Dear Green,

We are almost halfway through the year and already it feels like 2009 has brought a radical shift in mindset when it comes to the environment.  At Green Home headquarters, we have become aware that there is more and more media attention, as well as research, that highlights the environmental and health risks that petroleum-based plastics pose. 

It has also been encouraging to see that consumers are becoming switched on to greenwash practices and unscrupulous companies who are quick to ride the 'biodegradable' bandwagon even when their products are not!
 
This month's newsletter also includes the final article by Ronald Thomson, our composting expert, and we would like to say a big thank you to him for taking the time out to write up his informative series.  Enjoy, and as always, we encourage you to post any comments or information on our blog, Green Flavour.

 Bioplastics could help with emission targets

The recently revealed fact that biodegradable packaging has a significantly lower environmental impact during manufacture (30-50% less fossil fuel) and biodegrades into water, CO2 and compost means that biodegradable packaging can bring about a  42% reduction in carbon footprint.

In an an insightful and articulate article, Myles Barker argues that in spite of its controversies,  biodegradable plastics made from maize, wheat and potato crops can present a range of benefits for the packaging industry and the environment. Read more here.
 

Don't  waste, waste (part 6)

It may appear much easier just to throw out organic waste for the Municipality to take care of and then to go down to the local nursery and buy a bag of inorganic fertiliser.  But this presents as many problems as vermicomposting appears to give. Read on....

The dirt on polystyrene

It has come to our attention that over the last few months, the Polystyrene Council's marketing people have been on a mission to punt the environmental benefits of polystyrene - especially now that it is recyclable. We are particularly concerned by the fact that 'green' or 'holistic' events and publications have been the target of their greenwash campaign. Yes, greenwash. Read on......

Green Home highlights

• Pick n Pay has taken another green step and is now using biodegradable containers made from natural and renewable resources for their in-store food tastings. Well Done to Pick n Pay for setting an example for other retailers!

• Green Home proudly continues to support The Cape Town City Mission Home who runs centres for HIV Aids Victims, Physical, Mental and Sexually Abused Children and Women, Elderly and Child Care. If you would like to contribute or know more about what they do do, contact John / Michelle (021 761 5010). 

• Green Home recently donated prizes in the form of biodegradable products to the Paardeberg Sustainability Initiative as part of Dr Bridget A. Johnsen's talk on "Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation " to the Wellington Branch of the Vroue Landbou Vereeniging Kaapland . For more info, visit their website.

• Green Home was featured in this month's issue of Destiny Magazine as well as The Property Magazine.