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GreaterGood News
June 2009
Post-election reflections
The April elections have come and gone, and now it's time for the politicians to make good their campaign promises. But what exactly does this mean? Hot on the heels of their strategy sessions, we spoke to ruling party the ANC and main opposition the DA about some of their policies for socio-economic development, and just how they plan to invest in South Africa over the next five years. Read more.
Changing landscapes
With South Africa's fourth democratic elections done and dusted, GreaterGood SA researcher Annie Devenish looks at the changing landscapes of the country, focusing on the non-government sector. By examining the current state of the sector, she gives us an idea of where non-profit and community-based organisations may be heading in the next five years. Find out more.
How big is your carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (the gases that contribute to global warming) caused by an individual, organisation, event or product. You can calculate your carbon footprint on the Climate Action Partnership website – unlike many other carbon footprint calculators, it’s local, and has useful tips too. You’ll learn that it’s not just electricity consumption, driving and flying that we need to reduce – things like braais and waste disposal have an impact too. Once you’ve got your results, you can compare your footprint to the national average, and take steps to reduce it.
One tree offsets about a ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime, and you can get some planted via Wildlands Conservation Trust. But we should be doing more than just planting trees to offset our emissions – we all need to reduce our carbon footprints in the first place.
Tapping into social networks
Last month’s survey looked at how many of our readers are on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. 92% of respondents said that they are connected, with 96% on Facebook, 31% on Twitter, 19% on MySpace and 8% on LinkedIn, and many people registered on more than one site.
Add us on Facebook
Next time you log into your Facebook account, search for GreaterGood SA (type it into the search box at the top right corner of the page) and click ‘Become a fan’. You’ll be able to keep up to date with our news, events and campaigns. We’re also on Twitter, so please follow our microblog – just search for GreaterGood SA.
Good views
Green is the word
June 5th is World Environment Day, an occasion that calls on us to take note of our world, and make some positive changes in it. Global warming isn't going away anytime soon, and the green movement continues to gather momentum. But are we, as South Africans, doing enough to curb climate change? We spoke to our favourite weatherman, Simon Gear, about what going green really means, and how it is linked to education. Read more.
Good connections
- Need a business/IT analyst in KwaZulu-Natal? Andre can help your organisation. View offer.
- Friends of Valkenburg Trust need potplants, rugs and benches to brighten up the hospital. Do you have any to spare? View request.
- Second-hand magazines. Cheryl has a stash to donate to a children's home or school in the East Rand. View offer.
- Amadea Safe House needs 300 blankets for their children this winter. Can you help? View request.
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