Thaba Ya Batswana has incorporated several creative and positive measures to contribute to the sustainability of its area and the planet as a whole as part of our Green Policy.

Measures taken to minimize our environmental impact:

• Elimination of all exotic plant species and continuous removal of weeds
• Reintroduction of game in the area. The animals eat the taller grasses while they are still young therefore giving the more scarce shorter grasses an opportunity to grow. This has a strong positive effect on the biodiversity of the area
• Reintroduction of plants that used to be in the areas thus enhancing biodiversity
• Annual fire breaks to protect the Flora. It gives that grassland and trees the opportunity to flourish. This reduces our carbon footprint substantially since trees utilize carbon in the process of photosynthesis
• Cofounder of the Klipriviersberg Conservancy now known as KlipSA
• Created ‘edible and medicinal plant trails’ to educate guests and schools about the natural plants of the area and the importance of protecting the natural habitat and biodiversity
• Indigenous landscaping and water wise gardens have been created to improve the biodiversity of the area. This has also led to a dramatic increase in the number of birds that have made Thaba Ya Batswana their home 

Proactive measures to make a positive impact on our environment:

• Thaba Ya Batswana established a Green Team  - Policy to recruit staff who live close to the resort to minimize carbon dioxide  gases created by using vehicles to travel to work
• Established a full recycling plant recycling 97% of all paper, cans, glass, oil, plastic
• Composting plant recycling 95% of all wet waste. This compost is then used to enhance the quality of the soil that was disturbed during the construction process
• Use HASSAP approved chemicals
• Energy saving globes in most areas to reduce the amount of electricity used thus minimizing our carbon footprint
• Septic tanks and French drains have been closed and sewage connected to municipal network to ensure that it is properly recycled

• Safe disposal of “low energy” light bulbs containing mercury
• Safe disposal of electronic equipment such as TV's
•  We recycle used ink cartridges through Mzansi, a local company specializing in the collection of used empty ink jet and toner cartridges from businesses, schools, charities and individuals throughout Southern Africa.
• On site organic vegetable that supplies our Restaurant
• Worm farm
• Rain water harvesting

Hotel rooms have been designed with the environment in mind by doing the following:

• Mostly energy saving light bulbs
• Carpet under felt made from of recycled plastic
• Dressing table leg made from recycled aluminum car rims
• All wooden furniture manufactured in a green way
• Colors of the exterior of the buildings represents the stone and tree bark to reduce visual impact
• Only 50% of Bushveld Suites floor plan touches ground to ensure maximum protection of fauna and flora
• Topsoil removed before construction and later used for landscaping
• Aloes and bulbs are carefully removed from soil before construction and relocated
• Double plumbing system to allow all gray water to be recycled
• Hotel guests are encouraged to use towels sparingly to reduce the use of water and chemicals
• Hotel guests are encouraged to use less water while showering or bathing in order to save water
• All rooms have solar powered geysers
• All air-conditioning units’ are CFC free

Leading SA and taking Climate Action

 

Over the past few days the South African youth had the opportunity to let their voice be heard at the first Inaugural Generation Earth Youth Summit on Climate Change, which took place at Thaba Ya Batswana in Gauteng.

 

Following a successful  launch in March, Generation Earth Councils have been set up across the country by the youth, for the youth and   with the youth. With over forty councils established nationwide, Generation Earth Councils came together to participate in forums about the greatest challenge facing the current generation: Climate Change.

 

Generation Earth has partnered with the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNDP, Department of Environmental Affairs, Lead SA, Pick n Pay, Eskom, Thaba Ya Batswana, Brand South Africa as well as the Department of Basic Education at the Summit. Founder of Generation Earth, Ella Bella recently returned from the TUNZA Youth Conference in Indonesia and says that, “It is my goal for the youth to take up the challenge that Climate Change poses, engage, network and set the Earth’s rehabilitation in motion. The Summit has provided a platform of discussion, open forum debate and interaction, between leaders in the fields of Water, Energy, Biodiversity and African Climate Change issues.”

 

Following the Summit, a statement has been drawn up, along with recommendations and will be presented to the Minster of Environmental Affairs, Minster Edna Molewa. Plenary discussions included the Honourable Minister in the Presidency, Minister Trevor Manuel. Minister Manuel said that “It is up to you as Generation Earth to hold the previous generations feet to the fire. You are the change, we hand over this battle to you, hold us accountable and become leaders who fight for climate justice. I applaud you as Generation Earth and I am honoured to be a part of this gathering.”

 

Speakers from SANEDI, Rand Water, Ogilvy Earth, Eskom, SESSA, Department of Environmental Affairs, UNDP, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg marked the occasion along with the renowned Dr Anthony Turton who addressed issues around Acid Mine Drainage and the State of Our Water.

 

Endangered Wildlife Trust CEO, Yolan Friedmann, who recently was announced as the 2011 Environmentalist of the Year, discussed the extensive Black Trade of South Africa’s Biodiversity and Professor Rensburg, Vice Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg addressed Education. Generation Earth Ambassadors, including Edith Venter, Cito from Wonderboom, Matthew and Sonia Booth, Jason Greer, Pabi Moloi, and Loyiso Bala attended and showed their support along with Simon Gear who gave a low down on Climate Change and the ever changing weather patterns.

 

Yusuf Abramjee, from Lead SA said: “Lead SA is a call to action to all South Africans to stand up and make a difference. We’re particularly interested in taking this message to the youth, to develop a culture of doing the right thing in youngsters. Environmental matters are of critical importance to this future generation of leaders and Lead SA fully supports this initiative, which aims to develop environmentally conscious citizens. ”

As part of the LEAD SA and Department of Basic Education’s Bill of Responsibilities, the Youth’s role and responsibility to take care of the environment around them is key.  Summit partners such as Pick n Pay, urge South African youth to let their voices be heard ahead of the COP 17 Climate Change negotiations, in KwaZulu-Natal at the end of November.

 

Other sustainably conscious partners include South African retailer Pick n Pay. Pick n Pay’s Director of Marketing and Sustainability, Bronwen Rohland said: “Pick n Pay was the first retailer to highlight the importance of sustainable living in the early 1990’s and in the past two decades, we have invested a considerable amount of time, energy, money and commitment in making sure our business moves rapidly to the highest levels of sustainability. We support Generation Earth Councils’ vision as they help to instil the values we, and especially  our youth, need to ensure the sustainability of our resources while motivating everyone to action.”

 

Chief Executive of Brand South Africa, Miller Matola, says with the recent achievements in establishing green sustainability, the Generation Earth Youth Summit is an encouraging pledge from the youth because it shows that they want to actively participate in issues of national and global importance to ensure a better future.

 

A second phase to the summit will take place a week ahead of the UNFCCC at the end of November, when Generation   Earth, the United Nations Environmental Programme, TUNZA, UNDP, Department of Environmental Affairs and Department of Basic Education will host a youth delegation from across the African continent to discuss and put together African recommendations on Climate Change. This phase will include 55 African youth delegates as well as South African youth, who will be part of the finalization process of the African Voice. It will be here that the youth will share experiences, knowledge and climate change issues with one another, to create one stronger voice to go ahead into COP 17 via UNEP.

 

Some of the issues that were discussed, deliberated and expanded on at the Generation Earth Summit were; how the youth can activate policy into ensuring that consumers are more carbon conscious; understanding how a global green economy works; best practices for renewable energy development; creating employment opportunities in the green industry and how to make worthwhile energy efficient choices as well as innovative energy ideas and programme development.

 

Generation Earth Co-Founders, Ella Bella and Catherine Constantinides dream to establish Generation Earth Councils across South Africa and the globe as they continue to share their passion and drive to ‘Be the change through a community of young green minds changing the way we live, learn and use the world’s resources.’

 

Ella Bella is also the United Nations Environmental Progarmme Youth Ambassador for Southern Africa and is on the steering committee for the upcoming COY 7 and youth activities around COP 17. She is also a YOUNGO representative for South Africa and is the regional coordinator for the youth initiatives under RIO +20 happening in June 2012 in Rio De Janeiro. Her constant youth engagement both in South Africa and internationally, has stood her in good stead to lead and be a prominent Green Ambassador for South African youth.

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