, two cups water, 3-4 drops liquid soap (optional).

Mix and spray or wipe on; for the best shine, use old newspapers.

8. Remove rust stains with a paste made from water and cream of tartar.

cleaners in sealed containers, in cool and dry

9. For a dirty oven. Make a paste by combining:

places. To make your cleaning formulas, you'll need

1½ cups baking soda, ½ cup salt and ½ cup

measuring cups and spoons, wide-mouth containers

water. Spread the paste inside the oven, but not

(glass is best) and narrow funnels. Use large

on the metal areas. Leave the paste in the oven

stainless steel or glass bowls rather than ceramic or

overnight. When morning comes, add ¼ cup of

plastic ones that might absorb essential oil scents.

vinegar with ¼ cup of water in a spray bottle

Gather up an assortment of spray bottles, squirt

and spray inside the oven. The solution must

bottles and shakers with flip tops.

be rinsed off well to avoid a residue.

Here are some helpful combinations:

10. Reclaim counters by sprinkling with baking

1. Make an all-purpose cleaner by combining:

soda, then scrubbing with a damp cloth or

¼ cup baking soda, ½cup vinegar and 2.2l of

sponge. If you have stains, dust surfaces with

water.

baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or

2. Make a natural dishwasher soap by combining equal parts washing soda and borax.

cloth. Knead the baking soda and water into a paste and let set for a while before you remove.

3. To hand-wash dishes, use a wisely chosen

This method also works great for stainless steel

liquid soap (see SG Edition 4 for more info on

sinks, cutting boards, containers, refrigerators,

this) and add 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the

oven tops and more. If you have tougher grime,

soapy water.

sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up

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some elbow grease.

11. Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.

12. Grout cleaner kill mildew and whiten grout without chlorine. Baking soda and white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide is the perfect combo for this job. Combine ingredients to make a paste.

Let stand 30 minutes or more, then scrub.

13. For a clogged drain, use a plumber's snake or an untwisted coat hanger to pull out as much gunk as possible. Pour ½ cup baking or washing soda down the drain; gradually add ½ cup white vinegar. Let fizz and dissolve. Carefully pour

with a clean cloth afterward. One of the very few

in boiling water from a tea kettle. Wait half

things you can't clean with lemon juice is anything

an hour. Repeat as necessary. Before calling a

that is brass plated as the juice will damage the

plumber (if all is not yet clear), let things cool

item. Aside from that, here are a few reasons why

off and snake again.

cleaned with lemons is a good idea. Lemon juice can

14. To clean cloths and sponges: Vinegar to renew

be used instead of bleach, as a degreaser. Lemon

sponges and dish cloths by placing them in just

juice is excellent at cutting odours and can remove

enough water to cover them. Then add ¼ cup

stubborn stains on stubborn places. Lemon juice

white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

makes cleaning with vinegar more tolerable – If the

Or you can soak a sponge overnight in a strong

smell of vinegar gets to you, adding a bit of lemon

white distilled vinegar and water solution to

juice to your vinegar based all purpose cleaner helps

remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with

mask that aroma. A 1:1 mixture of lemon juice and

cold water and let air dry. Get stained white

water makes a good all purpose cleaner, too. Just

socks and dingy dishcloths white again by

make sure to do a spot check before spraying on

adding one cup of white distilled vinegar to a

walls or wood. Lemon juice is also a pretty good

large pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil and

glass cleaner on its own.

drop in the articles. Let soak overnight.

Bicarbonate of Soda is also good to freshen sponges – soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong

White distilled vinegar is a popular household

baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4

cleanser, effective for killing most mould, bacteria,

tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1l of warm

and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning

water). Freshen linens and clothing by adding ½ cup

with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid

of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets

using harsh chemicals. The word vinegar comes

and towels.

from a French translation for 'sour wine' Besides

Lemons

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Vinegar

being effective, vinegar is cheap, highly versatile and easily available. It is non-toxic and lasts for a

Thanks to their citric acid and natural antibacterial

very long time without losing strength. It does not

and bleaching properties, lemons have a lot of uses

pollute land, air or water or combust. It's much safer

around the house, from cleaning up tough messes

to have under your sink than bleach, ammonia or

in the kitchen to improving personal appearances.

other toxic cleaning products. It can be used neat or

High in citric acid, lemon juice one of the best

in diluted forms and can be used in the kitchen for

natural cleaners due to its low pH and antibacterial

all white good items, on counter tops, glassware or

properties. Lemons also smell great and aren't likely

windows, cleaning of metals, carpets and flooring,

to cause damage to materials around what you are

pest control, freshening of bedding, bathrooms

cleaning such as fabric or wood. When cleaning with

and can even clean baby bottles and fruit and

lemons always rinse with warm soapy water and dry

vegetables. However, it is worth mentioning here

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that you should never use white distilled vinegar on

heating of sodium bicarbonate releases carbon

marble. The acid can damage the surface.

dioxide.

To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime

Bicarb is clearly very useful in many ways, such

build-up, use a paste made of two tablespoons salt

as for making efficient scrubs due to its great

and one teaspoon white distilled vinegar.

degreasing properties, aiding in cleaning dishes or

Make your own scouring cleanser by combining ¼ cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent.

Make a Surface Soft Scrub: For safe, effective

Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a

cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile and sinks – even

thick but creamy texture.

fibreglass and glossy tiles-sprinkle baking soda

Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet

lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual.

again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled

Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning

vinegar. Rinse away soapy film on countertops with

power, make a paste with baking soda, course salt

a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

and liquid dish soap – let it sit then scour off.

Bicarb

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the oven and is even good as a deoderiser.

Handwash Dishes / Pots & Pans: Add two heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your

Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline

regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help

but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly

cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots and pans.

salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda

For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking

or sodium carbonate. This natural mineral is found

soda and detergent with water first, then use dry

dissolved in many mineral springs. Since it has long

baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a

been known and is widely used, the salt has many

scratchless scouring powder.

related names such as baking soda, bread soda,

Clean the Oven: Sprinkle baking soda onto the

cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda. In colloquial

bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen

usage, its name is shortened to sodium bicarb,

the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning,

bicarb soda, or simply bicarb. Many laboratories

scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a

keep a bottle of sodium bicarbonate powder

sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.

within easy reach, because sodium bicarbonate

With all this said and done, lets remember that in

is amphoteric, reacting with acids by neutralising

choosing to be conscious in your cleaning methods,

things. Furthermore, as it is relatively innocuous in

you are not only taking care of your family members,

most situations, there is no harm in using excess

including the pets, but also the environment. In the

sodium bicarbonate. Also, sodium bicarbonate

upcoming editions we will look at specific sections

powder may be used to smother a small fire, as

in the home and how best to clean them.

SG

Nature Soap Harmless House

Introducing the new range 'Better Life'. An environmentallyand people-friendly range of household cleaning products with ingredients like fruit acids and essential oils, as well as refreshing liquid hand soaps and lotions for use in the kitchen and bathroom. Better Life products have a three year shelf life and use a blend of fruit acids and essential oils/extracts plus 0.01% of MIT, a synthetic preservative that is completely biodegradable and safe. As with all Harmless Houses brands and products, the Better Life range is cruelty-free certified and vegan. www.harmlesshouse.co.za

Nature Soap is an online supplier of soap nuts (or soapberries), which are the dried shells of the fruit of the soapberry tree (Sapindus Mukorossi), which grows in the wild in the Himalayan region.

They contain high concentrations of soap (saponin), making them an alternative to laundry & household cleaning detergents. They are safe for use with all washing machines.

They are also common in Ayurvedic medicine. Soap nuts are environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, hypo-allergenic & economical. www.naturesoap.co.za

Addis SPRITZA MOP

This new floor cleaning solution cuts cleaning time in half. Tiles, vinyl, hardwood and laminate, it’s all down to Spritza’s smart spray system that incorporates a refillable bottle, easy-to-use trigger to dispense water and the revolutionary microfibre material in the pad. The resulting spray-sweep-clean action means faster, better cleaning.

The Spritza spray system allows you to always use clean water so you can say goodbye to heavy buckets full of dirty water that just spread dirt and germs across your floors. What’s more, the highly effective combination of ordinary tap water – hot or cold – and the allergy-reducing microfibre pad eliminates the need for harsh toxic chemicals, which means eco-friendly and cost-effective cleaning. www.addis.co.za

Greenman has been created to ensure that exceptional botanically-blended & Carcinogen-free cleaning & agricultural products are made available across South Africa. The Greenman products are also available in easy-to-use options for your Home & Garden where you will save a small fortune on your yearly cleaning & gardening bills. Put Greenman to the test.

For info click the icons

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 10

PROBIO

Probiotics for your home, your garden and your health.

Probio is a range of all-natural and biodegradable products containing powerful, living microbes which harness the benefits of probiotics. These products have been designed to be a direct replacement to many man-made toxic chemicals currently being used in homes, commercial businesses and agriculture operations within Southern Africa. www.probio.co.za

We have TEN Probio hampers valued at R250 each to give away. Email your name and full postal details here by 25 October 2013 to stand a chance to win.

e-cloth

Earthsap

With over 20 years’ experience in the manufacture of consumer toiletry products, Earthsap applied that expertise to the manufacture of non-toxic, biodegradable, naturederived cleaners. Earthsap is formulated and tested together with their micro-biologists, and is based on pure simple ingredients including coconut, palm, citrus and other plant oils. Only pure essential oils are used, no synthetic fragrances which can be made up of over 200 different chemicals, and often cause skin irritation and allergies. Earthsap cleaners are safe for your family, pets and the environment and are completely biodegradable. They do not harm aquatic life or affect marine plant growth. Enjoy your product knowing it is good for the environment and good for you. www.earthsap.co.za

Each e-cloth has 480 000 fibres/cm2. Each tiny e-cloth fibre is split into 16 fibre strands. This is an extremely high density and means performance is exceptional. Unlike conventional cloths, as you draw an e-cloth across a surface, the fibres clean by breaking up, trapping and absorbing dirt, grease and bacteria into the material – all this with just water. No need for expensive and time-consuming chemical sprays – just move from surface to surface with a water spray in one hand an e-cloth in the other. For more info click here.

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PURESIMPLE

This company specialises in handmade pure vegetable oil-based soaps and household cleaners. The bath range has been specially formulated to be mild and gentle on the skin while the home range has been formulated to clean thoroughly but gently. All products are handmade, and, where possible, ingredients are sourced locally to minimise the carbon footprint and to support environment-friendly principles. All finished products are biodegradable and contain no artificial additives, synthetic surfactants, colourants, cosmetic fragrances, paraben-type preservatives, mineral oils or petroleum based ingredients. Packaging has also been specially sourced to ensure that it is biodegradable and/or recyclable. www.facebook.com/puresimple.sa

woolworths

If you’re concerned about the products you use around the house and for your family every day, you’ll be happy to know that the Earth Friendly range of household cleaning, personal care and baby toiletry products is back – and even better. The household cleaning range is made with biodegradable cleaning ingredients and contains essential oils that are all sourced from nature. They contain no artificial colours and, in line with our sustainability principles, contain no animal ingredients and are not tested on animals. The Earth Friendly beauty range also includes a range of toiletries for the whole family, now with a fresh new look. Each product is made with naturally-derived, biodegradable ingredients and contains no artificial colours.

The entire range has been dermatologically tested and is suitable for sensitive skin. Like all Woolworths beauty and skin care products, the Earth Friendly toiletries are not tested on animals and are endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty. www.woolworths.co.za

GREENTRUTH

The Greenman International range of cleaners and degreasers are equal to, or better than, the high-end petro chemicals currently in use in the various market sectors and homes across SA. Greenman products are here to show that a botanically-blended and carcinogen-free option works for you and your pocket. Put Greenman to the test and keep it real. www.greentruth-international.com

We have SIX boxsets of the Truth range and FOUR hampers of the Greenman multi-surface cleaner to give away. Send your details, name and postal address here and state which of the two giveaways you would prefer by 25 October 2013 to stand a chance of winning.

  6

4

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Hot off the press OLYMPUS FLOWER

Durable & simple to assemble Solar Cookers • Cook for free using the energy of the sun • Temperatures of 200°C reached • All that’s needed is a sunny spot in the garden • Boil water, cook soups and stews • Bake bread & cake, grill & fry • Cost effective & will save you money • Hand-made in South Africa www.Olympusflower.com

Healthy Back Bags

AFMINE

A grow kit that will allow you to sprout some spearmint right there in your office or home.

Plants are fond of people who like plants, so show your mint some love and give it a name. It'll thank you in its own way. www.afmine.co.za

Two decades ago, a special education teacher in the US named Margery Gaffin noticed how many students were walking around with heavy, badly structured backpacks that put untold strain on their bodies and spines. Margery decided to ask her husband, a leather craftsman, to create the most comfortable bag in the world. A bag that could be worn by anyone, to go anywhere and do anything.

A bag that would not give you neck-ache or a sore lower back.

A bag that would be of the highest quality in terms of craftsmanship and material. Under the guidance of doctors and chiropractors, The Healthy Back Bag was born a few months later, and today it is an established brand in 26 countries around the world. Healthy Back Bags retail from R150.00 to R799.00 dependant on size and variation, and are now available in Wellness Warehouse stores and online: www.wellnesswarehouse.com.

MAWUWATER

Environmental entrepreneur Carin Dean-Wales has created a sexy way to carry your water around. The Manuwater aquasac can be used to carry the water of your choice (tap or filtered or any drink for that matter). It can also be used with a bottle filter (Brita or similar that is attachable to the aquasac nozzle).

Not just for action men and women, the Manuwater aquasac is the must-have fashion accessory (and so much cooler than carrying a plastic bottle of water around with you). Available nationwide - retailing from R200. www.mawuwater.co.za

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Why GMOs were created by Monsanto

WATCH THIS!

GMOs&you

G lobal GMO U pdate

In this concise two-minute video, Jeffrey Smith explains what motivated biotech giant Monsanto to utilise genetic

Why GMOs Were Created

engineering in the first place. He explains how the technology’s process of DNA insertion plus cloning creates a variety of unpredictable effects and potentially massive collateral damage, including mutations, allergens, toxins, and anti-nutrients.

This pig was fed GMOs

Dr Judy Carman and seven other co-authors have published a long-term, peer-reviewed toxicology study on piglets fed GM corn and soy. The conclusion? The pigs suffered adverse health effects from consuming GMOs, including severe

Insect Invasion Brazilian Caterpillars Genetically modified

crops in Brazil – including soy, corn, and cotton – are being devoured by voracious caterpillars

stomach inflammation and dangerous changes to the liver and uterus. Read full article here.

New Study: European non- GM crops more successful

whose predators were

New research published in the International Journal of

wiped out by the

Agricultural Sustainability indicates that – contrary to Monsanto

pesticides in GMO seeds.

claims – plant breeding, not genetic engineering, is responsible

As a result, Brazilian

for increased yields in crops. All things considered, Europe came

farmers are facing huge

out ahead of the US in the areas of crop yield, pest reduction,

financial losses.

pesticide use, enviro-impact, and overall sustainability. Read full

Read full article here.

article here.

111 S G

your green tv show guide The must-see shows for all things green, organic & healthy on the home front.

SEPTEMBER 2013 Steven & Chris Mon 1pm • Tues 5pm • Thurs 9pm • Fri 9am • Sat 11pm • Sun 10am

Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman, present this popular lifestyle series from CBC. Over the course of the series, the duo provide tips, tricks and lively discussions on a variety of topics and offer fun and practical solutions for the ultimate design dilemmas in feature segment, 'Ask Steven and Chris'. Steven and Chris, along with their roster of experts, are the go-to source for ideas and expertise in home décor, food & entertaining, fashion & beauty, health & fitness, relationships, finance and much more.

expert tips and tricks to help solve your design dilemmas big and small. It’s fresh, upbeat and exciting thanks to Sarah and Tommy’s infectious enthusiasm and you-can-do-it attitude.

Every episode invites you to jump behind the scenes for an insider’s guide to design rationale and decor decisions and learn how a professional with great style creates design magic in homes just like yours. Take the Sarah 101 design course and come away with the tools you’ll need to achieve style and success every time.

Candice Tells All Mon 8.30am • Tues 12.30pm • Wed 4.30pm • Fri 8.30pm

Sarah 101 Mon 12.30pm • Tues 4.30pm • Thurs 8.30pm • Fri 8.30am • Sat 11am & 8pm • Sun 4pm

Sarah 101 is a dynamic back-to-basics crash course in design.

Sarah Richardson, award-winning host of Sarah’s House, Sarah’s Cottage, Design Inc, and Room Service shares her

Candice takes viewers through the ins-and-outs of her signature makeovers while exploring a major design principle in each episode. We see first-hand where Candice gets her design inspiration and joins her as she traverses the city to see how these principles work in other mediums and art forms.

Candice also gets the scoop from design industry insiders and meets up with professionals and artists doing inspiring and

fabulous things beyond the world of interior design. It is a first-hand glimpse into Candice’s world, her design process and inspiration, as well as a chance to see her as we have never seen her before – up-close and personal.

Buy Herself Mon 10pm • Tues 11.30am • Wed 3.30pm • Fri 7.30pm Sat 10.30am & 7.30pm • Sun 3.30pm & 10.30pm

Sarah beeny selling houses

Buy Herself is a real estate, about finding a home, about taking a big step, and most of all it is about women doing it on their own. Each week, top-rated TV personality and award-winning real-estate broker Sandra Rinomato lends her expertise to a woman preparing for one of the most challenging purchases of her life – Buy Herself.

Sarah Houses

Beeny

Selling

Mon 9pm • Tues 9am • Wed 1pm • Thurs 5pm • Sat 12pm & 5pm • Sun 7am & 1pm

This brand new series sees Sarah help not-so-savvy sellers maximise the saleability of their homes by giving them a unique opportunity to snoop on the competition.

Get the Look Mon 12.30pm • Tues 4.30pm • Thurs 8.30pm • Fri 8.30am • Sat 9.30am & 6.30pm • Sun 2.30pm & 9.30pm

Get The Look sees interior designer Kathryn Rayward lay down her years of experience to help families come up with something creative, practical and, above all, functional.

Show Me How get the look

Mon 7pm • Tues 10.30pm • Wed 11am • Thurs 3pm • Sat 9am

steven & chris

Your favourite local arts & craft show is back. Show Me How has heaps of wonderful projects that are sure to inspire you. Presenter Gloria Bastos will be at it again with her line up of fabulous guests who will be guiding you through a series of great arts & crafts. Whether it’s scrap-booking, oil paint, sugar art or getting creative with clay and mosaics, we’ll give you the know-how.

& 6pm • Sun 2pm & 9pm

Fearless in the Kitchen Mon 10am • Tues 2pm • Thurs 6pm • Fri 11pm • Sat 7.30am & 4pm • Sun 11.30am & 6pm

Celebrity Chef Christine Cushing transforms terrible cooks into savvy, fearless chefs who can prepare tasty meals for family and friends. Each episode introduces viewers to a culinary – challenged participant who will be guided through a series of cooking-related tasks and challenges by Cushing in order to help them gain confidence in the kitchen.

Food

W

ith 87% of the world's fish stocks either overexploited or fully fished (2012 UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation report); the state of the ocean's fish stocks is a worldwide concern.

Unless action is taken, overfishing will continue to affect our marine life, livelihoods and favourite seafood choices.

Woolworths has, for a number of years, shared this concern. We remain deeply committed to procuring all our seafood from sustainable fisheries and responsible farming operations and are working with local and international seafood sustainability awareness and certification programs, including the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the WWF-SA's Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to ensure that all our seafood is responsibly sourced and traceable back to the ship that caught it or the farm that raised it. We are continually working to raise awareness of the issues and help our customers make informed choices.

Sustainability milestones

Since introducing our sustainable seafood policy in 2008, we have achieved a number of significant milestones, which include: 2008 – Introducing our Sustainable Seafood Policy; Becoming the first retailer to sign the WWF-SASSI Retail Charter; and we began our sustainable seafood journey by compiling Wild Caught and Aquaculture questionnaires; 2010 – Introduced random DNA testing to ensure that species are correctly identified; Stopped selling Cape Salmon as a result of depleted stock status; 2011 – Facilitated the process of getting South African farmed rainbow trout on the WWF-SASSI Green list; 2012 – Stopped selling longline Yellowfin Tuna due to sustainability concerns; Established a business-wide Fishing for the Future working group; Offered widest range of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified species in South African retail; and all our seafood counters are MSC chain-of-custody certified; 2013 – Announced new time-bound retail seafood sustainability commitments.

Woolworths is committed to Fishing for the Future, and preserving seafood stocks for future generations.

This is their report.

Educational initiatives achieved 2009 – Introducing colour-coded labelling for our seafood; and developing

SUSTAINAB S G 114

What Can You Do? When you buy responsibly sourced seafood, you're doing your part to ensure there will be plenty of fish in the sea for future generations to enjoy.

Choose wisely Check for credible eco-labels when buying seafood, like the MSC blue fish-with-a-tick eco-label which indicates that the product is certified to have come from a well-managed and sustainable fishery.

Check packaging information. Not only will our seafood products carry our Woolworths 'Fishing for the Future' logo as a guarantee of our commitment to responsible sourcing, but we have labelled our packs so that you can be sure the fish you are buying is what we say it is. We will also display, where we have space on pack, the SASSI FishMS number so that you can verify the sustainability status of the species you are buying.

WATCH THIS!

Check the sustainability status of the species you're buying. SMS the name of the fish you're buying to the SASSI FishMS number: 079 499 8795. You can also download a full list of Green-, Orange- and Red-listed seafood species as well as the handy consumer seafood pocket guide from the WWF-SASSI website. Choose from WWF-SASSI's Green-list when you buy seafood. The Red-listed seafood species include both illegal and over-exploited species – never buy these.

MSC Sustainable Fishing

BLE FISHING and you

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our first 'Fishing for the Future' reusable shopping bag to raise awareness among customers; 2012 – Developed another 'Fishing for the Future' bag; Running a successful MSC-focused consumer awareness campaign and a second Fishing For the Future consumer awareness campaign; 2013 – a range of 'Ocean Promise' bags to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation; and including Fishing for the Future as a case study in our curriculum-linked teacher resources and experiential store tours, as part of the Woolworths Making the Difference Educational Programmes; and our annual Making The Difference schools coastal clean-up, raising awareness around the dangers of marine pollution while helping to clean up our beaches.

Future Commitments

Having accomplished our milestones, we have now set ourselves some equally challenging but achievable goals for the next few years:

By end 2015, all our wild-caught seafood will be: Sourced from fisheries that are undertaking a credible, time-bound improvement project*; WWF-SASSI Green-listed, or caught from MSC (or equivalent) certified fisheries.

All species produced by aquaculture will be: From aquaculture operations that are engaged in a credible, time-bound improvement project*, or, where applicable WWF-SASSI Green-listed, or formally committed to achieving the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification or have other credible standards in place such as Certified as Global GAP, Best Aquaculture Practise (BAP), Quality Trout UK (QTUK).

By end 2020, all aquaculture species sold will be: From aquaculture operations that are engaged in a credible, time-bound Improvement Project*, or will be WWF-SASSI Green-listed, or where applicable, are ASC** (or equivalent) certified.

You can partner with us on our sustainable seafood journey. Click here to find out what you can do.

SG

Visit www.woolworths.co.za *Woolworths, with the assistance of WWF, will determine the credibility of these Improvement Projects on a case-by-case basis and will provide guidance to fisheries/aquaculture facilities as to what constitutes a credible, time-bound improvement project. **These are source aquaculture operations for which there are relevant ASC standards to be certified against.

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Our Partners Here's some more information on the local and international seafood sustainability awareness and certification programs that we're working with to ensure that all our seafood is responsibly sourced and traceable back to the ship that caught it or the farm that raised it.

The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI) WWF-SASSI was launched to inform the seafood industry, from wholesalers and retailers to restauranteurs and seafood lovers, about the threats facing SA's marine ecosystems. It aims to shift consumer demands from overexploited species to more sustainable options. WWF-SASSI compiles a colour-coded list of seafood species, indicating those that are plentiful (green), those that are overexploited or illegal (red), or caught in a way that have associated enviro-concerns (orange) and encourages consumers to use this list to check the sustainability status of species.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) MSC is a leading global certification and

eco-labelling program for sustainably caught seafood. Fisheries are assessed against standards by independently accredited certifiers, and products from certified fisheries carry the blue MSC eco-label as a guarantee of their sustainability.

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) was co-founded by WWF and the Dutch Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH). It aims to be the world's leading certification and labelling programme for responsibly farmed seafood.

Seafood farming operations may be audited against the standards to achieve certification.

WW10106/E

OUR FISH IS BEST ENJOYED WITH A SIDE OF SUSTAINABILITY. When you buy your fish from Woolies, you join us in working to make sure there will be fish in the sea for future generations to enjoy. We’re working with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and WWFSouthern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI) to ensure that all our seafood is responsibly sourced, and have labelled our packs so that you can be sure the fish you are buying is what we say it is.

Responsible sourcing is all about asking the right questions and choosing the most sustainable option.

You can check the status of seafood by SMSing the name of the fish to WWF-SASSI on 079 499 8795.

Thank you for your supporT, and for choosing To be a parTner in our journey Towards susTainabiliTy.

117 S G

K itchen

g n i n

e e r G

a P ur

y r nt

Yo

a safe r u o r for y ons. i e t d p i s o n style to co e f i s l r y e t h in healt w po d e f n a a e are torag s Here d o xic fo o t s s le

S G 118

fully,

ope nd, h

I

n order to keep your pantry a 'safe zone'

disposable paper plates and napkins, or plastic

with respect to reducing toxic and unhealthy

forks and knives, they're not only cluttering up

contents to zero or close to that, we've compiled

your pantry, but also cluttering our landfills when

for you a check list to help you achieve that goal.

they get thrown away. The earth-friendly choice is

Stock Bulk Whole Foods. The pantry is the

re-useable, and far cheaper.

place for go-to foods you need to make meals. Most of your stores should be real foods - unprocessed

Check food safety recalls. Better yet, stick to

whole foods, like grains, root vegetables, legumes,

natural and organic products sourced locally, and

dried fruit and nuts - and minimally processed foods

you won't have to worry about this element of food

like pastas. Keep your pantry well-stocked, and shop

safety.

for pantry ingredients efficiently. Plan meals around what you have on hand. Shop for pantry ingredients

Stock good cookbooks. To inspire a healthy

that come in the least amount of packaging, and in

lifestyle within and without, use high-quality

recyclable or compostable packaging. Buy spices in

cookbooks featuring natural and organic food

bulk; keep a small amount in the cooking area, and

recipes, as well as life food and other healthier

the rest in the freezer.

options.

Stay away from processed foods - processed

Shop with re-usable bags. Obviously having

foods tend to be loaded with high-fructose corn syrup

plastic bags floating around our rivers, dams and

and other calorie-heavy ingredients, preservatives

the ocean are a bad idea - and they're not any better

and an array of artificial colours - including some

in landfills, taking a very long time to decay and

linked to attention deficit disorder, cancer and

releasing toxins and greenhouse gases as they do.

allergic reactions.

Compost your organic pantry items. Foods Store foods properly to prevent spoilage.

like onions, garlic and lemons, as well as old flours

Use non-toxic food storage containers. Choose glass,

and grains, stale spices and dried herbs, can all be

ceramic and stainless steel over plastic whenever

used as compost - even if you don't have a garden.

possible. These materials are long-lasting, can often

Urban dwellers can try worm composters, though

be transferred directly from the pantry or fridge to

they can give off a bit of an odour. Why not give

the oven or microwave, and, most importantly, they

your compost to a neighbour with a garden, or

won't leach chemicals into your food.

donate to a community garden? You'll surely be offered some produce in trade. If you trade compost

Limit use of canned foods. The lining of cans

for fresh herbs, dry those herbs for use during the

also contains the suspect chemicals bisphenol-A

winter.

and phthalates, both of which can mimic human reduce their exposure to the two chemicals by more

Ensure your refrigerator & freezer are operating properly. Make sure your refrigerator

than 50% simply by minimising the use of canned

and freezer temperatures are set correctly, and

foods like soups, tuna and beans.

clean the filter on the refrigerator to ensure

hormones. A recent analysis found that families can

energy-efficient operation.

Make your own green cleaning products.

Avoid using toxic pesticides and make your own,

Grow your own herbs. Whether used for

safer cleaning products as much as possible - see

health or to improve your culinary versatility and

articles on pages ... and ..., for more on these

the tastiness of your food, growing your own herbs

topics.

- even in a window-ledge garden - will bring you much pleasure and increased health and enjoyment

Stock re-usable items. Whether it's cutlery,

of your food.

SG

flatware, napkins or towels, the rule of thumb should be: wash and re-use. If you're using

119 S G

Garden

M

izuna, gai lan, tat soi, bok choy – even

a sunny position, in fertile soil that has been raked

the names of Asian greens are exotic and

smooth. Cover with a light layer of sieved compost

transporting. These leafy vegetables are

and press down firmly. Keep moist until they have

fast and easy to grow, flourish almost all year round

germinated. In hotter weather, they do better in

and are delicious and healthy. What more could you

semi-shade.

ask from a plant? I first grew Asian greens many years ago from a mixed seed selection. It was so

Pest & diseases

successful that they have become a regular in my

Slugs and snails love leafy greens. To protect

garden.

seedlings, use brass scouring wool. Pull, tease and

roll it between your hands until it forms a long

What are Asian greens?

sausage. Lay this around the seedbed, making sure

Hardy Asian greens come in a wide selection of

there are no gaps or leaves hanging over for the

colours and textures, adding interest and flavour to

blighters to use as a bridge. Pin it securely on the

the vegetable garden. Most are from the cabbage

ground using twigs.

family and do better during cooler weather. They

Birds like to nibble on Asian greens, especially

can be grown all year round, but expect them to

in the middle of winter when there is not much else

go to seed more quickly during hotter weather.

for them to eat. Hanging twirly, shiny objects, such

Many of them produce miniature broccoli-like buds,

as CDs, in the garden can deter them but if this

which are very tasty. Unlike lettuce, which turns

doesn't work, cover the beds with netting that has

bitter when it bolts, leaves of Asian greens are still

big enough holes to still allow insects in (and out).

edible when flowering. During hotter weather they

They sometimes can be affected by mildew in

become more pungent and the leaves toughen

the hot and damp conditions. As soon as you see

and are better eaten cooked than raw. The bright

the first signs of mildew, spray with diluted milk (5

yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies and if

water:1milk), mixed with a little dishwashing liquid.

left to mature, the plant will seed itself. All parts are edible, including the flowers and seeds.

How to grow them

Varieties Bok choy (also known as pak choi) has white stems and spoon-shaped green leaves. It

Seedlings of many varieties are available but they

needs consistent and plentiful moisture. It is a

are easily grown from seed. Leafier varieties do well

delicately flavoured green and is good in stir

when different types are mixed together and planted

fries or added to soups.

in a group. Bok choy and Chinese cabbage need a

Red mustard, with its reddish purple leaves

bit more space and should be planted separately.

and green veins, is a showy addition to the

A practical way of growing and harvesting Asian

vegetable garden. It is quite a rampant grower

greens, is the 'cut and come again' method where

and reaches up 70cm. It has a hot mustardy

individual leaves are plucked from a selection of

taste with a wasabi-like bite. Every stage of

plants grown close together. Young and tender

its growth provides food for the table: young

outer leaves are cut at the base, leaving the growing

leaves brighten up a salad; older, more pungent

tip in the middle. Not only are these tastier, each

leaves are delicious in stir fries; young buds and

picking encourages the plant to produce more

flowers can be scattered on salads or added

leaves. This provides you with far more than if the

to soups; and seeds can be ground to make a

whole plant is harvested. Scatter the seeds evenly in

spicy rub.

asian greens S G 120

Nutritious and easy to grow, Asian greens add a sparkle to the garden and the plate year round.

Jane Griffiths takes a look.

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Green mustard is not as hot or as rampant as its red cousin. It is as quick to reach harvesting size, but doesn't grow as tall. Different varieties have varying leaf shapes, from flat and pointed to bright green and frilly. It can be steamed, stir fried or eaten raw.

Gai lan, also known as Chinese broccoli, bears succulent buds on long, edible stalks. If you continue to cut the buds before they flower it will provide a harvest for longer. The stems add a crunchy texture to stir fries. It only needs to be cooked for a short time and is delicious with oyster sauce and garlic.

Tat soi has flavoursome dark green leaves and grows in a flat rosette shape. It is very nutritious and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Mizuna has a mild peppery flavour with spiky green or purple leaves. It adds texture to both the garden and a salad plate.

Chinese cabbage forms a dense head with overlapping pale green and white leaves. It needs regular water and forms better heads in colder weather.

Tidbits Asian greens are ideal for containers.

Good companions are spring onions, lettuce, nasturtium and beetroot.

Asian greens are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre and contain high levels of vitamin A and C as well as iron, calcium, potassium and beta-carotene.

Choy is the Chinese word for leafy vegetable.

They team up well with Asian condiments such as

Stir-fried Asian Greens With Asian greens simple and quick is the best. These few ingredients are all you need.

soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, teriyaki, hoisin, ginger, chilli and garlic.

1 large colander of mixed Asian greens

Do not wash them until ready to use. Store in plastic

2 tablespoons peanut oil

bags in the salad drawer of the fridge.

4 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly

When preparing Asian greens for a stir fry make sure you dry them very well first.

3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce

SG

Wash the leaves and spin them dry. Tear larger leaves into smaller pieces and keep the small ones whole. Spin dry again. Heat the oil in a wok until it is shimmering. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about 15 seconds.

Add the greens and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until just wilted. Add the teriyaki sauce and stir through. Remove from heat and serve with hot noodles or steamed rice.

Visit Jane's Delicious Garden at www.janesdeliciousgarden.com or email Jane on info@janesdeliciousgarden.com Photographs: Jane Griffiths & Keith Knowlton. SOURCES: Jane's Delicious Garden, Sunbird Publishers, a division of Jonathan Ball Publishers.

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JANE’S DELICIOUS

GARDENING CALENDAR 2014

Jane Griffiths, South Africa's organic vegetable gardening guru, brings you a beautiful monthly gardening inspiration calendar for 2014, which includes: country-wide sowing and planting information for each month; monthly advice to keep your garden productive and healthy; useful watering, fertilising and pest control tips; harvesting and preserving ideas; gorgeous monthly photographs; and phases of the moon This would make an ideal Christmas gift, and is available at book stores now.

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Garden

Delicious Cottage Garden

Sustainable Sensation

SPRINGwinning Garden World once again held its annual Spring Festival recently, with the theme being 'Celebrations'. Over the years, Rand Water's Water Wise team have awarded selected gardens on show with the Water Wise award for exhibiting best Water Wise practices. This has encouraged awareness of water conservation in both professional and amateur landscape and garden design, and ensures that the importance of water is taken into consideration when designing gardens and landscapes. We take a look at this year's winners.

S

outh Africa is a semi-arid country that

garden design emphasises the ability of home food

experiences erratic and variable rainfall. As

gardens to be organic, sustainable and practical

a result, water is a precious resource that

while retaining their aesthetic appeal. Permeable

needs to be conserved and appreciated. Water Wise

paving ensures that rainwater is retained and

encourages gardeners, landscapers and companies

absorbed into the ground, instead of creating

to reduce the amount of water used in the garden

wasteful and erosive run-off. The non-splash water

by implementing Water Wise practices such as

feature reduces water wastage and the aquatic

mulching, zoning, rainwater harvesting and reducing

plants shade the water, reducing the amount of

lawn area. With this in mind, the 2013 Water

water evaporation. Rainwater is harvested from the

Wise awards were presented in three categories:

roof, which supplements the garden's irrigation

Professional Show Garden, Young Designers and

system. Herbs, vegetables and flowers are artfully

Children's Garden.

placed in high, medium and low water-use zones.

This means that plants are watered according to their needs, reducing over-watering and preventing

Delicious Cottage Garden

under-watering. Containers add to the imaginative

The Water Wise Garden award for most Water

aesthetic appeal, while ensuring high water-use

Wise professional show garden went to Delicious

plants are placed in shaded areas. Mulch adds to

Cottage Garden. This creative and functional

the texture of the garden design and reduces water

ď ™

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Professional Show Garden winner:

Mindset Primary School

Circles of Life Simply Green's garden at this year's Garden World Spring Festival was designed by Sharon Catterick and entitled 'Circles of Life', with landscaping and construction done by Garden Girlz.

Says Catterick: 'This garden was a challenge as it has a peculiar shape and had an existing patio. The goal was to show that small gardens can be beautiful and practical, without being a huge amount of work. Entertaining is a huge part of our lives, so the patio was very important and just an extension of the garden. The design is slightly retro, with the chosen colours and wallpaper. The design starts with the organic log path leading you through bursts of vibrant plant colour and small circles of manicured lawn to the patio where the circular theme is continued on the walls. The overall effect is simplistic modern and manageable for a busy couple or a small family. Gardens have become a lot smaller and we are demanding a lot more out of our small spaces. The design has to be a lot more accommodating to small spaces and using the patio as an extension is essential. Practical designs, but yet still beautiful living.'

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

evaporation from the soil. Companion plants are

Children's Garden winners:

grown together to prevent the need for pesticides

Mindset Primary School

and chemicals. The overall appeal of the garden is

It

boosted by the use of old recycled items of interest,

importance of water so that they take these values

such as the old-fashioned bicycle, mugs, milk can

and ethics with them into the future as custodians

and water pump.

of our environment. It is with delight that Mindset

is

essential

that

children

understand

the

Primary is awarded with the Water Wise award for

Young Designer winner:

the Children's Garden. Their effective zoning and

Sustainable Sensation

use of low water-use plants show that these artistic

Tshwane University of Technology's garden design

children understand the importance of conserving

also uses container gardening and zoning to ensure

water in the garden, even from an early age. Bright

that low, medium and high water-use plants are

stone pebbles act effectively as both mulch and

placed to ensure irrigation is efficient and water

permeable paving, ensuring the infiltration of water

wise. The creative use of mulch reduces water

into the soil and preventing the evaporation of water

loss from the soil and adds colour and texture

from the soil.

to the design. Permeable paving allows rainwater

It is inspiring and encouraging to see how

to infiltrate into the soil, reducing the amount of

both professional and recreational garden and

irrigation required. The non-splash fountain reduces

landscapers incorporate the conservation of water

the amount of water evaporated from the feature.

and creative, functional design into their gardens.

The addition of herbs and vegetables into the

The aspects of sustainability included in the winning

design adds to the functionality of the garden and

gardens points to a more holistic approach of

makes it sustainable and practical. Old 'cast-away'

looking after our environment and ultimately our

items are added strategically to the design to create

water resources. Congratulations to all winners.

SG

interesting focal points, while also acting as parts of the low-splash water feature.

For info see ad below.

‘Spring’ into action

Website Contact Newsletter

W

inter is saying its last goodbyes and Spring is eager to return! Ensure that your garden is ready for new growth by following these easy

steps: – Start digging compost into your soil to add essential nutrients and break up hard, compacted ground.

– Weed out dead and unwanted growth from flower beds.

– Rake and aerate your lawn.

– Keep sensitive plants protected, especially on the Highveld - there is still a chance of heavy frost before winter is over.

For more information on how to ‘spring-up’ your garden, click on the ‘Newsletter’ link and read our August 2013 newsletter. Also, keep an eye out for the brand-new #WaterWise campaign at your local garden centre or nursery for information on food gardening and gardening for birds and bees.

For more information on being Water Wise® please visit www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo or contact us on 0860 10 10 60.

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digital

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Garden

climbing

the walls S G 128

Living walls have transformed concrete buildings and living spaces into tropical wonders the world over. A growing desire to incorporate nature into unusual and urban areas has led to a blurring of the traditional uses of space and plants are no longer confined solely to designated garden areas. With the dream of bringing lush greenery to urban spaces, we take a look at this 'creeping' trend.

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S

ometimes called vertical gardens, green façades or bio walls, living walls are a dynamic way to green a vertically-built surface. They

refer to vegetation that grows directly onto a building's façade or to vegetation that is grown on a separate structural system that can be freestanding and adjacent or attached to the wall. Although Patrick Blanc (a botanist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research) is sometimes credited as having developed the idea of vertical gardens in the late '80s, we can trace the concept back to 600 BCE with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but the version we see today was actually invented by Stanley Hart White at the University of Illinois in the '30s. White holds the first known patent for a vertical garden conceptualising this new garden type as a solution to the problem that a lot of modern garden designs had, namely running out of space. The plants in vertical gardens help absorb toxins in the air, regulate moisture, reduce reflection of light and heat, and also add beauty and interest, bringing a calming effect on spaces.

There are typically two main categories of green walls: green façades and living walls. Green façades are made up of climbing plants either growing directly on a wall or, more recently, specially designed supporting structures. The plant shoot system grows up the side of the building while being rooted in the ground. With a living wall, the modular panels are often made of stainless steel containers, geotextiles, irrigation systems, a growing medium and vegetation.

Green walls are found most often in urban environments where the plants reduce overall temperatures of the building. A primary cause of heat build-up in cities is 'insolation' (the absorption of solar radiation by roads and buildings in the city and the storage of this heat in the building material and its subsequent re-radiation). Plant surfaces, however, as a result of transpiration, do not rise more than 4-5°C above the ambient and are sometimes cooler.

Living walls may also be a means for water re-use, as the plants can purify slightly polluted water (such as greywater) by absorbing the dissolved nutrients.

They are particularly suitable for cities, as they allow good use of available vertical surface areas, as well as arid regions, because the circulating water on a vertical wall is less likely to evaporate than in

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Green walls are found most often in urban environments where the plants reduce overall temperatures of the building.

horizontal gardens.

and outside buildings. Basically, such gardens are

The living wall could also function for urban

good for the environment, can assist your health,

agriculture, urban gardening, or for its beauty as

can ease your food bills and are great to look at. S G

art. It is sometimes built indoors to help alleviate 'sick' building syndrome. But let’s not forget that,

Here are a few links to some great examples of how

among all the eco benefits, these vertical gardens

vertical gardening can liven up an urban space.

are also beautiful. They are often received as works

15 Incredible Vertical Gardens

of art and provide excellent focal points both inside

11 Vertical Farms to Transform Our Cities

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N ews

Wonder wall

Cape Town city bowl residents were treated with a dash of greenery on the busy Kloof Street with the addition of a new kind of advertising banner. Looking lusher than ever, the Emirates Air wall garden depicts the world map and was erected last year and has been growing before the Mother City’s eyes.

An innovative form of advertising by Tractor Outdoor for Emirates Airlines, the wall is the first of its kind in South Africa.

'We've admired the work of French vertical garden supremo Patrick Blanc for many years,' says Simon Wall of Tractor Outdoor, 'and we had been looking at ways to erect similar gardens in Cape Town. With this concept we're able to convert normal, dreary, bland and blank façades into green, breathing spaces. We don't have to rely on traditional soil-growing methods and can effectively brighten and bring life to any wall, anywhere.'

This project also supports Cape Town’s bid for World Design Capital 2014 by actively integrating art with public and private spaces.

Tractor Outdoor hope this project will encourage other Capetonians to support the bid and get involved where they can.

For more info visit www.tractoroutdoor.com www.nicholaswhitehorn.com

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LIVING wall

17-year-old Cape Town student Hannah Allderman is mad about going green. Recently, she did a geography project that she designed and made with a friend. They got involved in the community, taught people about sustainable gardening and made many living walls for the community. Since they completed and handed in their project, they have continued the work, expanded it and are now making even more living walls, educating locals and taking their project further in every way possible. The accompanying pictures are just a glimpse into what they did. They have made a short film in the hope that people will see how to make these walls and what to plant in them. They would appreciate any advice or feedback, so check out the video (below)

WATCH THIS!

Vertical Gardens Cape Town

 Commercial buildings & office areas  Public & municipal parks & buildings  Educational facilities  Retail stores

Integrating experiential relationships & space into the built environment.

 Eco-Friendly buildings  Domestic buildings

Contact Gareth Savage 084 305 9584

+27 (0)74 103 9886 brendon@brendonedwards.com www.brendonedwards.com

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hanging garden

ď Ť 5

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We have 5 hanging gardens valued at R2 000 each to give away courtesy of Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA). Email your details, name and postal address here by 30 September 2013 to stand a chance to win.

Ideal for apartment dwellers confined to small balconies, or for use on your patio, these hanging garden kits are virtually maintenance-free and a great way to take advantage of the unused spaces around your home to grow flowers, edibles and create a stylish space divider or privacy screen without having to worry about slugs.

Kits come complete and include three 1m PVC gutter pipe and a selection of seeds.

Visit here, here and here for more.

SPIN-2-ZERO WITH FOOD & TREES FOR AFRICA Attention all cyclists – professionals and amateurs – mother nature is calling upon you! It’s time to hit those pedals and save the planet, one stride at a time!

By joining the Spin-2-Zero Team your cycling will enable us to plant trees in poor communities across South Africa while offsetting your carbon footprint.

Be ahead of the pack for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge. If you choose to cycle for the Spin-2-Zero Team you will be included in the charity start time and start in the front! Together we will all win by spreading awareness and responding to climate change.

Once you have registered for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge, you can begin fundraising! Each cyclist will need to either raise or donate R500 to Food & Trees for Africa. Some of this money will cover the costs of your t-shirt (designed and part sponsored by Pure Imagination),a biodegradable water bottle and a certificate acknowledging the planting of your first tree. The remaining balance will go towards planting more trees for poor communities in dusty, barren townships. For more info click here.

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A d v ert o ria l

OrganicSoilutions Afmine was born on the white gypsum-pans of Yzerfontein in 1998. They are based in Cape Town and have been the sole providers of natural gypsum for SA’s agricultural industry – a mineral essential to healthy plant growth – for the past 14 years. This is their story.

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P

lants require a nourishing habitat in order to

basalt, this organic slow-release fertiliser is Mother

sustain their needs; it’s for this reason that

Nature’s own soil re-mineraliser. Suited for trees

Afmine is in business. So when the ground

and vineyards, volcanic rock dust will also nourish

lacks the nutrients that our green friends need, that’s

all plant types. The reason it is vital to Afmine's

when they get involved.

products is because it improves cation exchange due

INGREDIENTS

to its high calcium, iron and magnesium content. It also provides silicon which improves plant health

Gypsum: Gypsum is nature’s very own plant

and strength, as well as enhances sugar and mineral

super-food. It increases and maintains plant health

content in fruit and vegetable crops.

by providing large amounts of calcium and sulphur

Vermiculite: In its natural form, vermiculite has

– two elements essential to plant growth and,

little agricultural use, but when heated to extreme

especially, legumes. Gypsum is extracted from the

temperatures the structure of this mineral changes

open-air mine in Yzerfontein using recycled water

to form lightweight layers that resemble gold

only. Agricultural standards require gypsum of only

flakes. This highly-absorbent exfoliated version has

natural sources to be used on plants and with

many benefits, including lightening heavy soils and

current purity levels of 85%; Afmine's gypsum is

aerating them, retaining ammonium, potassium,

literally the best there is. Over their years of practice,

magnesium and calcium, as well as preserving soil

Afmine has been providing hundreds of tons of

moisture – especially in pot plants.

naturalgypsum to the agricultural industry, building

Zeolite: Afmine are the first company to include

healthy relationships with their farmers. They are

zeolite in their fertiliser blends. Mostly used by

proud to have established a good reputation among

health-fanatics as a means to detoxify, zeolite is

this sector and have been able to prove many a time

completely earth-friendly even at overdose levels. It

that their natural products offer great benefits. They

is a 100% natural volcanic mineral that makes the

still supply large quantities of natural gypsum.

perfect tool for revitalising leached soil. Zeolite has

Raw Compost Mix: The raw compost mix used by

more than one trick up its pores, it also binds to

Afmine forms a solid base for their fertilisers, and

heavy chemicals such as lead, cadmium and copper

consists of cow and chicken manure mixed with

(and so, detoxifies the soil). It has also been found

fine pinetree sawdust. The manure provides vital

to absorb both water and other minerals (releasing

ingredients to plants such as nitrogen, phosphates

them to the plant when needed), as well as reducing

and a form of potassium named potash while the

ammonia odours and absorbing the initial scent of

sawdust adds lightness to the blend.

rot, which prevents insects from finding the ripe

Worm Castings: This all-natural fertiliser harnesses

fruits, for example.

the digestive power of thousands of earthworms to produce high-quality compost, suitable for all needs.

PRODUCTS

Vermicompost serves as an excellent soil conditioner

Gyp-Sea: Help your flowers bloom

and improves soil structure as it promotes root

brighter, thicken your shrubs and give

growth, increases nutrient absorption and reduces

life back to your lawn with this soil and

chances of diseases and pest attacks.

plant conditioner. Particularly effective

Seaweed: Containing over 70 minerals, vitamins

in both clay and sandy soils alike,

and enzymes, kelp, or sea-bamboo, comes from the

Gyp-Sea brings you the combined strength

edible brown Ecklonia Maxima species grown in the

of gypsum and seaweed along with zeolite for

Atlantic Ocean along the South African West Coast.

an explosive comeback from Mother Nature.

This growth stimulant works in the following ways: it

Vermi-Gyp:

increases root structure, as well as volume, and also

nutritionally

enhances top growth of plants for higher yields. It

and refined fine herbs, this organic

has also been found to boost resistance to stresses

microbial-rich plant food is ideal for

such as drought and mineral-deficiency.

plants that require super-fertile soil.

Volcanic Rock Dust: Volcanic rock dust contains

Needy plants, such as orchids, will also

72 major- and trace-elements. Also known as crushed

appreciate the extra care when you give

For

the

tastiest

enhanced

fruits,

vegetables

them this blend of worm castings and gypsum with added raw compost and zeolite.

Volca-Rock: Ideal for trees, shrubs and especially vineyards, Volca-Rock enriches soils that are in need of vital trace elements. Containing volcanic gypsum organic

rock and

dust,

seaweed,

vermiculite,

re-mineraliser

will

this give

new life to soils previously leached by chemical fertilisers and will stimulate plant growth back to their former health.

PACKAGING Organic isn’t just a word, it’s a holistic mindset, and Afmine use 100% organic hemp bags to make sure that once you’ve used their product, other plants and animals don’t have to pay the price. Even the ink used on their bags is eco-friendly. Throw it in the ground or trash; these bags will turn into compost themselves.

The bags are so durable that you could simply roll-down the edges of one and turn it into a pot for some fresh basil, baby tomatoes, spinach, chillies, or anything you like. Hemp has great properties and you may find that after washing your empty bag, it will start a brand new life.

Why make a mess when there’s a 'soilution'?

Overall, Afmine are committed to provide the best solutions for agricultural and gardening needs while keeping the environment’s best interests at heart. They believe in a sustainable future, but to get there, we all have to start today.

See ad, right, for more.

AFMINE'S MISSION To provide the best solutions for agricultural and gardening needs while keeping the environment’s best interests at heart. We believe in a sustainable future, but to get there, you’ve got to start today.

WATCH THIS!

For more info on our products, as well as some gardening tips, visit www.afmine.co.za We’d love to hear what you have to say.

After seasons of cultivating a passion for green chemistry, our team of savvy earth-lovers has given rise to a new range of organic fertilisers that we call 'Soilutions'. Our blends of organic composts, trace elements and essential minerals are designed to nourish your plants and rejuvenate your soil – all naturally, of course.

Check out our manifesto video here to find out more about who we are and what we’re about.

Kids

Eco-Experiments

PHOTOSYNT S G 140

T

he details of life's origins are ineffable, but soon after the first forms of life appeared on Earth, organisms must have learned to use

the premium energy of sunlight to grow and sustain themselves. Earth's atmosphere is the result of life's processes over billions of years.

Photosynthesis by green plants, algae and photosynthetic bacteria removes CO2 from the

atmosphere and adds oxygen. Oxygen is a highly reactive gas that rapidly combines with many other chemical elements and so does not remain in its free form for a long time. To counteract the removal of oxygen by chemical reactions, life acts as an oxygen pump, continuously returning oxygen to the atmosphere. Free oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere is the result of three billion years of photosynthesis and is therefore a product of life.

The reactions of photosynthesis take place within chloroplasts in leaf cells. In each chloroplast are pigment molecules called chlorophyll. Each chlorophyll

molecule

is

capable

of

capturing

photons, which are packets of energy. The plant converts this light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

The energy used by most living cells comes ultimately from the sun, captured by plants, algae and bacteria through the process of photosynthesis. In this issue, educator Sharon Levy investigates how life is powered by sunshine.

THESIS

The

following

experiments

demonstrate

that plants need chlorophyll, light and CO2 for photosynthesis and that the plants produce oxygen and glucose (which is changed into starch) as the products of photosynthesis.

IS STARCH PRODUCED IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS? Sugars produced by photosynthesis are converted to starch for storage. So the presence of starch indicates that photosynthesis has taken place.

WHAT TO DO

 Dip a leaf in boiling water for about a minute to soften it.

 Put the leaf in a test tube of ethanol and stand in hot water for 10 minutes (to remove the colour).

 Remove and wash the leaf.  Lay the leaf flat on a white tile and add iodine.

WHAT YOU HAVE DISCOVERED If starch is present, the leaf should go blue/black.

If you use a variegated leaf (which has some white parts as well as green parts, you will notice that only the green parts go blue/black) which is evidence that

141 S G

photosynthesis only takes place in the presence of chlorophyll.

DOES A PLANT NEED LIGHT? 

The plant for testing must first be de-starched, by placing it in the dark for 1-2 days.



Cover part of the leaf with some foil and leave in the sun for a few hours.

 Test the leaf for starch; only the uncovered part of the leaf will contain starch.

WHAT YOU HAVE DISCOVERED

WHAT YOU HAVE DISCOVERED

The leaf with added CO2 formed starch, whereas

Starch has only been formed on the uncovered

the leaf without should not have formed starch,

parts of the leaf, showing that light is needed for

showing that CO2 is needed for photosynthesis.

photosynthesis.

DOES A PLANT NEED CARBON DIOXIDE?  De-starch two plants by placing them in the dark for 1-2 days.

 Place each plant in a clear plastic bag.  In one bag place a small dish of marble chips 

IS OXYGEN PRODUCED IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS? 

Set up the apparatus as shown in the diagram above and collect the bubbles of gas.

 Test the gas for oxygen using a glowing splint.

WHAT YOU DISCOVERED

and dilute hydrochloric acid (to generate carbon

When the glowing splint is brought into contact with

dioxide).

the collected gas, it re-ignites. This demonstrates

In the other bag add a beaker of potassium

that the gas produced during photosynthesis is

hydroxide (to remove CO2 from the air).

oxygen.

SG

 Leave the plants for 24 hours.  Prepare one leaf from each plant by putting it in hot ethanol, rinsing it in cold water, and testing it for starch.

DID YOU KNOW?

Melvin Calvin, who unlocked the secrets of photosynthesis, discovered that plant chlorophyll under the influence of the sun's rays can give up electrons to a semiconductor such as zinc oxide thereby creating a 'green photoelement' which produced a current of about 0.1 micro-amperes/cm2. Calvin calculated that a chlorophyll photoelement with an area of ten square centimeters could yield a kilowatt of power.

Sharon Levy is a science and mathematics teacher with a keen interest in the inter-relationships between science, education and society. She co-founded The Institute for Leadership and Education and currently runs Maths-is-Easy, offering individual and group tuition in mathematics to primary and secondary school learners.

S G 142

ODYSSEY

SA's leading integrated living mag

DI G I M A G

Odyssey Magazine, SA's oldest and leading integrated lifestyle magazine, now in its 36th year, has arrived in the digital realm, and is FREE of charge.

Issue 1 here Issue 2 here Issue 3 here Issue 4 here

ODYSSEY

SA's leading integrated living mag April 2013

Contact Cape Town Head Office Tel 27 (0) 21 713 0018 or 712 4665 082 579 7915 • Fax 715 2809 info@odysseymagazine.co.za www.odysseymagazine.co.za

The Mother Archetype Caroline Myss Barbara Marx Hubbard Hildegard of Bingen

Passing over with dignity Health Tips For optimal living Animal Whisperer

Earth Guardian

A 12-year-old activist speaks

Movement Medicine

Nature's Blueprint for the Economy BUMPER LAUNCH EDITION

howzit DYSSEY

•

DIGIMAG

Options & insights for people seeking practical steps towards integrated living in the 21st Century

Extract taken from On Safari by Nadine Clarke, published by Struik Nature, an imprint of Random House Struik

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For info or to purchase visit www.randomstruik.co.za. Also visit www.getbushwise.com, or visit the 'Get Bushwise' facebook page 145 S G

Extract taken from On Safari by Nadine Clarke, published by Struik Nature, an imprint of Random House Struik

S G 146

For info or to purchase visit www.randomstruik.co.za. Also visit www.getbushwise.com, or visit the 'Get Bushwise' facebook page 147 S G

c o mpany pr o fi l e

&

Pest-free Green

For many the default response to a pest problem is to reach for the bug spray – or, in a

commercial context, call the pest control guys. The problem with both those reactions is that it's certain that the bug spray will contain harmful chemical and all but one pest control outfit operating in South Africa at present will also be using at least some potentially harmful chemicals. We take a look at being pest-free and green, all at the same time.

S G 148

T

he facts are undeniable: either

organophosphates and similarly powerful

pest are getting hardier and/or are

agents are used, the results can be much

adapting to chemical-based pest

worse and can easily include severe

control, as widely used in the latter half of

and permanent nerve or brain damage,

the 20th century, or chemical pesticides are

sometimes resulting in death.

becoming less effective for other reasons.

But whatever the underlying cause, 'old

Effectiveness

fashion' pest control is just not working

Then

there

as well as it once did. And then there are

how

effective

all the issues around using highly toxic

actually are. This is because even very

chemicals to deal with pests.

potent chemically-based pesticides and

are

issues

around

conventional

just

pesticides

So, what to do? The answer, as in so

pest-control measures are at best only

many other fields, is to work with nature

partially effective against crawling insects

rather than against it. That's what folks

and rodents because they (the pesticides

at Pest Free SA have done. And they have

and anti-rodent chemicals) don't always

anticipated what national legislators have

get into the walls and ceilings, where the

decided is necessary, which is to separate

pests nests.

the use of toxic pesticides from proximity

The new legal pesticides have a short

to foodstuffs as defined in a recent piece

residual killing power (which provides

of legislation, the Foodstuffs Act.

some protection for humans and others

The reason is that, self-evidently, pretty

using the same environment in which

much all pesticides are potentially a health

they are applied) but some are not all

hazard to humans, though some more so

that effective. Also, bugs and rodents

than others. In proximity to food, their use

are

constitutes a clear and imminent danger of

Cockroaches and rodents can, for example,

contamination.

detect, mark and avoid pesticides and

amazingly

smart

and

adaptive.

With new legislation in place, pest

bait. As is fairly well known cockroaches

controllers may be tempted to contravene

quickly become immune to any chemical

the

pesticide

used against them. Some packaged spray

use because if you don't have a 'green'

packs continually alter their chemical

eco-friendly and non-toxic solution, what

composition because the cockroaches are

else is there left to do? Both pest controllers

so quick in developing their immunity that

and their clients who take this option run

the old sprays will have no effect after even

a huge risk in terms of relevant health

just a few applications.

relevant

restrictions

in

and safety regulations – and may find themselves paying a severe fine.

Traditional pest controllers rely only upon the fact that they can only poison

On the other hand, one can't just

infestation problems once they invade your

let pests run amok in one's warehouse

premises with harmful and toxic chemicals

or production facility or supermarket or

that have dire ramifications. Pest Free SA

wherever foodstuffs may be found in

utilise instead the latest state-of-the-art,

large quantities. This represents a real

most technologically advanced systems to

problem for many organisations, but the

eradicate and control infestations within

logic of the legislators, supported by an

the premises in a 100% chemical-free

abundance of scientifically-based evidence,

manner, and which thereafter protect the

is overwhelming: conventional pesticides

treated spaces from future unwanted pest

are known to be associated with a range

invasions.

of health problems in people including

This company says it is the only one in SA

asthma, nausea, vomiting, headaches or

at present that uses an entirely non-toxic,

dizziness. In others, where for example

certified and chemical-free solution to the

149 S G

Traditional pest controllers rely only upon the fact that they can only poison infestation problems once they invade your premises with harmful and toxic chemicals that have dire ramifications. Pest Free SA utilise instead the latest state-of-the-art, most technologically advanced systems to eradicate and control infestations within the premises in a 100% chemical-free manner, and which thereafter protect the treated spaces from future unwanted pest invasions. pest control problem, one that complies strictly with

determined by the requirements of unique issues

the relevant provisions in the Foodstuffs Act. They

faced by each client and in each location.

also provide a monthly inspection service which they say is hassle-free, efficient and affordable.

Pest Free SA’s reporting and monitoring system complies with any food safety audits, thus their

'If given the choice between using a chemical

clients have peace of mind that their premises is in

based pest control solution or a 100% chemical-free

good hands and they, in turn, are utilising the best

green solution, what would you choose?' is the

available methods, practices and technology for the

question that Pest Free SA CEO Sebastian Seelig asks.

control of pests.

It's a more than reasonable one, given the risks,

All Pest Free SA’s systems and remedies are

costs and other problems associated with the 'old'

either HACCP-endorsed, SABS-approved and 100%

way of doing things with regards to pest control.

safe for use where domestic pets and children are

'We understand that each client's requirements are different which is why we tailor-make a solution to suit their individual needs,' adds Seelig.

prevalent as well.

'We are offering solutions that are entirely chemical-free and designed around the client's

A variety of new technologies are being applied

needs and requirements. Increasingly business

by this forward-looking company, depending on the

owners and mangers are seeing that we offer a

specific requirements and needs of various clients.

highly effective and safe option. But it beats me why

Installed equipment is inspected on a monthly

for some, our solutions aren't the automatic go-to

basis to ensure 100% functionality and technical

options for businesses that need pest control at

issues are dealt with immediately, along with reports

whatever level,' says Seelig.

of any developments which may have implications for housekeeping and/or structural damage.

Aside from making recommendations designed to solve problems more or less once and for all,

Pest Free SA's core focus is on commercial structural pest management, be it shopping centres, offices or supermarkets, among others, they strive to deliver a results-driven program.

this company says its technicians also work with

For the domestic homeowner we have a solution

the management and staff or organisations utilising

that they can purchase outright from us, that is

their services to explain the workings of the

specifically designed for domestic use and will

pest-free system in their store.

deliver mind blowing results in getting rid of

A pest-free file is left on each client's premises where there have been treatments activated. This

roaches and rodents without the risk associated with the conventional poisons

contains information pertaining to the technology

Given this company's much more eco-friendly

being utilised on the site, a description of the

approach to the enduring problem of pest control

whereabouts of all the equipment installed as well

– something that has been with mankind since our

as a copy of every service report. This ensures

first ancestors got tired of sharing their living space

continuity and offers clients a peace of mind

with a variety of annoying and potential dangerous

element as part of the service, as well as providing

pests, or having their food stores invaded and spoilt

any health or other inspectors with a reference of

– we at Simply Green can't help but echo Pest Free

what steps have been taken in particular location

SA's views on there being a better way to deal with

with regard to pest control.

pests than simply casting poison to the four winds

While Pest Free SA's primary control methods

and hoping for the best.

are electronic, they utilise leading-edge, proven technologies that are being used internationally all

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See ad, right, for more.

151 S G

R eport

back

FAVOURINGFAIR

Fairtrade International’s recently released 2012-13 annual report showed strong sales and continued consumer trust, making Fairtrade the label of choice for shoppers around the world. The report is based on the organisation’s work in the past year on 'Unlocking the Power' of producers and is highlighted by 16% growth in the total number of producer organisations compared to 2011. We take a look.

O

ver 1.3mn farmers and workers in 70

all other Fairtrade markets increased by over 20%

countries are part of 1 149 Fairtrade

compared to 2011.

certified

producer

organisations.

In

addition to sales income, these producer groups benefitted from an estimated €80m (ZAR1bn) in

Producer networks are now half-owners of

Fairtrade Development Premium for sustainability

Fairtrade International, making Fairtrade the

and development projects in 2012.

only ethical certification scheme in the world to

Sales increased significantly in key markets,

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INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

be jointly-owned by its producers.

including: Germany (33%), the Netherlands (26%),

Nestle’s Nespresso, Unilever’s Ben and

Sweden (28%), Switzerland (15%), and the UK (16%).

Jerry’s, and Mars’ Maltesers made major new

Last year’s growth nearly completely offset the

commitments with Fairtrade globally.

drop in total 2012 sales caused by Fair Trade USA’s

The Fairtrade Access Fund has given US$5.65m

withdrawal from the international system at the

in loans to small producer organisations in Latin

end of 2011. Excluding the USA, average sales in

America to address their most pressing financial

an estimated value of R30m, a 167% increase from 2011; South Africans drank 410 000 bottles of Fairtrade wine with an estimated value of R23m, a 60% increase from 2011; and 2 117 tons of Fairtrade chocolate was consumed by South Africans in 2012, mainly through the sale of Cadbury Dairy Milk plain chocolate bars.

Despite positive trends in consumer sales and an increase in Fairtrade producer organisations, many people are still beyond Fairtrade’s reach. The number of Fairtrade producers is just a fraction of the total number of producers around the world.

'In the ultimate irony, half of the world’s hungriest people are smallholder farmers, yet they grow 70% of the world’s food,' said Harriet Lamb, CEO of Fairtrade International. 'Fairtrade’s strong

sales growth in 2012 is encouraging, but we are productively dissatisfied. We must step up the

RTRADE

reach of Fairtrade if we are to break the mould of unfairness that is so deeply embedded in trade.'

Consumers showed their support for Fairtrade by spending €4.8bn on Fairtrade products in 2012.

Nine in ten consumers in five leading Fairtrade markets recognised the Fairtrade mark. A Fairtradecommissioned study in 17 countries confirmed Fairtrade’s position as the most widely-recognised

needs.

ethical label. Across all markets, six in ten consumers

More than half of all bananas sold in

have seen the Fairtrade mark, and of those, nine in

Switzerland’s retail chains are from Fairtrade

10 trust it.

producers, and over 40% of sugar bags in the

Expanding Fairtrade to more consumers is also

UK bear the Fairtrade mark. Globally, sales of

critical to 'unlocking the power of the many'.

Fairtrade flowers grew by over 50%.

In 2013, Fairtrade products became available in

Over 30 000 Fairtrade products are now sold in

Kenya and will be available in India later this year,

more than 125 countries worldwide.

providing consumers in those markets the chance

SA HIGHLIGHTS In 2012 the sale of Fairtrade products in SA

to buy Fairtrade products from Fairtrade producers in the same country.

'Fairtrade coffee and chocolate are core product

reached a record high of R234m, a 220% increase

categories internationally; unique to the SA market,

from 2011’s R73.2m. Fairtrade coffee, wine and

however, is Fairtrade wine. As the biggest Fairtrade

now chocolate are the leading sales categories of

wine producing country, this translates into

Fairtrade locally:

additional benefits for South African farm workers,

With the introduction of three new Fairtrade

who not only benefit from better working and living

coffees last year, Ciro, Woolworths and

conditions, but also from the Fairtrade Development

Espresseco’s coffee capsules, the flagship

Premium,' says Boudewijn Goossens, Executive

product for Fairtrade globally is on a steep

Director of Fairtrade Label South Africa.

SG

rise in SA. Last year South African consumers bought over 120 tons of Fairtrade coffee with

For more info visit www.fairtrade.net.

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Community Catherine Constantinides is the director and founder of the Miss Earth SA and LEAD SA Executive. While living and working in the region, Constantinides saw first-hand the impact the Miss Earth program had in the Philippines and on her return to SA established the program locally. The program seeks to empower, motivate and educate young women and community members to become change agents in the space of community upliftment, sustainable development and eco-preneurship. We take a look.

C

onstantinides is also the

recently launched.

Generation

This year saw Constantinides

Earth, a youth initiative

embrace her nomination to the

engages

founder

of

to

Archbishop Tutu Fellowship; her

discuss enviro-issues and drive

focus now is on a vision of igniting

solutions. Working closely with

Africa and ensuring a competitive

the UNEP Youth Ambassador and

continent and economic power is

co-Founder of this movement, Ella

at the forefront of the agenda,

Bella, Constantinides facilitates

as we build the continent moving

an extensive platform for youth

forward. The incredible work done

discussion,

on-the-ground

by her organisations continues

mobilisation of the youth, moving

to spiral as this Change Agent

them towards an active role in the

grows and shares her dedication

Green Economy.

and passion for Africa. This year

that

and

students

LEAD SA strives to encourage

has seen her winning top awards

active citizenship among South

such as the Inaugural SA Premier

Africans, encouraging role-players

Business Awards as SA's Young

to change the country for the

Entrepreneur and more recently the

better. In her role, Constantinides

TOPCO SA Women Awards for SA's

co-ordinates

implements

Young Female Entrepreneur. Now

programs seeking to mobilise South

and

on to Oxford, a Tutu Fellow, and

Africans around issues including

the world awaits her contribution,

rights and responsibilities, the

as does Africa.

SG

environment, road safety, and national pride as well as an intense

Visit www.missearthsa.co.za and

change Stop Rape campaign, which was

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www.generationearth.co.za

Constantinides facilitates an extensive platform for youth discussion, and on-the-ground mobilisation of the youth, moving them towards an active role in the Green Economy.

About Catherine Catherine Constantinides is a social entrepreneur, humanitarian and an environmentalist at heart.

Her humanitarian background has seen her travel all over the world, including notable highlights such as the World Peace Foundation in Thailand, Vietnam and Japan; various social upliftment projects in Cambodia, active participation in the COP17, held in Durban in 2011, where she was a part of the African Youth delegation as well as the UN Earth Summit, Rio +20 in Brazil, held in 2012.

agent 155 S G

C ontest

Miss Earth S Ashanti Mbanga was recently crowned Miss Earth SA 2013. We report.

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T

wenty-four year old Eastern Cape beauty, Ashanti Mbanga,

was recently crowned as Miss Earth SA 2013 at a star-studded

gala dinner, which took place at Tsogo Sun's beautiful

Montecasino Ballroom. Mbanga, who was dressed by Rubicon Clothing, is completing her degree in Transport Economics, which she hopes to use as she pursues a political career in the transport sector. Although born in the Eastern Cape, Mbanga has shared her

backgrounds, Erin Roche (21), first runner up, Miss Air, currently living in Centurion, was born and raised in Nelspruit, a town where she says, 'A kind heart goes a long way.' Thobile Mchunu (24), second runner up, Miss Water, who was born in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, now considers herself a 'Joburger' through-and-through, having lived in the nation's economic capital since her family moved inland when she was in grade three and is currently working at a youth marketing agency. She fondly remembers a childhood spent playing barefoot in the garden with her younger sister. Limpopo-based model and businesswoman, Katryn Barwise (22), took the third runner up, Miss Fire, title. Barwise is the proud owner of a Limpopo-based youth development organisation and as a finalist she worked extensively with school learners of all ages on numerous enviro-education programs.

Other highlights of the evening included the announcement of the three Miss Earth South Africa Ambassadors for 2013, Carmen Loureiro (23) from the beautiful Ekurhuleni suburb of Bedfordview, Makgomo Sebesho (25), originally from Limpopo who now hails from Gauteng's West Rand, and Nicole Laxton (19), a photographer and budding artist, also from Bedfordview. The announcement of the ambassadors came shortly after the announcement of Laxton as the recipient of the Best in Evening Wear title, and Barwise as the

WATCH THIS! Miss Earth 2013 Highlights SA

Public Choice recipient, having received in excess of 1 200 votes. Barwise was also awarded the Green Project award, having worked with 1966 scholars in the course of her educational work as part of the program and having planted 120 trees across the

SA 2013

Limpopo Province.

This year's program was hotly contested, with hundreds of entries received earlier in the year; the organisation took 80 young ladies through to the regional finalist round, which was announced in May. After two months of educational and greening projects that number was cut to 25 national semi-finalists, who spent a week greening Cape

time in Gauteng between Sunnyside, Pretoria where

Town and Johannesburg with Reliance Compost

her family resides and Johannesburg, where she is

and Tsogo Sun in early July.

SG

enrolled at the University of Johannesburg. Mbanga has big dreams for herself and aspires one day to affect real change in the sustainable transport

Visit www.missearthsa.co.za, Twitter or Facebook.

sector from the position of SA Transport Minister.

The runners up hail from equally diverse

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Switch/A101697/enviroment/print

Find partnerships in unlikely places. Since 1993, we have collected no less than 950 000 tons of cans from our surrounding environments. By partnering with Collect-a-Can, we can increase this recovery rate and further conserve and sustain the environment. To find out how we can keep our country beautiful contact us on (011) 466 2939 or visit www.collectacan.co.za. Recycle cans today. Sustain tomorrow.

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Community:

berg2beach

&

clean-up recycle week

Image oahu.surfrider.org

2013

September is 'Clean-up & Recycling' month, in case you didn't know. This initiative, which now involves hundreds of thousands of South Africans, began back in '86 with a single Texan woman who was appalled at what she found during a stroll along her local beach. We take a look at this community-based initiative and how far it has come – along with some of the clean-up activities planned for this year.

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I

t's amazing how much a single person can

majority of waste in our oceans comes from land

achieve when they are properly motivated. Back

sources originally. However, heavy rain on clean-up

in 1986 a Texan woman was walking along

day drastically reduced the number of volunteers

her local beach when she came across waste of all

who turned out last year.

kinds – especially many forms of plastic – triggering

In the event, and despite the severe weather that

her to begin a beach clean-up. It took her just two

affected last year's clean-up drive, some 4 152 bags

hours (in the days before social media) to organise

of litter were picked up and 11 330kg of waste was

2 800 fellow Texans who between them collected an

removed.

But the drive continues with even larger aims for

extraordinary 124 tons of litter.

These facts alone bespeak a situation which

2013 that looks to cover everything from the top

should make all of us sit up and take notice. The

of our mountains down to the oceans and beneath

first startling fact is just how much junk washes

their waves, hence the 'berg2beach' catchline for

up onto beaches – ours and everyone else's. The

the campaign, says Steyn.

second is how effective local community clean-up

As with the Texan woman that began the International Coastal Clean-up on her own initiative,

programs can be.

Inspired by this example Douw Steyn, Director for Sustainability for Plastics SA, the plastics industry

Steyn has become SA's clean-up and recycling champion.

overarching association for this part of the world,

He told Simply Green that this year he hopes the

decided something needs to be done locally. He

campaign will far exceed 2011's high-point of over

was instrumental in having the KZN wildlife join the

7 600 volunteers who covered 550km of beaches,

global clean-up campaign in '96. In that first year

23km of estuaries, a kilometre underwater and

460 people, all volunteers, removed nine tons of

worked up to 15km inland, filling over 24 750 bags

litter from 33km of beach. Among the clean-up crew

of rubbish with almost 50 000kg of waste.

were five divers who collected 7kg of litter from

All the data collected by our local clean-up teams is forwarded to the US as part of a drive to collect

local reefs.

The International Coastal Cleanup is a worldwide

global data on the state of our oceans and beaches.

program that has grown out of that single person's

Behind the data is a continuing drive to help raise

initiative in 1986 into a truly global effort in

public awareness of, and corporate involvement in,

which 700 000 people – still all volunteers – in

the campaign in an effort to change the behaviour

127 countries participate on the third Saturday

that causes this waste to pollute our oceans in the

of September each year (this year, that will be

first place.

September 21). In KwaZulu-Natal alone, some

'The reason we have used the "berg2beach" tag

10 000 volunteers signed up to participate last

for the clean-up is that the problems start far from

year in an effort to cover the full 620km of that

the oceans, in the townships and suburbs of our

province's coastline, aiming to not only clean up

cities and towns,' explains Steyn.

beaches but Marine Protected Areas, estuaries

'We have to keep on educating people to the fact

and to spread the clean-up inland, since the vast

that we have only one plant – as they say, "there is

Did you know that plastics have helped to reduce the average weight of cars by 200kg, thereby saving 500l of petrol every 100 000kms?

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no planet B" – and we are rapidly polluting it to death. Our oceans, as food sources and stabilisers of our planetary eco-systems, are critical to our survival as a species. People often don't understand the linkage between casually throwing away a plastic bottle, bag or something else which eventually ends up in the oceans, causing damage and toxicity and contributing to the decline of many food species numbers, as well as a general deterioration of the oceans as a whole.

'One of the reasons that Plastics SA is so involved with this program is that plastics of various kinds have become central to the way we live in the 21st century – and around 70% of the waste picked up on our clean-up drives is made of a variety of plastics.

We, who work in the plastics industry, are therefore acutely aware of both the benefits of plastics – we simply couldn't live as we do without them, and they are found in almost every sector and in almost everything we own, including our clothes. But we are also very aware of the damage that plastics can do and of their inherent value even as waste products.

'Many forms of plastics are recyclable, and have value in and of themselves, even as waste products. This is what we are educating school children, communities and the public in general about.'

Steyn has become something of a hub around which the plastics industry's sustainability efforts now revolve. The local plastics industry has signed on with 57 plastics associations from around the world to the marine Debris Declaration which was instituted at the 5th International Marine Debris Conference held in Hawaii in 2011. A Global Action Team (GAT) was established to initiate worldwide activities aimed at the prevention and reduction of the impact of marine plastics with more than 100 related projects identified for action last year by 32 countries. With Steyn being one of the players in this global drive, the SA plastics industry has found itself on the GAT steering committee; once again a single individual has shown how inspiration and perspiration can combine to make for a powerful formula for change.

Plastics SA has, with Steyn playing the key role, made significant strides in bringing an ever-widening group of organisations

'Caring for the earth requires something bigger than yourself.

We all have to "start doing" something - a "call to action". We should all make a commitment to being Eco-Warriors and growing sustainable practices in a focused and meaningful way.'

and institutions into the clean-up program as sponsors and active participants. Within the industry itself, there are efforts to reduce waste, support clean-up day in practical ways, establish a technical and advisory panel to deal with marine litter along

Douw Steyn, Director of Sustainability, Plastics SA

SA's coasts, support and manage plastics recycling and education campaigns for educators, students and enviro-organisations, as well as encourage best practice in SA's fishing industry, and to support research activities into the status of our troubled marine environments, among other activities.

That the clean-up program is working is clear from the global 2012 results which numbered a hair under 600 000 volunteers who picked up over 4.165m kgs of litter along some 33 435km of beaches.

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That having been said, Steyn is quick to add that as impressive as these numbers are – given the starting point of a single person on a Texas beach some years ago – there is as yet a great deal more to do. Every year the global plastics waste burden grows, especially as countries like China and India, with their massive populations that together come to over 2.5bn people, become ever-more developed.

The same applies throughout other developing countries and especially SA where plastic waste in particular has for some time been recognised as a national scourge.

His call goes out, this clean-up month, to all South Africans and to everyone anywhere else on our precious planet, to realise that we are all connected, that every eco-system depends and interacts with every other eco-system at some point, and that we simply cannot go on tossing our waste about as if it will magically go away somehow.

Ideally, the end-point of a campaign to clean up our mountains, veld, cities, suburbs, rivers, dams, beaches and ocean will only be successful when there are too many volunteers trying to clean up a diminishing amount of waste.

That's not likely to happen this year or next or even the one after that. But, just like the global campaign started by a single concerned person, there is no limit to how far such social initiatives can go, especially when backed by an increasingly aware and concerned collective of corporates and other organisations.

We can, indeed, change the world. Working

National Recycling Day Friday 20 September this year will mark National Recycling Day. Schools, businesses and communities are encouraged to recycle that Friday – and then as much as possible every other day of the year thereafter. 'Although recycling has become second nature to many people, research shows that the majority of our population still don't recycle despite the various awareness campaigns. There are still not enough collection points in many of our major cities, while many consumers still claim to be unsure about what materials can be recycled or how to go about it,' Steyn says.

'This is one day of the year that we are making an appeal to South Africans to consciously recycle their plastics, cans, glass, paper, oil and e-waste in order to reduce the pressure on our country's landfills. Support the recycling industry by taking your recyclables to a recycling facility near you (visit www.mywaste.co.za) or by separating your recyclables from your wet waste for curbside collection. Communities should appeal to their local municipalities and leaders if they live in communities where their waste is not collected and recycled,' Steyn goes on to say.

together, removing one piece of litter at a time, we

For enquiries about Clean-up SA Week and

can make a difference.

Recycling Day, please contact Douw Steyn

SG

e-mail douw.steyn@plasticssa.co.za.

Cape Provinces: For enquiries about the

Did you know that 55% less greenhouse emissions are released into the atmosphere thanks to the use of plastic bottles in the wine industry?

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International Coastal Clean-Up Day, please call John Kieser on 021 591 5513, or email

john.

kieser@plasticssa.co.za.

KZN Coastline: Contact Wayne Munger at mungerw@kznwildlife.com KZN and Inland provinces: Jacques Lightfoot at Jacques.lightfoot@plasticssa.co.za Details of 2013 International Ocean Clean-Up activities and events in your area can be found on www.cleanup-sa.co.za.

Information on recycling and related matters, including the closest recycling depots near you, can be found at www.mywaste.co.za

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2013/07/18 9:19 AM

C onservation N ews

Africa's western black rhino now extinct Africa's western black rhino is now officially extinct according the latest review of animals and plants by the world's largest conservation network. The subspecies of the black rhino -- which is classified as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species -- was last seen in western Africa in 2006. The IUCN warns that other rhinos could follow saying Africa's northern white rhino is 'teetering on the brink of extinction' while Asia's Javan rhino is 'making its last stand' due to continued poaching and lack of conservation. 'In the case of the western black rhino and the northern white rhino the situation could have had very different results if the suggested conservation measures had been implemented,' Simon Stuart, chair of the IUCN species survival commission said in a statement. 'These measures must be strengthened now, specifically managing habitats in order to improve performance, preventing other rhinos from fading into extinction,' Stuart added.

Voices of the Xingu

Voices of the Xingu is a project that intends to tell the stories of the affected people by the Belo Monte Dam, being built in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest. This is the story of Élio, an inspiring fisherman and warrior. Visit www.amazonwatch.org for more.

WATCH THIS!

Voices of Xingu

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Paarl nursery donates 4000 trees

Based in Paarl, Just Trees is the largest wholesale tree nursery in SA. Recently, the nursery took their core competencies, as well as their passion for environmental and social entrepreneurism, to a new level by donating 4 000 trees to the Drakenstein Municipality. With a 90-95% success rate of trees planted by Albert van der Merwe, head of the Drakenstein Municipality’s Parks, Sport and Recreation and his team taking root, and carbon footprint calculations based on only 40% of trees surviving, the trees donated by Just Trees in fact doubly offset their carbon footprint – and, by association, that of the municipality too. What can’t be calculated or price-tagged however is the positive social impact the trees have on the people who receive them. The playgrounds, homes, parks, churches, NGOs, schools, spaces and streets – especially in Drakenstein’s disadvantaged communities – are not only greened and beautified but the trees provide shelter, shade, play, and, above all else, a sense of pride. Three hundred of the trees donated have already been planted in the parking lot of the Dal Josaphat stadium and will one day provide a shady car park for all members of the Paarl public to enjoy. Another 100 trees have been planted in the streets of new housing developments and, in years from now, will transform dusty sidewalks into leafy, tree-lined lanes. The remainder of the trees will be planted during Arbor Week, with Drakenstein Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Gesie van Deventer, kicking off the ceremony by planting trees with the community and teaching them how to care for them.

WWF graduate intern program

Nedbank is investing R2.4m to help talented young university graduates gain the skills they need to become tomorrow’s sustainability leaders who can help the country’s transition to a green economy. The investment forms part of the WWF Graduate Intern Programme (the programme) through the funding of 10 WWF Nedbank Green Trust Interns, which, according to Maseda Ratshikuni, Head of Cause Marketing at Nedbank Group, has been developed to ensure that the valuable qualifications of SA’s young graduates in the environmental and social sciences are put to the best possible use. Once all the internship positions have been filled the young graduates will undergo an intensive 18-month training and development programme where they will be exposed to both office and field work under the mentorship of leading experts in their respective fields.

Shell vs the Arctic

Recenty, millions of people around the globe watched live, when Greenpeace exposed Shell's dirty Arctic drilling plans in the most public way possible at its biggest sponsor event of the year: the Formula 1 Shell Belgian Grand Prix. 'We've got the world's attention, but we need to show there's real people power behind this action. Add your name now to stop Shell from drilling in the Arctic. Arctic ice is melting fast, and polar bears are starving to death as their habitat disappears. Shell is leading the insane race to drill for the fuels that caused the melting in the first place, putting this uniquely vulnerable region in grave danger. Shell was hoping to ride on the glory of the racing drivers and pretend it's worthy of a spot on the podium. We took action to make sure the truth of Shell's shady Arctic oil business gets out – and to stop them from getting away with it. By sponsoring an event like Formula 1, known for its cutting edge engineering and innovation, Shell is hoping to draw attention away from its disaster-prone Arctic drilling program and total lack of experience operating in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. Our campaign to save the Arctic continues on land and at sea. Right now the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise is being forced out of Russian Arctic waters by the Russian Coast Guard because they don't want us bearing witness and taking action against the reckless oil companies racing to drill there. We are doing everything we can to make sure no oil spills pollute the pristine Arctic this year,' says Greenpeace. Visit here to support.

Teen invents device to retrieve ocean plastic

Boyan Slat, a 19 year-old Dutch inventor, has invented a way to collect +-20bn tons of plastic from the oceans in a few years. His invention is called the Ocean Cleanup Array, a platform that would use a series of floating booms and processing platforms anchored to the seabed to suck plastic from the seas like a giant funnel, leaving marine life behind. The platform is thought to be self-powered by clean energy from the sun and the ocean. Slat and his friend came up with the idea during their last year of secondary education where they performed experiments on concentration of particles, separation of plastic from plankton and on plastic depth measurement devices.

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we’re on the right track.

Nedbank is the Sustainable Bank of the Year for Middle East and Africa.

We were recently awarded the title ‘Sustainable Bank of the Year for Middle East and Africa’. Nedbank took top honours in the sustainability sector at the Financial Mail/International Finance Corporation Sustainable Finance Awards 2012 ceremony in London. The 2012 achievement is our third accolade in this category and an acknowledgement that the sustainability journey we began over 20 years ago has positioned us well to support our clients as we transition to a greener economy. Forging ahead we will continue to lead by example today for a better tomorrow.

For more information on our green journey visit www.nedbankgreen.co.za.

Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06, VAT Reg No 4320116074, 135 Rivonia Road, Sandown, Sandton, 2196, South Africa. We subscribe to the Code of Banking Practice of The Banking Association South Africa and, for unresolved disputes, support resolution through the Ombudsman for Banking Services.

We are an authorised financial services provider. We are a registered credit provider in terms of the National Credit Act (NCR Reg No NCRCP16).

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purpleberry 0912/7264

Earning accolades for our sustainability effort tells us

Community

Ugesi Gold (Ugesi) is a micro-utility franchise business for rural electrification.

By using renewable energy, coupled with a novel battery distribution model, people without electricity can be reached in even the most remote areas.

We take a look at this young company that aims to create a business that helps people to realise that if they want to change the world they should do it themselves, and assist with alleviating poverty and creating a greener future.

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WATCH THIS!

M

icro-utilities function similary to standard utility providers like Eskom, by selling electricity to their customers but on

a smaller scale. A good analogy is that of a water-well. The micro-utility serves as the source of electricity (well) which the local community visits with batteries (buckets) for recharging. These battery packs are then taken home where they can

Short micro-utilities introduction

power smaller electrical appliances such as lamps, radio, small TV, and so on. The fact that there is

Women are the heart of community upliftment.

no transmission infrastructure required means that

If you wish to take care of a community you must

it cuts down on setup time and costs. In addition,

take care of the caregivers. For this reason woman

because the battery packs are carried to where

empowerment is at the core of the United Nations

they are needed, the inaccessible terrain associated

Millennium Development Goals. By empowering

with rural communities is negated. With cheap

women to operate and maintain small renewable

renewable energy generators and a simple battery

energy businesses, a tangible difference can be

distribution network, micro-utilities can provide

made. Research has shown women to be more

power to rural households without them needing to

reliable in terms of fee payments and they are more

set up expensive home renewable energy systems

willing to plough back into their community. This

of their own.

is a continuation of the traditional social business

Ugesi generates an income from franchise fees

model, as established by the 2006 Nobel Peace

and service fees. The micro-franchising model is

laureate, Professor Muhammad Yunus. This is ideal,

used to incubate rural electricity businesses, which

both from a moral, as well as from a socio-economic

produces an income for the community and for

perspective.

Ugesi. The micro-utility makes use of renewable

In summary, Ugesi will start small renewable

energy (typically solar PV) to generate the electricity

energy franchises in rural communities that will be

that charges the battery packs. The whole business

run and owned by woman. The electricity generated

is deployed in a shipping container, which is

will help with local community upliftment, while at

assembled locally and transported to the rural

the same time help save the environment. Ugesi will

community. Once there, the container simply unfolds

facilitate the start-up process and nurture the small

and the business is up and running in a day. The

businesses. By using the micro-utility electrification

whole MU business costs around R200 000 and can

model, a tangible difference can be made in SA

serves up to 60 rural households. Each household

right away. As the famous Ockham's razor states

pays a monthly fee of R130 to get their battery packs

'a simple solution is the best solution'. With the

recharged twice a week. The community owner pays

focus being on rural communities it is imperative

R500 franchise fee per month in addition to paying

that the concept can be executed with minimal

off the capital expenditure. A business like this can

external interference. The focus must always remain

easily generate a profit of R2 500 per month for the

on helping people help themselves. This is not a

franchise owner. This profit is for charging batteries,

charity. At the end, these community businesses

additional profit will be generated from selling TVs,

will be self-sustained, giving the power back to the

lights and other appliances designed to run on 12V

people.

1

SG

batteries. By adding more solar panels and battery packs the micro-utility is easily expandable.

1

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For a more info visit www.ugesigold.co.za.

 This includes everything needed to operate the business, including training, battery packs, solar panels, charging stations, and so on.

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E ditor ' s C hoice

Shelf

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Beyond Smoke and Mirrors: Climate Change and Energy in the 21st Century Burton Richter Cambridge University Press • 978 0 5217 4781 3 Although written by a professor of physics and published by CUP, this one is meant to be readable by all interested parties, from concerned citizens through to corporate and government leaders. There's plenty of science behind the clear, straightforward writing – and there's very little axe-grinding or polemical argumentation. But the author does reveal a good deal about the various fallacies doing the rounds, both in the camp of the anti-greens, as Richter calls them, and the ultra-greens, who he says are proclaiming a global emergency to be dealt with at any cost and immediately. Starting with the anti-greens, Richter dissects their arguments (and, as he points out, hardly anyone with a brain cell to spare still tries to argue that global warming and climate change aren't real), showing them devoid of scientific support worthy of the name, or even any real logic. How, for example, can people admit that the greenhouse gas effect is real, that the planet is warming up and then not make a connection to our increasingly volatile, unpredictable and extreme weather patterns as an expression of planetary climate change? It's beyond the author of that book and ourselves, yet some people adamantly hold to this irrational position. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the ultra-greens, some of whose near-term predictions the author says are exaggerated not in terms of how bad things will get (if, for instance, the planet warms to around 6°C, as it likely will if we do not begin to deeply cut back on GHG emissions like CO2, and quickly at that), but how soon all this will take place. The planet isn't likely to become several degrees warmer on average in the next few years and so the ultra-greens are doing themselves and their cause a disservice, he argues, by such exaggeration. He carefully analyses current and potential future sources of energy and energy production, as well as ways to mitigate what we've already more or less irreversibly done to the climate in terms of what seems likely to happen by the end of the 21st century. He also looks at governmental and international aspects of dealing with the set of issues now confronting us. Our only issue with this author is that, if anything, he steers closer to the anti-greens than is wise in terms of timing around global climate change. The point here is that an average 1°C warming does not express itself equally everywhere – and even though relatively recently written (2010), this book is already slightly dated because some of the changes the author expects to see years out from now are already with us just a few years after his book was printed. If you want to know what's going on, in real terms and based on solid evidence, this is a key book. The only warning – and it's a pretty big one – is that if a scientist as close to the subject as this author is can be out of date on key issues such as the speed of ice cap loss in places like Greenland after just a few years, how much quicker will what he predicts be upon us? The answer seems to be sooner than later, in which case the arguments of his 'ultra-greens' may be rather more uncomfortably true, or at least will be true sooner, than this author and many others believe. And if you know a climate change denialist, do everyone a favour and buy this book, read it and pass it on to them, because with silencing of the naysayers, something might get done sooner than later, and that's really what's the bottom line for every human being.

Dirty Fingernails

Richard Sweatman

Self-published • 978 0 6204 6318 8

This is indeed the story of a dream as the subtitle declares. It is the dream of a man who has a deep passion for farming and living close to and off the land. It is personal, touching, inspiring and deeply revealing of the thinking and attitudes of someone who simply loves what farming is all about – the animals, the land and the relationships of the people who live on it, to the greater forces of nature on which they depend and which in effect rule their lives. It's a good read, well enough written to be easy to consume and will perhaps engage many a townie with some of the more (and some of the less) appealing aspects of this type of lifestyle. For all those urban commuters stuck in traffic, stressed to the back teeth and dreaming of a life beyond the madding crowd in the serenity of nature, they should have a good read and perhaps reconsider if they are suited for the demands and rigours of farm life before selling off and heading for the hills.

Succulent Paradise

Gideon F Smith & Estrela Figueiredo

Struik Lifestyle • 978 1 4317 0090 5

Although published locally, this book takes us on a visual tour of some great succulent gardens in various parts of the world. In a water-stressed country like SA, going the natural route and using water-wise plants is the obvious thing to do. And few plants are more water-wise than succulents. If you are into plants, and obviously succulents in particular, then this one will really be of interest. If not, there are plenty of great pictures to be enjoyed in what amounts to a great little coffee-table book with some potentially interesting and useful info between the images.

Getaway: 21 Years of African Travel Writing Edited by Cameron Ewart-Smith Jacana • 978 1 7700 9886 2 Almost every South African will be familiar with Getaway magazine which has spent 21 years regaling its readers with stories of amazing places – and often the journeys that get us to these places. There are, consequently, some real gems among the 45 features which form this book, those having been chosen from over 1 000 possible articles published in that time. If you like travel literature, and especially travel and destinations in Africa, then this one will amuse, entertain, amaze and engage you. Well worth it if you are into travel – or are looking for a fascinating getaway destination of your dreams.

An Arid Eden: A Personal Account of Conservation on the Koakoveld Gareth Owen-Smith Jonathan Ball • 978 1 8684 2363 7 This is the story, mainly of the early years in the life of conservationist Owen-Smith, back in the dark old bad days of apartheid and a very limited grasp by the authorities of that time on how conservation really ought to work. The author's then ground-breaking and revolutionary insight was that for any such enterprise to work, it must first be communitybased, or it is doomed ultimately to failure. Without the involvement, extensive buy-in and ultimately ownership of such undertakings by local communities, they literally have little to no chance of success, as many examples across Africa demonstrate. That there has been such a success in the Koakoveld lies largely with this man and his boundless energy to make happen what needed to happen, regardless of problems, official obstructionism and the many other issues with which conservation programs in Africa are fraught. Ultimately, this is a highly rewarding book because it offers an insight into how things can, and arguably should, be done right across the continent to ensure that we hand on to succeeding generations a landscape full of life and rich on in natural wonders.

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company profile

Beyond p T

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his is the story of how a major national and

of trees, smashes them up into tiny little bits, mixed with

international player in the paper and pulp industry

water and then makes paper or sells the resulting pulp to

has expanded its strategic focus beyond coated

others for different end uses.

papers – the sort of thing you'd have found the old printed

But that is a vast over-simplification. For one thing,

Simply Green using – to the much less obvious world of dissolving wood pulp. To the uninitiated, one may think that a paper or pulp manufacturer simply takes a bunch

mashed up wood has a lot of other things in it than the fibres for the paper or the cellulose, which is what the pulp industry is all about. There are a range of substances

Having ourselves switched in the last year from print publishing to digital, we at Simply Green are acutely aware of the problems facing both paper users and suppliers. All the more so are the folks at Sappi, one of the world's leading paper and pulp manufacturers.

Given the challenges of their sector, Sappi has forged ahead with a line of business which is not well understood by laymen – and even many industry players.

We take a look at how Sappi is going beyond paper.

There are a range of substances which must be removed from wood to make either paper or pulp, and there are things which must be done to the pulp to make it useful to others and in a surprisingly wide range of applications. done the same thing in response to low coated paper prices and declining demand, all fuelled by the global downturn which started several years ago.

Cellulose Some may know what cellulose is and others may not. It is not, for example, the fatty nodules that some people (usually women, but not exclusively) complain of and which are the subject of a great deal of time, money and trouble to get rid of. That would be cellulite. Cellulose is essentially what is left of the wood fibre when the other natural substances found in wood have been removed.

It is usually found in long strings, called polymers, which is a technical term that only means that it is composed of many parts strung together. It is the most abundant natural organic polymer on earth and is found in all plant materials. Learning how to use it for a bewildering variety of modern products has been the key to unlocking a value

paper

chain of which the great majority of people are simply unaware.

In Sappi's case, their cellulose is obtained from wood from certified forests or plantations which is then processed and purified by applying specialised chemistry to extract the cellulose polymers from the wood. The purified natural wood cellulose fibres are further dissolved by other manufacturers and re-generated or reformed for a host of applications. The 'raw material' which Sappi and other pulp manufacturers produce for further conversion is called dissolving wood pulp or specialised cellulose for those in the industry.

While the manufacturing of this form of wood pulp

which must be removed to make either paper or pulp, and there are things which must be done to the pulp to make it useful to others and for their use in a surprisingly wide range of applications.

We've looked previously at the issues around paper.

Now we turn out attention to dissolving pulp, not least because Sappi, as a global player in this industry, has

involves various chemical processes, primarily the use of magnesium sulphite and calcium, this does not mean that the process itself results in major negative environmental impacts. If kept in-plant, there is no reason for significant effluent to result from the process and Sappi says it has gone out of its way to ensure that existing plants and new plants designed to produce this product do not contribute to enviro-toxicity in any meaningful way.

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Process & product complexity Cellulose is an extremely versatile polymer which can be chemically converted into numerous products. However, it is a natural polymer and therefore subject to significant natural variation depending on the source. Many factors have an influence on the functionality of dissolving wood pulps, including: Wood source (softwood/ hardwood/ species; age, season, climate) Process type (chemistry of cooking and bleaching) Sheet structure (delivery package) Every dissolving wood pulp (DWP) type has unique performance characteristics based on the manufacturing 'history' of that type and a technical understanding of process influences on pulp reactivity is critical for DWP applications. Sappi says that the pulp from its largest DWP mill, Saiccor, is particularly reactive, with the expectation that the DWP produced at its recently commissioned mills, Ngodwana and Cloquet, will also have good reactivity, which makes it ideal for some end products and less so for others.

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viscose fibre yielded from 1 hectare of land under a

We do not need here to go into all that. But

hectare of man-managed forests will be between four and

the diagrams alongside help in understanding what is

seven times more productive than the fibre yielded from

happening at each production stage.

1ha of land planted with cotton.

There are two primary sources for dissolving pulps –

Added to this, in South Africa, where Sappi uses

wood and cotton linters, though bamboo and even hemp

mainly trees from the Eucalyptus family, the source wood

can provide similar pulps. Comparing wood to cotton

grows much faster than in most comparable countries.

provides some insight into why wood is preferable, from

Hardwoods and sotfwoods differ in maturation rates as

an eco point of view. On a kilo to kilo basis, wood, as

well. So, each hardwood crop takes roughly 8-10 years

grown by Sappi under FSC certified controls, uses much

to mature in SA, as compared to eight in Brazil, 12 in

less water and produces much more fibre per hectare

southern Europe, 40 in southern parts of the US and up

of planted land than cotton does. So, for example, the

to 60 years in Scandinavian countries.

What it's used for All that info is perhaps of some relevance, but things really become interesting when we look at what the pulp all those trees have been grown to produce is used for.

Indeed, you may find along most supermarket aisles one or more products using DWP. Included in this line-up would be yoghurt, toothpaste, wet-wipes, washing powder, ice cream, clothing and other apparel and a range of other items, including, weirdly, the screens on computers and cell phones, run-flat tyres and a whole spectrum of other seemingly unrelated consumer products.

otherwise known as rayon when spun, is one of the main intermediate products that can be produced from DWP. Rayon is a soft fabric, which has a wide range of

applications, including making fibre garments produced from synthetic fibres, such as polyester, much more wearable by making them softer and more breathable on the skin.

Although you may not usually use such synthetic fibres by preference, you are almost certain to own clothing which includes them. As such, it is probably useful to realise that currently, man-made fibres of this kind contribute over 60% of the annual 83m ton global

The following info-graphic shows many of those uses as well as the sources of pulp in question.

demand for fibres (see graphic below).

While on the subject of fibres, one can see cotton is SSC = Sappi Specialised Cellulose. S = Saiccor Mill, N = Ngodwana Mill and C = Cloquet Mill

the next biggest contributor to annual fibre demand, which

In order for so many varied products to be made from

is less allergenic than most man-made fibres. But cotton

a single (more or less) natural fibre source, there should,

consumes a lot of arable land, is highly intensive in its

logically, be numerous products derived from the primary

water usage, and requires a lot of insecticide, herbicides

source before being used in end-product manufacture

and fertiliser to be commercially viable. For these reasons,

of consumer products. This is, in fact, the case. The

many in the industry, including Sappi, believe that global

following graphic shows many of these intermediate

cotton production has probably already peaked. So, even

products made from DWP.

if you are choosing an organically-produced cotton over

is problematic. Many of us love the feel of cotton, and its look – until it becomes creased, of course. And it certainly

As can be seen at a glance from this graphic, viscose,

other cotton options, you are not really helping the planet as a whole in respect to the relative contribution of each fibre type currently making the grade as commercial end products.

Of course, there is a solution to the growing global demand for cheap and effective garments and clothing, which is not even under discussion here because up till now there is virtually nowhere in the world where this particular product has been grown. The product is

VSF (Viscose) 60%

hemp, also a source of fibres for paper and pulp, but widely banned from commercial production because of its more controversial cousin, cannabis. Actually, hemp

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WATCH THIS!

This info-graphic shows where cellulose comes from, moving from the raw material (wood) through subsequent levels of resolution down to the cellular level.

Sappi: viscose similar and equally destructive. Having once been there, Sappi has long since committed itself to be a responsible

and cannabis are not strictly speaking different plants,

player as far as the environment is concerned and has

only different sub-species with the former grown widely

either designed its new plants or converted its old plants

in previous times for its fibres, which made the era of

to produce both paper and pulp with a minimum effect,

sail possible. From these fibres were made the canvasses

in the form of toxic or hazardous effluent being released

for sails and paintings, as well as clothing (which is

into the environment.

why the Afrikaans word for shirt is hemp). With the

It is also increasingly using the volatile components

possible legalisation or decriminalisation of cannabis

of wood to contribute to its external energy-reduction

under discussion of late, all that may change. But for now,

program and is up to 70% self-sufficient in energy at its

the Sappi info-graphic pertains and so viscose, a steadily

Saiccor plant and 100% self-sufficient at its Ngodwana

growing fibre player, is becoming increasingly popular

plant. Globally, Sappi already generates over 50% of its

with regards to its contribution to modern life.

energy requirements from renewable resources (such as

Sappi's pulp plants Given the direction of things in terms of global economic trends since the downturn of 2008/9, Sappi has shifted its strategic focus to produce an ever-greater slice of

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the bark, lignin and other parts of the tree extracted in the pulping process).

Growth Sappi sees its future as a paper producer continuing for

its income pie from DWP. Sappi has three major plants

as far out as planning can go, but with a reduction in the

for the production of DWP. These are its Saiccor plant

focus on coated graphic paper and an increase in the

at Umkomaas, in KwaZulu-Natal, its Ngodwana plant in

focus on more specialised applications. It has prioritised

Nelspruit, Mpumalanga province, and its Cloquet plant,

growth in its DWP products in particular. This is because,

near Duluth, Minnesota in the US. Each has different

despite a current oversupply, induced in part by an

capacities: the Saiccor plant can produce 800ktpa

imbalanced response to the global downturn's effects on

(thousand tons per annum) of sulphite DWP, using 100%

paper demand, it predicts real DWP demand growth to

hardwood Eucalyptus and Acacia trees for raw material,

be at 6% annually out past the middle of this century

the Ngodwana plant 210ktpa of prehydrolysed kraft DWP,

(depending on population growth and related factors).

once in full production from the later part of this year,

Although there is strong global competition, especially

using only Eucalyptus hardwood for its source material

from China, which is also a major consumer of this

and the US Cloquet plant, which has recently come fully

versatile product, and that competition is likely to increase

on line 330ktpa of prehydrolysed kraft DWP using 100%

over the next several years, Sappi feels it has the upper

hardwood in the form of an Aspen/Maple mix.

hand in a number of respects.

Each plant uses a slightly different bleaching process.

These include the fact that it has a fast-growing,

And when it comes to the environment, here is a key

low-cost, secure and sustainable wood resource, is in a

piece of the puzzle: in previous times, when making paper

very competitive cost position as its DWP is among the

or pulp, manufacturers used various bleaching processes

cheapest to produce, and it has a small clientele base

that frequently incorporated chlorine or something very

of long-term partners, with strong customer relations,

WATCH THIS!

do, but that's usually because they suffer a psychological disorder involving eating just about anything). So will cellulose harm you if you consume some in your ice cream, yoghurt or toothpaste (in which the pulp helps bulk out the product, keeping it stiff, not too runny and more easily handled)? The answer is no. Cellulose is completely inert as far as the human digestive system is concerned. If properly processed it will simply pass through you and may even do you some small good by adding some fibre to your diet.

Even in its final form as, say, a fabric made of viscose, it will not in itself do you harm, short of clogging up your bowels

Sappi: AV for conference

if you were silly enough to eat a dress made of the stuff, for one ridiculous example.

flexibility of supply, leading-edge technical knowledge and

In short, this stuff is about as safe as a modern

market leadership in DWP intermediate product segments

chemically-created product can be. The real issues, if you

like viscose and lyocell. Indeed, Sappi has been producing

are concerned about your and the environment's health, lie

DWP since the early 1950s and pioneered the use of

at production stage, and that has already been covered.

Eucalyptus wood for DWP production.

Not that all producers are as fussy about their eco-impacts as Sappi has become (having in previous times been guilty

Wood pulp & the consumer

along with most others of having caused some significant

What, you may ask, does any of this mean to me, a simple

harm to the environment, mostly to rivers from plant

consumer walking the aisles of the local supermarket in

effluent as well as some air pollution, and then having

search of well-priced and wholesome foods and goods

spent many hundreds of millions putting right its wrongs).

for your family? It means that, without being aware of it

In China, for example, where most of the new cotton

probably until you read this article, our old friend and ally,

linter pulp production capacity resides, pollution from

wood, has been providing us with many of the modern

the production process is a big problem – and there the

conveniences and useful products that we take for granted

producers will in due course find it an ever-increasing battle

on a daily basis. Which is why we wrote this article in the

to sell their products while they still have a big fat negative

first place – to help each of you to be more empowered and

eco footprint attached to them.

knowledgeable consumers, aware of what you are using,

So the bottom line as to why you are reading this story

where it came from, how it was made, and what impact

ends here with this: one of mankind's oldest resources,

each product you use has on the environment.

wood, serves us today as first it did when we learnt how

OK, you may say, so I now know that wood can make

to use that material for a variety of applications aeons ago.

both paper (from toilet paper through to the fancy stuff

Plus it is used, in its pulp form, in a very wide range of

in corporate brochures) and dissolving pulp and the latter

day-to-day and hi-tech products. Like everything else, it is

can be used in a surprisingly wide array of products –

in the detail where the devils and the angels live – and the

maybe even the computer screen on which these words

details, in the case of Sappi and its dissolving wood story,

are appearing. What good does all that do me? Well,

lead us to believe that we have a global player in a major

for one thing, as Sappi's Andre Oberholzer suggested

and important industry which is trying its best to be a good

when we spoke to him on this subject, you can go down

corporate citizen. It's not perfect, but then none of us are.

your supermarket aisle when next you shop and closely

We can only see where improvements are possible and

inspect the contents labels on any of the products you

make these changes as soon as we can – something Sappi

may be buying. If you see viscose on there, it comes most

has done, despite the economic pain that that has caused.

likely from wood pulp and may well have been provided,

Each one of us can relate that corporate story to our own

originally, by Sappi.

personal journeys through the modern world of products and consumption. In the end, it is by aspiring to a higher

Safety

standard of conduct and a conscious awareness of our role

In itself, that's an interesting fact, but there's more yet.

in the order of things, that we are each, as individuals or as

What about consumer safety, for example? After all, not

corporations, able to make a serious and lasting difference

being termites we don't eat wood as a rule (some folks

that will leave the world better than we found it.

These pages were made possible with the kind assistance of Sappi

177 S G

E co

vs

C oal

power

'I

t is perturbing that we are embarking on a new coal fired power plant as it seems that there are different government strategies being developed

in contradication to each other. With one arm of government pushing for a low-carbon future while the other seems to be against it.

'The construction of the power station itself is reported to be estimated at a staggering R200bn which is an enormous amount to fork out given what has happened with Medupi. The public will have legitimate concerns of whether we will have a repeat of Medupi and these plants cost more than what has been originally projected,' says Fakir. 'This does not even begin to take into account the knock-on costs to the consumer or the delays in dealing with existing power plants that need to meet the requirements of higher air pollution standards.'

Electricity prices have tripled over the past five years and Eskom has been given the go-ahead to increase prices by a further 8% per annum for the next five. Coal mining costs are increasing, and along with them, the cost of coal-fired power. In any case, future coal plants will have to rely on coal supplies that are less desirable – from poor quality coal in the Waterberg.

Eskom has already warned of 25% cost overruns in the building of Medupi and Kusile, along with a projected 10% per year increase in the price of coal over the next five years.

At the same time, renewable energy prices have fallen by 25% for solar photovoltaic power, 6.5% for concentrated solar power and 11% for wind power.

Where coal costs are going up renewables are coming down.

Coal-3 will, in essence, trap consumers into higher

'Cabinet's go-ahead for Coal-3 last week has been met with condemnation from various enviro-groups, but even if we set aside the extensive enviro-fallout from such a project (which would include huge water costs, air pollution and increased carbon emissions), the project makes no sense from an economic perspective,' says Saliem Fakir, Head of WWF South Africa's Living Planet Unit.

Power fo the people O C E

S G 178

and higher electricity bills while also increasing the country's carbon emissions.

'The estimated R200bn to be used on Coal-3 could better be used to fast-track the renewable energy build program which would result in a faster increase of energy supply, resulting in immediate growth in our energy supply-base and kickstarting our economy. Furthermore, such an investment would prove cost-effective over the long term as mining costs increase. It would also reduce end costs to the consumer given that the carbon tax is likely to come through in 2015.

'Coal-3 will trap consumers into higher and higher electricity bills while also increasing the country's carbon emissions. At the same time, renewable energy prices have fallen by 25% for solar photovoltaic power, 6.5% for concentrated solar power and 11% for wind power.'

Visit www.wwf.org.za for more.

'It makes solid economic sense to place greater emphasis on modular fast-tracked options rather than technologies which require long lead times and have high cost overruns. SA's greatest strategic

WATCH THIS!

challenge is the management of our long-term electricity price path and Coal-3 sets us up for a high-risk path and potential failure in this regard.'

WWF's Seize Your Power campaign is motivating

for a new paradigm for energy access, affordability

Why campaign with WWF?

and security in SA. Projects like Coal-3 lock SA into less and less flexible energy models.

'The relationship between energy generation at a utility scale and the cost to ordinary consumers is a continuous challenge and will be a growing source of contention which will be exasperated by the impacts of inflation and the future implementation of the carbon tax. SA citizens must be empowered to

participate

in

energy

creation

through

self-generation. Our current model – as depicted by the announcement of Coal-3 – is based on an old fashioned and unsustainable world view.'

or ple

SG

Saliem Fakir, Head of WWF South Africa's Living Planet Unit

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