News & Views
27 August 2014
Only four days left to win big with our power as consumers, your eco-selfie! but we are in fact extremely
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CO Atlas, the pioneering eco portal, invites all South Africans to snap a selfie of themselves at their favourite eco destination in order to win one of four fabulous prizes and further build SA’s already substantial ecoconscious community. In this age where all things are instagrammed and the selfie serves as short-form communication, Eco Atlas hopes the competition, which runs until the end of August, will celebrate people and places that are humanely sound while benefiting the environment. “If it’s a place that is doing something good for people, or something good for the planet, then it should be celebrated,” says Eco Atlas founder and director Rhian Berning. “It can be anywhere you love to eat, shop, stay or play.” Selfie snappers have ‘till August 31 to post their pics to their Facebook or Twitter accounts tagging @ecoatlas and hashtagging #ILoveEco along with a short sentence or two about where they are and what kind of great ecothings happen there. Prizes include two nights’ luxury accommodation at Three Trees Lodge at Spioenkop in the Drakensberg, and a weekend for four at the incredible Ingwe Forest Adventures resort outside of Plett. Further prizes include tickets to the Greenpop Hogsback Reforest Fest that takes place mid-September. Established by Berning in 2013, Eco Atlas is a South African first and provides consumers with information on socially and ethically sound businesses. The website lists accommodation, restaurants, outdoor activities and goods providers, to mention a few. Each listed venue features a write-up, photos, Google maps and the ability for visitors to review and comment. The value of Eco Atlas has been recognised by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, who has encouraged all certified places to be listed on this unique and necessary
online tool. The Sustainable Tourism Partnership Programme has also given Eco Atlas its stamp of approval. “If you want to change the world, start with your wallet and change the places you visit and support,” says Berning. “We often underestimate
powerful. There are so many people and places creating positive change and walking the ethical talk. Eco Atlas provides you with the map to find them.” Xkukv"yyy0geqcvncu0eq0|c"qt" gockn"tjkcpBgeqcvncu0eq0|c" hqt"oqtg"kphqtocvkqp0
FAMOUS FACES ALREADY IN THE RUNNING: Selfies entered in the Eco Atlas competition so far include those of Freshly Ground’s golden-voiced Zolani Mahola, pictured above with her boy Zazi Bastion Mahola-Klemp, who turned one on August 8; below is food celeb Karen Dudley & Co of Cape Town’s The Kitchen fame, and ‘Liefling’ star Lika Berning at the bottom
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Formerly hidden wine gems now sparkle in Plett SIP more than 50 local wines and bubbles, SAVOUR the delicacies of artisanal foods and eateries, SEA the Big Blue and ENJOY the festivities along the Plett Winelands...
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burgeoning wine tourism hotspot has been unearthed in the beautiful coastal town of Plett. This is one of South Africa’s newest Wine of Origin regions and has become popularly known for its Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling and still wines - declared award winners every year. The farms are producing a variety of cultivars, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the expanding MCC varieties are growing fast and
flavoursome to turn this area into a premier bubbly experience. With a gentle ocean breeze sweeping through the vines, glorious Plett weather and a wine region that can be traversed in a variety of ways, the Plett Winelands will be making a definite mark on the SA wine industry. For a little taste of that extraordinary Plett feeling, plan ahead and book your space at the Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival on October 4 & 5 the same time as whale sea-
son, sunny cool afternoons, and school holidays. Imagine blissfully sipping a crisp MCC or a fine Pinot Noir at the Beacon Island Hotel, the sun freckling your face as you watch whales frolicking in the waves - a unique experience indeed. Visit www.plettwinelands. com to book your tickets and for more information - main event at the iconic Beacon Island Hotel on October 4 & 5, with breakaway wine farm events from October 6-12.