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 This is the best resource I have come across whilst researching the topics of sustainability and eco-friendliness. In their own words:

“The Global Development Research Center is a virtual organization that carries out initiatives in education, research and practices, in the spheres of environment, urban, community and information, and at scales that are effective.”

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Here’s a nicely organised tour through the world of your average toxic household provided by http://www.groundwork.org.za. It’s amazing all the things we do as individuals to poison our environments without even knowing.

There are many, many hidden chemicals in our homes. Some of these chemicals are safe but many of them are toxic (poisonous) to humans. In an average South African home you will find many household products and foods containing chemicals that can make us sick.

These chemicals can be found in your:
– kitchen (for example in foods you are eating)
– cleaning cupboard (for example in Jeyes fluid or mothballs)
– bathroom (for example in air fresheners or cosmetics)
– garage (for example in firelighters and petrol)
– garden (for example pesticides)

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I just took the eco-footprint quiz I found on the website below

http://www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp

I was shocked to find out that if everyone lived the way I do we would need 2.2 earths to sustain all of us. What’s even more shocking is that here in South Africa the average eco-footprint is 4.3 global hectares per person, and the earth currently only has 1.8 global hectares available per person. Considering the fact that the earths population is projected to reach 9 billion in the year 2020 (based on some opinions) the reality of our behavior on this planet should scare anyone with even the slightest concern for themselves or others.

Visit the link above for a taste of your own eco-footprint. Also visit: http://www.earthday.net/footprint/english/individuals.asp for information about how individuals can make a difference.

For more information on eco-footprints and how they have come about see – http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/Eco-footprint/faq.asp

Have you ever been approached by someone: on the street; at your front door; in the parking lot; at the traffic lights asking for assistance, a job or sometimes food or money.Don’t answer the question, I expect your answer to be yes unless you’ve been living totally cut off from whatever society you happen to inhabit. Here in South Africa it is uncommon for one to go through an entire day without some poor soul approaching one for some kind of assistance. (more…)

It should be hard to disregard water, to waste it and fail to appreciate it. Eighty percent of every human body is water. We cannot live for more than one week without it. We know that there is no life on earth without it. Water flows throughout the world’s cornucopia of human societies, and as it flows, it invigorates, cleanses and revitalizes.

In 1994, between 14 and 16 million South Africans had no near access to clean, running water. In the first ten years of democracy, the South African government and its non profit organization partners succeeded in making water accessible to 10 million more people. By 2008, our country aims to provide access to water for some 5 million South Africans still collecting water from streams and rivers.

read the rest of this article online at – http://www.greatergoodsa.co.za/waterworth.jsp