Sappi Limited, a global producer of woodfibre-based materials, continues to redefine its role in the bio-economy by expanding beyond traditional paper and packaging into renewable alternatives. At the heart of its operations are over 400 000 hectares of sustainably managed plantations in South Africa. These tree farms are cultivated specifically for industrial use. Plantation forestry plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and rural job creation.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has earned the city of Joburg three prestigious awards from World Urban Parks 2025, reaffirming its position as a leading green city in Africa. The following accolades were received:   *the Best Entity Award, honouring JCPZ for its leadership and environmental stewardship in the management of parks, open spaces and biodiversity assets. This recognition reflects the entity’s commitment to restoring urban green spaces and improving access

New findings reveal that switching from plastic to glass may actually worsen our environmental footprint, releasing up to 50 times more micro-plastics and generating triple the carbon emissions. It is time to start rethinking what sustainability in packaging really means. Going truly green has less to do with the materials used and a lot more to do with how we think about packaging design.   According to Vanessa Bosman, Group MD at Just Design, there is a critical misconcepti

The Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) has announced Georgina Smit as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective May 2026. She will succeed Lisa Reynolds, who has led the organisation since 2020. Under Reynolds’ leadership, the GBCSA has solidified its position as the country’s leading authority on the green built environment which includes building certification, sustainability training, and advocacy for climate resilience.   Smit obtained her undergraduate and Mas

Owned by Heineken Beverages, Nederburg has created its own closed-loop vineyard and irrigation water supply, reducing its reliance on the municipal water grid. The result has been an annual saving of 45 000 cubic metres of water, higher grape yields and improved fruit quality. The trademarked technology used by Nederburg is an essential tool in meeting the goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Essentially, the biological wastewater treatment involves a release of 43 specifical

In the face of extreme weather events, including drought and floods, safeguarding water is critical, and the Borehole Water Association (BWA) says the drilling of boreholes and responsible use of groundwater are an essential part of alleviating South Africa’s water crisis. Illegally tapping into municipal water supplies puts additional pressure on already strained systems, and accessing water via properly constructed boreholes means that communities have a safe and sustainabl

Garden Town Stellenbosch this year featured the expanded garden show and market, a highlight of the botanical celebration. It offered a selection of plants, garden treasures, décor and workshops. Over 60 stalls offered a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants, rare and indigenous plant species, botanical crafts and artisanal food products. Award-winning display gardens by Life Green Group and Alan Dawson Gardens were showcased. The event also offered guided walks and exp

Every spring and summer, Simbithi Eco-Estate in KZN is treated to a vibrant return of familiar migratory birds. Among them are the European Honey Buzzard, African Paradise Flycatcher, various cuckoos such as the Diederik and Klaas’s, and the Yellow-billed Kite. The estate’s wetlands also host swallows, swifts and starlings. While Simbithi’s forests remain productive throughout the year, its dams and wetlands come alive in the warmer months. As soon as the rains arrive, the bi

Researchers from Walter Sisulu University have discovered that adding green Rooibos extract to tilapia feed significantly improves fish growth rates and feed efficiency. Led by Prof Grace Okuthe, senior researcher at Walter Sisulu University, the trial compared commercial fish feed against feed enhanced with either fermented Rooibos (the familiar red variety) or unfermented green Rooibos extract. The results were clear: tilapia fed green Rooibos grew about 2.83% faster and co

Brahman Hills: The Making of a World Class Garden  is a new coffee table book that describes  the transformation of a derelict roadside motel into a five-star destination and Royal Horticultural Society partner garden. Authored by Iain Buchan, Michele Magwood and Tim Steyn, with photography by Connall Oosterbroek, the book explains how a whole team turned crisis into creation during the Covid -19 lockdown.  The book documents the journey of a forgotten piece of land into one

The GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa) has launched the 4 th  edition of the internationally acclaimed research study Green Building in South Africa: A guide to Costs and   Trends.  Along with a strong business case for building green, the report shows that in the maturing green industry, green building certification is good for business as well as for people and the planet. Since 2014, the GBCSA has partnered with the Association of Quantity Surveyors and the Depart

Maritzburg College was the winner of this year’s Husqvarna Schools Forest Rehabilitation Challenge at Ferncliffe Forest, competing against three other KZN schools. The event focussed on teamwork and caring for nature, as learners dug holes to plant trees in the forest. The college won a Husqvarna pressure washer, and all the schools received prizes, certificates and vouchers to redeem at Husqvarna’s online store.  Held during Arbour Week, the challenge teaches young people to

Every year, the Namaqualand wildflowers transform the arid coast into a living tapestry, with endemic species bursting into colour across one of the most diverse floral regions on Earth. At the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp, the flowers’ existence hinges on clean water, undisturbed soil and unspoiled pollinator pathways. Operating for only four weeks each spring when Namaqualand blooms, this camp is an exercise in environmental stewardship and low-impact travel. Now in its second

Boschendal in the Cape has achieved the Green Key certification for its accommodation offering, becoming the first wine estate in the...

Brahman Hills in the KZN Midlands was recently named the winner of the 2025 KZN Top Business Awards in the category of Renewable...

In celebration of Women’s Month in August, The Green Cab shone a spotlight on the women who drive its vision — literally and...

This publication is a guide to designing practical and environmentally responsible water features. From structural detailing and water...

Prof Stuart Pimm is a renowned conservation scholar and professor at the University of Pretoria’s Conservation Ecology Research Unit,...

The One Million Trees campaign was launched in July at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens under the theme “My Tree. My Oxygen. Plant...

Groblersdal Mall in Limpopo is undergoing a transformative redevelopment that will establish it as a modern and shopper-oriented...