Saturday, November 6, 2010

Green roofs

Green roofs are an international phenomenon that are at long last making their mark on South Africa. No, the roofs are not literally green. Rather, they are covered in grass or other weather resistant indigenous vegetation. They do not require extra supports, and can easily be established on existing roofs, provided they offer the correct gradient.

Once popular in countries such as Sweden and Iceland, this eco-friendly city trend is now being explored by South African companies and even the government.


The eThekwini municipality is currently conducting a comphrehensive study into the feasibility of establishing green roofs in the city. This study falls under the Climate Protection Programme, and hopes to use such findings as a way to lower surface temperatures and reduce the impact of floods in the city and surrounds.


Green roofs, or living roofs as they are also called, also offer benefits such as:


  • They insulate the house, reducing the amount of cooling and heating required
  • They lower the amount of stormwater run-off
  • They absorb carbon monoxide from the air (especially useful in a big city)
  • They also absorb chemicals and heavy metals from rainwater
  • They help insulate for sound
  • They increase the lifespan of the roof dramatically
http://ecoman.co.za/green/green_docs/info_pamph_1.html

Outdoor:Braai

Theres a hint of spring in the air, and with the warmer weather come more outdoor activities with family and friends, such as the great South African braai. Here are a few handy tips to make your weekend braai greener and more friendly to the environment:

Which braai is best?
If you're in the market for a new braai, the most eco-friendly option is a gas braai, as these fuels burn the cleanest. Charcoal gives off carbon monoxide and nasty VOCs. If you're too attached to your charcoal braai, try to buy natural coal instead of briquettes to minimise the chemical additives.

Planning and shopping
It is important to avoid waste wherever possible. A good way to avoid buying too much food is to plan, plan, plan. Find out who is bringing what, how many people will be coming etc. Also, don't succumb to buying paper plates and cheap plastic utensils. We know it's tempting, but these create so much unneccesary waste. If you're braaing outdoors or away from home, use plastic re-usable plates and metal cutlery if possible.

Another good idea is to make your own chips, sauces and condiments instead of buying these from the store. Not only will you cut down on packaging waste, but you'll have healthier and tastier food!

Choose good food
Consider cutting down on the amount of meat in your braai. I know so many men who eat 90% meat and 10% side-dishes, so this may be extremely difficult. But bear in mind that it takes more than 160 litres of water to produce one kilogram of beef.

But we know you can't have a braai with no meat, so try to cook lean, organic varieties where possible. It's produced in a more eco-friendly way, and is healthier too.



Lastly, there are so many delicious and fresh fruits and veggies in season in spring and summer. Use these to throw together healthy salads for your family using local produce. And do away with canned side-dishes! Fresh is definitely best.

Conserve energy
Cooking with the hood of your grill down conserves warmth and uses less energy to cook your food. Another great tip
when your meat is finished cooking, use the residual warmth of the grill to heat your desserts (e.g. apple pie) with the lid down. Once your main meal is finished, your pudding will be warm, with no extra power used!

Clean your braai
When you're cleaning your braai grid, avoid chemical cleaners. Mix together a paste containing baking soda and water, and use this with a barbeque brush to get the grime off your grill. Another handy tip is to heat the grill and then wipe it off with an onion.

Don't leave behind waste
Lastly, if you're braaing away from home, take extra care to clean up your containers, plastic bottles, ash, leftover food etc. Dispose of these carefully, and recycle where possible!

Source:
http://www.rainharvest.co.za/2010/07/12/top-green-barbecue-tips-2/