The Kwazulu-Natal South Coast district of UGU is under threat, faced with multiple mining and prospecting applications. This is a very common practive in South Africa will mining companies, many of them “junior” mining companies backed by BIG players who hide in the shadows.

We went through this for 16+ years in Magaliesburg with relentless companies lodging and mining applications every 12-18 months and always under a new shelf company. The Magaliesburg community fought back hard every time but the miners just go quiet for a year and then spring a bunch of new applications on the public.

Below is the details of these mining & prospecting applications in the UGU district of KZN by Anthony Turton.

This is a significant development that requires sober minded intervention.

I come from the Ugu district of KZN, which is now confronted by large scale mining rights applications. A total of 18% of the Ugu surface area will be transformed from coastal forest into an open cast mining site.

South Africa has a long history of mining. We have thousands of abandoned mines, despite the legal requirement for rehabilitation post-mining.

We know that the rehabilitation fund has been corrupted and diverted into patronage networks. We also know that sophisticated criminal syndicates operate in the mining and construction spaces of the South African economy.

Ugu faces a dilemma. It is one of the poorest parts of South Africa, with a dense population of rural and semi urban settlements.

Unemployment is high and there is simmering revolutionary tension under the surface. In 2021 the Looters War erupted, with the first evidence of the coming chaos found in what appeared to be carefully planned dry runs in the Ugu area.

Its a revolutionary flashpoint that is likely to erupt once again.

The question is how will poverty be eradicated and jobs created? Which poses the dilemma because mining creates massive wealth for a few, and limited employment for some.

The alternative is to create a larger number of jobs in the tourism sector, but this cannot coexist with strip mining.

The citizens of Ugu will now face a difficult time as mining rights are allocated without adequate consultation with interested and affected people.

This is always the case in South Africa, which is why corruption and criminal activity always accompanies mining rights applications in rural areas.

I wish the citizens of Ugu all the best as they embark on the journey that will change the sense of place in what I used to call the Vanishing Forest.

Text and images: Anthony Turton

SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/share/18jiTjXHUT/

Mining applications in UGU District of Kwazulu-Natal (KZN)

Umzumbe Lithium (SA Lithium) Mining application in UGU District KZN

Applications: KZN30/5/1/2/1/11349 – KZN30/5/1/2/11361 – KZN30/5/1/2/11370

Kebe Resources Prospecting Application UGU – KZN30/5/1/1/2/11831PR

Prosecting for Aluminium, Copper, Gold, Graphite, Limestone, Gravel, Fluorspar, Nickel & Molybdenum.

Affected region: Umuzuwabantu – 20000+ people
Ecological Threat: Umtamvuna River

Following on from the above post, Anthony Turton’s second postr on this matter continues.

I recently posted two maps of mining rights applications for the KZN South Coast in the vicinity of Port Shepstone and Hiberdene.

There has been a lot of interest in that post with many people contacting me directly.

This second series of maps is for a different area including the high real estate value area around San Lameer.

Note that the mining rights are for exploration covering a wide range of minerals including aluminium and graphite.

This suggests that the applications are more of a fishing expedition than a concerted effort to identify a specific mineral resource.

About 80% of the residents of this area live on tribal land. Note the coincidence of the mineral rights being claimed and the borders of the tribal land.

This suggests to me that some form of commercial deal might have been struck with the traditional leaders in each of these tribal areas.

If this is true – and it still needs to be validated – then there is a range of political ramifications that will need to be teased out.

Just one of these ramifications is the extent to which informed consent has been given by the rural communities living on this tribal land.

If they haven’t been informed of the consequences, but have been promised jobs, then opposition to these mining rights applications launched by owners of freehold real estate will always be blocked.

Not only will they be in the minority, but the usual political dynamics will also play out as a class struggle.

In effect the resulting dynamic will become a clash between the interests of freehold land ownership versus the interests of communal rural communities living in adject poverty.

Stated simply, it could become a clash of interests between those percieved to be privileged above those who feel they are underprivileged. I.e. a perpetuation of the class struggle that has crippled the South African economy.

Now I am speculating, but applying logic to what we already know to be true, because the dominant political party in KZN is the newly formed MKP.

It is therefore within the realm of possibility that this is resource capture that’s taking place using the blueprint of state capture previously refined by the leadership of the MKP.

Note that I am speculating at this point, but I do so based on the same fact pattern that I observed before the Looters War that was closely associated with the leadership of what’s now the MKP, and therefore the dominant polital party in this area.

If true, then contestation of these mining rights could trigger social unrest as we experienced in 2021.

We therefore need to keep cool heads and collectively develop a rational and well considered response, avoiding the flash points.

SOURCE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18w2gURV3R

UGU Prospecting Application KZN 30/5/1/1/2/11351 – AFLI2 (Ian Harebottle)

Nearby Populations: Umzinto, Braemar, Mhlangakhulu
Nearby Reserves: Emahlathini Nature Reserve / Vernon Crookes

Khonoba Resources – Prospecting Application for Graphite & Coal – KZN 30/5/1/1/2/11795PR

Nearby Populations: 21 Traditional Villages – +- 17000 Inhabitants

Ecology at risk: Vungu River, Uvongo Beach, Ramsgate Beach, Southbroom Beach, Mpenjati River, Mpenyati Nature Reserve

UGU Ray Nkonyeni Spatial Development Framework Mining

The post South Coast of Kwazulu-Natal Faces Mining Threat (UGU District) appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

Fireworks and the Law in South Africa

The control of fireworks in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act No 26 of 1956) and Explosives Act 15 of 2003

– Fireworks may not be set off in any public place. This includes in parks, on the pavement or the streets. (Shopping malls & restaurants are also off limits.)

– It is illegal to detonate fireworks within 500 metres of any hospital, clinic, petrol station, an old-age home, nursing home, or animal welfare organisation or institution.

– No one under the age of 16 is allowed to purchase or set off fireworks.

– It is unlawful for any person to point or direct a firework at any other person, animal, building or motor vehicle.

– No person or organisation is allowed to present a public fireworks display unless formally authorised to do so by the Council (at least 14 days’ notice).

Fireworks may only be set off between 7 pm and 10 pm on authorized dates:

Diwali on 24 October and Guy Fawkes on 5 November

The most auspicious time for Luxmi Pooja is between 18:12 and 20:23 so can we request that if you intend letting off fireworks anyway to please only do it between 19:00 and 20:30 to minimize the impact on our pets and community.

Failure to comply with any of the above could reFireworks Law and Regulations in South Africasult in a hefty fine or even jail time.

Should you become aware of anyone not complying with the law, please call JMPD on 011 375 5911 and report the exact address for them to respond. If you are able to record the display showing the actual fireworks and the address, even better as it is more evidence.

Each municipality has fireworks bylaws that must be adhered to. Call your local SAPS should you have any queries or need to report infringements of the Fireworks Laws and Bylaws.

All percussive fireworks (fireworks that explode and rockets) terrify animals and disturb the peace.

If you light a firework in a suburban area, there will be companion animals in that area. Effectively, it means that any percussive firework lit in a suburban area constitutes an offence, both in respect of the local by-laws and the Animals Protection Act, which is National legislation. and applies to all Metros and must be reported to EMPD.

Regulation 9 of the Noise Control Regulations of Gauteng 1999, (Provincial Gazette, Extraordinary no 75 of August 1999) which defines a noise nuisance as “any sound which disturbs or impairs or may disturb or impair the convenience or peace of any person”. No person may discharge fireworks in a residential area in a manner which may cause a noise nuisance.

No person may light or ignite fireworks in any place where animals are present (R 1 000 fine). This includes domestic homes.

If you are aware of any animals who have been directly injured by fireworks, you must report to the SPCA immediately –
Randburg 0833814732,
Roodepoort 0760701400
Sandton 0834602765
Johannesburg 0836041172

The SPCA is not responsible for enforcing any laws relating to fireworks, this falls under the Explosives Act and under the responsibility of the SAPS BUT any injuries to animals under the APA caused by fireworks will be prosecuted by the SPCA with enough evidence.

We ask that everyone please keep your furbabies safe and secure in your home. Bring them inside to calm them down and minimize their stress levels. Those with furbabies that are scared of the noise, if you haven’t already got something for them, please contact a vet.

As much as we understand that it is a time for celebration, fireworks are to be used in a responsible and considerate manner with due respect for neighbours and the welfare of animals.

Municipal By-Laws

eThekwini Municipality takes the Explosives Act very seriously.

There are strict Municipal Bylaws when it comes to the use of fireworks. The unlawful use fireworks could see residents face fines of up to R10,000 (Ten Thousand Rands).

The municipal bylaw allows for fireworks to be set off from 11.45pm on December 31 until 00.15am in the new year.

There are conditions that residents need to adhere to. Low-hazard fireworks, such as fountains, lawn lights and sparkles, can be lit in private homes.

Fireworks such as air bombs, supersonic bangs, sound shells, fountain whistles and screeches are prohibited as they cause a disturbance and are a nuisance to neighbours and pets.

Purchasing fireworks

The SAPS says fireworks should be purchased from stores that are licensed and comply with the relevant sections of the Explosives Act.

When you purchase your fireworks from a licenced store, you avoid using illegal fireworks, the SAPS says.

“Legitimate fireworks dealer shops are identifiable by the signs “DEALER IN FIREWORKS” written in red letters in their shops. If a dealer does not have the sign lease report them immediately to the South African Police Service,” the SAPS said.

Fireworks permits and regulations

Those who are planning to organize fireworks displays must obtain a permit under the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. Events expecting 200 or more guests or requiring infrastructure will additionally need an Events permit from the City.

To apply for a display permit, contact the South African Police Service via email at capetown.explosives.cmrd@saps.gov.za. Please include Liam.Scheepers2@capetown.gov.za in your application.

Upon SAPS approval, coordinate with the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the event area for a site inspection to ensure safety. Permission from residents and businesses in the vicinity is crucial.

It is unlawful for any person to use or explode any firework within 500 metres of any building or any public thoroughfare. It is important to only buy legal fireworks and always check expiry dates on the fireworks.

Fireworks should be detonated away from hospitals, clinics, old age/nursing homes, animal welfare organisations and petrol stations. Fireworks should not be pointed towards any person, as this is dangerous. Residents are also reminded that fireworks cannot be recycled and therefore they need to be disposed of appropriately, in black bin bags.

Explosives Act 15 of 2003

The post Fireworks Law and Regulations in South Africa appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

The UK is set to lead the world in the transition to greener energy. The UK Government has pledged to ensure that 90% of electricity will be generated from renewable sources by 2030. The UK is also committed to ensuring that all new homes are zero carbon by 2050.

This switch will not only help our planet, but it will also save British households £1,500 a year on their bills. Switching to greener energy has never been easier than it is today.

What is the Difference between Solar, Wind and Hydro Power?

Solar, wind, and hydro power are three different sources of energy that are used to generate electricity. However, they have some differences in their operation.

Solar power is a renewable source of energy that is generated when the sun shines on the earth’s surface. It is the most common type of renewable energy in use today because it can be used to generate electricity without any fuel or emissions. Solar panels are installed on rooftops and large open areas like fields to collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. Wind power is a source of renewable energy that uses wind turbines to collect kinetic energy from the wind and turn it into electrical power. Hydro power is a form of renewable energy that uses water as its medium for generating electricity. Water flows through dams or turbines and generates electricity as it flows downstream.

Changing Your Home for a Greener Energy Delivery System: How to Switch From Electric to Solar Power

As the cost of solar panels and energy storage systems keeps on decreasing, more people are opting to switch from electric to solar power.

The UK is currently lagging behind in its adoption of renewable energy sources, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. This has been attributed to a lack of awareness and understanding about the benefits of switching from electricity to solar power.

The cost of installing a solar panel system has dropped by almost half since 2010. This has made it easier for people who want to switch their home or business into a greener energy delivery system. However, it is important that we do not overlook the importance of educating ourselves on how these technologies work so that we can make informed decisions about our investments in green living.

Solar power is the current answer to the world’s increasing energy demands. However, switching from electric to solar is not as easy as it seems.

The cost of solar panels have been dropping in recent years, making them more accessible and easier to install. If you are looking for a more green and cheaper alternative, then you should consider going solar.

Solar panel installation cost can vary depending on the size of your home, the number of panels needed and other factors that depend on your budget and needs.

Who on Earth is Using Renewable Energy in the UK?

Renewable energy is the fastest growing industry in the UK. The government has been pushing for a renewable energy revolution and there are many benefits to this.

In the UK, there are many different types of renewable energy sources that can be used to generate electricity. These include wind, solar, hydroelectricity, biomass and wave power. Looking to switch to greener energy, Please check Utility Bidder for comparing the best energy prices in UK.

Renewable energy is a type of power generation that relies on natural resources such as sunlight, wind or water rather than fossil fuels or nuclear power. UK renewable energy industry is growing at a rate of 17% annually with the government aiming to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Renewable energy is becoming more popular in the UK and other countries. The UK’s renewable energy industry has grown at a rate of 17% annually and the government has set a target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This means that it aims to reduce emissions from all sectors including buildings, transport, and agriculture.

The UK’s renewable energy industry has grown at a rate of 17% annually with the government aiming to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This means that it aims to reduce emissions from all sectors including buildings, transport, and agriculture.

The Pros and Cons of Installing Your Own Renewable Energy Technologies in Your Home or Business Today

Installing your own renewable energy technologies in your home or business can be a smart decision for the future. But it is important to take into account the pros and cons of these technologies before you make a decision.

The Pros:

* You will be able to save money on your electricity bills by generating more power.

* You will feel good knowing that you are doing your part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.

* Your home or business will become more energy efficient, which means it will have lower operating costs in the long run.

The Cons:

* You may not know how to maintain and troubleshoot these systems properly, which could lead to expensive problems down the line like broken panels or wiring issues. * Installing these renewable energy technologies may not be feasible

Tips for Making the Transition from Fossil Fuels to Greener Electricity Easier & More Affordable

There are many ways to start making the transition from fossil fuels to greener electricity. Here are some tips for making that transition easier and more affordable.

The first step is to start thinking about how you can reduce your energy use. You can do this by turning off the lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when they’re not in use, and using less water in your shower. Using renewable energy sources like solar power or wind power is another way to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on electricity bills.

For those who don’t have the option of switching to renewable energy sources, there are other ways you can make the transition easier and more affordable: change your thermostat settings, purchase a smart thermostat that turns off.

The transition from fossil fuels to greener electricity is a long process. It takes time, effort, and a lot of research. However, there are some simple ways that you can make the transition easier and more affordable.

1. Switching your thermostat to a programmable one will save you money on heating bills.

2. Install solar panels on your roof to generate energy for your home or business.

3. Get an electric car if you want to reduce emissions in your area and save money on gas in the long run.

4. Join a community-based solar power project near you that uses renewable energy sources like wind or solar power for their electricity needs instead of fossil fuels like coal or natural gas.

The post How to Switch to Greener Energy in the UK appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

The awareness regarding environmental issues can be generated properly inside a classroom. Students can prove to be stewards of nature and play a major role in saving the planet from all kinds of environmental hazards. It is important to highlight the steps for bringing solutions against the climate crisis that has affected many regions of the world just like an essay writer describes various ways in a sequence. The whole world is affected by environmental disasters, especially the underdeveloped and developing countries like South Africa.

Deforestation and pollution can lead to a huge environmental crisis. Lahore, a highly populated city of Pakistan is dealing with a climate crisis in the form of smog. Residents of the city are facing various health-related problems and hurdles in pursuing their routine tasks. Here are some important steps that can be applied for raising awareness regarding environmental concerns particularly by students:

1.    Volunteer for Different Projects

If you are a student, you can contribute greatly by running various campaigns and volunteering for many projects. Institutes formulate different departmental societies by engaging the students in certain activities. Many plantation campaigns are conducted at institutes to highlight the significance of planting trees to make the world greener and preserve the environment.

2.    Use Your Creative Potential

Your creative potential can do wonders and you can design different models to guide people. Take part in different co-curricular activities and raise concern on factors that are causing harm to the environment by the use of presentations and appealing visuals. You can create flyers and posters with catchy images to grab the attention of people. Pamphlets can be distributed among students to make them aware of their role in impacting the environment.

3.    Attend a March or Rally

Rallies are a very effective way of informing the locals and public about the importance of simple steps to cause a big change. Strikes can impact a large number of people, especially the authoritative bodies by drawing their attention towards major problems. Pollutants are present everywhere like soil, water, and in the atmosphere.  If timely action is not taken, there can be an onset of many diseases like coughing, asthma, hepatitis, etc.

4.    Effective Use of Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool to generate awareness in youth and people of all age groups. Students can create pages that specifically produce videos concerning environmental issues. Various student unions can be made and events can be arranged to bring people under one platform and discuss problem-solving strategies. Students may gather funds from different organizations and take impactful steps like waste management, coloring street walls with the help of paints, designing posters, etc.

5.    Emphasize on Individual Action

No big change can be brought until everyone takes individual responsibility to resolve an issue. A simple step taken by an individual like throwing waste in the garbage can or recycling products can have a great impact. Little steps lead to huge changes and an educated nation can improve the standard of living by just taking care of basic things. Thus, proper emphasis should be laid on the importance of individual actions on all fronts.

6.    Create Informative Content

Different strategies can be used to create informative content like the use of charts, statistical data, and infographics to guide the public with facts. If people are not aware of the causes of environmental issues, they can never think in the direction of bringing solutions. It is our collective duty to save the planet by raising our voices on various platforms and convincing people to contribute in any way they can.

7.    Prove by Action

Words lose value when actions are not performed. One cannot claim to have fulfilled his duty as a citizen by simply discussing various factors that have contributed to global disasters. Without implementing the required practices, no information can be of any use. Students can set an example by forming teams to carry out a project like cleanliness in a specific area.

8.    Conduct Surveys

Surveys are a very useful method of conducting research and gathering feedback from a selected community. Various questionnaires can be distributed among students or residents of a particular region to collect the required information regarding environmental problems. You may also ask for recommendations and generate polls to bring effective solutions.

9.    Give Speeches

The way you address the audience can have a huge impact on many lives. If you hold a powerful expression and have the ability to engage various communities in healthy discussions, your words can be of great use. Share your personal experiences and guide people towards different ways to get rid of all the harmful consequences.

Conclusion

It is our collective duty to not only generate awareness regarding factors that lead to environmental issues but also implement the required action. Students can play a major role in directing the attention of public and governmental bodies to consume eco-friendly products and devise solutions to protect the environment.

The post How to Promote Environmental Issues Awareness as a Student? appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

You’re tired of feeling less than great every single day, and you’re ready to make some serious changes in how you’re nourishing your body. Nature provides a bounty of nutrient-dense superfoods that boost your immune system, and even help you lose weight.

Which foods are healthiest and should be on your next grocery list? Let’s take a look.

Discovering Nature’s Healthiest Foods

There is no shortage of advice on the internet about which foods you should be eating and why. When you’re looking to include healthier foods in your diet, the information becomes overwhelming. The next thing you know, your grocery cart is stuffed, and you have no idea what to do with any of it.

Instead of being overwhelmed, why not start with just a few new healthy foods, and focus on eating them every day? To help save you from information overload, we’ve narrowed it down to 5 of the best superfoods and explained why you need them in your diet, starting today.

5 Best Superfoods for Weight Loss and Nutrition

• Berries 

Berries, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are antioxidant powerhouses. Antioxidants work to fight and neutralize free radicals. It’s normal to have some free radicals, but too many, cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and chronic diseases like cancer.

Foods like berries with a high antioxidant load help neutralize free radicals and keep them in balance. Plus, they are naturally sweet but low in sugar and friendly for those who prefer to eat foods that are lower on the GI (glycemic index) scale.

• Leafy Greens

Were you ever told as a child to eat your spinach? It turns out there’s a good reason that parents have been harping on kids to eat their greens all these years. Leafy greens, like spinach, kale, swiss chard, and collard greens have high amounts of nutrients and fiber.

Research tells us that regularly consuming dark, leafy greens can reduce the risk of heart disease, hypertension, obesity, and cognitive decline. Leafy greens are also loaded with vitamins A, C, and K – all of which can help boost your immune system.

• Cruciferous Vegetables 

The family of cruciferous vegetables is one that should be in every healthy diet plan. Examples of cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. In addition to providing loads of great fiber, broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, which are thought to have anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

• Whole Grains 

Some modern diets, like keto and paleo, restrict the consumption of whole grains. There is some research to suggest that grains can cause inflammation but, refined, rather than whole grains appear to be the culprit. Refined grains lack nutritional content and fiber while being higher on the GI scale of foods. Whole grains are another story entirely.

Whole grains, like oatmeal, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and barley are some of the healthiest foods you can consume. They help you reach your optimal daily fiber intake, are packed with nutrients, and can help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

• Walnuts

Nuts like almonds and cashews are great healthy choices, but walnuts are at the top of the list of nutritionally beneficial nuts. They are rich in omega-3s, which are the “good” fats that protect your cardiovascular health.

Maybe you’ve heard that the fats in salmon are good for you, which they are. Walnuts contain the same types of fat and offer an alternative to those that don’t consume animal protein. They also have inflammatory polyphenols and boast a nice antioxidant load. To gain the most benefit, choose walnuts that are raw and unsalted.

Achieving Weight Loss with Optimal Nutrition 

Obesity is a growing health concern in the United States. Worldwide, about 13% of adults are technically obese. Narrow the focus down to the United States, and that number jumps to 40% of adults over the age of 18. Obesity is one of the most common risk factors of debilitating diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Controlling your weight is one of the best things you can do for your health.

What makes this difficult is that there are multiple reasons for our obesity problem. On one hand, higher economic status and easy access to food can lead to obesity. Processed foods have become an easy option for busy families, and restaurant meals become the norm.

On the other end of the spectrum are those with limited food budgets and access to food. Processed foods, which are high in fat and low in nutritional quality, are sometimes the only accessible option. Regardless of which end of the spectrum a person comes from, poor eating habits have become the American way of life.

Adding nutritionally dense foods, like the ones listed here, can help you lose weight and gain control of your health. Switching out high-fat, processed foods, for whole natural foods is one of the quickest ways to drop pounds and feel healthier – no fad diet required.

Still, some people struggle with losing weight through diet and exercise alone, and they need an extra boost. Weight loss supplements are popular options but it’s crucial that you choose one that supports your weight loss goals naturally and doesn’t cause side effects.

Phenocal is one of the most popular dietary supplements today. Phenocal improves the body’s fat-burning capabilities and provides a boost in energy. Phenol uses natural ingredients, including chromium, folic acid, fucoxanthin, glucomannan, cocoa extra, and Hoodia Gordonii.

Phenocal reviews tell us that it’s an effective weight loss supplement for people who are serious about losing weight and want noticeable results. The only caution is that if you have a pre-existing health condition, especially heart disease, you should speak with your doctor before using it. Phenocal works well, and what’s even better, it is made from all-natural ingredients that will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Bottom Line

If you’re tired of feeling sluggish, sick, and unhappy with your body, you have the power to change your future. It involves making a commitment to yourself and choosing foods that support your health, rather than breaking it down. Nature has supplied so many delicious, nutritious foods to enjoy along your journey. Healthy is the winning combination that will help you reach your goal.

If you’re feeling stuck, or know that you’ll need an extra boost, choose natural, effective dietary supplements like Phenocal. These are the first steps; now it’s up to you to take them.

The post Healthy Diet Plan: 5 Superfoods to Start Eating Today appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

“ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. WHEN YOU VIOLATE NATURE, YOU VIOLATE THE PEOPLE!”

On International Human Rights Day (10 December 2021), the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI), on behalf of its faith members, sent an Open Letter to government to make known their disapproval of Shell’s seismic surveys on the Wild Coast, as well as government’s ongoing pursuit of an economy driven by fossil fuels.

“COP26 has just finished and here South Africa – the 12th-biggest emitter of carbon, globally – allows Shell to conduct potentially-harmful seismic testing, in search of more GHG-emitting oil and gas. How can this be when the company was just recently ordered to “slash its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 compared with 2019 levels”? As a global force, Shell already has a disturbing track record of environmental and societal damage, and we refuse to allow the company to repeat its numerous atrocities here,” says Cele Esau, a Christian faith leader from the Cape Town Unitarian community.

The letter – sent to the Departments of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) – demonstrates that many people have become more aware of and interested in what government and industry are doing to the environment, in the name of economic development. People want to know how these decisions will impact climate change and, in turn, what impact this will have on their wellbeing and livelihoods.

“In this climate emergency, oil and gas will be a game-changer of the worst kind,” says activist Lydia Petersen, “threatening the livelihoods of many indigenous and marginalised peoples. It is incredibly frustrating that our government insists on wasting precious time with outdated fossil fuels, when it should be spending far more of its efforts on uplifting our people, through the just transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy. This year’s Human Rights’ theme is ‘Equality – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights.’ We do not believe that our government, particularly these two departments, is living up to this requirement. Where is the Department of Environment and Fisheries in all of this? Do they not care that their area of responsibility is being placed at such unnecessary risk?”

They say, “It feels very calculated that Shell’s potentially harmful seismic surveys are going ahead at a time when everyone is trying to wind down from a particularly challenging year, and as we face the fourth wave of Covid-19. Why has this new threat been hidden from us, and never publicly aired, until now? It makes us wonder if the climate commitments at COP26 really happened. The Hague has found that this mega-polluter and human rights violator should pay for its crimes. But what value can be attached to human life, and to all of life? Our voices cannot remain silent. We will not stand by and see Creation be defiled by greed,”.

SAFCEI’s Executive Director Francesca de Gasparis says that the multi-faith ecojustice organisation is driven by its respect for all living things. She says, “Especially in the face of the intensifying climate emergency, the pursuit of economic development should not come at the cost of the people nor the environment. And it cannot be that some people’s rights are seen as more important than others. Communities on the Wild Coast and other coastal areas have every right to be concerned about what is happening in the ocean off their coastlines. This is a resource that belongs to us all and if governments are making decisions that may lead to its devastation, then we have the moral imperative to speak out.

In addition to the current seismic situation with Shell, there are other application on both sides of South Africa’s coastlines that have been earmarked for exploration. Shortly, an application by CGG Services for a reconnaissance permit – for the area located off the southeast coast of South Africa, ranging Gqeberha to a point approximately 120 km southeast of Plettenberg Bay (the Algoa, Gamtoos and Outeniqua Basins) – which will also include further seismic surveys.

“As people of faith, representative of various beliefs, we all have care for the Earth is one of our most fundamental tenets. When we are faced with our government choosing a model for energy which hurts the people and/or the environment, as well as being unaffordable, we are compelled to speak up.” We cannot be complicit in ecocide!

HANDS OFF OUR OCEANS!!!

Issued by Maria Welcome, on behalf of SAFCEI.
For media queries, contact:
Maria on maria.welcome.comms@gmail.com / 082-936-9199
Natasha on natasha.adonis.comms@gmail.com / 0797-999-654

The post PEOPLE OF FAITH OPPOSE SHELL appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

Looking for a new weekend getaway spot? Go off-grid in the Overberg’s picture-perfect Stanford Valley, where this honeybee sanctuary offers the chance to suit up and experience a day in the life of a professional beekeeper.

Nestled in the southernmost valley on the African continent, a honeybee sanctuary with a whole lot of heart is giving South Africans and beyond the chance to interact with everyone’s favorite pollinator.

Honeybees are an essential part of food production worldwide, pollinating most of the world’s fruits, vegetables, nuts and more. But thanks to farming and beekeeping malpractice, these little guys are a big risk. Founded in 2020 on Willowdale Farm in Stanford Valley, Honeybee Heroes was created to help reverse the decline of South Africa’s unique Capensis honeybee, by educating consumers on the importance of sustainably sourced foods and enabling everyday people to sponsor a honeybee colony, cared for by the team’s expert beekeepers. Honeybee Heroes has already become one of the largest honeybee apiaries in the country, with over 300 active hives.

Through the organisation’s flagship Adopt-a-Hive programme, anyone can sponsor a beehive. When you “adopt” a hive, the Honeybee Heroes team will brand it your name and place it in a permanent location at Willowdale Farm or nearby, caring for it once a colony of wild bees moves in. With each adoption, you’ll receive a personalised adoption kit, including six jars (3 kg!) of raw Honeybee Heroes honey, an adoption certificate, and frequent updates on your hive. All proceeds go to setting up more honeybee hives, as well as to developing Honeybee Heroes’ upcoming community-run micro-apiaries, where they’ll be training low-income South Africans in professional beekeeping.

The Honeybee Heroes team offers free monthly beekeeping courses if you’re interested, but you don’t have to sign up for one of these to visit the farm and check out the hives. The sanctuary is open to day and weekend visitors, as long as you book in advance. So whether you’re already obsessed with honeybees, looking for a way to unplug and reconnect with nature, or if you’re just searching for a unique activity to do with your loved ones, Willowdale Farm is the perfect place to get away while giving back.

When visiting the farm, you’ll have the opportunity to suit up and visit the bees, get hands-on in helping care for the hives, and you may even get the chance to extract and bottle some fresh honey. The Honeybee Heroes team will also happily take you for a tour of the farm in one of their honeybee-branded, open-top Land Rovers.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the farm’s sculpture garden (say hello to the resident sheep along the way!) and enjoy a tasting of Honeybee Heroes honey, smothered on sourdoughs and ciabattas still warm from the nearby bakery and paired with cheese from the local Stonehouse cheesery and a bottle of red from Lomond Wine Estate just down the road. The Honeybee Heroes team will walk you through the varying textures and flavour profiles of honey harvested from different locations on the property, depending on where the bees have been munching amidst the farm’s indigenous fynbos, eucalyptus, lavender bushes, and blooming canola fields.

When you’re all wrapped up on the farm, it’s a quick drive into the town of Stanford, with its cozy pubs, river cruises, antique shops, and the monthly night market that draws the locals together for live music and homegrown food.

Less than two hours from Cape Town and just thirty minutes to Hermanus, Willowdale Farm is a great day trip or easy weekend getaway with your partner, family, or friends. With private beekeeping experiences available, it’s also a good place to host a corporate retreat, team event, or birthday party. The farm has seven, two-bedroom cottages for overnight stays.

The honeybees are waiting for you! Book your visit at www.honeybeeheroes.com.

The post Western Cape’s buzzing eco-tourist destination appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

I think most people will agree that the Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg draws very polarising opinions from people. On the one hand she supports and speaks out for a very just, urgent cause but on the other hand she is arguably nothing but a puppet to the powers that control her and, at best, a media sensation with a limited lifespan.

A Worthy Voice or Simply a Figurehead?

To those who admire and applaud Thunberg, think about this. Essentially she’s a climate activist with no qualifications whatsoever on the subjects about which she speaks. Ordinarily there would be nothing wrong with this but the travesty is that she’s lauded as one of the top voices on climate change at the moment but she seemingly has no idea of how to execute her unrealistic demands.

Some argue that she doesn’t need qualifications in order to bring awareness to her cause and on some level this is valid, but in Thunberg’s case she is being allowed to sit on academic and political panels and ‘advise’ the world on how to very urgently change its ways with seemingly little or no forethought as to the implications of her advice. She evidently has little understanding of the world’s complex climate history otherwise she’d know just how unreasonable her demands are. How can you be a voice for social change yet only have a limited understanding of the implications of that change?

The 2021 WHO Media Briefing

Thunberg’s embarrassing and uncomfortable cameo in the WHO Media Briefing on COVID-19, Climate Change and Covid Vaccine Equity saw her speak via video link for only about a minute at a time while offering nothing new to her rhetoric for climate change mitigation. What she appears to repeat from pre-written scripts is a message that has been gathering momentum since the birth of the modern climate change movement in the 1970s and thus offers nothing new in the way of socioeconomic comment or contextual solutions to solve the causes she champions. While later fielding questions from journalists, she is unable to articulate her answers and instead slips uncomfortably back into her well rehearsed rhetoric of how we must all look after one another and do more to reduce our emissions. Again, nothing new and boring repetition at best.

Greta Thunberg on the COVID-19 Vaccination

On the subject of the COVID-19 pandemic and pharmaceuticals, of which she has no qualifications, Thunberg is asked by a journalist whether or not she would advocate a vaccine strike amongst the youth in wealthy countries in order to allow unprotected people in poorer countries access to the vaccine. The reasoning for this being that a vaccine strike by millions of children in wealthy countries who seemingly don’t, as of current research, need to take the vaccine would free up millions of doses for the poorer countries until these poorer governments have access to and are able to share vaccines with their citizens.

To this question, Thunberg again stutters into familiar rhetoric while being unable to adequately answer the question posed to her. What she does manage to say is that she “would not advocate for people to not take the vaccine”. It’s not clear from this statement whether or not she supports the proposal of a youth vaccine strike, again being unable to clearly articulate herself. If she does not support a youth vaccine strike, this potentially puts millions of people in poorer countries around the world at risk of greater suffering than if they had access to the vaccine.

On Jair Bolsonaro

The next question from a journalist asks Thunberg what message she would send the Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, someone who supports the decimation and development of the Amazon rainforest, about climate change. Her reply immediately avoids the question by saying that we shouldn’t be concentrating on singling out individuals and goes on to state what many of us know, which is that Bolsonaro has failed to adequately address climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic in his tenure so far. Needless to say she comes nowhere close to answering the question and, yet again, repeats her familiar rehearsed script.

Donations of Surplus Vaccines

Asked about whether richer countries should donate surplus vaccines to the poorer countries, she fails yet again to answer this question and seems to contradict her earlier ambiguous statement of whether or not she supports a youth vaccine strike. She goes on to say that “we must prioritise looking after people in the most vulnerable risk groups no matter which countries they come from”. Well, if world leaders should be prioritising looking after people in the most vulnerable risk groups then surely a youth vaccine strike would make sense. This would free up all those vaccines that could be sent around the world to poorer countries less able to afford them and in which people are most vulnerable to disease and illness.

Support for Thunberg

Every single question put to Thunberg in the hour-long briefing sees her stuttering and reverting to pre-scripted text while she fails to adequately address anything asked of her. Far be this from a Greta Thunberg-bashing piece, she is a likeable individual and I wholeheartedly support her cause to give more attention to climate change action. I also support her rhetoric that not enough is being done by world leaders as a matter of urgency but I feel she is in over her head, regardless of the fact that she chooses to do this. Watching her try to field scientific questions about which she evidently has little real-world understanding and which require education and experience to answer, is quite frankly rather cringeworthy.

What Thunberg is trying to do for social change is admirable but is she the right person to be used as a global political icon and catalyst for that change? She and the world media have garnered attention and support from millions of her peers and other demographics around the globe which has quite rightly brought attention to an urgent issue, something unlikely to have happened in the absence of a figure with which the youth can identify, but Greta Thunberg is an activist and an influencer, not a politician and a climate scientist.

She is absolutely allowed a global voice, however formal political and academic press conferences are not the correct platform for that voice. She is an inspirational figure to be followed by people who support her cause, but to be held as some sort of social and political visionary is just absurd.

Thunberg claims to not enjoy the attention and adulation her cause brings her and says despite being uncomfortable in the limelight, she’s chosen this position because her drive to save the environment overpowers any other feelings. While this is commendable, surely being able to succinctly articulate the solutions to her cause is a prerequisite?

What she is able to say she says well, but failure offer real-world contextual solutions to the issues for which she campaigns surely makes her nothing but a figurehead. Is it then not irresponsible for the world to laud her as one of the definitive voices on climate change action as there are many other, more suitably qualified people who already campaign for this very cause.

Why Qualifications Are Important in Thunberg’s Position

The reason why Ms Thunberg needs qualifications to be one of the global voices for climate change is because at present she clearly has no concept of how her demands will affect the real world, socioeconomically speaking. If she really has considered all the implications of what she’s demanding then she’d know that her ultimate goal of net zero emissions is unrealistic given the industrialised world in which we currently live and the time-frame in which she expects results.

If she’s to be a spokesperson for climate change she should also know that calling for an immediate reduction in global emissions is unrealistic on the basis that climate warming carbon dioxide and other anthropogenic climate forcing emissions do not disappear from earth’s atmosphere in a matter of decades but will hang around for thousands of years while global temperatures continue to rise, and that’s if the world halted all emissions tomorrow. This call for an immediate reduction in global emissions is impractical at best considering roughly 80% of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels. Immediate action however is not unrealistic.

Assuming we all do what she’s requesting and down tools in the quest for zero emissions, what is supposed to happen to all the world’s existing industry and economy? What happens to the existing ‘dirty’ global industry? Are all the world’s mines, factories, construction sites and so on just left to rot and pollute the earth further while dozens of toxic chemicals leach into the earth? How does she think the world will make space for and generate a new ‘clean’ emissions-free industry? By using current industry to clear out the old, which means decades of escalated emissions while scrapping and recycling in order to achieve her goal.

I’m sure she knows very well that a warming climate increases human exposure to toxic chemicals, doesn’t she? Surely she’s thought about that, or maybe not. What happens to poorer countries that rely on outdated ‘dirty’ industry to keep their economies afloat and can’t afford to immediately adopt her zero emissions policies, what happens to people’s jobs, to global trade, to life as we know it in the transition period?

A zero emissions world can only be a reality with massive global cooperation to invent, construct and replace all the current ‘dirty’ industry with ‘clean’ machines, construction plants, factories, planes, boats, cars and so on. This would take decades of planning, getting global leaders to agree on numerous and highly complex policies and that’s before the construction of this new zero emissions world takes shape. The industrialised world right now can’t get a basic thing like equitable food distribution right, it’s not like global leaders haven’t had enough time to sort that out.

The Future for Thunberg

Thunberg’s seminal moment was in August 2018 when she protested alone outside the Swedish parliament, aged fifteen. Understandably, exposure was exactly what she was after. August 2021 will be three years of campaigning for Thunberg and sadly the world’s will to change is nowhere in sight. Change, when applied to something as complex as global socioeconomic issues, is a very gradual process — it’s in our human nature to be resistant to it. The next few decades will no doubt see great change in how the world treats the environment, this though will just simply not happen overnight.

Now eighteen, Thunberg is arguably still far too young to grasp the gravity of her situation. A qualified adult should be fulfilling her role, somebody who can deal with the emotional rollercoaster of world issues. Through no fault of her own at her age, she is not educated enough and has limited life experience on which to draw in order to articulate herself on such complex world matters.

Not believing that climate change is being treated with the urgency it deserves, Thunberg is also an activist that supports radicalism. Ironically, it’s this radicalism that will no doubt end up alienating the very political allies she is trying to attract.

What happens when the next big climate sensation comes along and the world realises Ms Thunberg is past her expiry date? How will she feel about missing out on her childhood in exchange for years of being subjected to heavy issues no child should have to deal with? She is a scared teenager, there’s nothing wrong with that but as someone with Aspergers her parents should never have allowed their child to be put in such a position, an urgent and overwhelming position which can only serve to exacerbate issues of anxiety and depression as the pressure for her to produce results mounts.

Nothing But a Public Relations Stunt

Solving the issue of exacerbated climate change is obviously far more complex than Thunberg realises in her contrived media appearances. For the most part, her rhetoric contains nothing but carefully scripted platitudes, edited by the very people who have a vested interest in selecting what the public is fed in the mainstream media.

This public relations stunt is an attractive cop-out for world leaders and government organisations to appear as if something is being done about the issues of climate change and world health. They are exactly the people Thunberg is calling out for their inaction but by giving a platform to an unqualified individual abdicates these organisations of a certain amount of responsibility. It is the world leaders and heads of these organisations who should be doing more to tackle climate change by offering up some actionable strategies, and then acting on these strategies, rather than relying on on-going press conferences and platitudes to make it appear as if something is being done.

I call this a public relations stunt because that’s what it seems, a political diversion tactic to draw attention away from the real issues that never receive the global exposure they deserve. Overpopulation and its demand on the earth’s natural resources is often seen to be the root cause of climate change but in fact it’s the world’s wealthiest portion of the population in the most developed countries that is a disproportionally large contributor to climate change, due to overconsumption. If people really stopped to think about the effects of curtailing the global population as a solution to climate change, the solution — while by no means simple — would be to address the issue of overconsumption in the world’s most developed and populous countries. One way to tackle this would be to start slowing and stabilising the population growth in these countries, thereby reducing the need for overconsumption. Of course, addressing this issue of overconsumption also means addressing the issue of global wealth distribution, which is not a simple task.

The solution seems simple in theory but of course in practice it’s hugely complicated and there is no quick fix. Greater access to education for everyone including in developing countries, stabilising the global population and reducing human demand on natural resources in highly developed countries would be a start. In the long term this would allow the environment to recover and will enable the planet to eventually return to a state of homeostasis. It’s always easier for the powers that be to appear to be doing something like supporting the latest environmental fad than to actually do something. Sorting out the issue of human-induced, exacerbated climate change by reducing the demand on earth’s natural resources conflicts with the financial interests of the world’s wealthiest corporations and changing this mindset is the first hurdle.

The post Thinking About Thunberg appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

The environmental impact of the energy-intensive crypto industry has been coming under growing scrutiny in recent years. While emerging as one of the most captivating investments of the digital era, currencies like Bitcoin are also known for consuming astonishing amounts of electricity. 

So what exactly is Bitcoin’s carbon footprint, and is the world’s biggest cryptocurrency really polluting our planet? To answer these questions, we’ll have to go back to the very beginning.  

What Is Bitcoin?

The Bitcoin story began in 2008 when a person or persons using the name Satoshi Nakamoto published a proposal to create a decentralized electronic payment system. The main objective was to provide an alternative to traditional currencies regulated by governments and enable users to conduct transactions through a decentralized network without having to rely on third parties. 

Unlike traditional currencies, Bitcoin and other cryptos are not issued or backed by any government or central bank, which is one of the reasons why they aren’t recognized as legal tender in many parts of the world. 

Although there is no physical Bitcoin, you can exchange this digital currency for cash in one of the many online cryptocurrency exchanges. Another important thing to point out about Bitcoin is that transactions are validated by an enormous amount of computing power in a process known as Bitcoin mining. Let’s delve deeper into how all of this works.

Bitcoin Mining

Bitcoin mining is a process in which miners compete to solve complicated mathematical equations in order to validate transactions and add them into Bitcoin’s public ledger. These aren’t your regular mathematical riddles. They require some of the world’s most power-hungry computers, which use a lot of energy. 

Once a miner finds a new block, it has to be verified across the network before being added to the blockchain. The reward for getting to the end of this complicated process is a batch of freshly mined Bitcoin. Back in 2009, the block reward was 50 new bitcoins, but as the value of the crypto dramatically increased, things changed. As of May 2020, the reward is 6.25 BTC for each new block. Genesis Block is the name given to the first block of Bitcoin ever mined. Also known as Block 1, it was mined on January 9, 2009. 

Another chief characteristic of Bitcoin is its limited supply. Nakamoto capped the number at 21 million. The scarcity of digital currency enables Bitcoin to resist inflation. It’s expected that the very last Bitcoin will be mined somewhere around 2140, and the entire ecosystem of the currency will be altered. 

Is Bitcoin Bad for the Environment?

The value of Bitcoin has risen significantly over the years. And during that time, the crypto industry has made real progress in establishing itself as a legitimate current within the financial world. However, concerns persist over its energy consumption and the impact of Bitcoin mining on the environment.

According to the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index, the annual energy consumption of bitcoin-mining operations throughout the world stands at an estimated 104.04 terawatt-hours. This number probably doesn’t mean much unless you put it into context. 

The same amount of energy can be used to provide the domestic electricity needs of Finland and many other countries for an entire year. Meanwhile, the amount of power a single Bitcoin transaction requires is equivalent to the monthly energy needs of an average American household. 

Since mining consumes a lot of energy, miners are constantly on the lookout for more affordable electricity. That’s why most mining operations traditionally took place across Russia and China. But the mining geography is changing, and China no longer houses the largest chunk of the world’s miners. According to data published by the University of Cambridge, the US has substituted China as the preferred destination for Bitcoin mining operators. 

In June 2021, Chinese authorities intensified their clampdown against Bitcoin by ordering banks and payment platforms to stop supporting crypto transactions. This caused the Bitcoin price to drop below $30,000 for the first time in five months. That figure was a drastic departure from Bitcoin’s all-time high in April 2021, when it was valued at more than $64.000. Since then, Beijing’s crackdown has also pushed miners overseas who are now finding a new home in places like the US and Kazakhstan. 

The post Bitcoin Mining and Its Environmental Effects appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.

Despite clear ecological evidence of the damage we have inflicted on our planet, industries continue to use unprecedented quantities of plastics. Not only is much of this non-recyclable or negligently not recycled, there are areas where companies are turning towards plastic use, ignoring existing alternatives.

In 2018, the world produced 359 million metric tons of plastics. The current trend sees annual productions increase by 10 million metric tons every year. Globally, less than 9 percent of plastics waste is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills that are usually not properly managed, thereby polluting the environment, according to research from Roland Geyer and his colleagues.

Plastic production and disposal is harmful for the environment, but many businesses pursue short-term profit over long-term ecological considerations. Around the world, a number of governments have imposed legislation aimed at curbing plastic consumption. The most recent instance of this has been the increasing number of authorities banning the use of disposable plastic shopping bags.

Even in the United States, less known for reactivity on matters of the environment has seen multiple states imposing bans or charges for use. There was also a bill in the US Congress, though unlikely to pass, representing a symbolic effort to nationalize the issue.

Some global brands have also gotten onboard, with Nestle making a commitment through the European Plastics Pact to make 100 percent of plastics reusable or recyclable and reduce the use of virgin plastics by a third.

Alternatives to plastics

The alternative material for bags, bizarrely, is a material we have been using for hundreds of years: cotton. The reason is that cotton is grown, not extracted from the Earth in the form of oil. Cotton is a sustainable, plant-based material which does not produce noxious gases during fabrication, and naturally decomposes over time.

We need a healthy marine system for our survival, which means, we cannot have plastic going into the ocean, according to Dune Ives, the executive director of Lonely Whale.

“A reusable tote [cotton bag] hasn’t found its way in the belly of a whale, at least as [far as] I have seen,” she said.

Even in other areas, such as in packaging for products, alternatives to plastic exist — and the options are only multiplying over time.

The use of vegetable fibres is now possible in a huge number of manufacturing processes, from cups and straws, to bamboo cotton buds, which is why many countries are banning the plastic versions of these too.

The advantage is clear, especially given the amount of wildlife killed by plastic each year, or the quantities of micro-plastics being found in the ocean.

There are even experimental use cases for vegetable-fibre concrete in the construction industry, producing walls and roofing tiles.

Trends in the wrong direction

Unfortunately, opposite trends are also present in many industries. Modern manufacturing techniques have moved towards injection moulding processes and reinforced plastics which weave different substances into materials, rendering them non-recyclable.

In industries such as automotive and construction, plastics are used to produce cheap materials with specific shapes and qualities. This is done generally for cost-saving reasons.

In the marine and aerospace sectors, plastics are used to produce hyper-durable lightweight components. Some of these cannot yet be replaced by non-plastic alternatives. While extremely useful, the price we pay for these plastics is too high.

For the sake of our air and atmosphere, the pursuit of alternatives must move from the fringe to the mainstream: this is the only way for these trends to be undone.

In the worst examples, industries that were not traditionally using plastics, even up until very recently, are now choosing to do so. One area we see this is in banknote printing. In general, traditionally, very specific forms of cotton paper are used. Cotton paper is sufficiently durable and sustainable, making it perfectly suited for use in banknote production.

Unfortunately, a number of countries and printing companies, have moved towards the use of plastic as the base material for their banknotes. While only used in a minority of cases, this harmful trend has been gathering momentum.

Arguments are made on the grounds of cost-saving and, more surprisingly, environmental reasons: arguments that have been scrutinised at length and found wanting. The question we must ask is, why use plastic when a good, natural material already exists for the purpose?

The post When cotton justifiably replaces plastic appeared first on Environment South Africa | Green Blog | Eco Bulletin.