GREENDRINKS > Past Events

RIM OF AFRICA ...a walk of no ordinary proportion - 16 November 2009

How about learning to walk as a way of reducing your carbon footprint?

Galeo Saintz and Ivan Groenhof are pioneering an epic walking trail from Cedarberg to Outeniqua along the crescent of mountains forming the southern edge of Africa. We were lucky enough to have them come and share their epic vision with us, with some beautiful flute music and trail mix thrown in the mix too...

More than a walk, the experience embodies a journey through wilderness and the freedom of a mountain passage. Symbolically and metaphorically the walking in mountains maps the journey of self. Old San trails, the spirit of ancestors, snow proteas, misty mountaintops, crystal streams and aching feet.

Come for a virtual experience. Think about a real one.

Visit Rim of Africa Website

Focus on climate change - 19 October 2009

Time for a bit more sincerity (though not without the all so human endeavour of Robert Zipplies to cycle around South Africa). These awesome Cape Town individuals are pioneers in public awareness on climate change if you want a quick snapshot of what's really happening in Cape Town with regards to Copenhagen and at home, then this is it.

Samantha Bailey, 350.org

Samantha spoke about 350.org's campaign to inspire creative civic action globally on Oct 24th 2009 that sent a strong, unified message to our leaders to develop an international climate treaty that meets the requirements of the latest science. The very colourful Cape Town actions planned were also presented.

Leonie Joubert, journalist and writer ("Scorched")

Leonie described the plight of many poor communities, who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, even though their contribution to the pollution causing climate change is negligible, and asked the question: are we thinking about these communities, as they face the new threat of climate change along with other converging environmental and socio-economic crises? Visit Leonie's website

Robert Zipplies, author and activist

The editor of Bending the Curve, Robert told us about his next venture to bring awareness of climate change to the broader community by embarking on an epic cycle ride around the country on an eezeebike... Show your support for Robert, Take the climate change pledge

Brenda Martin, 90x2030

Brenda told us about the activities of Project 90x2030 and the work being done by her organization and the Goedgedacht Trust.

Awesome Foursome - 21st September 2009

A boys night this time, with a concentration on the built environment, plus something to play with. As we move from alternative to relevant, here are some "doers" helping to shift our thinking and practice.

Bruce Kerswill, The Green Building Council

Bruce Kerswill of The Green Building Council gave a brief talk on "The Green Building Council", when it started, what its up to and its future plans’

Vernon Collis, architect, engineer and dreamer

Richard Palmer - is he really a mechanical engineer?

A champion of new thinking, Richard’s experience working in Australia will hopefully help shift the local thinking. Richard spoke on "Buildings, forests and other animals".

James Swift, eezeebikes

James talked about the range of electric bicycles available through his venture, eezeebikes. Robert Zipplies will be riding one around South Africa soon to highlight climate change and Copenhagen.

Double Feature - 17 August 2009

Rob Small, Urban Micro-Farming

Rob Small of Abalimi gave a brief talk on "Urban micro-farming", the most radical way to create household and city sustainability - and the danger of allowing our protected Phillipi Horticultural Area (PHA) to be compromised. Cape Town's Phillipi agricultural potential appears to be under threat from property development. Visit website | More Info

Monique Schiess, AfrikaBurn

Monique Schiess, the heart and mind behind AfrikaBurn, gave a "Pecha Kucha" presentation on "AfrikaBurn", the radical self-expression participation creative Karoo festival which allows individuals to awake from the slumbers of urbane consumerism and engage in some free thinking - all within a "gifting economy". Visit website

Pecha-Kucha #1 - 20 July 2009

At our first Pecha-Kucha* format evening, we had some lively action - short presentations of dreams, inspirations and aspirations - each no more than a few minutes from some formidable women shaping our world.

• Gail Jennings of Mobility magazine on the sounds of gears shifting in the transport sector. Visit website
• Marian Goodman on the next Freewheeling Festival planned for early next year, and what it means to be a "freewheeler". Visit website
• Marijke Honig, botanist on the vertical greening of urban landscapes with artistic "living tapestries". Visit website
• Pia Taylor, considerate influence-peddler, and the face behind the Mother City Living blogsite. Visit website

Johan Reyneke, Reyneke Wines - 04 July 2009

Johan Reyneke spoke on "philosophy, biodynamic farming and wine making".

Johan counteracts dominant materialism and spiritual impoverishment of today's world through a sensitivity and awareness of the natural world. He has developed a deep respect for nature and a tolerance for the mysteries which seem to pass us by.

His wines were available for tasting and orders.