So many office items ended up as waste or in landfills, during and after the pandemic. But what would these items look like if instead, they had a second chance at life? The upcoming UPCYCLE exhibition is gearing up to give us a look:

Cape Town, South Africa (05 March 2024) — The spaces we work in have changed greatly in the past four years. But, so has our relationship with the biggest space of all—the planet we call home. Merging these two ideas and inviting us all to be freely inspired by them, is the UPCYCLE Exhibition, set to pop up in Cape Town next month.

The exhibition’s organisers believe that the working world has massive potential to join in on the circularity movement—ie: the upcycling movement which gives waste a chance to be reworked into treasure.

Reconfiguration of the workspace in the post-Covid world has led to a mounting tide of discarded office equipment and furniture that either lazes around in storage, ends up on an over-supplied second-hand market, or worse—in landfill.

But, with clever designers and artists playing a critical role in imagining new possibilities for the things that fill up our spaces, hopes are hot that creative change can make an important dent in influencing the corporate world to get on board with the conscious world.

The UPCYCLE exhibition then, is on a mission to tackle the bigger issues of sustainability and regenerative design through the vehicle of unbounded creativity. Not limited by function and challenged to create a thought-provoking spectacle that will ignite powerful conversation, a select group of designers and artists have been tasked with breathing bold new life into discarded office equipment and furniture pieces.

Among the exhibition’s participants are Congolese artist Patrick Bongoy, sisters Viveka and Rucita Vassen of Ananta Design Studio, Nisha and Justus van der Hoven of Hoven Design, Laurie Wiid of Wiid Design, Amaury Watine, who is the Creativity and Innovation Director Tétris EMEA, Adrian Davidson.

The exhibition will be open to the public at Makers Landing at V&A Waterfront on 19 and 20 April 2024. On Friday 19 April, design students will be welcomed for a special student-focused day, and on Saturday 20 April there will be a free curated walkabout with the artists and designers at 11h00. 

Get ready to explore the future of the workspace!

• Date: 19-20 April 2024 
• Venue: Makers Landing, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Opening hours: 10h00-21h00, Friday-Saturday
• Cost:  Entrance to the exhibition and Makers Landing is free
• Parking: Secure paid parking is available at Makers Landing

Sources: Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The search for South Africa’s sustainability saviours is on – and the chances are you already know one of them. It could be a waste picker in your neighbourhood, a recycling initiative in your town or city, or a waste collection and recycling entrepreneur you’ve come across. Here’s why it’s their time to take the spotlight!

South Africa (24 January 2024) — The need to highlight the people and organisations working to create a litter-free and sustainable future is more important than ever. From volunteers dedicated to beautifying their communities to sustainability saviours, by virtue of their creativity and effort, these people inspire those in their spheres of influence to lead more eco-conscious lives.

Accolades like Twyg’s Sustainable Fashion Awards and the Petco Awards have become vital to the positive influence sustainable living can have.

“Through recognising excellence in reuse, recycling and waste minimisation around the country, the Petco Awards aim to drive positive change among consumers and in the collection and recycling sector,” says Cheri Scholtz, Petco CEO. 

Not only are sustainability heroes commended for ‘turning trash into treasure’, they’re also applauded for the income opportunities they bring to their communities through being part of the circular economy.

The search is now on for the next batch of sustainability saviours in South Africa. And the chances are, you already know one of them. Think of the waste picker who diligently takes care of your neighbourhood. Or the recycling-focused initiative that’s helped bring jobs to people in need. A creative that’s up-cycling their way to prosperity, or a recycling entrepreneur.

You can be part of spotlighting their hard work and impact by nominating them for the Petco Awards here. Nominations for entries close 9 February.

Aside from the equipment support that award winners receive, the spotlight on their efforts has boosted previous winners too. Last year’s winners for one, were featured in an online docu-series titled Sorted, which, filmed by veteran actor-director Louw Venter, has received over two million views on YouTube. 

So, it’s worth noting that the opportunities to expand their influence even further than the Awards are well within reach! Not to mention the domino effect of good these can have on both South Africa’s relationship with our environment and the growing circular economy.

Sources: Supplied 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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From ‘going Grinch’ to rewrapping your mind around wrapping paper, here are five sustainable ideas for an eco-friendly festive season!

Global (14 December 2023) — The festive season can be a deeply confusing time for the eco-conscious gift giver. Yes, we want to give our loved ones gifts that make them feel as special as humanly possible. No, we don’t want the planet to pay the price. Nor do we want to outdo our budgets by seeking sustainable ideas.

It’s a doozy that can make you feel more stuck than traffic in Cape Town during the peak of Dezemba.

Fear not, festive friend. There are many simple (and cost-effective) ways to still give the gift of consideration to the planet. Bonus: when you gift sustainably, you’re also giving those on the receiving end something positively impactful to think about too!

Five Sustainable Ideas for the Festive Season

1. Rest and Reduce

Reducing how much you buy is one very easy way to not be problematic this festive season. Especially if you know it won’t be affordable to make every gift one that’s eco-friendly approved. As many of us know, sustainable goods can cost more (that’s why they last!). But, by reducing how much goes into your shopping cart, you’re also allocating space to shop with intention.

The key thing here is to make gifting less fun, and that’s where games like the White Elephant Christmas Gift Game come into play at the perfect time.

2. Relish in Reusing

Reusing things to make other, often cooler things, is an epic way to not only say ‘hey, I made this for you because I care a lot!’. It’s also the best excuse to get your creative juices flowing with a little upcycling.

If you know your way around a sewing machine, try making something new out of clothes you no longer wear. Fabric scraps make for great bookmarks. Or, maybe you have a bunch of glass jars you’ve been meaning to recycle. Say hello to a new mini terrarium.

How you turn waste into wonders is up to you. But, you can find a bunch of ideas on groups like The Up-Cycled Cloth Collective.

3. Rewrap Your Mind Around Wrapping Paper

If you don’t cautiously save wrapping paper like that one friend who takes several years to open gifts (commendably), the simplest sustainable route is to opt for a fabric that can be used later. This is the Japanese method called furoshiki, which also doubles as another gift. The fabric wrap can make for a great hair accessory, kitchen accent, or even just something the receiver can use for their own future gift-giving.

4. Go Grinch

No, you don’t need to steal Christmas. But, you are going to take people’s things.

Before the days of any big events you host, ask those attending to bring items that can be recycled or upcycled. In turn, you can drop them off with people who can do a lot of good with a little waste, like:

• Tops&Tags for Wheelchairs (bottle tops and bread tags)
• Bin to Beauty or Re.Bag.Re.Use
• Pre-loved clothes for charity shops

5. Encourage Gifts That Will Never Turn to Waste

Take waste out of the conversation completely, and opt to give a gift that begets giving. What could be more sustainable than that? Virtually adopt an elephant, turtle or penguin for someone who loves animals, gift a tree in a friend’s honour or pay forward a child’s future—a gift to our country.

Sources: GTG 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Keeping it local this festive season for gift givers is one way to give back to the country’s economy, dreamers and doers. But, there are many other reasons to make your shopping cart special, South African style:

South Africa (06 December 2023)  — It’s interesting to think that when we’re shopping for gifts and surprises for our loved ones over the festive season, we’re also setting up to give in other ways—time, energy and support.

The businesses we support benefit greatly from the giving season. For many small, local businesses, it’s a highlight on the calendar for greater opportunity. For others, it’s a sure lifeline.

“Every rand we spend has enormous impact when it goes to a local small business; we have seen this time and time again in our work that locals supporting local creatives keeps the creative economy moving,” says Craft + Design Institute’s (CDI) CEO, Erica Elk. 

“Every consumer can make a difference; all through meaningful choices that benefit the local environment and local communities,” Erica adds.

For the CDI, a non-profit development agency that, for 22 years has committed to helping local creatives flourish and supports over 6800 businesses and artisans to boost the nation’s craft and design sector from the ground up.

They have shared their top five reasons to keep our gifts local this festive season; a list that everyone who wants to see South Africa win should keep in their back pocket!

5 Reasons to Keep it Local this Festive Season

1. Heritage Preservation

Creative products made in South Africa not only make gifts that can’t be found anywhere else, but also help share our heritage with each other.

2. Economic Impact

An obvious, but important point. By choosing to buy locally, consumers are able to support each other’s dreams and make room for more economic growth and opportunity stemming from small dreams. This, in turn, creates more jobs and inspires others to act on their dreams!

3. Personalised Power

A really awesome thing about shopping local, is that there are often personalised notes to the product that make it even more relatable. This could mean something handmade or customised, or a product that echoes the spirit of a certain area and community.

4. Sustainable Surprises

Smaller businesses often have more ethical and sustainable practices entrenched in their ethos. If you are looking to be a sustainability-conscious gift giver this year, start small and local! Whether it is slow-made practices or upcycled creations, many small South African businesses understand the assignment.

5. Conscious Consumerism Education

When we shop small and local, we’re also gifting someone else the chance to jump on the conscious bandwagon. More thought tends to go into purchasing handmade, personalised pieces from clothing to decor. As such, more thought goes into receiving this kind of gift when you’re armed with the knowledge of where and who it came from. Conscious consumerism matters because it reduces how much we buy and puts more thought into where we spend our money, which is very important for both spending habits and the kinds of businesses we support.

So, keep an eye out for your next local market (in person or online), give the sustainable small shop a second thought, and always look out for social enterprises that make and sell goods to benefit those who most need it.

Sources: Craft + Design Institute 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Electronic waste is a huge problem, but the people fighting against it are proving their determination is equally matched! As such, a massive installation made of over 2000kgs of eWaste has become an artivist’s love letter of environmental action:

Global (24 November 2023) — As electronic waste continues to exist as a big global problem, artists like Benjamin Von Wong have resorted to bigger acts of activism through art.

Electronic waste or ‘eWaste’ refers to waste that’s built up from technological devices and accessories after they’ve finished their life-cycle, are broken or are simply discarded in the wrong way. This kind of waste isn’t just a dump of hazardous toxins (thanks to lead and mercury components among others), they also aren’t biodegradable.

Bumping up the eWaste problem to the forefront of public awareness, are artists around the world. Here in South Africa, David Braithwaite and Jean Claude Nsambimana were part of a transformative exhibition where they turned eWaste into art and gunned for sustainable send-offs to be implemented.

In Canada, Benjamin Von Wong took this sentiment and amplified it to create something epic that aims to not just make sure disposals are sustainable, but that products can live longer. As such, he has created the world’s first immersive exhibit that’s fighting for the ‘Right to Repair’.

According to the artivist, the Right to Repair is a movement that’s seen people push for legal allowance to repair and modify their own electronic devices easily and affordably.

We all know that trying to repair a device like a laptop isn’t your run-of-the-mill fixer-upper. And, it can even be just as expensive as getting a new device in certain cases. This is why members of the public and independent retailers alike want access to affordable repairs, and parts, as well as the knowledge on how to handle their own repair work; meaning better care for electronics and longer lifespans for the devices.

“800 laptops worth of Electronic Waste are thrown away every second,” says Benjamin. “The number one reason? Exorbitant repair costs that keep people buying new.”

Benjamin’s installation is part of an immersive, sustainability-themed museum ‘Arcadia Earth’, where six months of hard work created art like you’ve never seen.

Like a haunting landmark from a post-apocalyptic film, the message is two-fold: we need better ways to manage electronic waste before it builds up to the point of no return, and that there are creative solutions to the problem when people have autonomy.

The work is made up of over 2000 kgs of eWaste (circuit boards, cables and computers) and is dubbed the ‘E-Waste Generator’. The grunt work of the massive project saw volunteers and Benjamin’s family all getting involved.

For eco-artivist Benjamin who has had works like the ‘Giant Plastic Trap’ showcased at the UN Headquarters, the immersive work is a call to action for the world.

Over and above being a wake-up call for tech corporates, a portion of the exhibition’s proceeds are also heading to the WWF.

Sources: GTG Interview

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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With the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations picking up soon, here’s what you need to know about the hot topic that could change the world:

Nairobi, Kenya (10 November 2023) — By now most of us know that plastics are far from the top of the food chain (sorry, Regina George). Still, plastics are a dominant force of environmental havoc across the world, from micro-form to landfill tons. In the ever-urgent need for global response, world leaders are in their third session of the Global Plastics Treaty. Here’s what the heck that means and why it could change the world.

The Global Plastics Treaty in a Nutshell

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a decision to start negotiations on a global and legally binding means to end plastic pollution—the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).

Like most international decisions, it takes a very long time to come to a conclusion on what to do about big problems. But, the INC-3 will bring decision-makers a lot closer to their call on what to do about the global plastic problem and will look at options set out by the zero draft treaty text which was finalised on 1 October.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), some possible scenarios in the fight against plastic pollution are: a business-as-usual response(meaning no intervention or weak obligations), an outright ban on four selected plastic products deemed unnecessary or replaceable by 2025, or a steady phase-out of six plastic products with complete cessation by 2030.

Impacts of Plastic You Might Not Know

Plastic doesn’t just impact the environment and ecosystems (though it does a brilliant job at harming them). It also weighs heavily on socio-economic factors, especially on low and middle-income countries, despite these countries consuming almost three times less plastic per-capita according to a WWF-commissioned report.

The report (based on case studies spanning Brazil, Kenya and Fiji) estimates that the total lifetime costs of a kilogram of plastic is around US$150 in low-and middle-income countries, wich is eight times the US$19/kilogram incurred by high-income countries.

This is just a glance at the costs involved especially for disadvantaged countries, never mind the myriad of problems plastic pollution causes for the planet’s health.

“Our take, make, waste plastics system is designed in a way that unfairly impacts our planet’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged countries. Instead of resolving the world’s plastic pollution crisis in the most efficient way, the system shifts the bulk of the costs to those least equipped to manage them, with no accountability placed on those who produce and use the products in the first place,” says Alice Ruhweza, WWF International’s Senior Director of Policy, Influence and Engagement. 

Other Setbacks for Poorer Countries

• Low and middle-income countries don’t have much influence on which plastic products are produced and how they are designed, despite being expected to manage them once they’ve reached their end-of life.
• The rate of plastic production (especially for single-use plastic) is outplacing the resources for waste management
• Plastic production and pollution does not have enough of an accountability body

“We can no longer act as if plastic is a cheap throwaway commodity. It has huge costs for some of the most vulnerable communities who have no power to change the system. Inaction will result in a higher cost for all of us,” adds Eirik Lindebjerg, WWF International’s Plastics Policy Lead. 

“Countries must dial up ambition and finalize a treaty with harmonized and binding global rules if we are to achieve an equitable plastic value chain and want a future free from plastic pollution.” 

Sources: WWF; UNEP

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Beyond the potential to put loadshedding’s endless reign to rest, green energy solutions are also really important for the Earth’s future. Big brains are currently competing in a massive Green Energy competition, and here’s what they’ve come up with:

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 November 2023) — The five teams advancing to the Finalist Round of a massive Green Energy competition—the Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy—have recently been announced! Each finalist team will receive $70,000 (over R1.2 million) to further develop and hone their designs in a live field test demonstration in South Africa next year; ultimately spearheading more ideas for alternative energy solutions.

The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to solving global challenges with a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health.

The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe with a goal to eradicate poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed, and marginalized people in South Africa, Africa, and the world over.

And the Finalist Teams Are:

• AfTrak Micro Electric Agriculture and Energy—for its innovative system of using solar microgrids to power custom-designed tractors for deep-bed farming
• GEG ehf., for its solar and geothermal-powered hybrid renewable energy system
• New Digit Technologies, for its compact, portable device to generate energy and purify water
• OMNIVAT, for its containerized electricity generation and storage system for remote communities and
• Smart Agri-Centres, for its solar-powered community hubs that provide affordable clean energy and services to farmers.

“Access to electricity can advance industrialization across Africa and improve the standards of living for many marginalized communities,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation.

“These finalists are building innovative solutions to deliver on the promise of a sustainable future, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. We will be delighted to welcome them to South Africa for the live demonstrations next year.”

An independent panel of expert judges determined the five teams continuing to the Finalist Round based on a rigorous evaluation of real-world data.

Judges will continue to evaluate competing teams’ abilities to meet the challenge of generating 60kWh of electricity in a 24-hour period by:

• demonstrating off-grid electricity generation using green energy sources;
• validating demonstration results with data collection; and
• providing affordable and reliable electricity to energy-poor communities, as informed by the demonstration.

“These finalists have once again proven the value of the innovation competition model in driving breakthroughs,” said Emily Musil Church, PhD, senior director at the Milken Institute. “The Semifinalist Round pushed these teams to stretch their limits and build solutions that are scalable and life-changing for millions.”

To date, the competition has awarded $750,000 (almost R14 million) to entrepreneurs testing bold ideas to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity in Africa.

In May 2024, the judges will award a grand prize of more than R18 million. A runner-up prize will also be awarded, but more importantly, new energy solutions will hopefully have the momentum to empower communities with eco-consideration.

Sources: Press Release

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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South Africans from Klerksdorp to Cape Town are working hard to clean up their communities, create jobs by giving waste second chances and recycling their way to a better future. Now, these sustainability champions are in the spotlight thanks to a new docu-series about the work they do!

South Africa (19 October 2023) — Around the country, sustainability champions are working to clean up their communities while creating much-needed income opportunities in the waste collection and recycling sector. Now, their efforts are being recognised in a newly released docu-series ‘Sorted’, a must-watch.

A Snippet of Sorted

Directed by veteran actor-director Louw Venter, Sorted showcases inspiring sustainability advocates and the hard work they are doing to grow the country’s circular economy, boost eco-consciousness and contribute to a greener South Africa.

Through the eyes of actress Lindiwe Dim – a self-declared “concerned consumer”, anyone with access to the internet can embark on the circular economy adventure with her, and be inspired to help it flourish further.

In addition to being featured in the series, the subjects were also honoured for their work by Petco, South Africa’s longest-standing producer responsibility organisation (PRO) which oversees collection and recycling efforts of post-consumer packaging throughout the country in the Petco Awards, AKA the ‘Green Oscars’.

Their work spans fields of positive environmental impact, from clever innovation to entrepreneurial and environmental education efforts.

Aimed at revealing the untold stories of these entrepreneurs, researchers, environmental educators and women empowerment advocates, Sorted unpacks the significance of the collection and recycling sector for consumers and spotlights the ways we can all pitch in and lend a hand. 

“There are people who are designing products so they can be recycled. There are people collecting and sorting these recyclables. There are people buying these recyclables,” explains Lindiwe.

“The money changing hands means that people can eat and communities can flourish.”

In Johannesburg, Lindiwe learns from one of Africa’s largest and most advanced recyclers of PET bottle materials, while in Klerksdorp, she visits Matlosana Recycling, a woman-owned and managed buy-back centre.

There, founder Cindy Foord – joint recipient of this year’s Petco Top Woman in Collection and Recycling award – employs 23 permanent staff and supports 160 waste pickers by purchasing their recyclables.

“Everyone that comes in here [to sell a recyclable] bottle or paper, I know that is their food for the day. That drives me… but a lot of people don’t know that [recyclable materials are] worth something,” shares Cindy. 

In the Cape Flats, Lindiwe investigates one of the Western Cape’s largest material waste recovery facilities, run by Waste Want – a joint recipient of the Petco PET-repreneur award.

Co-founder Lydia Anderson-Jardine highlights that on top of employing 1,000 community members full-time and supporting about 500 waste pickers, their waste recovery facility also does the collection of recyclables and runs recycling awareness programmes in the community.

Further along the adventure in KwaZulu-Natal, another award winner Bevlen Sudhu outlines how waste champions are empowered and make the circle bigger for the empowerment of others.

“Our work of supporting one waste champion, in turn, helps over thirty others to earn an income while diverting waste from their local landfill. Our impact is both social and environmental, which also leads to economic growth in our country,” explains Bevlen.

You can watch the nine-episode docu-series and learn more about what is one of the most important sectors in South Africa, here.

Sources: Petco

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The experts from Food and Trees for Africa and the African Climate Reality are serving up food for thought on how climate change impacts food systems and security, and more importantly, the solutions!

South Africa (17 October 2023) — World Food Day was celebrated yesterday, 16th of October. An annual collective of thoughts meant to inspire action, one of its primary aims is to raise awareness of the inequalities when it comes to access to nutritious food; i.e.: breaking down why food systems are in crisis for underserved communities, and figuring out what exactly contributes toward it.

But, before we can dive into the details, we need to understand the basics, with both broken down by Food and Trees for Africa’s Nicole Ras and the African Climate Reality Avantika Seeth.

How are Food Security and Climate Change Related?

When we talk about food security (the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutritious food), what we’re actually talking about is a fundamental human right.

However, climate change directly impacts food security and food systems, especially in developing countries. When climate-induced matters arise, access to food is impacted in the same way socio-economic factors (like rising food prices) impact accessibility.

Many experts will tell you that the incorporation of sustainable agricultural practices merged with climate education that relies on both contemporary and indigenous knowledge systems is key to addressing climate change and the inequalities entrenched in the global food system as it currently is. But, how do we get there?

Climate Change and Food

Climate change is a global cause of concern that demands far more attention than mere greenwashing.

The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is leading to a shift in average global temperatures, which in exchange causes extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. These in turn, directly impact agricultural production.

Climate change is also a threat multiplier, which means that it exacerbates socioeconomic challenges that already exist (like poverty and food and water insecurity).

Accelerated climate change then, is more than just an environmental issue. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations affect many factors involved in crop growth and yield such as soil health, pest control, and sowing and harvesting cycles, which makes it increasingly difficult for farmers to predict weather patterns and produce enough food to meet the growing demand.

This, coupled with rising food prices across the world are some of the greatest threats to food security and are key in understanding the food system crisis.

As a result, communities in South Africa are already facing increased challenges in accessing nutritious food, combating hunger and lifting large portions of the population out of poverty.

For instance, approximately 55.5% (30.3 million) people live in poverty at the upper poverty line, and 20.7% of households engage in subsistence farming to feed their families. In 2021, about 2.1 million people (over 11%) of South African households reported experiencing hunger, despite the country’s substantial agricultural production.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), world hunger has increased from 150 million people since 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) to affecting 828 million people in 2021. Asia (with 425 million people affected) and Africa (with 278 million people affected) were the worst affected continents in 2022.

The Impact on Food Security

We understand then, that certain communities are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on food security and their food systems.

In South Africa, subsistence farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture for household food security are particularly at risk and they often lack the resources and infrastructure to deal with difficult conditions, leaving them susceptible to crop failures and food shortages. Additionally, marginalised and low-income communities face limited access to nutritious food due to rising food prices and disrupted supply chains caused by climate-related events.

Sustainable Farming: A Path to Food Security

Commercial agriculture makes use of monoculture methods requiring large-scale soil tilling, insatiable water use and the application of harmful pesticides and fertilisers contribute to the problem. Around 20 to 25% of global annual emissions originate from agriculture, forestry and land-use change alone – not including food transport and energy-intensive production processes.

According to the latest report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), to have any chance of limiting the global temperature rise to around 1.5 degrees and avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change, global anthropogenic emissions must be reduced by nearly half by the end of this decade.

To address global emissions in the context of agricultural production, sustainable farming practices become essential because they focus on maximising agricultural productivity while minimising environmental impact.

Methods such as conservation farming, agroforestry and agroecology, and permaculture, build resilient food systems that are less vulnerable to climate change at both commercial and subsistence levels.

These practices also recognise the value of indigenous knowledge systems and take a climate-centred approach to agriculture, thus promoting soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, contributing to long-term food security.

Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) explains that it offers a number of solutions to improve food security while protecting the environment in a way that mitigates climate change and supports those who are most vulnerable:

• Permaculture Starter Packs (PSPs) have been distributed to various areas across the country. They include tailored and phased training and mentoring for these communities and are one of the ways in which people can be encouraged and assisted to grow their own food in sustainable ways. These permaculture and bio-intensive approaches to agriculture are customised locally to suit the South African landscape.
• Supporting food security projects around the country and neighbouring countries, such as the Phawu Agripak Cooperative is another stretch of their involvement. This group of small-scale agriculturists recognise the importance of producing self-sustainable food systems while building climate awareness and taking climate action through greening and responsible water resource management. The cooperative’s strategic use of rainwater harvesting, greywater use and the application of swales for instance has led to their 1.3 hectares of land being exceptionally well cultivated over the years.

Strengthening Food Sovereignty

Food sovereignty means the right of communities to control their own food systems. It emphasises local food production, distribution, and consumption, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

Achieving food sovereignty also forms part of the solution to climate change because, at its core, it promotes principles that enable society to work with nature, rather than against it. By supporting small-scale agroecological farmers, promoting local food markets, and investing in community-led initiatives, food sovereignty can be strengthened and access to healthy and culturally appropriate food ensured, while also building African communities.

Addressing Food Prices and Inequality

Rising food prices due to crop loss and supply chain disruptions disproportionately affect low-income communities. A key example of this is reflected by the results of the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s (EDJG) Household Affordability Index, which compares monthly fluctuations in the price of a household food basket.

Released in September 2023, it tracked food price data from 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries across South Africa and found a relentless increase in staple foods and nutritious vegetables.

In August 2023, the average cost of a household food basket was R5,124.34, which reflected an increase of R348.75 (7.3%), from R4,775.59 in August 2022 and a R42.40 (0.8%) month-on-month rise from R5,081.94 in July 2023.

However, the issue of inaccessibility and affordability reflects the interconnectedness of climate change, food security, and poverty and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

Food sovereignty, then, offers a path toward resilience and sustainability by placing control over food systems in the hands of local communities, empowering them to adapt to the effects of climate change while ensuring equitable access to nutritious and affordable food.

So, when people are supported to grow their own food in ways that not only improve the overall health of the population but also that of their immediate natural environment.

Existing farming knowledge and honouring indigenous practices in communities is also all-important and must be valued for their ability to address hunger and build resilience. Not to mention, civil society interventions play a big role in merging traditional wisdom with contemporary climate education and capacitating communities.

The importance of food security programmes and food sovereignty awareness campaigns cannot be undervalued in stimulating both social development and economic growth as communities are enabled to earn a living by harnessing their skills, thus reducing reliance on large-scale agriculture and expensive imports.

Sources: Nicole Ras; Avantika Seeth

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The Twyg sustainable-fashion awards are a highlight on many eco-fashion lovers’ calendars. But, why does South Africa need them?

South Africa (15 October 2023) — When it comes to the South African fashion industry, we’re in a bit of a predicament. It’s imperative to encourage more eco-friendly and sustainable-fashion, not only for climate reasons but for socioeconomic ones too.

However, locally produced sustainable and eco-friendly fashion (also called slow fashion) has to compete with cheap, imported fast fashion, which is made mostly from fossil-fuel-derived synthetic fabrics.

The truth of the matter is that sustainability and social inequality are deeply intertwined. By prioritising sustainable, locally made textiles and products, we ultimately support the South African economy, create more jobs, strengthen communities and reduce the impact of imported fast fashion on the environment.

South Africa currently imports most of its textiles and finished products. According to the government-commissioned report ‘Designing Climate-Compatible Industrial Strategies for South Africa: The Textiles Value Chain’, retail sales of imported clothing, footwear and textiles totalled more than R175 billion in 2018, while the 800 local clothing manufacturers generated a significantly smaller revenue of R19 billion in the same year. At the same time, according to GreenCape, a non-profit organisation that drives the widespread adoption of economically viable green economy solutions, about 6% of our country’s total landfill waste is made up of textiles.

So, how do we change things?

Twyg, a leading South African sustainable-fashion and beauty non-profit, is on a mission to inspire a fashion and textile industry that’s kind, fair, inclusive, diverse, nature-friendly and sustainable, and that embraces circular design principles. One of the ways the solution-driven platform champions this path is by hosting the annual Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards.

Across 10 categories – Emerging Designer, Accessories, Innovative Design and Materials, the Nicholas Coutts Award, Farm-to-Fashion, Social Impact, Retail, The Tastemaker Award, Trans-Seasonal Design and Footwear – Twyg selects winners who implement sustainable, ethical, circular and regenerative design. The winners with the highest scores in each category are then eligible for the Changemaker Award, which recognises a designer whose career embraces sustainable and circular design practices.

The annual awards, first launched in 2019, not only celebrate South African designers, innovators, influencers and activists, awarding them for their hard work, but also project their groundbreaking work to a larger audience. This in turn encourages consumers to shop sustainably and invites the next generation of designers to take a sustainable approach.

Nominations for the 2023 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards are in, and judging is currently underway. The finalists will be revealed on 14 November 2023, and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in late November in Cape Town.

Change is happening, but to change everything, we need everyone!

Source: Press Release

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Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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