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Featured Partner/Kiosk - Urban Sprout |
 We all know the earth is changing… climate change, global warming, resource depletion, pollution—these notorious buzzwords need little introduction. We are all aware of their impacts and consequences on our communities and our environment. But apart from keeping ourselves informed on the events and effects on our changing planet, what else are WE doing to slow the detrimental effects these threats have on us?
What about biofuels, organic foods, recycling, eco-friendly products, green architecture, ethical consumerism, ecological footprints… all words we are familiar with, but do we know how to use them? Well, Urban Sprout is a growing blog-style online community, featuring daily green blogs, events and a directory that focuses on organic and eco-friendly products. It will explain to you, among other things, just how exactly biofuels work, where exactly to take your waste for recycling, in which supermarkets you will find organic foods, and how to become green in your consumer habits. It’s the type of site that spurs one to action.
The Urban Sprout Directory
The Urban Sprout website contains a number of “green guides” and a Directory of organic and eco-friendly products. Here are some of Urban Sprout’s ideas for a sustainable and environmentally conscious way of life.
Explore more at http://www.urbansprout.co.za/ubergreen_organic_eco_directory
Waste Not – As part of its plan to alleviate the strain on the city’s landfill sites, the City of Cape Town has launched a pilot project that targets communities to be part of the solution to waste management. Certain pilot areas have been chosen within the Cape metropolitan area. Each household in these areas will be supplied with a clear plastic bag for recyclable dry waste which will be collected by the City and which is estimated to a total of 0.5kg per person. For the rest of the areas, you can visit http://www.urbansprout.co.za/directory/cause/recycling/* for more information on drop off points for all your recyclable wastes and products. More than half of the rubbish discarded in dirt bins are either recyclable or could be composted. Recycling is one of the most efficient ways of conserving energy. 70% less energy is needed to recycle paper than to produce it from raw materials. Let us reduce, reuse and recycle!
Going Organic – There has been much debate about genetically modified crops and organic foods, and the surrounding health, environmental and economic issues. It is argued that genetically modified crops and foods may have various long term effects on health and indirect environmental impacts. It is claimed that a large portion of South Africa’s crops (maize, soybeans and cotton) have been genetically modified and that there is no system of authentic labeling on products that claim to be free of genetic modification. Organic crops are free of pesticides, artificial fertilizers and are more sustainable to the environments in which they are grown. Whatever your views, you certainly have the choice to go organic. Urban Sprout provides a list of shops and restaurants offering organic products.
Green Tourism – Aviation is one of the fastest growing contributors to global warming, so much so that carbon emissions caused by air travel have doubled between 1990 and 2004. There are definitely practicalities involved in using air travel for business trips, but next time you plan a family holiday why not spend some time experiencing the wealth of natural beauty and culture that lies on our own doorstep? And while you’re there, take comfort in the fact that by visiting local ecotourism destinations you are also contributing to local community economic development and conservation of local parks. The green directory provides you with fresh environmental centres and initiatives to visit, as well as lists of fair trade tourism and interesting accommodation.
Eco Homes – There are so many aspects of our everyday lives that can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, from water conservation and energy saving to wising up on waste and growing indigenous gardens. We can also build our homes in ways that draw on the environment through sustainable design principles. This involves maximizing the use of the sun’s energy, using renewable energy for electricity, and using natural resource efficient materials for construction. Successful eco buildings have in some instances increased daylighting to 92% and reduced energy usage to 30 Kwh/m2/year. You can even start by using simple ideas such as insulating ceilings, building heavyweight cavity walls and creating good ventilation. The directory also offers information for those looking for ideas on green architecture, energy saving products, appliances and sustainable building materials.
Want to Know More?
Want more news and opinions, access to eco directories, and notification on green events… visit www.urbansprout.co.za
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