Community
Greenpop launches exciting initiative – Trees for Travel
Greenpop launched its new Trees for Travel initiative with a green event at the Vineyard Hotel on Thursday evening, October 17th. The event was attended by close to one hundred representatives from companies in the travel industry in Cape Town.
Lauren O’Donnell, Greenpop’s co-founder and Managing Director, presented Trees for Travel during a fun and visual presentation. She also introduced three speakers; Chris van Zeyl, Group Environmental Manager and Horticulturist at the Vineyard Hotel, Eddie Redelinghuys, Director at Reliance Compost, and Heidi van der Watt, Director and Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Managing Director at EDGE Tourism Solutions, and Director and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism. Chris van Zeyl explained the Vineyard Hotel’s pioneering green initiatives; Eddie Redelinghuys spoke about carbon neutrality and how Reliance uses a percentage of their carbon credit income to support other greening projects like Greenpop.
The evening’s main speaker, Heidi van der Watt, presented trends in eco-tourism and spoke about the market’s growing demand for sustainable travel options. “Research amongst some of South Africa’s overseas tourism markets show that most tourists are willing to change their behavior on holiday to help the environment, but they also want hotels and holiday companies to be more environmentally responsible,” explains Heidi. “With Trees for Travel guests can give the beautiful planet they love to explore a bit of breathing space – one tree at a time.”
The event was hosted by green events company My Green Love Affair and co-sponsored by Reliance Compost. Other sponsors of the event were Stellar Organic Winery, who sponsored organic wine, Recreate, who allowed Greenpop to use some of its up-cycled furniture as décor, and Growing Paper, who printed the event’s invitations on hand-made paper with embedded herb seeds. Music was provided by DJ duo Jews for Techno.
Greenpop and Reliance Compost also introduced ‘Green Up,’ a new green App that assesses your carbon footprint level and gives advice on how to live more sustainably.
Trees for Travel allows companies in the travel industry to offer their clients the option of adding a tree to what they’re booking. Greenpop will plant the trees as part of its urban greening and reforestation projects, and the company’s clients will get a certificate with the GPS coordinates of their tree, so that they know exactly where their tree is growing. It’s a simple way for people to help compensate for the carbon they’ll be using on their flight and/or trip – and it’s an easy way for airlines, bus companies, bookings websites, hotels, lodges, and tour companies to add some green to their business.
Trees for Travel can also apply to companies outside of the travel industry, who would like to help offset their business travel. A company could, for instance, sponsor a tree for each flight one of its employees takes for business purposes.
In return for a company’s support, Greenpop offers positive marketing and PR value through exposure on its website and social media channels, and invitations to its events.
A tree costs ZAR100 (we can provide prices in different currencies), which includes:
– The tree, compost, organic fertiliser, mulch
– The logistics around planting the tree
– The monitoring of the tree as part of our sustainability program
– An environmental education program at the beneficiary location (in the case of Greenpop’s urban greening projects)
If company’s prefer to give clients a tangible take away, Greenpop also has Tree Rings (tree-shaped key ring with a unique code that represents a tree, which cost ZAR120 each)
“Trees for Travel is a fun way for the travel industry to go a little bit greener,” says Lauren O’Donnell, Greenpop’s Managing Director. “It doesn’t cost companies anything because it’s their clients who can choose to buy a tree, and it’s a simple and tangible greening option to offer travellers. Greenpop believes that going green starts with the small things – every tree counts and so each tree added to a trip will contribute towards making a big difference. Trees for Travel has been very well received so far, and we look forward to getting many more tour companies and lodges to join our Treevolution.”
Dongola Guesthouse was one of the first to join Trees for Travel. Owner Mike Oughtibridge says: “As part of our efforts to be recognised as a Responsible Tourism business, we needed a passionate partner and a credible cause. We chose Greenpop and the Trees for Travel program as they not only met those requirements, but inspired us to do more. This is a social enterprise project that is about so much more than planting trees, and we hope to continue our happy and fruitful partnership with them for years to come.
POD, a boutique hotel in Cape Town’s Camps Bay, recently joined Trees for Travel. “We were excited to sponsor 57 trees in our first few months,” says POD’s Brendan Boyle. “ During the room orientation, our guests are informed of this sustainability initiative and the response has been incredible. The wow factor created by automatically offsetting a portion of their carbon footprint has greatly helped us drive home our conservation ethos. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Greenpop and hope to fill the map with as many POD stamped tree geo-tags as possible!”
Some of our other Trees for Travel partners are African Impact, Acacia Africa, and FindALift.co.za.
Greenpop is a social enterprise dedicated to urban greening, reforestation, and eco-education. Greenpop believes sustainable living can be fun, popular, and accessible to all, and aims to inspire a ‘Treevolution;’ an inclusive green movement. The Greenpop team does this through tree planting projects, green action events, educational workshops, and by activating people to start DOING.
Since its establishment in 2010, and its expansion to Zambia in 2012, Greenpop has planted over 27,000 trees in over 250 beneficiary schools, crèches, and community centres, as well as in deforested areas around South Africa and Zambia. Greenpop’s aim is to spread its projects all over Sub-Saharan Africa and inspire a ‘Treevolution’ throughout the continent.
Photographs:
Please credit: Sarah Isaacs
Caption 1: The décor at the Trees for Travel event was created by event company My Green Love Affair
Caption 2: Greenpop’s Managing Director Lauren O’Donnell presenting the Trees for Travel initiative
Caption 3: Heidi van der Watt, the event’s main speaker, presenting current market trends related to sustainable travel
Caption 4: Guests enjoying organic wine and vegetarian canapés
Caption 5: Anna Guardascione and Lauren Ann McCarthy from My Green Love Affair, the green events company that organised the event, sitting on up-cycled suitcases from Recreate
Caption 6: Lauren O’Donnell from Greenpop, Mieke van Blommestein from Reliance Compost, Mia Groenewald from Reliance Compost, Nathan John Arendse from the Vineyard Hotel, and Misha Teasdale, co-founder and Director of Greenpop
Caption 7: Green Up, the new green App created by Reliance and Greenpop
Contact Greenpop:
Website: www.greenpop.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/greenpoptreevolution
Twitter: www.twitter.com/greenpopsa
YouTube: www.youtube.com/greenpoptreevolution
Email: marleen@greenpop.org
Sponsors:
My Green Love Affair: www.mygreenloveaffair.com
Reliance Compost: www.reliance.co.za
Growing Paper: www.growingpaper.co.za
Stellar Organic Winery: www.stellarorganics.com
Recreate: www.recreate.za.net
Bos: www.bosicetea.com
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February is the month of love and the I heart Market will celebrate with its traditional bi-annual “sale” market on Saturday 3 February from 9am to 2pm at Northlands Primary School, in Durban North.
Following two busy and packed festive season markets in its new home at Northlands Primary School, which was well received by customers, February’s I heart Market will offer a range of discounted products.
“We were over the moon with the turn for our first markets at Northlands Primary, with a steady stream of customers, and great sales for our traders who are all small business entrepreneurs,” enthuses Manager of the Market, Tanith Molliere. “Our February market is kind of the “January Sales” market with great offers to help those budgets that may have been stretched during the holidays.”
February’s Market promises a magical shopping experience with wares created with love and care by local artisans and small businesses, reflecting a deep commitment to their artistry and craft. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner – there will also be a gorgeous array of “romantically-inspired” products available.
As always, the market is filled with handmade treasures ranging from fine leather goods, unusual ceramics, exquisite jewellery and accessories, innovative visual art, home decor, plants, clothing, condiments and pickles, cured meats, a delightful selection of delicious baked goods. Of course, the usual mouth-watering array of food truck eats, catering to every palate including vegan and vegetarian.
There is also a secure play area for children between the ages of 1 and 6, with qualified Teacher’s Assistants in attendance available for the morning for those parents who want to take a break to shop or enjoy some delicious food. There is a fee of R100 for the morning or part thereof. A “pram park” is also available for people to leave their prams whilst shopping to help avoid congestion in the hall.
The market is housed in the school hall and surrounding gardens from 9am to 2pm, and takes place rain or shine as most of the traders are under cover. Parking is available in designated school areas, with security guards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
For more info contact info@iheartmkt.com.
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The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is back, and this year it promises to be a haven for craft enthusiasts and those seeking interactive DIY experiences. Crafting has come a long way from scrapbooking and papier-mâché, we have an incredible line up of specialist crafters that will expand your imagination! With a focus on engaging activities for all, this year’s craft traders will offer a variety of hands-on experiences at their stalls. From crafts for the kiddies to offerings for health and beauty enthusiasts and creative entrepreneurs, visitors can expect an exciting showcase of talent, innovation, and creativity.
Craft for the Kiddies
A Toy for You, distributor of toy brand Melissa & Doug, will be a highlight of the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show. Renowned for their classic wooden toys and realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug products inspire creative thinking through screen-free open-ended play. At the show, visitors will have the opportunity to see and purchase top Melissa & Doug items that are well-crafted and designed to ignite the imagination. The exhibit will also feature a colorful and creative play zone where children can engage with popular toys, such as a wooden kitchen, art easel, and wellness area. Daily themed activities, including sand art and slime workshops, will also be hosted, providing children with countless ways to encourage creativity, imagination, learning, and discovery.
Craft for Health and Beauty Enthusiasts
Alchemists’ Lab offers a unique and new way to experience self-care. With a focus on discovering top-notch, safe, and naturally derived skincare products for diverse skin types, The Alchemists’ Lab sources and develops high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Visitors to their exhibit will have the opportunity to engage in a live interactive Bath Bomb and Bath Salts Station. Participants can personally tailor their products using premium ingredients, choosing scents, colours, and botanicals to create bath bombs and salts that suit their preferences. This immersive crafting experience allows individuals to unleash their creativity and produce items that bring joy and tangible health benefits. In addition to exclusive show discounts, visitors who tag Alchemists’ Lab on social media will receive a promo code for their online store. Every purchase made at their stall during the House + Garden Show will enter visitors into a giveaway to win an entire range of their products.
Craft for Creative Entrepreneurs
Cricut™, a worldwide phenomenon and pioneer in smart cutting machines, opens doors for small business owners and creative individuals through their user-friendly app and versatile devices. Their cutting-edge technology enables the personalisation of various items, from custom cards to unique apparel. At the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show, the highly anticipated EasyPress 3 will be made available for purchase. This portable heat press combines speed and convenience with the genius of the Cricut Heat™ app. Visitors at the Cricut stand will have the opportunity to participate in a “spin the wheel” activation and win the chance to personalise a mug, water bottle, or t-shirt free of charge. The aim is to inspire creativity through hands-on experiences, ensuring that everyone leaves the Show with a sense of accomplishment and takes home a personalised item they can cherish. Make sure to visit the Cricut stand for daily prize giveaways and stand a chance to win an exciting Business In A Box competition.
“The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show offers a unique platform for craft traders to showcase their talents and engage visitors in exciting DIY experiences. Whether it’s exploring the world of imaginative play, indulging in self-care through customised products, or unlocking creativity for aspiring entrepreneurs, you will find an array of creative exhibitors ready to inspire your inner artist,” shares Cairey Baxter-Bruce, Show Director of the House + Garden Show.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest news about the East Coast Radio House + Garden Show sponsored by Plascon, visit www.housegardenshow.co.za or follow @housegardenshow on Instagram and Facebook.
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Community
Green Corridors LitterBooms Team Urges Action to Combat Plastic Pollution on World Oceans Day (8 June)
As part of its observance of United Nations World Ocean Day (8 June) Durban-based Green Corridors urges action from citizens to combat plastic pollution as part of its drive to try to reduce the amount of plastic waste flowing into the oceans in our rivers.
World Ocean Day is an observance day set to remind all global citizens of the “major role the oceans have in everyday life. The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.”[1]
1869: Photo by Val Adamson: Jabulani Ngwenya and Sifiso Luvuno – Green Corrirdors Team community members from Johanna Road clear the waste from the litter boom on an Umgeni River tributary.
One of the critical interventions that countries are looking at is how to prevent plastic going into the ocean. Green Corridors, is an NGO that looks after green spaces and supports communities to work with these spaces, has installed 16 litterbooms onto waterways in the eThekwini Municipality to minimize the flow of plastics into the Indian Ocean.
These litterbooms are large plastic pipes that trap floating waste; the waste is collected by local community co-ordinators, and sorted. Plastics that are not able to be recycled are taken to the Green Corridors KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre and through a process combined with other materials are converted into “green” pavers.
Siphiwe Rakgabale: Green Corridors litterboom co-ordinator and director of Tri-Ecomvelo, Siphiwe Rakgabale at a previous SAFRIPOL/Green Corridors beach clean up
Green Corridors’ litterboom co-ordinator, Siphiwe Rakgabale, says, “There is something like 75- 199 million tons of plastic waste floating about in the oceans, mostly flowing into the sea from rivers. This plastic pollution not only endangers marine biodiversity but also contributes to climate change.”
“Last year Green Corridors were able to remove 2 tons of plastic from our 16 litterbooms,” says Rakgabale. “But this is a fragment of what could be captured and redirected. The waste comes down these water ways through the inappropriate use of storm water drains, lack of waste management services around informal settlements and lack of awareness amongst consumers about the impact of the products they buy”
Green Corridors is calling upon governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to take action and support initiatives that help to minimize the waste flowing into the oceans.
“By investing in sustainable waste management systems, promoting recycling, and raising awareness about the importance of reducing plastic consumption, we can create a positive and lasting impact on our oceans and the planet as a whole,” says Rakgabale.
Aerial view of Blue Lagoon and Durban’s spectacular coastline – with the Beachwood Mangroves in the foreground. Reasons to care for our waterways and ensure we keep waste away from the rivers as they affect the health of our oceans. Green Corridors has 16 litterbooms set up on rivers around Durban to try to prevent waste from flowing into the oceans. Photo TCM Photography/Green Corridors
Green Corridors will participate in a number of events during the month of June to create awareness around waste management and recycling related to the oceans:
- On Saturday 10 June at the World Oceans Day Swim Green Corridors will have a stand at the Durban Beach Club where you can meet the team involved in the litterboom, and clean-ups.
- Also on Saturday 10 June from 2pm, the KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre will be performing at the Global Water Dance Festival at Green Corridors – Green Hub open Grass area.
For more information about Green Corridors go to https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/
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