Tag: sustainable

Michelin sets out the challenges of 100% sustainable tires

The tires of the future will be 100% sustainable, throughout their entire life cycle:

Investec Global Sustainable Equity Fund demonstrates it’s possible to simultaneously do good – and do well

Investec’s Global Sustainable Equity (GSE) Fund prioritises investment into companies doing good, with the aim of helping investors do well.

98% of adults in South Africa willing to take personal action on sustainability issues

• 81% of adults in South Africa are more mindful of their impact on the environment since COVID-19, with the trend being led by Gen Z (89%)
• Three quarters of South African respondents (76%) say companies behaving in more sustainable and eco-friendly ways is more important than before

Wärtsilä partners with Ambitious.Africa to support young African talents

Ambitious.Africa supports and encourages young people in Africa and the Nordic countries to actively participate in working for a better future.

10th annual Eco-Logic Awards opens for entries with three new categories

Entries are now open for the 10th annual Eco-Logic Awards hosted by the Enviropaedia.

Gautrain is safe and efficient

The South African green economy vision has identified nine green economy programmes, with sustainable transport infrastructure being one of them.

Sustainable shoes and upcycled bags: Reebok partners with local lifestyle brand, Sealand Gear to reimagine a zero-waste future.

As part of the partnership, Sealand Gear has produced a limited amount of special edition, upcycled tote bags to be given as a gift with the first 300 purchases.

Sustainability does not only come from a product; it comes from the packaging as well. Waste reduction, recycling, upcycling and sustainably sourced material is becoming more of a priority for the lifestyle and fashion sectors. Consumers are actively looking to support brands that take responsibility over their sustainability, adopting ways to reduce their product and packaging waste, and to offer products with a lighter environmental footprint. More brands are starting to realise their responsibility to influence consumers to adopt more environmentally conscious buying habits.

While Reebok has focused its effort on creating their [REE]cycled footwear collection, 90% of Sealand Gear’s product range is sourced from upcycled material. This partnership offers a fully integrated sustainable model from materials sourcing, products, and packaging.

“Sustainability is a part of our story. As a global brand, we have an opportunity to contribute towards a cleaner future and inspire our consumers to start making purchasing decisions more consciously, thinking about their impact on the environment,” says Brian Jackson, brand manager of Reebok South Africa. “The partnership with Sealand is all about local collaboration and partnering with a brand that is in our view, a leader in lifestyle and fashion sustainability.”

“Our intention with Reebok was to align with a well-established global brand, that is taking the necessary steps to improve their environmental responsibility,” says Jasper Eales, founder, and creative director at Sealand Gear.

“The unique tote bag that has been created with Reebok is truly special. It is constructed with a combination of repurposed materials from old yacht sails, previously used advertising banners and outdoor canvas. The strength and durability of these materials give the bags a lifetime warranty; they are designed to be repaired, not replaced or discarded,” says Eales.

Recycling, upcycling, and repurposing gives material a new life. This circular production model prevents waste material from entering the environment or being disposed of in landfill. As a consumer, buying a product that is made from upcycled or recycled material will support a shift to sustainable retail and fashion, where less waste is produced, and less raw virgin material is extracted for new products.

The [REE]Cycled shoe range are available online at reebok.co.za and Reebok Concept Stores: Sandton; Canal Walk; Menlyn and Gateway. The Sealand x Reebok upcycled tote bags will be complimentary with online and in-store purchases while stocks last (only 300 units available).

Sustainable urban farming: Cape Town community goes organic

by Lorne Philpot 2020-09-14 12:11 in Lifestyle, The South African

Becoming more sustainable is key to the future of our planet. We need to rethink the way we are doing things. One community in Cape Town has taken a step forward, in producing its own organic fruit and vegetables.

Globally, the importance of sustainability in food production is being raised. People are becoming more aware of the need to eat produce which is organic, has fewer chemicals, and does not have a huge carbon footprint in terms of its packaging and transportation (from farm to table).

We should not need to rely on fruit and vegetables which have been grown en masse, and transported from miles away, to our cities. Fresh produce can be sustainably grown and sourced on our doorstep, in order to contribute towards a healthier planet, and our own health.

INVOLVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Bo-Kaap Community Garden leader Abieda Charles stated that the Bo-Kaap community is actively involved in a sustainable food garden project.

Some members of the community donate seeds, seedlings, soils and compost which are needed for the project. Other members contribute by planting, harvesting and selling the produce.

The Bo-Kaap Community Garden sells its produce within the community but there is a policy of giving free fruit and vegetables to anyone in the community, who is in need.

PROVIDING EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR THE COMMUNITY

Growing organic fruit and vegetables is becoming increasingly important, for the health of the soil, the quality of the produce and for our own health. The project leaders aim to raise awareness in the community, of the need for organic food and sustainable farming practices.

One of the primary aims of the project is to educate people in how to grow their own food. The Bo-Kaap project leader said that the community garden runs programmes that educate the youth.

The youth can learn how to plant seeds and they can observe the germination process. There are programmes such as the “See how it grows” and “Art on the Garden Walls” projects, which raise awareness and inform the youth about cultivation.

HOPE IN THE FACE OF TOUGH TIMES

The Western Cape is one of South Africa’s prime tourist spots. Several people have lost jobs and their source of income as a result of the economic conditions caused by the national lockdown.

The Bo-Kaap Community Garden does not generate sufficient income to pay people for their labour, or to employ full-time staff. It does, however, aim to educate people on sustainable farming and food production.

The community garden project has been able to help needy members of the community by providing fresh organic fruit and vegetables. 

Top students to present their ideas for a smarter, more sustainable future at Schneider Go Green global finals

Every year Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, hosts a global student competition called Schneider Go Green.

VIDEO | How to bring affordable sustainable electricity to Africa

TED SUMMIT 2019 | BY ROSE M MUTISO

Energy poverty, or the lack of access to electricity and other basic energy services, affects nearly two-thirds of Sub-Saharan Africa. As the region’s population continues to increase, so will the need to build a new energy system to grow with it, says Rose M. Mutiso.

In a bold talk, she discusses how a balanced mix of solutions like solar, wind farms, geothermal power and modern grids could create a high-energy future for Africa — providing reliable electricity, creating jobs and raising incomes.