Greenworks - Reduce - Reuse - Recycle

Have a Merry Green Christmas

In the Southern Hemisphere it's not going to be a white Christmas.
And it also doesn't have to be a blue Christmas due to the financial crisis.

But it should be a colourful time and what better colour than green.

Greenworks.co.za has put together some ideas to help you make this Christmas a special one - taking the environment, as well as cost into consideration.

Going green works as you can save the environment and money!

Click here for more information on a Green Christmas

..................................................................................................................................................

Take a Step in the Green Direction

Best wishes for 2010
Kind regards
Grace

Commit to taking one new step - however small - in the green direction
each week or month.

Like drops of water can fill a glass that you can drink, each small step
adds up to make an impact on the environment and your pocket.

Click here to visit our website for ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Environment Day on 5 June
aims to deepen public awareness of the need to preserve and enhance
the environment.

This year's theme is Many Species. One Planet. One Future
to celebrate the diversity of life on Earth.

2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity.

Rwanda is the 2010 World Environment Day global host.
The celebrations in Rwanda will involve three days of events from 3-5
June, culminating in a gorilla-naming ceremony in the Volcanoes National
Park.

Visit www.unep.org/wed/2010/english/ & www.unep.org/wed/2010/english/about.asp for more information on
World Environment Day

Click here to visit our website for ideas on how you can take steps in
the green direction.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Ocean Day
8 June

World Ocean Day is a call to action for the protection of the world's
oceans - as the diversity of life in our oceans is threatened.

Global warming, overfishing and pollution are impacting on the health of
our oceans.

Make responsible seafood choices - buy only from sustainable fish stocks
and avoid choosing fish like kabeljou, kingklip & sole.

Cigarette butts & other litter pollute our oceans. Please don't litter.

Click here for more information on the sustainable seafood choices list.
Click here for more information on World Ocean Day.

..................................................................................................................................................

Invitations

Save paper and trees by sending electronic invitations instead of paper
ones.

Click here for more invitation tips.

..................................................................................................................................................

Power Shower

A power shower can use even more water than a bath.
Limit the pressure of your shower.

Click here for information on how to save water when showering.

..................................................................................................................................................

Maintenance Saves

Keep your car serviced and maintained.
Your car will run more efficiently.

Click here for more vehicle saving tips.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Population Day
11 July

It's the World Cup Finals and much of the World's population will be
watching the soccer.

On a serious note World Population Day aims to highlight the increase in
the global population; the rate of growth and where people are situated
has a broad impact on the environment.

Ironically it is the poor in developing countries that are affected the most
by environmental crises.

Achieving human development while overcoming, rather than exacer-
bating environmental challenges - such as the degradation of land,
watersheds and marine fisheries, deforestation, pollution, and climate
change - is an immense but central challenge to humanity. (www.unmillenniumproject.org/reports/tf_environment.htm)

Click here for more information on World Population Day and the
World POP Clock Projection.

..................................................................................................................................................

Natural cleaning products

Combine bicarbonate of soda with white vinegar for a powerful
cleaning combination that won't harm the environment.

Using this very effective, non-toxic combination, reuse an old toothbrush
to scrub the grouting between your floor tiles and your floors will look
new!

Click here for more information

..................................................................................................................................................

Paper Recycling

Have a separate bin or box for paper. Keep your paper clean & dry by
not mixing it with other recyclables or wet waste. Recovered paper is a
key material in paper, paperboard and tissue production, conserving
new raw materials.

Click here for more information on paper recycling.

..................................................................................................................................................

Route in your Errands

Plan your route when you've got errands to run. Arrange them so you
can do as many as possible in one trip and in travelling order. This will
save you time and petrol.

Click here for more vehicle saving tips.

..................................................................................................................................................

Size Counts

Use the right size plate for the size pot - ensuring that the pot or pan
completely covers the stove plate. This prevents heat and energy being
wasted.

Click here for more electricity savings when cooking.

..................................................................................................................................................

Biomimicry

The conscious emulation of life's genius.

Biomimicry is the science and art of emulating Nature's best biological
ideas to solve human problems.

Examples of biomimicry happening today :
Non-toxic adhesives inspired by geckos; energy efficient buildings
inspired by termite mounds; and resistance-free antibiotics inspired by
red seaweed

Click here for more on biomimicry.

..................................................................................................................................................

Packaging Pains

Many items are over packaged. When you are shopping for groceries or
other products take the quantity and type of packaging used into
consideration when making your choices. (Less packaging & recyclable
packaging)

Click here for more about reducing your packaging pains.

..................................................................................................................................................

National Clean-up Week

13-19 September

The National Clean-Up Week is a call to action for all South Africans to
take care of the environment by cleaning up the areas in which they live
and to encourage the public not to litter.

The National Clean-Up campaign coincides with the International Coastal
Cleanup campaign and the Clean the World Weekend.

Take pride in, and responsibility for, your environment. Arrange a
clean-up in your community. (Better yet ensure that you always put
your litter in the bin!)

..................................................................................................................................................

September is Arbor Month

Purchase a tree planting certificate for R50 and we'll make all the
necessary arrangements, ensuring that a tree is planted on your behalf
or in the name of someone you care about.

**** Arbor Month Special - 5 trees for R200.00 ****

To find out more about having a tree planted on your behalf and
receiving a certificate for your tree click here or email
grace@greenworks.co.za.

Click here for more information about Arbor Week and the environ-
mental benefits of trees.

..................................................................................................................................................

Rhino Day

22 September 2010

WWF has organised a worldwide Rhino Month campaign in support of the
rhino warriors who are on the frontline in the fight against poaching,
culminating in Rhino Day on Wednesday 22 September.

Call to action : At 1pm on Rhino Day, people around the world are being
asked to dust off their vuvuzelas and make some noise in a symbolic
call for effective international action against rhino poaching - using one
African horn to call for help for another. (You can also toot your car
hooter or anything else that makes a big noise in support of rhinos).

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO

Spread the word. Tell your friends and families to support Rhino Day.
Raise money and make a donation to help save Africa's rhinos.
Send pictures of your Rhino Day and Rhino Month activities to rhino@wwf.org.za.

Ask friends from Asia to spread the word about how buying rhino horn
is illegal and poaching for rhino horn is hurting a precious African
resource and icon.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Vegetarian Day
Friday 1st October

Eat your greens.....

World Vegetarian Day brings awareness to the ethical, environmental,
health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian (animal free-diet)
lifestyle.

It aims to highlight health considerations, compassion for animals, the
global hunger & food shortage problem and ecological awareness.

An example is the issue of water:
It takes 100 000 litres of water to produce one kilogram of beef and just
500 litres for one kilogram of potatoes. (Compassion in World Farming
Trust, 2002).

..................................................................................................................................................

Meat Free Mondays

There is also a drive to make Monday's meat free. Join the movement
and make your Mondays Meat Free. There are great vegetarian recipes
online if you're stuck for ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Farm Animals Day
2 October

World Farm Animals Day creates awareness around the humane
treatment of farm animals. It is dedicated to exposing the suffering and
deaths of 50 billion animals in factory farms and slaughterhouses.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Animal Day
4 October

World Animal Day is a day to celebrate animal life in all its forms. It is
a time to highlight our appreciation of our relationship with the animals
that share our planet and the ways in which they enrich our lives.

Click here to support the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

..................................................................................................................................................

Air Dryer

With the warm weather upon us, the sun and air are great hairdryers.
Either avoid your dryer altogether or let your hair dry naturally as much
as possible and use your dryer for the finishing touches.

Click here for more hair-drying saving tips.

..................................................................................................................................................

Weedbuster Week
4-10 October

Weedbuster Week (second week of October yearly) focuses on
increasing public understanding of the negative impact of invasive plant
species and weeds - to encourage responsible behaviour in the sustain-
able use of land, water and natural resources to help and sustain the
environment.

Click here for our calendar for more information.

..................................................................................................................................................

October is Public Transport Month

Give it a go. Use public transport.

..................................................................................................................................................

Short Back and Sides

Add a bit of water to your shampoo and conditioner when you've
poured the last bit out. The water will dilute that which is on the bottom
and sides. You'll get at least one more wash out of the bottle before
putting it into the recycling bin.

Click here for more cosmetic stretching ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Bread Bags

I had the joy of swimming in the sea last week! I didn't enjoy taking 3
plastic bread bags out of the water on one day. Whenever possible buy
your bread in brown paper bags.

Click here for more responsible packing ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Greenwashing

You've heard of money laundering - and you know it's not clean. Neither
is greenwashing of products that aren't really green. Some products are
marketed using terminology and images in their branding and packaging
that give the perception of being green when in fact they are not an
environmentally friendly product or solution. Don't be mislead by
packaging and branding. Make sure your choices are the real green deal.

Click here to visit our website for green ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Birding Big Day
South Africa
27 November 2010

The annual Sappi BirdLife South Africa Birding Big Day takes place this
Saturday. The Garden Birds Category allows bird-watchers to collect
information about their garden birds during a 24-hour period (with a
minimum of one uninterrupted hour of observation), submit their data
online, and during the day watch as the participation map, species list
and histograms are updated.

It is a fun, competitive day for South Africa's bird-watchers, while at the
same time raising funds for BirdLife South Africa's bird conservation
work and bird monitoring work. For more information and registration
visit www.birdlife.org.za or email events@birdlife.org.za

While walking the other day, I saw a bird pick up a piece of plastic and
fly off with it. Birds don't need plastic! Please remember to dispose of
your garbage responsibly and encourage others to do the same.

..................................................................................................................................................

Tree Decorations

Make your own decorations using items within your home. Reuse last
year's decorations. If you do need to buy new ones select handmade
items that support local industry.

Click here for more tree decorating ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Gift Wrapping

Use reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper. Wrap gifts in
newspaper with reusable ribbon. Keep your wrapping paper, gift bags a
nd ribbons for future use.

Click here for more wrapping & packaging suggestions.
Click here for gift ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Have A Happy Green Holiday Season

We've reached the end of 2010 and what a year it's been!
My best wishes to you and your families for a happy, healthy, safe,
peaceful & green holiday season.

Kind regards
Grace

By following the principles of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle as well as Rethink,
Respect and Responsibility you can make a difference to the environment
and society, as well as save money, thus greening your Christmas and
holiday season.

Click here for ideas on how to have a green festive season.
Click here for Holiday Season Green Tips.

..................................................................................................................................................

Waste Wise

We cannot change the fact that we produce waste. But it is within our
power and control to determine how much waste we do produce, how we
manage our waste, and what we do with our waste. We need to work
together to manage our waste in a sustainable way to protect our Planet.

REDUCE    REUSE    RECYCLE

� reduce our consumption
� re-use/repurpose items
� recycle

Click here for waste management suggestions.
Click here for a waste monitoring diary.

..................................................................................................................................................

Valentine's Day
February 14th

Valentine's Day is an opportunity to show your partner that you love
him/her,...or to hint to someone that you have a crush on him/her...

It's also an excuse for consumerism and consumption - a chance to buy
cards, chocolates and gifts.

With a little bit of effort and preplanning you can do your part to limit the
environmental impact of Valentine's Day and make it a green event. On
this day of love let's give some thought to the Planet and show our care
and love for Earth too.

For some green ideas for Valentine's click here: Out of the Red and into
the Green for Valentine's Day

..................................................................................................................................................

Suds Linger Longer

Add some water to your bottled hand soap to dilute it. It'll work just as well and last a fair bit longer, giving you more suds for your bucks.

Click here for more cosmetic stretching ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Biodegradable Bread Bags

Some of the plastic sliced bread bags are biodegradable. Please don't
put them into your plastic recycling. This material affects the integrity of
the recycled material.

Click here for more on plastic recycling.

..................................................................................................................................................

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a plastic and can be recycled.

(Remove all food and contaminants before putting
into your recycling.) High density Polystyrene has
the number 6 polymer identification code.
Bread tags and other high density polystyrene products are recycled into
coat hangers, seedling trays, cornices, skirting, outdoor furniture, poles
and decking.

Click here for more about plastic recycling.

..................................................................................................................................................

St Patrick's Day

While it's not a Green Day in the Environmental Sense, Thursday 17th
March is St Patrick's Day, a day celebrated by the Irish and Irish at heart
with parades, wearing of green, music & songs, Irish food and drink, and
activities for kids.

This is a great opportunity to wear and highlight the importance of
GREEN! (And remember to recycle all the beer bottles and cans please.)

..................................................................................................................................................

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

Join us at the Fourways Green Market and discover why!
To all those in Gauteng, please join us on Sunday 3 April between
10h00 & 16h00 at the Fourways Green Market @ Blue Haven Nursery
(Cnr William Nicol & Montecasino Blvd)

WHAT'S ON OFFER

� Eco friendly products for the home and garden
� Green gifts and gadgets
� The latest in eco home technology
� A kids play area & kids products
� Green Cuisine

..................................................................................................................................................

WORLD WATER DAY
22nd March

National Water Week
21-27 March 2011

The theme for 2011's National Water Week is Water for Cities:
Responding to the Urban Challenge.

The objective is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid
urban population growth, industrialisation and uncertainties caused by
climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.

Be even more conscious and aware of your water consumption this week.
Add a new water saving skill to your current savings.

Click here for suggestions.

..................................................................................................................................................

EARTH HOUR
28 March 2011

Earth Hour is an international event where all households, communities
and business worldwide are encouraged to turn off their lights for one
hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March 2011.

Earth Hour asks everyone to take personal accountability for their climate
impact and make behavioural changes to facilitate a low-carbon lifestyle.
Taking the first step is as easy as turning off your lights.

Click here for more on EARTH HOUR

..................................................................................................................................................

Box Reuse

Use your shoes boxes as storage containers for photos or other items.
Paint them with leftover paint or decorate them with leftover wrapping
paper.

Click here for more ideas

..................................................................................................................................................

Window Clean

Avoid ammonia-based cleaning products. Clean your windows and glass
by trying one of the following recipes:

Mix _ cup of white vinegar with _ cup of hot water OR
Mix 1 litre of water, _ cup of vinegar & 2 tablespoons lemon juice OR
Mix 2 tablespoons lemon juice with a litre of water.
Put into a spray bottle, shake & use.

If you find polishing with last week's newspapers too untidy then use an
old cotton T-shirt.

Click here for more green cleaning ideas

..................................................................................................................................................

Margin by Margin

When printing decrease the size of the margins (page layout - margins)
so that you can fit more onto one page.

Click here for more green office ideas

..................................................................................................................................................

Earth Day 2011 falls on Good Friday.

The Earth Day 2011 campaign aims to get citizens of the world to commit
to doing acts of green. How many acts of green will you do on Earth Day?
(And every day?)

Join Us & Register Your Acts of Green

Visit www.greenworks.co.za/earthday.html for ideas and suggestions.
Please follow the link and register your PLEDGE.

Please remember, with all the holidays this month, to watch your waste.
Reduce, reuse and recycle.

..................................................................................................................................................

No need to crook the books

Trade, sell or donate books you no longer need. Many welfare
organisations use the donated books in book sales to raise funds.

Click here for more book sharing ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

VOTE BECAUSE YOU CAN

Local government elections take place on 18th May 2011. It is your right
and your responsibility to vote.

While being green is about recycling & watching your waste, switching
off your lights & water, and changing your product choices, we see it as
much more.

Being green is also about being a responsible citizen of the planet, your
country, city, neighbourhood, workplace & school.

Greenworks advocates building a more accountable, responsible and
respectful society. We promote societal responsibility. It's up to you
and me to elect politicians who want to make a positive difference to our
society.

Click here to read some of the parties' environmental policies.

..................................................................................................................................................

The International Day for Biological Diversity
(World Biodiversity Day)
Sunday 22nd May

Biodiversity - the number, variety, and variability of living organisms -
is not just about plants, animals, microorganisms and their ecosystems,
but also about humans and their needs such as food security, clean air
and water, & a healthy environment.

The theme for the International Day on Biological Diversity (IBD) in
2011 is Biodiversity and Forests, which is part of the International Year
of Forests.

In South Africa, biodiversity is under pressure as a society that needs
to provide basic services to the poor while ensuring sustainable use of
its natural resources.

Click here for more on International Day for Biological Diversity on our
Environmental Calendar

..................................................................................................................................................

Clinging to Clingwrap?

Instead of using clingwrap to cover leftovers - either use a plate to
cover the dish, or transfer the food into a sealable reusable tupperware
or container.

Click here for more container saving ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Environment Day
5 June 2011

2011 theme : Forests: Nature at Your Service supports the UN's
2011 International Year of Forests which draws attention to the life-
sustaining values that forests provide, and the inherent connection
between our quality of life and the health of forest ecosystems. Our
lives - both now and in the future and future generations - depend on
conserving and restoring the world's forests.

World Environment Day (WED) is probably the most celebrated of all the
environmental awareness days. It is a day to acknowledge the achieve-
ments made to protect the environment. It is also a day to commit to
new greening actions.

WED aims to personalise environmental issues - so that world citizens
realise that it is our responsibility to take care of the environment, and
become actively involved in making lifestyle choices and changes to
support sustainable and equitable development.

Click here for more on World Environment Day.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Oceans Day
8 June 2011

Our oceans and the life forms therein are diverse and incredible, but
they are in trouble. World Oceans Day is an opportunity to honour the
oceans and products they provide. It is also a chance to build an aware-
ness of the role of the ocean in our lives, and how we can help.

Destructive fishing practices are causing a radical decline in fish and the
sea life we depend on. The coral reefs are dying as a result of climate
change.Each one of us can take action to help our oceans.

Click here for more on World Oceans Day.

BUY FISH THAT IS SUSTAINABLE
WEAR BLUE. TELL TWO.
DON'T LITTER.

..................................................................................................................................................

World Blood Donor Day
Tuesday 14th June

If you can donate, bloody well do! For more...

..................................................................................................................................................

Youth Day (public holiday)
Thursday 16th June

The future belongs to the youth. Environmental behavioural change is
in their hands. For more...

..................................................................................................................................................

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
Friday 17th June

Desertification is land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid
areas or the creation of desert-like conditions in such dry lands (which
make up 35% of the Earth's land surface). It occurs when the natural
vegetation cover is reduced and the topsoil becomes susceptible to
erosion, leading to a number of problems. It results from various factors,
including climatic variations and human activities.

June 17 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). For
more...

..................................................................................................................................................

Father's Day
Sunday 19th June

Father's Day is a day to celebrate and honour fathers and fatherhood.
It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Give your dad a gift that
lasts. Have a tree planted in his name and we'll send an electronic
certificate of confirmation. Click here for more information on how to
order Trees cost R50.00
Orders need to be processed by 17 June.

..................................................................................................................................................

Tableware Treats

For a change in table decor visit an antique or second hand shop to buy
pre-owned crockery and cutlery. A good wash and a polish with bicar-
bonate of soda and vinegar will make the cutlery shine.

Click here for more ideas on homeware reuse.

..................................................................................................................................................

Winter Warmers

With the cold making its frosty bite felt, here are a few tips to keep warm
(without increasing the electricity bill too much).

During the day make the most of the winter sun. Keep curtains and blinds
open and even rearrange furniture so you can get the benefit of the sun.
(Especially on weekends when you have a change to soak up the rays)
Close the curtains before it gets dark so the warm air is trapped inside.
Keep a blanket on your couch so you can snuggle up without needing to
turn up the heater. Fill a thermos and drink warm drinks. Wear socks,
gloves and extra layers of clothing.

Click here for more winter warming ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Sock It To The Cold!

Avoid getting cold feet.

Wear socks - even double socks if you need to. Put socks or slippers on
straight after your shower so your feet don't cool down. Keep your
slippers next to your bed so that if you do need to get up in the night
you can keep your feet warm. It's so hard to warm them up again! Put
a small blanket by your feet in the bed. Sleeping in socks keeps your
feet warm and means not having to turn on the electric blanket.

Click here for more winter warming ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Keep the Cold Out

Seal air gaps in your home to keep the warmth in and the cold out - especially gaps under doors, and between the door and its frame. Either install rubber seals to close the gaps or simply roll up a towel or newspaper against the gap under the door.

Click here for more winter warming ideas.

..................................................................................................................................................

Mandela Day
Monday 18 July

Respect Yourself - Respect Others - Respect Our Environment

Use your 67 minutes to do an act of kindness for our Earth.

Volunteer at an animal shelter. Organise a blanket or food drive for your
local animal shelter. Get your pet spayed. Plant a vegetable garden or
help others plant a garden. Plant a tree. Do a cleanup in your area. Do
a clothing collection. Teach others the importance of environmental
responsibility.

Or make a donation to an environmental organisation.

Click here for more on Mandela Day.
Click here for information on environmental/animal organisations that
work for our Earth.

..................................................................................................................................................

Stockings and Ladders

Wearing stockings to stay warm in winter is their primary use. But once
they're laddered you can re-use the stockings as a cloth to polish shoes
or the car. (As a ladder starts dab a drop of nail polish on the ladder to
stop it spreading to extend the life of the stocking.)

Click here for more stocking re-uses.

..................................................................................................................................................

We'll be fuelish to waste....

While frustrating (!), the fuel shortage at many stations is an opportunity
to put into practice ways to reduce our fuel consumption.

Arrange lift schemes (carpool) to work, school and outings.It saves
petrol, money and there are fewer emissions than if each person drives
individually.

Plan errands carefully to limit going backwards and forwards.

Click here for more petrol saving suggestions.

..................................................................................................................................................