In our world of unpredictable ESCOM power supply I am continuously amazed at the reactions I am met with by ordinary citizens – both on the streets and on social media. Most seem to be extremely frustrated, some even outraged. It seems that fossil energy had been promoted to a human right. That despite its destructive consequences to the planet and threats to humanity. How does that make sense?
WE create the problem with our energy consumption and when the environment conspires to stop us in our tracks, we are stumped. What now?
What is it going to take to wean ourselves off this destructive umbilical cord around which we wrap our very existence? When are we going to stop reacting like victims and start responding with the mature question … what can I do about it? How can I adapt and lead a less destructive life? We know what we’re doing is not sustainable. If now is not the right time to get ready for a future where everyone can survive, then when?
Why not turn creative adaptation into a game – little by little harvesting more of our generous sunlight to power your life. Start small – cell charger perhaps, solar oven that stands on your stoep, use a hotbox at the very least. How about a solar braai? All affordable. Next a small solar kit for the house to plug in your laptop. Some lights. These cost less than what most people spend on a Sunday lunch. Let's take the challenge and have fun drafting new ways.
This Friday was also Black Friday – the day in the West that more money is spent at shopping malls than any other day of the year. A day to think about the destructive nature of mindless consumerism and those who are exploited in the process. Human and child slaves in other parts of the world. The cost to the planet.
To women and children, right in the middle of 16 days of Activism against Violence. The news blasts dire stories of human atrocities in this country. A lack of respect for the feminine, for the vulnerable, for precious life on this planet, is at the core of the destruction we fight against. This is all one cause. Aggression against life, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Violence is condoned and empowered through silence. Keeping quiet when you know something is not right. "Minding my own business." We will not be silenced.
One day when all vulnerable people and species are honoured and safe from exploitation, that is when the missing reverence for Life will finally be restored. That is when this planet will heal. It starts with YOU, today.
Our next issue will be the last for the year and we will be discussing how to celebrate Christmas in a more conscious way, as always. If you would like to participate, please be in touch.
See important green events on the calendar, like the Fossil Free SA launches across the country, the Complete Create series to manifest your good intentions for the new year and the Hope Spot launches to save our ocean life. Click here.
With love from
Elma and the team
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If the climate crisis is to be resolved, the US and China must cast off their past differences and distrust, and work together hand-in-hand to show the world that they’re ready to lead the way and reign in carbon emissions.
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World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said this weekend that the organization’s investment focus will be on clean energy and that it will back coal-fired and other fossil fuel projects only when there is “extreme need.”
The Jasper solar farm, located near Kimberley in South Africa, is now the continent’s largest solar power project. Construction was completed in October, and it is now fully operational.
Governments must shift subsidies and research funding from agro-industrial monoculture to small farmers using ‘agroecological’ methods, according to the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food.
Swift collective action by members of the SA plastics industry and local environmental officials prevented what could have been an environmental disaster after gale-force winds blew 23 containers of ink cartridges off a cargo vessel near Port Elizabeth.
A group of Baka “Pygmies” and their neighbors in southeast Cameroon have sent an impassioned plea to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), urging the conservation giant to stop funding anti-poaching squads.
“This is a fight for our future, and that of our children — a future where we have clean energy and water to survive, and where our energy supply doesn’t cost the earth."