Friendly greetings from the sunny tip of Africa!
We are Eunete and Simon from Going Green Eco-Solutions. We have recently been given the go-ahead to start with the 6-month planning phase for the Going Green Eco-Centre here in the Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa (read more on our website at www.goinggreen.co.za). The Going Green Eco-Centre, to be located in an underdeveloped peri-urban area, will be an educational tourist attraction addressing topics ranging from composting, organic gardening and recycling to alternative building techniques, wind turbines, solar panels etc. Our aim is to make a contribution in terms of local economic development (via tourism), to encourage a greener lifestyle and also to inspire and empower the underprivileged people in this area. Having read so many of the list's postings over time we have noticed that the members of this list have an enormous amount of wisdom and experience. We have already done a great deal of planning, but since we are now approaching the drawing-board any practical "must-have" ideas and suggestions as to how to do things, suggestions for displays or things we should avoid etc would be greatly appreciated. We would love to hear your ideas and hope to learn from your experiences! Additionally, we are happy to announce that we have finally managed to get the online Going Green Directory up and running. The Going Green Directory is a "green" (concerning the environment as well as environmentally friendly or energy-conserving) directory with an African focus. Please help us to spread the word - to encourage Africa to go green.
Best wishes from the friendly city,
Eunete and Simon
Visit the Going Green Directory - Africa's green gateway
Find green products, services, activities, businesses and organisations with an African focus - FREE and Easy-Find listings available.
Mr Simon Schumacher (MSc)
Dr. Eunete van Wyk / Schumacher (PhD.Sc, Hon.Sc, BSc)
Going Green Eco-Solutions CC
(Reg. No. 2005/135479/23)
www.goinggreen.co.za
PO BOX 27902 Greenacres,
Port Elizabeth 6057 South Africa
Tel: +27 (84) 377 6611
Fax: +27 (41) 581 2066
Eco-Centre Ideas and Green Directory with an African Focus
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At the current stage, we don't have a specific question in mind. As you can imagine there is an enourmous range of topics which will need addressing. Our question to the members of the Fostering Sustainable Behaviour List is posed in order to make optimal use of previous experience - what has worked very well and what has not worked at all - to avoid repeating expensive and time-consuming mistakes. Basically any ideas ranging from ideas for displays (especially interactive ones where people can learn via a hands-on experience - our favourite way to learn), buildings (we would like to show-case everything ranging from how to improve a basic low-cost shack - insulation, orientation etc - to the use of high-end solutions in more upmarket buildings - solar panels, geyser insulation etc), centre layout, features, waste minimisation and recycling strategies, composting displays, toilets, how impoverished communities can establish green entrepreneurial activities etc etc etc. Obviously the whole issue of financial sustainability is also an important topic. We will certainly have more specific questions over the next six months as the plans start taking shape and would really appreciate any feedback.
Eunete and Simon
Dear Eunete and Simon,
What a terrific project you are working on! As a returned U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, I have seen how much regionally relevant ideas Peace Corps volunteers acquire during their service. I imagine PCVs in nearby countries would be more than happy to share their ideas. You should be able to reach the Peace Corps offices in each country through the internet, and could ask the Country Director to share your request for input with the volunteers in their country.
Best of luck! - Rebecca
Rebecca Cors
UnitedStates
Hi Eunete and Simon -
Great site! Looks like you have lots of wisdom already - are there any specific questions you have?
Best from the laggingly green US of A,
Adam ---