life in balance
TRANSCRIPT
ISSUE 10 June/July 2010 yoUr frEE copy
02 news & innovations 09 food &
wine 22 art & books15 chemical
watch12 wellness
life in balanceredefine your thinking – one person can make a difference
events & newsnews & previews02
Welcome to the Earth edition of Life in Balance. The world-wide celebration called Earth Day took place on the 22nd April and then slipped away in the wake of the monster oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. our love affair with fossil fuels has again risen up in ghastly consequence – marine destruction we cannot begin to measure. In the sober space of chemical pollution consider the chemicals that make their way into your household clean-ing products and convenience food. our special feature helps you identify what you need to avoid. There is a call to reduce energy consumption due to the big games about to begin. Every light burning adds another piece of coal to a huge fire in the Northern Province. Think about it. Do you want to keep paying for dirty power? In every act of consumption consider your power because it is your money being spent. choose very carefully where you spend it. In art we profile an artist who interrogates the affects of mining on the landscapes, both within and without. Enjoy the round up of news and applaud the success of ethical activism regarding battery eggs in pre-prepared food. our new website is active so do read further into the subject at www.lifeinbalance.co.za. of all the champions we need now I believe it is an environmental super hero able to motivate leaders to take note of what is really important and do what needs to be done to secure South Africa 2020. In the meantime we need to remember that each of us is a custodian of the ground; it is vital to recycle and re-use as much as we can, to make our own compost to reduce landfill and grow our own vegetables. Go easy on water and be part of the solution, not the prob-lem. Give thanks for the bounty we are blessed with and take care of it.
welcome
a dirty challengeby michele beathamI once attended a two-day organic food gardening course. To say it resulted in a feast of fresh food from my own garden would be a lie. The idea appeals, but I’ve always used the excuse that my thumbs are decidedly non-green. Talking to plants, no problem; getting down and dirty, not so much. Simply put, I am squeamish.
However, research for this issue brought home a rather shocking truth – nearly 50% of all waste generated in this country is organic, i.e. kitchen scraps, food waste and garden clippings. Most of it still ends up in landfills. Organic waste is filled with life-giving nutrients, but once it reaches a landfill it rots and gives off toxic methane gas. We are allowing something very good for the earth to turn into something very bad. Not returning these nutrients to the soil should be unthinkable.
According to a report in Sci-ence Daily, food waste in the US is estimated to account for more than 25% of total freshwater consumption. As the percentage of food waste in South Africa is on a par with the US, it is a statistic very relevant to our water-stressed country.
So how do we reduce organic waSte?Shop wisely. All of us over-buy produce at times; lettuce wilts and tomatoes turn into a science experiment.
Growing one’s own takes it a step further, as does using kitchen waste to make compost to feed the soil.
According to Sam Adams, owner of Living Green, a food garden is far less labour intensive than we think. In the forest, he says, nature main-tains itself, and it is upon these principles that the food gardens he creates for clients are based. Once the initial set up is complete, a productive garden requires little more than water-ing, weeding, and harvesting.
The fact that I don’t have a garden is no longer an excuse either. Salad leaves, herbs, tomatoes and other veggies are just as easily grown in pots. So I phoned Helen at Full Cycle to discuss options for pro-ducing food from my organic waste – food for the soil and food for me.
My worst fears were realised; a worm farm was the way to go, although it was reassur-ing to note that I wouldn’t necessarily have to touch them. We discussed what I would need based on my lifestyle, she explained the process in detail, answered all questions no mat-ter how silly and by the end had me enthusiastically anticipating sharing my life with worms as well as the fruits, or veggies, of my labour, which shall be shared with readers.
If I can do it, anyone can.
Full Cycle can be contacted on 021 789 2922 or visit www.fullcycle.co.za, and Living Green on 021 789 2392 and visit www.startlivinggreen.co.za
talking garbageevent
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world oceanS day 8 JuneThe devastating oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico is the latest of many disasters to occur in the twelve months since the inaugural World Ocean Day in 2009. Add to these the highest ever recorded sea levels and temperatures, an alarming rise in ocean acidification and failed proposals to regulate shark trading and Bluefin tuna fishing, and it’s clear that urgent action is needed. The 2010 theme, Oceans of Life, highlights the need to protect our oceans for future generations. An easy way to contribute, whether living at the coast or inland, is by eating only sustainable seafood and supporting SASSI participating restaurants. Sassi have a guide available at www.wwfsassi.co.za or text a query to 079 499 8795.
03events & newsnews & previews
22 may – 19 June: Foul! This exhibition, featuring cartoon artists, satirists and visual artists, takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the state of of the nation. Works by cartoonists rico Schacherl and Stephen francis (Madam & Eve), Tim Mostert (Speedy & papsak), Alastair findlay and fine artist Craig Smith are on display at Artspace Gallery, parkwood. www.artspace-jhb.co.za
11 may – 11 July: SPace: currencieS in contemPorary aFrican artMuseum Africa, old Market Bldg, 121 Bree Street, Newtown, showcases works from contemporary artists from Africa and the Diaspora during the 2010 fIfA World cup. The exhibition is free of charge and includes works from artists like Willem Boshoff, Gabrielle Goliath, Mary Sibande and David Koloane. Some artists, like Imad Mansour and El Hassan Echair from Morocco, are exhibiting in South Africa for the first time. tel. 011 833 5624, email [email protected]
10 – 13 June: george cheeSe FeStiValEnjoy a foodworx Theatre; Tour de cheese; food, Wine & fashion; Kid Zone; Brandy Boulevard; Academy of Whisky; portfolio of port and much more at the 8th annual George cheese festival at the outeniqua primary school, cathedral Street, George. Full details at www.georgecheesefestival.co.za, [email protected], tel. 044 874 2332
11 June – 11 July: newtown 2010 FeStiVal Newtown hosts a cultural
festival for the duration of the World cup with a month-long feast of music, dance, theatre, poetry, literature, craft, film, photography, outdoor performances and visual art. The festival takes place at a number of indoor & outdoor venues and includes a special area for children, at the Sci-Bono Discovery centre, with a programme that includes educational games, musicians, clowns, magicians, acrobats, jugglers, jumping castles, street theatre and dance. www.newtown.co.za
15 June: certiFied carbon literacy courSeThis one day course in cape Town, by Global carbon Exchange, gives employees and executives a good working knowledge of carbon related factors that will have to be included in their strategies for doing business in a new low-carbon economy. companies in every industry need to understand the issues surrounding climate change as governments around the world are putting a price on carbon, either through taxation or with a trading scheme. companies will have to start disclosing and reporting on their annual emissions. www.globalcarbonexchange.com
until 31 July: brightwater commonS Foil ballrecycle your used aluminium foil at Brightwater commons and stand the chance of winning a chana Benni 1300cc Exclusive, worth r89 900. Every deposit of 50g earns you one entry into the lucky draw for the car, as well as a monthly prize of r20 000. www.brightwatercommons.co.za
what’s on in June & July?StellenboSch wine FeStiVal 2010: 1 – 5 JulyThe 9th Stellenbosch Wine festival takes place a month earlier this year, giving soccer fans and wine lovers the chance to experience the magic of the Stellenbosch Winelands through a
network of shuttles between participating farms. Wine tastings & experiences, entertainment &
participating restaurants, and the chance to rub shoulders with your favourite winemakers from more than 140 farms will make the choice of which farms to visit, a difficult one indeed. And if you don’t wish to take your car, transport has been arranged between cape Town and the festival.
Tickets are available online at r150 per person per day, or buy a Golden pass for the entire festival
for r500. children under 18 go free. call 021 886 4310 or visit www.wineroute.co.za
a pair of one-day
tickets to the festival
(enter only if able
to attend) or a case
(12 bottles) of mixed
stellenbosch wines
(open to all readers)
– email michele@
lifeinbalance.co.za
with either WinE
FEstiVaL tiCkEts or
FEstiVaL WinE in the
subject line. Entries
close 22 June 2010.
win!
news & innovations04
The long awaited release of the Green Drop report that assesses the state of our sewerage treatment plants in the country paints a very bleak picture. Despite the Environment Minister’s protestations that we do not have a water crisis in South Africa, the Green Drop report reveals that only 3.8 percent of
sewerage treatment plants are operating according to acceptable standards. It has also been estimated that it will cost at least r23 billion to upgrade all the treatment plants in the country, with some commentators even claiming that this figure is a huge underestimation.
Solving this crisis will require more than just throwing money at the problem though. It is important that we first deal with the problem at source, by reducing the amount of water flowing through our overloaded treatment plants. one way in which this can be achieved is through a massive rollout of greywater systems that can divert shower, bath and washing machine water into garden irrigation systems. This can alleviate the water crisis in two ways; by firstly reducing the amount of
water that households use and secondly by reducing the amount of water flowing into our water treatment plants. I have recently installed such a system in my house and besides the fact that it is drastically reducing my water bill it has also saved me the arduous task of watering my garden. It is precisely these kinds of small-scale solutions that can help alleviate the myriad of sustainable development problems that our country is going to increasingly face in the near future. Government must therefore create the right policy environment for all households to now become partners in solving these problems.
Lance is Chief Whip of the parliamentary caucus and the national Policy Convenor. Email: [email protected]
TIME To TAcKLE SoUTH AfrIcA’S WATEr crISISby lance greyling, mP
news & innovations
news & innovations
naturally Pure waterclean, healthy water is essential, but flocculation of particulate impurities, a common first stage in purification of water often entails the addition of aluminium or iron salts; aluminium, particularly, has questionable health implications. Now, research conducted by Uppsala University in co-operation with the University of Botswana and published in the American chemical Society journal, Langmuir, describes how extracts from seeds of the Moringa tree can be used to purify water. “Understanding of the process may lead to further development in water purification with materials that are locally available and environmentally friendly,” says Adrian rennie, professor at the Department of physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University.
emiSSionS tax For new Vehicle ownerS From SePt 1St Anyone looking to buy a new car from 1st of September 2010 onwards needs to add an extra r5 000 – r10 000 to the current vehicle price to accommodate for the emissions tax that will be levied by the National Treasury. New passenger
vehicles will be taxed based on their certified CO2 emissions at r75 per g/km for each g/km above 120 g/km. Where this tax money will be spent is unclear as there is no commitment by government to allocate this additional tax to sustainable inititatives. source: www.engineeringnews.co.za
what were they thinking?The Department of Minerals has granted a licence to Australian mining group coAL Africa in the buffer zone of the ecologically sensitive and culturally valuable Mapungubwe, officially recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. Johan Verhoef, the international coordinator for the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier park, notes that besides the sensitive ecology, the region is very dry; a negative impact is certain.
Power-generating windowS Netherlands-based Peer+ has developed the innovative Smart Energy Glass windows, with numerous innovative features including collecting and storing solar energy for one’s own use. Three modes allow users to control the light: bright lets in the most natural light, dark blocks sunlight for things like watching movies during the day, while a privacy mode let’s some light in, but doesn’t allow others to see inside. www.peerplus.nl
nothing iS imPoSSibleBraam Malherbe’s passion for the environment started at a very young age, when he joined the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) at the age of 15, and often combined this commitment with his passion for athletics to make a difference. from the age of
17, when stunned by the plight of the Langebaan lagoon he ran 532km from plettenberg Bay to cape Town in 11 days, managing in the process to save the lagoon’s ecosystem from potential destruction, he successfully combined the two to raise funds, create awareness and educate, particularly the youth.
In 2006, despite being advised by the country’s medical and sporting specialists, he ran the Grea
comPiled by michele beatham & JeSSica roSS
TIME To TAo TAo T cKLE
news & innovations
goal binS Don’t Waste Services has come up with a revolutionary idea in answer to SAs need for more separated recycling waste bins: Soccer recycling pole Bins. It assists people with separating their waste with conveniently color-coded pole bins. Each colour is taken from the SA flag and each identifies a recyclable item. Blue is for glass, green for organic waste and yellow for plastic. www.dontwaste.co.zaSource: www.fin24.com
carS and treeSMotorsport South Africa (MSA), the controlling body of all forms of motorsport in South Africa, has embarked on a Greening campaign to plant trees at disadvantaged schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal in celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June 2010. The trees were purchased from South Africa’s national greening organisation, food & Trees for Africa (fTfA) and they will be planted during the first week of June to promote greening and food security.
fTfA has distributed over 3,5 million trees, since its inception in 1990, and helped to set up over 2 500 organic food gardens for the poorest in South Africa.
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05news & innovations
Wall of china, 4 218km, at a rate of just over a marathon a day, raising r500 000 for operation Smile and providing cleft palate operations for 59 children.
After this adventure, Braam underwent extensive knee surgery – his cartilage had dissipated, becoming mere bone. But this didn’t stop him. In 2008 he raised a further r2 million, providing another 500 cleft palate operations. remarkably, doctors at a medical symposium, based on pictures of his knee, agreed that Braam would never run again – on the same day that Braam was running past the 2 000km mark.
Braam has dedicated his life to nature conservation and the sustainable protection of our plant, embracing the ethos that “nothing is impossible”.
His book, The Great run, based on his adventures, should be on the shelves in May or June this year. A fascinating, inspiring must-read.
Petco JoinS garSdThe Global Alliance for recycling and Sustainable Development (GArSD) has invited pETco to join as a member receiving the advantage of being able to share and keep abreast with polyethylene Terephthalate
(pET) recycling developments globally. The current member countries are: Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay and Thailand. The alliance provides a platform to share, learn and exchange best practice and benchmark with other developing countries.
innoVatiVe waSte comPoSter For South aFricaSouth African company, Markon, has been granted exclusive rights for the distribution of the Big Hanna range of composter machines. Made of stainless steel, the machines provide a reliable, efficient system to deal with biodegradable waste, producing compost within eight to 12 weeks, reducing waste by 90% and saving on cost of transport to already-limited landfill sites. They would be ideally suited to residential complexes, hospitals, restaurants food courts, prisons, universities, airports, schools and golfing and wine estates. The machines have been used in Europe since 1998. source: www.engineeringnews.co.za
organic cowS Produce healthier milkA recent study at the University of Newcastle has shown that organically-farmed cow’s milk is likely
to be better for your health. The good fatty acids such as omega-3 and conjugated linoleic acid (cLA9) are found in greater abundance in the organic cattle’s milk than in commercially farmed milk. These fatty acids have been found to be effective in combating cancer, coronary heart disease and type II diabetes. source: www.greenclippings.co.za
walletS From waSte They may rip when you drive over a massive Jo’burg pothole in their inflated form, but the inner tubes of a bicycle are almost indestructable deflated, which makes them perfect to recycle into a regularly used item such as a wallet. Wikkerink Design has taken the easy-to-cut-and-shape material and turned it into fashionable, durable and of course, natural designer wallets. source: www.wikkerinkdesign.bigcartel.com
ba making Fuel From rubbiShIn an effort to reduce their environmental impact, British Airways has announced that it will start using landfill waste to produce jet fuel. BA has set their goal at 50% reduced emissions by 2050. The biofuel company Solena will be partnering with BA to construct a fuel plant in east London that will convert 500,000 tons of organic waste into 16m gallons of jet fuel per year. They plan to use the low-carbon fuel by 2014. www.reuters.com
Cape Town-based design studio, Pedersen + Lennard combines the talents of design-ers Luke Pedersen and James Lennard, and entrepreneur Nhlanhla Ngwenya, to pro-duce unique high-end designs perfectly capturing their vision of high quality, sustainable, local design.
Luke and James studied Industrial Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, after which Luke completed his Mas-ters in Interaction Design in Sweden and James skied the slopes of Aspen and sailed in South America waters, while Nhlanhla honed his skills in Corporate SA and as an inde-pendent entrepreneur.
Reflecting on the need for more environmentally aware products, this dynamic team founded Pedersen + Lennard
in mid-2009. They successfully merge their belief that not everything has to be new by reinventing recycled timber, buckets and crates as sleek and modern tables, desk lamps or seating, as well as custom made pieces.
They are not averse to using design to provoke social com-mentary either; their Mugabe Still Standing lamp is a witty reflection on their disbelief that Mugabe is still standing, although their combination of stainless steel and grass is much more attractive.
Their newly-renovated workshop and showroom can be found at 45 Yew Street, Salt River, Cape Town, or call them on 084 581 4955 or 0822 953 694, email [email protected] or visit www.pedersenlennard.co.za
livingdesign06
Pedersen + Lennard = accessible, functional, beautiful design
winning ideas winning ideas winning ideasan icon to the earth’S wellbeingWith the Earth as the client and a fictional organisation, Sustainable Earth Alliance (SEA), as facilitator, caeserStone encourages architecture and interior design students to investigate the influence design can have on mankind and submit entries for an icon to Earth’s Wellbeing – one that will speak on behalf of our planet. The icon should be in a place with maximum people interaction, but can be anything, e.g. a statue, building, artwork or space. What an incredible call to action to unleash the creative giant within and imagine a symbol that could stand for all that matters. a full brief, including prize details, can be downloaded at www.caesarstone.co.za. deadline for submissions is 31 July 2010.
eSkom energy eFFicient deSign 2010Eskom once again invites entries for their energy efficient lighting design competition. The aim is to use efficient lighting technologies to produce contemporary and attractive lighting design systems for residential lighting that are environmentally friendly and cost effective. Ease of manufacture and job creation potential are other factors to consider. Substantial cash prizes await the winners in two categories: category A, for students studying full time at a tertiary institution and category B, professionals, i.e. any working individual who is not studying. Full details are available at www.lighting-design.co.za. Closing date for entries is 31 July 2010.
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As difficult as it may be, making adequate arrangements before our death is probably one of the best gifts we can leave those closest to us. Theo Rix, CEO of ICSA (Independent Crematoria South Africa) and Mike Collinge, of Collinge & Co (who offer eco-friendly funerals), share their expertise about burials & cremation, including the eco-friendly options available:
the FirSt StePSMake your wishes known. Differences of opinion resulting in conflict are more common than you’d think, so draw up a living will.
burialEnvironmentally friendly burials are available at only one private cemetery, Fourways Memorial Park, Gauteng, where a plot will cost upwards of R15 000. Headstones are not
allowed; an indigenous tree is planted and a small metal or wood plaque bearing the deceased’s name marks the burial spot.
burialS at SeaLet’s be blunt; bodies are wrapped, weighted and dropped into the ocean, and yes, left to the marine environment and its inhabitants. It requires permission, as there are clear guidelines, which may differ from region to region.
donationDonating one’s body to science and research means relinquishing all claims to the body; when donating single organs, the body will be returned after transplant.
cremationUnder Theo’s leadership, the ICSA has implemented innovative changes including tours to individuals and groups, during which visitors are guided through the process and concerns addressed, providing much-needed reassurance to family members. As it can be traumatic, you will not view an actual cremation.
Arrangements can be made with the crematorium directly. They have excellent storage and refrigeration facilities, and for a small fee will take care of all arrangements, including the paperwork.
Scattering aSheSOther than requiring permission in respect of private property, ashes may be freely scattered, whether in the sea or on the ground; human ashes are non-toxic.
burying aSheSEco-friendly, biodegradable urns are not easily available but are they really necessary? Immediately after cremation, ashes are placed in a plastic bag inside a cardboard box. Why not, when ready for burial, place them directly into the box, then into the ground?
For ashes that will be placed in a memorial wall an excellent alternative to a ready-made urn would be one custom made from recycled wood or metal.
For information contact Theo Rix on 082 820 3343 or Collinge & Co on 011 465 3288 or visit www.collinge.co.za
07livingdesign
what does it mean to be carbon Literate? This was a question I asked myself heading off to a carbon literacy course held by the Global carbon Exchange, who teaches business and consumers just what makes up a carbon footprint. It has little to do with the natural compound co2 carbon Dioxide that is easily photosynthesized by trees. carbon gas emissions are a group of six gases emitted from various sources: carbon Dioxide (co2); Methane (CH4); Nitrous Oxide (N2O), from chemical fertilizers; Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6), by electricity plants; CFCs, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), from the manufacture of LcD screens. But this is just the beginning of understanding how everyday actions contribute to how the earth’s biosphere will cope if we continue to spew out these gases. The Earth is a closed system; everything we give out stays on this planet and the misperception that it gets ‘chucked away’ is just that. Sign up for the Life in Balance newsletter at www.lifeinbalance.co.za to follow our progress to carbon neutrality. Course info and dates at www.globalcarbonexchange.co.za
moving on by michele beatham
wellnesstravel08
At the foot of the Swartberg Mountain lies a calm oasis guaranteed to restore mind, body and soul. The tranquil village of Prince Albert offers the perfect getaway, where winter sunshine warms more than the beautifully preserved and restored Cape Dutch, Vic-torian and traditional Karoo architecture. And if you’re on a quest for the world-renowned and absolutely delicious Karoo cuisine, look no further than African Relish.
African Relish is a Recre-ational Cooking School where guests can enjoy luxury accom-modation while discovering the culinary pulse of the South Africa. In between learning about – and tasting the results of – great South African flavours, take a leisurely stroll through the village streets, unique shops, galleries and the
The National Arts Festival is back. From 20 June to 4 July Gra-hamstown plays host to nearly 500 productions covering art, theatre, film, and dance. Be sure not
to miss the Festival Fringe Physical Theatre programme, or immerse your senses in the myriad art forms in almost every conceivable medium. All art exhibitions are free, and artists work will be on sale. The extensive theatre programme includes puppetry, digital images and sounds, workshop productions and newly written scripts, along with South African, continen-tal and world premieres.
Whether you plan on being there for five nights or all fifteen, National Arts Festival organisers have put together a range of travel packages at the lowest costs. And if you like to go it alone, once you arrive there will be hop-on, hop-off buses throughout the festival to make it easier to navigate from one venue to another. Visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za for full programmes, booking and travel options.
play time
100% Karoomuseum. Thrill to the myster-ies of the ghost walk or star gaze under clear night skies.
Listed courses between now and December include Potjies & Praaitjis (June), Spice Girl – Indian Fusion (July), Heritage Karoo (September), The Cru-cible of Cuisine – Khoi-Khoi cuisine and veldkos (October) and Christmas in the Karoo (early December). The August
course is already fully booked! Besides regular listed courses
from which to choose, African Relish will be more than happy to tailor make courses accord-ing to individual or group requirements.
For full details of the perfect getaway guaranteed to tantalise all your senses, visit www.africanrelish.com, email [email protected] or [email protected], or telephone 023 541 1381
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When a baby enters the world, it brings genetic characteristics that elicit joy; the act of recognition of parent and child is miraculous. Our heritage is a vital part of who we are yet we spend little time understanding the impact of trans-generational relationships. Each family story is unique and sometimes tragic, and each of us carries the vibrations of these relationships, passing them on to the next generation. Sound too much to think about?
Family Constellations therapy enables you to dissolve the negative impacts of your family story. The therapy was conceived by Bert Hellinger, a missionary and Renaissance man whose relentless curiosity and acute sense of observation led him to pioneer a profoundly
restorative methodology of psychological healing. He read philosophy, theology and education, and, during his 16 years in South Africa, studied the constellations of the society around him. His observations into the powerful Zulu culture and its multi-faceted family hierarchies gave him an understanding into what makes a family function, or not. What had never been considered before was the role of ancestors.
After returning to Germany, he immersed himself in studying psychotherapy. It was during this time that he identified the “Orders of Love”, or how a family establishes order within its reality – a closed system with consequences if things are out of joint. This is a systemic view
of psychology that takes into account the whole and the sum of its parts. When one of those parts dysfunction, the whole system malfunctions, which means a skeleton in the closet is still very much alive in the ‘field’ of knowing.
The workshops are designed to bring you into contact with this ‘field of knowing’. The workshop I attended was excellently facilitated by Claudio and Helen Celestino, who have worked with Family Constellations for many years and are leaders in the work in Cape Town.
Family Constellations therapy enables you to find your centre point and relieve the over-burdens that are sometimes not yours to carry. The workshop includes a group of participants integral to the process of discovery. It is indescribable how the intuition of the group works to bring to light aspects of a dilemma you may not have before considered, yet played out before you gives it cognizance. A bit like astral travelling, but you are fully awake and able to involve yourself in the outcome, you step back from your life and let the show play out before you. Representatives of the protagonists in your dilemma enter the ‘field of knowing’ – essentially the morphogenic field first recognised by Rupert Sheldrake. Jung called it the Collective Unconscious;
energy healers describe it as a part of the Auric energy field. The information you access within this field activates new perspectives leading to profound outcomes.
The modality has brought healing to groups on many levels, helping people manage terminal illness, AIDS, drug and alcohol dependency, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, anxiety, trauma and grief.
The time it takes to activate in your life varies so be prepared to experience a new angle in the journey toward wellness. Begin the process of reconciliation with your immediate family.
The ripple effect spreads.
For workshops and enquiries contact Constellations Institute of South Africa on 021 785 7071, 083 656 2580, Email: [email protected] or visit www. constellationsinstitute.co.za
constellation work has been used for decades with descendents of victims and perpetrators of war crimes in Nazi Germany, and in peace negotiations between different religions. The power of family constellations Therapy is recognised by the professional mind practitioners in Germany, It is integrated in case specific psychological treatment and is solution orientated.’
09wellnesstravel
familyconstellationsunderstanding heritageby meliSSa baird
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Container gardening is ideal for those with no access to ground space. For example, a small patio or balcony is easily utilized for growing herbs and veggies. Follow these eight steps to get started on the path to a healthy harvest.
SiteFind a spot that receives good morning light, is sheltered from harsh wind and close enough to receive a little daily attention.
Smart deSignMaximize planting space without compromising on ease of access and flow of people through the area. One way is to utilise vertical space; bolt pots at various levels up an east or north-facing wall. Stack containers on the ground close together from smallest to biggest to avoid shading.
containerS A variety of ceramic, cement, wood and plastic containers can be used, based on what will fit into the space you have, as well as affordability. Re-use and recycle old pots; ask family and friends – you may be surprised at how many good, suitable pots are just lying around.
Filling Layer 2-3 cm of small drainage chip/stones then half fill the pot with partially decomposed organic matter (including animal manures, a small amount of grass clippings, dry leaves etc.). This will inoculate your potting soil with living microorganisms that will bring your system to life and eventually break down into a rich compost to feed mature plants.) Fill the top half with a potting soil mixture, e.g. two parts topsoil, one part compost.
Planting Choose a variety of suitable herbs and hardy vegetables. Experiment with new varieties and have fun. Stack plants as you stacked the pots - from smallest to biggest, to avoid shading, e.g. bigger herbs like perennial basil at the back and ground cover herbs like oregano and thyme to the front. I recommend inter-planting herbs and veggies like
lettuces, spinach, spring onions and tomatoes.
mulch Once the seedlings are planted, apply a thin layer of mulch (fine wood chips, milled bark, dry grass, straw) over exposed soil.
Feeding Potted plants need to be fed regularly. An earthworm farm is perfect, providing a steady supply of liquid fertiliser and, twice a year, premium quality earthworm castings (compost) to top up the potting soil.
watering Potted gardens tend to dry out fairly quickly, so water regularly by hand.
need helP? For a free quote contact Urban Harvest (Cape Town) on 072 475 2977, [email protected] or visit www.urbanharvest.co.za
wine & coffeefood10
going potty by ben getz oF urban harVeSt seasonally
speaking
the abundance of summer may offer a more limited selection, but June still offers plenty for delicious, warming winter fare. Vegetables: beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chives, cucumber, en-dive, horseradish, kale, leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, lettuce, mushrooms, onion, parsnips, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, radishes, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, turnipsFruit: apples, avocado, bananas, cape gooseber-ries, granadillas, grapefruit, guavas, kiwi, lemons, limes, naartjies, oranges, paw-paw, pineapples, rhubarbC M Y CM MY CY CMY K
11wine & coffeefood
Today I was chatting to some friends about coffee and the ways it can be prepared. What also came up was the importance of where it is grown, how it is cultivated and where it is sold.
To demystify the core issues here is a little check list for you when making coffee at home or purchasing it from a shop or restaurant.• Ask the barista what the
name of the coffee is that is being prepared. They should know the answer and whether the beans are organic and fair trade certified.
• Check whether the beans are Arabica or Robusta. Ideally it should be Arabica, as this is a much better quality bean.
• Check the steam wands on the espresso machine, there should be no milk build up on them and should be wiped clean after every coffee that is made. I’ve seen some shockers.
• Ask them how they foam their milk. A good barista should be able to explain the temperature and technique they are using. One should never ever just pump the jug up and down!
• Check to see if there is latte art on the finished coffee. Latte art is a technique that a good barista uses to create a rosetta or particular swirl on top of a latte or cappuccino. It is not a “sun” or a “picture of an animal”. This is simply created by using a palette knife. Good latte art is achieved by milk foaming skill and a particular wrist movement. Look out for double and triple rosettes – these are the best.
• A coffee should be served with flare and the flavour should be full or character with a caramel sweetness. It should never be bitter.
Enjoy your next cup.
Waterkloof estate
At Waterkloof Estate everyone has to earn their keep and in the case of some, like Bessie, a newborn Dexter mini-cow recently welcomed to the Waterkloof family, it’s from a very early age. Bessie is all too eager to start grazing on the slopes of the Schapenberg outside Somerset, but in return will supply some of the manure in the vineyards in order to feed the soil in the vineyards Young Bessie is the first calf born from Waterkloof’s growing herd of four fertile cows. True to the bio-dynamic paradigm Waterkloof prefers the manure of fertile cows as their milk is a good indicator of the quality of the animal’s manure.
And it’s not just the cows that contribute; horse power, courtesy of Lady G, the estate’s Percheron mare, is utilised
to improve the structure and quality of the soil, minimizing wear and tear on farm implements while contributing to the reduction in the farm’s carbon footprint.
Straw from the stables, grape skins and stems, egg shells, natural scraps and leftovers from the restaurant, and weeds from among the fynbos are used to create compost.
And while Waterkloof is a strong follower of organic and sustainable farming, the word bio-dynamic does not appear on their wine labels. “The quality and elegance of our wines speak for themselves,” says winemaker Werner Engelbrecht. “We don’t adhere to these practices to sell more wine, we do it because it makes better wine.” www.waterkloofwines.co.za
know your beanstips for top coffeeby Sandy barlow
00371/00/00Organic Certification UK 4
Complete plant foodWon’t burn plantsOrganic nutrients release slowlyFeed 4 monthlyEnvironmentally friendlyLow odourEasy application granules
Vita Organic Fertilizer
Certified Organic
Tel: (011) 954 5763www.talborne.co.za
Stocked by leading Gardening Suppliers
Reg. No. K5125, K5126, K5127 Act 36 of 1947
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In celebration we have chosen the laurel wreath to symbolise the Values Talborne Organics commits to our clients.
The laurel wreath is a mark of Excellence. The Bay TreeÕ s latin name is Laurus nobilis AGM which describes
the treeÕ s qualities as Praiseworthy and Renowned.The leaves of the Bay Tree used to form the wreath represent Triumph.
The colour blue is for Truth and Loyalty,green for Hope, Joy and the Environment and white for Purity.
It has been an exciting journey for Talborne Organics. From organic pioneer to leading South African quality organic supplier to all
growing sectors, from home gardening, to farmers, landscapers, sports fi elds and golf courses.
The Talborne Organics Team wishes to thank passionate gardeners, stockists, clients, the media and gardening schools for your excellent and valued support.
Keep growing with Talborne Organics!
10th Birthday
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2000-2010
CAT8871 TALBORNE 10th Ann Advert Life in Balance.indd 1 1/25/10 3:59:54 PM
Woolworths’ Julian Novak confirmed a rollout of products using free range eggs after the dear Woolworths campaign, whereby Woolworths was asked to stop using battery eggs is great news.
PnP’s new range of Green cleaning products are not only good for the environment, but for your family as well. The range is fully biodegradable and completely non-toxic to humans, animals, aquatic life, plants and septic tanks. It’s the first cleaning range to be endorsed by the Department of Environment and Tourism’s Indalo Yethu initiative, which promotes eco-friendly practices as part of every South African’s lifestyle. Why not make the PnP Green cleaning range part of yours.
Taking care of your family and the environment
1155448
SPecial Feature
Product
dishwashingliquids &all-purposecleaners
anti-bacterialproducts
bleaches
washingpowders
windowcleaners
hidden ingredientS
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Sulphonic acid, urea, preservatives and dyes
poisons, e.g. Triclosan, hloroxylenol (pcMX), etc.
Sodium hydrochlorite
phosphates like sodium tripolyphosphate,coco diethanolamide, sulphonic acid
Solvents like isopropyl alcohol, syntheticdetergents andpreservatives like formalin
the alternatiVe
choose to eaither make your own - see our- recipes for cleaning products on the web site or choose a ready made eco – friendly alternative
replace anti bacterial products with a natural product that uses plant essential oils or make your own – mix Tea Tree essential oil with warm water and place in a spray bottle to spray surfaces after you have wiped them down.
Don’t use them – instead for stains, mix a teaspoon of powdered starch with some organic washing up liquid and apply it to the stain. Leave it to dry and then brush off with a stiff brush.
replace your washing powder with a natural option or make your own. Visit www.lifeinbalance.co.za for the recipe.
replace with a solution of white vinegar and warm water. Use two teaspoons of vinegar in a solution of 500ml of warm water. Spray onto the windows, and use a crumpled piece of newspaper to remove the grime from the window.
know your toxic chemicals
Read the column on page 4 for our political contributors inside info on the sewerage systems in the country.
If you are not up to making your own cleaning solutions you can choose from one of the many alternatives available, including the Biodynamic range from Bloublommetjies, pick’n pay’s Green range, Enchantrix, and that well-known favourite, clean Green, which can clean just about anything. for laundry we love the Biowashball, a brilliant, cost-effective alternative to all washing powders, which lasts for three years before having to be replaced.
Watch out for parabens, propylene, propylene glycol and mineral oil. The toxic effects of these ingredients are heatedly debated, with the natural lobby citing carcinogenic, skin irritant and liver toxin effects. The chemical lobby counters with ‘scientific studies’ showing ‘low concentration safety’. What is not open for debate is the impact of thousands of households using these chemicals being flushed into the water systems and poisoning the water table as well as stressing an already outmoded water purification system. (Interesting to note here that with the new US administration, the FDA is now commencing new studies on the effects of some these chemicals, put some on a watch/concern list, etc. which confirms that ‘scientific’ studies proving ‘safety’ are easily politicised.)
Life in Balance presents a series of special features to encourage readers to take simple practical steps in becoming a conscious consumer; one who takes responsibility for their purchases and is able to discern between real need and ‘need to have items’ that are purchased almost automatically when entering the supermarket.
If you truly wish to contribute towards a cleaner, healthier world, enjoy the information we have put together for you and share it with friends and family.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. These words were spoken by Mahatma
Ghandi – one man whose profound beliefs in the power of the individual – working as a collective - led him to liberate the Indian continent from British rule.
With constant media bombardment about failing economies, mass corruption and environmental degradation as a result of the love affair we have with fossil fuels and profiteering, it is very easy to become despondent, throw our hands up in the air and think – well, what can it matter? But one only has to look into the eyes of an innocent child to know that it does matter, and to remind ourselves of the future they will face if we
don’t start behaving as ethically as possible with regard to everything we consume.
Don’t lose heart. The simple acts we can take each day to reduce our impact on this fragile earth are what will empower us and in turn motivate those who are not doing anything at all.
chemical focusWhen purchasing cleaning materials, don’t choose brand names you recognise and buy into their promises about how they clean surfaces and get rid of germs. What many of them don’t declare are the chemicals used to create these ‘miracle solutions’ to banish household grime.
Synthetic cleaning chemicals may give instant results with minimal effort, but they impact hugely on the environment. A sterile environment is not essential to health – in fact the opposite is true, and children’s allergies are often directly related to the chemicals used in cleaning products.
clean out thoSecuPboardS
did you know?Most sponges are made from petroleum and are synthetic,
which means they will take a long time to biodegrade. Use plant-based scourers
or cotton cloths that can be washed over and over again.
The obsession with weight loss and healthy eating has gripped the middle classes who ironically often compromise on what really is healthy by striving for convenience. Growing your own food is the best way of ensuring the freshest raw ingredients and with the many innovative solutions to having your own vegetable garden in even the smallest of spaces (visit www.lifeinbalance.co.za to learn how to grow your own veggies in a recycled shoe rack) there are options for everyone.
To avoid all the long-life preservatives and get in as much nutrients as possible, we need to buy produce locally and in season. This produce will not have been kept in electricity-guzzling fridges for months or travelled thousands of kilometres, but will have the nutrients our bodies require for that specific time of the year. In season produce costs less too.
Products that are pre-made, pre-packed or processed often have a long list of artificial additives including colourants, stabilizers, flavour enhancers and preservatives. Here is a list of the most common and most important to avoid. Side effects differ from person to person and are mostly present if consumed in large amounts over a long period of time.
monoSodium glutamate (mSg or e621)A flavour enhancer used in most salty foods, crisps, soya sauce, stock, snacks, fast food. Known to cause headaches, nausea, digestive pain and obesity.
aSPartame and aceSulFame-k(e951, e950) Artificial sweeteners used in most sugar free drinks, cookies, chewing gum, crisps. Could cause migraines, epilepsy, nerve dysfunction, and multiple sclerosis.
SulPhur dioxide (e220)A preservative used in dried fruit, bacon, meats. Could cause allergies, asthma and headaches.
Sodium benzoate (e211)A preservative used in most fruit juices. Known to cause a tight chest, skin rashes, scratchy throat.
tartrazine and SunSet yellow (e102, e110)A colour used in drinks, custard, dairy products, condiments and sweets. Could induce asthma and allergies, linked to hyperactivity.
hydrogenated FatSWhen solid fats are artificially produced by heating liquid oils in the presence of hydrogen. Used in chocolate, margarine, cakes, biscuits, peanut butter. Linked to heart disease, diabetes, breast and prostate cancer.
Start reading the ingredients of the products currently in your home. Investigate alternative ways to buy organic produce, and start digging! It is a decision that we all have the choice to make.
SPecial Feature
you are what youeat!by andrea Van meygaarden [email protected]
organic
natural
conventional
chemical
A plant grown without chemicals – anything organic is by default natural.
A substance from nature; i.e. not synthesised in a factory or laboratory and may be grown organically or conventionally.
farming with chemicals, or factory farming.
A substance synthetically manufactured in a factory or laboratory, e.g. sodium benzoate, cDE etc. chemical fragrances used to make everything from carbonated cool drinks to dishwashing liquids and fabric softeners contain pthalates, which can act as hormone disruptors. check out www.lifeinbalance.co.za for more info on sweet-smelling pthalates and their harmful effects.
Correct definitions ofpopular catch-words
Visit The Directory atwww.lifeinbalance.co.za
for a list of farmers markets in your area and a guide
to what vegetables are in season. There is also a handy
planting guide to show you what vegetables like to be
planted in each month.
SPecial Feature
Two years ago, I wrote a feature about my ‘low-energy’ life. Then, there was talk of legislation forcing us all to use 10% less electricity. No pressure, I wrote: I could cut back by 20%, or more. ‘Using less electricity is as easy as doing nothing,’ I said.
This is so true that today writing about energy-saving is not that easy, as the measures I took are now an unconscious habit. Once you set up your systems, you barely have to give them another thought.
Energy efficiency does not have to be high tech. Much as I’d love to have an elegant, graceful wind turbine in my garden, I’d never sleep for fear of it taking off in the high winds. And while I do have
a good stash of photovoltaic cells (some on the roof, the others in the garage waiting for the advent of cleaner battery technology), energy efficiency is more about attitude.
Using less electricity comes
naturally to me. I don’t like being dependent on monopolies and have never wanted to contribute to their profits. My clothes don’t like to be tumble-dried. I don’t like high-tech housework (but back to high-
tech later), humming appliances or bright lights, and I married a man who had more foresight than money when it came to house design.
House design is where it all starts. Passive solar design can
Word on the streetby gail JenningS
ARKER OTTAGEP C
At Parker we prove that timeless, luxurious accommodation can be green and foster an active concern for the society and the environment. Parker Cottage is the � rst green guesthouse in a listed building in A� ica. Our rooms are distinctive and diverse: we promise an eclectic mix of design underpinned by grand Victorian opulence. We o� er � ee WiFi, legendary breakfasts, secured parking. All rooms are en suite with either bath or shower rooms. We’re less than 5 minutes by car � om the V&A Water� ont and less than 5 minutes on foot � om trendy Kloof Street with
its cafés, bars and boutiques.
No 1 & 3 Carstens Street, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town. Phone: 021 424 6445. E-mail: [email protected], www.parkercottage.co.za
save up to 70 percent of your household energy needs. Our house was old before it was even built, which is the concept of low-embodied energy; when you re-use second-hand building materials, you save on another round of energy and water use – and money.
The floors are brick or tile (uncarpeted), which absorb heat during the day and slowly release it at night (in winter). The result is no need to artificially heat or cool the house, and a combination of layered clerestory windows and concentrated skylights means indoor daylight lasts longer.
Our first solar water heater was homemade, with a wooden frame, blackboard paint and copper pipes. It worked perfectly for 20 years, until the box biodegraded on the roof. Our new 200-litre solar geyser and solar panels should last another 20 years.
I confess to not using energy-efficient lighting indoors – the bulbs don’t fit into the light-fittings – but I cook with gas, use hot-box insulation, and
just about never do ironing. It all adds up - or perhaps better put, it doesn’t add up to much; our energy-use is so low that we qualify for ‘domestic low’ tariffs. Our water bills are zero due to a combination of rain-water tanks and a ‘care-free’, local rainfall-area garden.
The next stage of the low-carbon battle, though, requires something of a more ‘high-energy’ life. Quite the opposite of doing nothing, it requires an active change in lifestyle, which might be why ‘look ma, no car’ doesn’t have too many followers.
Over half of all energy
used in Cape Town is by the transport sector. Transport in the City contributes 22% of carbon emissions, while the Western Cape as a whole contributes 25%.
Moving from a single-occupant, personal vehicle to other modes of transport is certainly more difficult. Perhaps that’s why we’re so resistant to change.
Because using less electricity and withholding profits from fuel companies appeals to me, riding my bicycle to the office, friends or shopping brings me joy, but eco-efficient driving, car-pooling, public transport and cycling does require more time, more attention, more effort and greater logistical expertise.
So here’s where high-tech helps. I use smart phone technology and navigation software for directions as often as possible. Although my phone may tell me that “transit directions could not be found between these locations”, at least my car and I take the most direct route. You may laugh, but getting lost is a serious contributor to carbon emissions. There are applications for driving log-books and fuel-tracking, good motivators for more efficient driving, and applications for online meetings and shared documents, which dramatically cut down the need for travel. Why drive to a meeting when you can hang out over an espresso (gas-fired) and your iPhone?
SPecial Feature
A positive spin off from the World cup frenzy has seen the implementation of The Greening Durban 2010 programme which focuses on demonstrating new approaches and thinking around the importance of “greening”. They have compiled The Green Guideline Series, which aims to provide businesses, architects, engineers, schools and homeowners with an easy to use toolkit on the options for establishing more energy and water efficient buildings and landscapes, and reducing waste outputs.The Green Guideline Series is one of the legacy projects of the programme and will benefit Durban long after the football games are over. It is also likely to spark a reshuffle of local by-laws and building standards to meet the increasing challenges and costs of energy, water and waste disposal. There are four guideline documents to download: Energy Efficiency, Water conservation, Sustainable Waste Management and Green Landscaping.http://fifaworldcup.durban.gov.za/Pages/greeningdurban2010.aspx
In the next issue of Life in Balance we will demystify
the labels on food packaging and give you the inside
information as to what they actually mean. There will also be information on tackling the chemicals in your cosmetics and some fascinating facts
about water.
Gail Jennings is a bicycle-commuter, writer, researcher and editor of sustainable-transport journal, MOBILITY. Visit http://emag.mobilitymagazine.co.zaor email Gail at [email protected]
122828ESKD A4 AD.indd 1 2/9/10 2:07:37 PM
win!three lucky readers can win one of these gorgeous pendants.
Email [email protected] by 30 June 2010 with “My Gold
heart” in the subject line.
productsproducts20
inspired by natureIn the heart of Cape Town, leather design studio Urban Africa works magic with leather, much of it off cuts sourced throughout South Africa. What began with a single pair of their now-iconic ‘Hairy Shoe’, the range has evolved to include bags, belts and accessories. With the focus on limited editions and custom orders, unique sought-after products of the highest quality are assured. Contact Urban Africa at their studio, 18, Roeland Street, Cape Town, tel. 021 802 2010 or visit www.urbanafrica.co.za
seeds of loveMy Gold Heart makes accessories with a conscience, believing it is time for a paradigm shift because fear is an antiquated energy and that we are ready to welcome global love in a compassionate world. The My Gold Heart pendant sits on a slice of gold card (9cm x 9cm) and is conveniently packaged to fit into a standard postage envelope – ideal for mailing to a friend or loved one! It also offers a range of beautifully coloured threads to complement the heart. Enquiries, info and orders via www.mygoldheart.co.za, email [email protected] or call Caera on 083 285 7168
almost edibleBody-botanix Rice Bran & Bamboo is designed to nourish and improve skin condition, as healthy skin is the first line of defence against ageing. Try the Moisturising Body Souffle (R140), enriched with Shea butter and the active ingredi-ent DEFENSIL® to nourish and enrich dry, demanding skin, or the Moisturising Body Scrub (R160), Hand & Body Wash (R120) and Moisturis-ing Bath Soak (R120). Envi-ronmental sustainability is a priority, from biodegradable ingredients to fully recyclable packaging. Be rewarded with a free product for every 10 empty containers returned. Available at selected salons, spas, health shops, pharmacies or on-line at www.body-botanix.co.za
Ahava!Step into the shower with the best of Dead Sea minerals, organic plant extracts, skin-caring cleansers and natural moisturising oils. Ahava’s mineral botanic range of cream washes is allergy tested and paraben-free. There are seven exotic combinations from which to choose, like Orange & Frangipani (dry skin), Hibiscus & Fig (very dry skin) and Lotus Flower and Chestnut (sensitive skin). Ahava also offers a gentle micro-peeling cream wash with olive and apricot seed powder. Available at selected Truworths, Stuttafords, Spa’s and Salons, as well as some health shops and pharmacies.Tel 011 3151766 / Mail: [email protected]
neti potSinus, allergy and cold or flu sufferers are now able to find relief naturally. The NoseFree Neti Pot, which looks a little like Aladdin’s lamp, works with a simple saline solution to soothe, ease congestion, clear nasal passages, and improve breathing. What’s more it’s natural, eco-friendly and made in SA. Call 084 665 9663, visit www.nosefree.co.za, or email [email protected].
In the heart of Cape Town, leather design studio Urban Africa works magic with leather,
win!noseFree is offering one neti
Pot kit to Life inBalance readers.
Email [email protected]
by 30 June with “noseFree”
in the subject line.
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mocha java bathA combination of fine ground Coffee, Brown Sugar, Hemp Butter, Hemp Seed Oil, Sweet Almond and Jojoba Oils offers a delicious home version of Hempton’s popular spa treat-ment, the Hemp & Mocha Java Brown Sugar Scrub. For a twist, sensuous cocoa absolute and cocoa powder have been added to a rich coffee abso-lute - a little mocha java for the bath. Cellulite or not, this scrub is will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth (R65 for 300ml). Available from www.faithful-to-nature.co.za. Alternatively call 011 704 7135 for stockists or visit www.hemptons.co.za.
oh, bokkie! Bokkie is a state of mind; a search for the definition of what being South African means; an exploration of the icons that both define our history and hint at our future.
Stomping firmly onto South African earth, Bokkie Shoes presents two ranges. Made from 100% cotton shwe-shwe print, the much-loved, playful Babydolls are your no-nonsense answer to Sunday picnics, and now there are the all-new World Cup 2010-inspired range, Bokkie Kicks, for South African supporters. Bokkie Shoes are always limited-edition and are assembled by hand in Cape Town. For a list of stockists or to order online, visit www.bokkishoes.co.za.
body & earthEarthsap’s body range uses pure, simple ingredients in-cluding coconut, palm, citrus, and other plant oils, is safe for family, pets and the environ-ment, and harms neither aquatic life nor marine plant growth. Only pure essential oils are used for both fragrance and therapeutic benefits. This very affordable range includes shampoo, conditioner, face creams, body wash, liquid soap, body lotion, lip balm, chest rub and muscle rub. Available from Pick n Pay stores in the Western Cape, and pharmacies and health stores nationwide. www.earthsap.co.za
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on the shelfthe little green book oF beauty: 250 tiPS For an eco liFeStylesarah CallardThis book is one of four titles in the Little Green Book series. It gives you 250 tips that will show you how to make choices that won’t just affect your life, but the planet too. The subjects include cosmetics, grooming products and treatments, and it gives invaluable information on packaging, ingredients, toxins, animal testing and beauty ethics. It’ll definitely come in handy when picking out suitable products for your skin. isBn-13: 978-1847320698
1000 new eco deSignS and where to Find themRebecca ProctorThe world is rapidly becoming an eco-aware place, and with more awareness comes a greater demand for eco-conscious products. This book has a bunch of them, 1000 in fact – contemporary designs by eco-conscious designers. The book lists each product’s “green credentials”, noting all the ways in which the product is ecologically sound, and it gives you information on where to source and buy the listed products. isBn-13: 978-1856695855
by JeSSica roSS
classifiedsart & books22
what lies beneath
Jeanette Unite is effervescent and positively bubbles with enthusiasm as she takes me on a tour of her Cape Town studio. Glass jars filled with richly coloured rocks and sand line shelves and the walls are stacked with pieces being prepared for her next exhibition. She is a multi award-winning artist and a passionate educator and activist in community arts education. The current explosion of creative expression is a result of her presentation at the International Association of Art Critics (AICA) 60th Anniversary conference entitled TERRA, Mining, Eco-Alchemy and the African Industrial Landscape.
She gets deep about her
work. “For a decade I have been exploring the geographical and geological history of Africa’s Industrial landscape. The impact of colonialism and globalisation affects the way we occupy our current landscape and how this affects our identity. The appropriation and exploitation of our natural resources has shaped the history
of our continent.” Her art investigates the
ongoing relationship of humans to the environment and by using images of engineering structures, processes, residues and detritus left after mining she aims to visually interrogate the legacy left to us to manage as a result of mining practice.
The corpus of work on the industrial landscape has progressed to exploring rehabilitation plants. She is driven to create and calls herself a ‘physicalist’ working with materials like an alchemist who
constantly strives to transform their properties. Glass is a favoured medium because “it yields eco-alchemical secrets about colour reactions enhancing the message behind my use of recycled industrial waste, diamondiferous gravels and site specific sands and metal oxides to create landscapes with the landscape itself.”
Jeanette’s next exhibition ‘Landscape’ opens at Iziko on the 10th June 2010.For more info contact 021 467 4676 or e-mail [email protected]
by meliSSa baird
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take noteSouth Africa’s first fully eco friendly 320-page journal and comprehensive resource guide will be your guide through 2010. R165 each including VAT, excluding postage. To order email [email protected]