This Arbor Month, September 2010, Food & Trees for Africa celebrates 20 years of greening South Africa, with over 3.4 million trees distributed to disadvantaged communities across the country. Through the simple message of planting and conserving trees to care for the planet and the people and address climate change, the social enterprise has contributed to the growth in green interest from government, companies, schools and communities.
Many South Africa businesses are beginning to embrace the benefits of planting and conserving trees, offsetting carbon emissions and greening, whilst simultaneously improving our overall quality of life and ultimately changing our environment.
During Arbor Month 2010 Food & Trees for Africa will be facilitating the distribution and planting of over 4 000 trees through more than 40 awareness and education events at schools and communities across South Africa, with a host of funders.
In addition to sinking the carbon dioxide, that is one of the major greenhouse gases, the trees planted contribute to improved water, energy, soil and noise management, food security (fruit and nut trees), enrich lives and cultivate healthier and more sustainable communities.
This Arbor Month why not plant a tree in your garden, in your community or plant a tree for one of the numerous disadvantaged communities that Food & Trees for Africa assists. Your contribution will assist to restore ecosystems, improve the environment and create a healthier planet now and into the future.
Contact info@trees.org.za and see www.trees.co.za for more on FTFA, Arbor Month schedules and trees of the year information at http://bit.ly/dgwByY.
We kindly would like to inform you that MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA has provision in its budget for Environmental Projects. We have also obtained a grant from the FIM (International Motorcycle Federation) for the planting of trees at permanent circuits, tracks and venues as well as other environmental projects under MSA’s auspices.
MSA’s Environment Panel invites and encourages you, as a permanent motorsport venue, to take part in this national initiative in order to reach our target of planting 500 trees during the course of 2010. In short, MSA is offering financial assistance to owners of permanent circuits/tracks/venues who wish to plant trees as part of a national “greening” campaign. This will not only contribute to neutralise motorsport’s carbon foot print, but will also make the general public aware of the sport’s contribution towards sound environmental practices.
There are three conditions attached to the donation of the trees:
(1) The trees must be indigenous trees. You can therefore select the trees that you want from your local nursery, as long as they are indigenous and at least 1,2m in height.
(2) We will provide you with labels containing the MSA Environmental logo, confirming that the trees were donated as part of the MSA Environmental project. You are urged to add your Circuit/Club logo and use the tree planting as a promotional exercise for your venue. Please arrange for a photo opportunity during the tree planting with circuit/venue management and/or local competitors, so that we can attach these to our report to the FIM.
(3)The cost per tree should not be more than R150, 00 (including cost of labour and compost). An average of 30 trees per circuit/venue is recommended.
Please provide MSA with a written quotation for the trees, compost and labour for final approval.
It would be appreciated if you could kindly let us know whether you would prefer for the nursery to send MSA an invoice for the compost and the trees. MSA would then pay the nursery direct. MSA would pay for the labour costs for digging the holes and planting.
Alternatively, if you prefer, you can purchase the trees and compost and then send MSA an invoice for the trees and compost, plus their own labour. Photos of the tree planting ceremony as set out above must accompany the invoice. MSA will arrange for a refund of all costs (max R150 per tree). If you prefer this option, kindly attach the invoice from the nursery as well, as MSA obviously has to provide supporting vouchers to the FIM and to MSA’s auditors regarding the expenditure.
(07 July 2010)
MSA Trained Environmental Stewards
For a updated list of all the Trained Environmental Stewards please forward your request to Jaco Deysel at assistpr@motorsportsa.co.za.
(21 June 2010)
RIDE TO WORK DAY – 21 JUNE 2010
Ride to Work Day originated in the USA and 21 June 2010 will mark the 19th annual event. It has become an international event and riders throughout the world are encouraged to ride their scooters and motorbikes to their workplace on this day in order to demonstrate that motorcycles are an important form of transportation as well as recreation.
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) encourages riders to participate in this event held worldwide on June 21 in 2010. Ride your motorcycle or scooter to work and show everyone the advantages and responsible use of resources by taking part in this activity.
This initiative is also fully supported by MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA, since riding motorcycles very much encourages fuel economy and economy of space and is thus a more environmental friendly mode of transport.
Further benefits of Riding to Work by Motorcycle:
• Riding to work is fun
• Riding to work reduces traffic and parking congestion
• Riding to work uses less fuel than an automobile
• Riding to work leaves me alert and energized
• Riding to work results in less pollution than commuting in a larger vehicle
• Riding to work is less destructive to road surfaces, bridges, etc.
• Riding to work gets me to work (and back home) faster
Additional information on this event can be found at: www.ridetowork.org
The FIM is also sponsoring a Photo Contest to encourage participation in the RTW Day event. Take some interesting photos of riders using their machines to ride to work this June 21st and enter them in the contest. There are great prizes to be won such as a free pass to a sporting event, free subscription to the FIM Magazine Ride with Us, FIM Vintage items and many more... the winning entries will be published on the FIM website and in the FIM Magazine Ride with Us
For information on entering the Photo Contest see: www.fim-live.com
(14 June 2010)
Motorsport SA joins FTFA for World Environment Day (5 June 2010)
Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the controlling body of all forms of motorsport in South Africa, has again embarked on a Greening campaign to plant trees at disadvantaged schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal in celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June 2010. With financial assistance from the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM), trees were purchased from South Africa’s national greening organisation, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA). The trees will be planted during the first week of June to promote greening, awareness of climate change, food security and to curb carbon dioxide pollution.
FTFA has distributed over 3,5 million trees, since its inception in 1990, and helped to set up over 2 500 organic food gardens for the poorest in South Africa.
In 1996, MSA became the first National Sports Federation in South Africa to adopt an Environmental Code and has a specialist Environmental Panel as part of their structure. Through this management structure MSA ensures that the highest environmental standards are met during the organisation and hosting of more than 1 200 motorsport events annually at all levels and it also promotes environmental education amongst all motorsport role players (approximately 16 000 competitors).
Francois Pretorius, Managing Director of MSA, says MSA has a responsibility to ensure that its activities do not negatively impact on the Environment and the planning and staging of environmentally-sound motorsport events is thus essential.
Marius Matthee, President of the MSA Environment Panel says MSA has proofed itself as being a reliable partner for environmental awareness and protection amongst all its stakeholders, but is also happy to be associated with Food & Trees for Africa and the youth of South Africa.
The actual tree planting event s highlight the benefits of trees and greening, thereby educating the youth on important environmental and climate change issues. Trees are integral to the quality of human life and the environment. When managed in a sustainable way they can continue to supply current and future generations with a wide range of essential ecological, social and economic goods and services.
MSA wishes competitors in all categories of motorsport enjoyment in their chosen sport, whilst caring for the environment at the same time. These commitments ensure that the environment, social and recreational values are maintained, whilst promoting sustainable motosport in South Africa for future generations. The trees will be planted at the Kharwastan Secondary School and the Specnova Special Needs School in KwaZulu Natal. Schools in Gauteng which will receive trees are: St Ives Primary School, Klipspruit West, Klipspruit West Senior Secondary, Tshedimosho Primary School
(31 May 2010)
SA TEAM AT MAFIKENG PICTURE BY CHRISTO MEYER
(24 May 2010)
KILLARNEY WINS MSA’S ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
The Killarney Circuit (Western Province Motor Club) recently became the first recipient of
Motorsport South Africa’s Environmental Award. MSA initiated an annual award that will be
presented the to circuit, organizer, club or individual who have taken the most care of the
environment during the course of the calendar year – either at motorsport events, or for general
environmental protection.
Nominations for the Environmental Award was submitted to MSA’s Environment Panel who
decided that the 2009 award will be presented to the Killarney Circuit for their continued efforts
and dedication to provide an environmentally friendly race venue which is in compliance with
MSA’s strict Environmental Code.
Sporting events worldwide is getting bigger by the day and is seen as an important economic
factor in society, but so too the negative effects associated with it. These also concern the
Environment and the planning and staging of environmentally-sound sporting events is thus
essential. This will increasingly become a matter of course for many sporting codes.
The Killarney Circuit has proofed itself as being a reliable stakeholder for environmental
awareness and protection. Their commitment was reiterated when the Chairman of the Western
Province Motor Club, Mr. Brian Smith, also signed an Environmental Charter for Circuit owners at
the presentation ceremony.
(12 May 2010)
GREEN OFFICE WEEK - 19 TO 23 APRIL 2010
Office workers everywhere now have the opportunity to add their contribution to eco-friendly workplaces.
The week of 19 to 23 April is to be Green Office Week in South Africa, and is intended both to raise awareness of the importance of eco-friendly offices as well as inform office workers that they too can make a positive impact on the environment whilst at work.
The aim is to encourage employees throughout South Africa, in big and small organisations, whether in the public or private sector, to take a look at their daily routines and realize the economic benefits of reducing energy and resource requirements
Green Office Week (GOW) is intended both to raise awareness of the importance of eco-friendly offices and inform office workers that they too can make a positive impact on the environment whilst at work.
During the week organisations are asked to introduce or re-focus on making changes that can reduce their environmental footprint, save money, meet the organisation¡¦s sustainability goals and commitments.
What is a green office?
A green office is a smarter and better office.
- Ecological (using nontoxic, recycled, environmentally friendly products and supplies);
- Efficient (using as little energy and other resources as possible, and putting out the smallest amount of waste as possible) and
- Healthy (with as little visual, noise and physical pollution as possible)
What you can do at the office (and also in your homes!) to contribute towards the protection of the environment during the above week (and every other day of the year!):
1) Water in a geyser remains HOT for between 9 ¡V 10 HOURS after a geyser is switched off - FACT and PROVEN. Switch geyser(s) on early in the morning upon arrival at office, and switch off the geyser after 60 ¡V 90 minutes. This obviously will not only assist to protect the environment, but with the new Eskom tariff increases, will also make a CONSIDERABLE difference in your monthly electricity account.
2) Switch off all plugs of equipment not in use, or which you know you will not be using for at least the next hour or two (i.e. printer, photocopier, air conditioner, kettle, scanner). Remember that even if an electrical item is not in use, it still consumes some electricity when the plug is left in the ¡§ON¡¦ mode.
3) Switch off lights in offices which are not being used.
4) Ensure that all plugs, lights, equipment (except for equipment which needs to remain switched on at all times), air conditioners and lights in building are switched off when leaving the office.
5) Use both sides of paper for printing (or as scrap paper) and do not use a new sheet of paper for messages or merely to write down a telephone number.
6) Only print out documents of which you actually need hard copies and if a document consists of several pages and is in Word format, change font size to reduce actual number of pages required.
7) When it is essential to print out an email or other document, first consider whether you actually need the entire document or only the first page and print accordingly.
8) Keep all recyclable items separately and arrange for these to be taken to a municipal depot where separate containers are provided for these items (glass, plastic, tins, cans, paper, boxes, batteries, etc).
9) Remember that the plastic pockets in which printer cartridges are packed, can also be recycled ¡V as well as the boxes and other packaging for these.
10) Do not fill up sink with water purely to wash 2 ¡V 3 cups and saucers. Rather wait until there is a fair amount of cutlery/crockery to be washed 2 ¡V 3 times per day. This not only saves waters, but will also ensure that less dishwashing liquid (which is also harmful to the environment), is used.
11) Do not fill up a kettle completely for only 1 ¡V 3 cups of coffee. Full kettles require more electricity for water to reach boiling point.
12) There is no need to open a tap to its absolute maximum when washing hands as this will result in approximately 3-5 litres of water being used for every ¡¥hand wash¡¦.
13) Ask yourself whether it is essential to keep you air conditioner on for ¡¥fresh¡¦ (?) air ¡V will opening a window not suffice?
14) Don¡¦t make unnecessary trips (shops, chemist, etc) and when going to the shops, establish from your fellow staff members whether anyone else requires something from the shops to ensure that only one trip by car is made as opposed to several trips in separate cars.
15) Try and arrange a ¡¥lift scheme¡¦ with some of the other staff members to and from work.
16) Where possible ¡V and obviously with the permission of the landlord - consider planting a tree on the property where your office is situated.
17) Establish from suppliers of stationery, equipment, etc. whether they have an ¡¥environment policy¡¦ in place. Rather support suppliers/manufacturers who are interested in contributing towards the protection of the environment, than companies who make it clear that they in fact ¡¥done care¡¦.
18) Consider registering with a company in the vicinity of your office for the regular collection of all recyclable products in future.
19) Any other idea you may have to ensure a ¡¥clean and green office¡¦ ¡K¡K¡K!!!
Office Items which are often simply thrown away and which ARE RECYCLABLE:
„X Batteries
„X Plastic/ball-point pens
„X Empty tippex bottles/containers
„X Paper Cups
„X Staple and paper clip boxes
„X Cardboard ¡¥cylinder¡¦ inside paper towels and toilet rolls
„X Burnt adaptors (plastic)
„X Broken CD/DVD plastic covers
„X Broken plastic calculators ¡V and other plastic stationery items
„X Add other recyclable items you can think of, to this list.
Get involved!
A green office is everyone's business!
Create a healthy office environment by engaging in behaviours which will see you recycling more, saving more energy and buying more intelligently.
Every little bit counts - count the earth as one of your friends!
http://www.greenofficeweek.co.za
(19 April 2010)
Shell blends advanced biofuel into Scuderia Ferrari race fuel for 2010 Formula One season
Shell today announced that the 2010 season Formula One fuel supplied for Scuderia Ferrari contains an advanced biofuels component derived from cellulosic ethanol, an advanced biofuel made from straw.
This will be the first time an advanced biofuel has been used in the Shell V-Power race fuel used by technical partner Ferrari, in Formula One.
Cellulosic ethanol, as an end fuel, is identical to ethanol but it can offer up to 90% less lifecycle CO2 emissions than gasoline. It is a key part of Shell’s strategic investment and development programme in sustainable biofuels.
The cellulosic ethanol was produced at Iogen Energy’s demonstration plant in Ottawa, Canada, using non-food wheat straw and advanced conversion processes. Shell and Iogen are partners in the plant, which produced more than 500,000 litres of cellulosic ethanol last year.
Shell has been working closely together with Scuderia Ferrari since the middle of last year to develop a fuel that meets the new FIA regulations and maximises performance for the 2010 season.
Shell and Iogen Energy are working towards construction of a full-scale commercial cellulosic ethanol plant in Saskatchewan Canada. The proposed project has met a number of significant milestones and the feasibility and design assessment work are well advanced.
“We are delighted that the fuel we are supplying to Scuderia Ferrari this season contains an advanced bio-component derived from Iogen cellulosic ethanol” says Dr Lisa Lilley, Shell’s Technology Manager for Ferrari. “This announcement clearly demonstrates our commitment to the development of sustainable, low carbon fuels. At Shell, we are accelerating the research, development and demonstration of advanced biofuels and we are committed to technical innovation through our motorsport activities.”
Enquiries
Media Contacts:
International
Shell Media Relations +44 7659129454
(30 March 2010)
European “green” party dead set against motorsport.
Needless to say, the green party (Europe Ecologie), are dead set against any form of mechanical sports. They deem that motorized sports need to be sacrificed for the better of the planet (probably meaning for their own good, like their career and wallets). As the Codever point out, a 747 airplane flying to the Maldives emit more CO2 that all the motorcycles in a 24 Hours of Le Mans race, but you don't see the green party stopping people from flying. And this from a party led by former anarchists, convicted criminals and foreigners.
Thankfully, the current ruling party, the socialist and the center party (all three representing about 80% of all votes) are more in favor for the motorcycle world. It's not paradise, but a lot better than the green party.
It's a sad state of affairs if politicians aren't interested in gathering interest in a vote. If only a quarter of politicians answered the questionnaire, it shows a total lack of interest in their constituents. Maybe everyone should just vote for the ultra-right party, that would send a strong message to all politicians, and they don't mind motorcycles. But it would mean that I would have to leave the country, since they don't want any foreigners....
The protest ride this coming weekend in France is becoming more and more important. At least it will show the politicians that bikers can unite, so watch out!
For further reading and reference:
http://www.europeecologie.fr
(16 March 2010)
National Water Week 2010 : Together we can do more to save water
South Africans must do more to save water!
That’s the call from Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs Ms Buyelwa Sonjica as the country gears up to celebrate National Water Week (15-21 March 2010). Water Week is an annual campaign that mobilizes citizens to appreciate the value of water as a scarce natural resource and this year it focuses on the important aspect of water conservation and demand management.
Celebrated under the theme: Together We Can Save More Water, National Water Week is an awareness campaign that aims to highlight among others the need to conserve and to protect this precious resource and to use it sparingly as it is a finite resource. We all have a role to play in ensuring the protection of our water resources for our current usage and also for future generations.
South Africa is a semi-arid country, which means that we don’t have enough water to sustain our livelihoods and the economy. Unless we work together, South Africa will forever be vulnerable to threats of fresh water resources due to population growth, food insecurity, urbanization, industrialization, pollution of water, poor management structures and the lack of necessary scientific and technical expertise that is so crucial to the sustainability of water.
MOTORSPORT’S ROLE IN PROTECTING OUR WATER SOURCES
By remembering a few elementary principles, i.e:
Identify specific areas and facilities for the washing of motorcycles and motor vehicles, if washing is permitted in the regulations of
that category of motorsport. At permanent venues, the washing facility must include properly constructed drains connected to the
main drains or storage tanks that will not allow contamination of the surrounding earth or underground water sources, or streams
and rivers.
Ecologically sensitive areas, natural or man-made ditches and water features such as dams, reservoirs and water courses within
the perimeter fencing of the venue must be cordoned off from the general public to prevent pollution and destruction.
The use of Environmental Mats at off-road race meetings to prevent soil and water pollution through vehicle fluids.
Venue owners must ensure that there are no leaking taps, hydrants, or hoses, blocked drains or low-lying areas where rainwater may collect which will result in stagnant pools of water or mud.
Avoid intentionally driving through pools of water, small streams and muddy areas with the aim of splashing water or mud over officials, spectators and fellow-competitors.
Ensure that ablution facilities at race venues are in proper working order without causing a water pollution risk.
General Water Saving Tips
In and around the house / business:
Turn the tap off between washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving.
Taking a five-minute shower a day, instead of a bath, will use a third of the water used bathing in a bath tub, saving up to 400 litres a week.
Showering can use up to 20 litres of water per minute.
If you prefer to bath, don't fill up the bath tub.
Taking a bath can use between 80 and 150 litres of water per bath.
Use low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilet mechanisms and water-efficient washing machines.
Kettles should not be filled to the brim but with just enough water for your needs. This will reduce your electricity bill too.
Don't over-fill containers like cooking pots, as this may result in using more energy to heat the water.
Reducing the toilet flush volume alone can save 20% of total water consumption. This can be done by putting a 2-litre cold drink bottle, filled with water and a little sand to add weight, into the cistern.
Fix a leaking toilet otherwise it can waste up to 100 000 litres of water in one year.
Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other waste in the trash rather than the toilet. Every time you flush the toilet, 12 litres of water is used.
Use "grey water" - used water from baths, washing machines and other safe sources - to flush your toilet.
Do not over-fill or excessively backwash your swimming pool.
Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash your car. If you have to use a hose, use a sprayer that can be turned off in-between spraying the car. Using a garden hose could use as much as 30 litres of water per minute.
Do not pour paint and chemicals down the drain.
Farmers must ensure that they keep toxic insecticides away from water sources and streams.
Factories should take care of how they discharge mercury and other heavy metals into waste water.
People living in rural areas should be careful not to use the river or river bank as a toilet.
In the garden:
Always water your plants during the early morning hours or in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. Between 10:00 and 15:00 one can lose up to 90% of water to evaporation.
Every time you boil an egg, save the cooled water for your houseplants. They'll benefit from the nutrients released from the shell.
Focus on indigenous and non-water-consumptive alien plants (but not invasive alien plants).
Group plants according to their water needs and to mulch around them.
Water gardens less frequently, but water well. Using a garden hose could use as much as 30 litres of water per minute.
Remove invasive alien plants on your property.
Roof water can also be profitably stored in tanks, for watering gardens.
(16 March 2010)
ATTENTION ALL COMPETITORS
URGENT CIRCULAR WITH REGARDS TO USE OF ENVIRONMENT MATS:
If you required clarity on the use of Environment Mats, please CLICK HERE to read the circular issued in this regard.
Another Environmental seminar has been planned for the 18th of February which will be held near the Head Office of Motorsport South Africa.
We have limited space available so please ensure that you make your booking now!
Interested candidates can forward their details to assistpr@motorsportsa.co.za.
Closing date for all bookings will be on the 13th of February.
Please be advised all candidates will be sent a confirmation mail confirming the venue.
(09 February 2010)
Environmental Seminars for Stewards
Yet another few succesfull Environmental Seminars for MSA Environmental Stewards were hosted. This time for the Free state, Northern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Regions.
Thus far a total number of 152 individuals attended the seminars and wrote the exams.
Below is the list of individuals who received training thus far and completed the examinations succesfully.
Nick van Rensburg
Howard Daniels
Robert Mahle
Paul Lehmann
Brian Jeffries
Dave Malan
Frank Creese
Ernest Leite
Riaan Keyser
Arlene Brown
Charmaine Haupt
Clint Rieper
Dick Vlietman
Stewart Malcolm
Peet van der Walt
Derek Jacobs
John Green
Jennifer Jeffries
Neva van der Merwe
Paul Simon
Kes Naidoo
Warren Fraser
Henry C. Marais
Lorraine Kriel
Jürgen Finnern
Philip Stegen
William Gaugain
Lynette Gaugain
Leon van Eeden
Ashley Wayne Dove
Trudy Stegen
Janine van Eeden
Gert Alberts
Carol Alberts
Brett Hume
Gay Tilbury
Sparky Bright
Charl van Jaarsveld
Chris Shinn
Ronald Scott
Juan-Pierre van Zyl
Geoff Blandford
Joan Shinn
Mark Scholtz
Colin du Plessis
Bobby Fulton
Ross Guscott
Michael Munna
Leigh Shepherd
Ian Wright
Ian Meaker
Diana Steyn
Iddo Steyn
June Scott
Alistair Pringle
Terri-Lee Young
Andrew Bage
Shaun Webb
Donald Bauman
Neville Bartle
Philippus Fourie
Brent Blume
Mark Irvine
Sonia Cresswell
Phillip Heroldt
Dennis Mayton
Jimmy Kotze
Alana Geerdts
Thomas Lown
Delano Fowler
Callie Steyn
JL De Jager
Brian Smith
Gayo Primic
Marie van Heerden
Kimberly Rieper
Pieter Meynhardy
Dawn Terblanche
Anthony Hardenberg
Hannes Malan
Ernst Heydenrych
Allison Atkinson
Theuns Beer
Leon Botha
Margie Brown
Dave Brown
Robert Bunsow
Kevin Clark
Elvene Coetzee
Donevan Cooper
Anthony Crowder
Jaco Deysel
Kim Dos Santos
Paulo Dos Santos
Jeremy Du Plessis
Estie du Toit
Walter Ehrlich
Ralph Gebert
Karin Gebert
Peter Gettliffe
Riaan Groenewald
Marie Haasbroek
Louis Kleynhans
Raymond Lammertyn
Sue Le Roux
Jimmy Loubser
Glen Loubser
Graham Lowe
Annelie Maritz
Greg Moloney
Noel Pipkin
Dinks Pitchford
Liza Rocholz
Sophia Sampson
Dave Schofield
Dick Shuttle
Meslissa Sinclair
Patrick Sloane
Frikkie Smith
Kevin Staniland
Jacques Steyn
Andre Strauss
Danie Van Rensburg
Piet Venter
Rene Venter
Grant Wilson
Greg Wilson
Jan Smith
Johan Breytenbach
Kenneth Saunders
Kobus Pietersen
Willie Pretorius
Wayne Thompson
Quitin Kruger
David White
Peet Maritz
Tyson Engelbrecht
Antonette Venter
Jacques King
Pulani Potgieter
Karin Cronje
Fulvio Nava
ACB Roberts
Suzette Roberts
Robert Crouch
E Van Dalen
Wimpie Verwlhulan
CJ Van Pletzen
Peter
Babs Maritz
Donald Futter
Lindy Sutherland
(04 February 2010)
Environment - how can you help protect it?
Our planet is in trouble! Almost every day we seem to hear of yet another problem affecting the environment - and what a list of problems! - pollution, acid rain, global warming, the destruction of rainforests and other wild habitats, the decline and extinction of thousands of species of animals and plants....and so on.
Nowadays, most of us know that these threats exist and that humans have caused them. Many of us are very worried about the future of our planet and unless we can find a way of solving the problems we have made then the environment will suffer even more.
It all sounds so depressing - but we certainly mustn't despair! Every one of us, whatever age we are, can do something to help slow down and reverse some of the damage. We cannot leave the problem-solving entirely to the experts - we all have a responsibility for our environment. We must learn to live in a sustainable way i.e. learn to use our natural resources which include air, freshwater, forests, wildlife, farmland and seas without damaging them. As populations expand and lifestyles change, we must keep the World in good condition so that future generations will have the same natural resources that we have.
Here are just a few examples of the threats to our environment and some ideas to help you to do something about them.
South African
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Some of South Africa's most serious environmental problems are associated with our use of energy. Coal-fired and nuclear power stations for electricity generation, coal combustion in the townships, SASOL coal to oil processes, petrol and diesel use in vehicles for mass transportation, and over-exploitation of fuelwood resources all result in serious, long term environmental damage.
POLLUTION FROM COAL USE
More than three-quarters of South Africa's energy comes from coal, approximately half of which is used to generate electricity, a quarter to produce synthetic liquid fuels and another quarter directly by industry and in homes. Air pollution problems from coal combustion are serious. Medical studies are revealing increased rates of respiratory disease in residents in polluted areas.
ACID RAIN
Most of South Africa's power stations are concentrated within a 100 km radius in the Eastern Transvaal Highveld and this leads to pollution problems. While all of Eskom's coal-fired power stations are fitted with electrostatic precipitators to remove dust and particulates from waste gases produced during coal combustion, none are fitted with flue-gas scrubbers (cleaning equipment) to remove oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. Tall chimney stacks in power stations assist in releasing oxides of sulphur and nitrogen into the upper atmosphere where atmospheric conditions are more favourable for their dispersal and dilution. Although this reduces ground level concentrations of these pollutants, they may combine with moist air and rain at higher levels and cause acid precipitation in areas far from the source of pollution.
Whilst South Africa's coal has a relatively low sulphur content there is considerable concern about the potential environmental and economic impact of acid rain. Half of South Africa's agriculturally productive land, half of its commercial forests and a quarter of its surface water runoff are in the Eastern Transvaal Highveld region.
POLLUTION FROM VEHICLES
Motor vehicle fumes make air pollution problems worse and are a principal cause of photochemical smog in cities. There are now plans to introduce unleaded fuel and the installation of catalytic converters which will result in a significant reduction in the release of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. However, South Africa lags far behind other countries (e.g. Japan, Germany) in legislation to control vehicle emissions. Solutions to transport pollution and vehicle congestion require long-term planning to introduce efficient public transport systems in our cities.
DEFORESTATION
Another environmental concern associated with energy use is the reliance by nearly half of all South Africans on fuelwood, once a renewable resource, but now being used at a rate much greater than that at which it is naturally regenerated. Fuelwood is an inefficient source of energy for cooking and heating and its use can cause increased respiratory illnesses. It has been estimated that if current consumption trends continue, all natural woodland in the former "homelands" will be denuded by 2020 AD. Some 500 000 ha of forest must be planted by the turn of the century if this situation is to be reversed. However, before this time, it is likely that a significant number of people will switch from wood as a source of fuel to more convenient sources such as paraffin, gas and electricity, thereby slowing down the rate of deforestation.
GLOBAL WARMING
South Africa uses a great deal of energy, very much more per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) than most other countries. The combustion of coal, oil and wood results in increased carbon dioxide production. This gas acts likes a greenhouse - it lets short-wave, natural light through but traps out-going long-wave (infra-red or heat) radiation. The potentially devastating consequence is that the earth is slowly getting warmer, causing the climate to change and sea levels to rise (see Enviro Facts "Global Warming"). Although South Africa produces only a small percentage (1,6%) of the total, global carbon dioxide emissions, it plays a disproportionately large role per person in contributing towards the greenhouse effect and global warming. As a country needing rapid economic growth in the medium term to satisfy the country's developmental needs, South Africa's potential contribution to global warming is an area of concern.
NUCLEAR ENERGY
South Africa currently has one commercial nuclear power station at Koeberg near Cape Town. It provides 1 800 MW of Eskom's installed electricity generation capacity of 37600 MW, less than 5% of the total.
Electricity planners foresee that as electricity demand grows, very many more nuclear power stations will be built. Nuclear fission produces dangerous radioactive by-products. There is considerable concern about their safe containment in the case of accidents at nuclear power stations, the closing down (decommissioning) of old power stations, and the storage of highly toxic wastes. At present, low-level radioactive wastes are stored in sealed containers which are buried underground at disposal sites. No long-term solution has been agreed on for the safe storage of high-level radioactive wastes, some of which remain harmful for thousands of years.
Waste
We humans create such a lot of rubbish! Each household produces about 1 tonne of rubbish every year! Most of this is taken away by dustmen and buried in enormous landfill sites or burned in incinerators - both of these actions can be dangerous for the environment. Is all our rubbish really rubbish? If you think about it, much of what we throw away could be used again. It makes sense to recycle and not just to solve the problem of where to put the rubbish. Much of our waste is made up of glass, metal, plastic and paper. Our natural resources such as trees, oil, coal and aluminium are used up in enormous amounts to make these products and the resources will one day be completely used up. We must cut down on energy use.
Ideas to Help
Sort out your rubbish. Organic matter e.g. potato peelings, left over food, tea leaves etc. can be transferred straight to a compost heap in the garden and used as a good, natural fertiliser for the plants.
Aluminium cans, glass bottles and newspapers etc. can be taken to bottle and can banks and wastepaper skips. Find out where they are by asking your local muncipality or library.
Use recycled paper to help save trees.
Chlorine bleach is usually used to make newspapers and this pollutes rivers. Its better to use unbleached, recycled paper whenever you can.
Take your old clothes to charity organisations. Some are sold, others are returned to textile mills for recycling.
Try to avoid buying plastic. It's hard to recycle. One way to cut down on plastic is to refuse to use carrier bags offered by supermarkets and use strong, long lasting shopping bags instead, or re-use plastic bags over and over again, until they wear out.
Don't buy over-packed goods. Many things we buy have unnecessary amounts of plastic and paper around them.
Rainforests
Rainforests are valuable habitats. About half of all the species of animals and plants in the world live in rainforests. Thousands of rainforest plants contain substances that can be used in medicines and the tribal people of the forests have great knowledge of them. Rainforests are being cut down to make way for 'civilised man', to grow crops and graze cattle, and provide timber. An area almost the size of Britian is burnt every year. Rainforests help to regulate the world's climate and atmosphere.
Pollution
The air, water and soil of habitats all over the world have been, and are still being,polluted in many different ways. This pollution affects the health of living things. Air is damaged by car and lorry fumes, and power stations create acid rain which destroys entire forests and lakes. When fossil fuels i.e. oil, gas and coal are burned to provide energy for lighting, cooking etc. they form polluting gases.
Oils spills pollute sea water and kill marine life; chemical waste from factories and sewage works, and artificial fertilisers from farmland, pollute river water, killing wildlife and spreading disease.
The careless or deliberate dumping of litter in the environment is not only unsightly but dangerous too.
Ideas to Help the Environment
Use less energy by switching off lights when rooms are not in use, not wasting hot water, not overheating rooms and not boiling more water than necessary when making a cup of coffee
Use a bicycle or walk instead of using a car for short trips.
If you spot pollution, such as oil on the beach, report it to the local municipality, If you suspect a stream is polluted, report it to the local Environmental Health Officer.
If you use chlorine-based bleach or detergents containing phosphates you are contributing to water pollution.
Try to buy 'environmentally-friendly' products.
The Ozone Layer
Fifteen to thirty miles above the Earth lies the stratosphere, a broad band of gases and one of these gases is ozone. It's only a small part of the stratosphere but very important because it prevents too many of the sun's ultra violet rays from reaching us. Too many ultra violet rays can give us skin cancer and destroy plankton, the important microscopic life in the sea. In the 1980s it was discovered that 'holes' were appearing in the ozone layer above the Antarctic and Arctic. CFCs, chlorofluorocarbons, gases used in the manufacture of aerosols and fridges, are believed to be responsible for destroying the ozone layer.
Ideas to Help
Don't buy aerosols containing CFCs. Actually, it's not a good idea to buy any aerosols. Even 'ozone friendly' aerosols may contain harmful chemicals and spray cans are difficult to dispose of - they cannot be recycled. Pump-action sprays are a much better alternative.
A lot of packaging e.g. fast-food cartons, are polystyrene 'blown' with CFCs. Try to avoid items packed with this polystyrene.
If you know of anyone getting rid of an old fridge, tell them that the CFCs can be drained out and
Certain gases in the atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide, methane and CFCs, act like the glass in a greenhouse, allowing sunlight through to heat the Earth's surface but trapping some of the heat as it radiates back into space. Without this the Earth would be frozen and lifeless. However, owing to Man's activities,'greenhouse gases' are building up in the atmosphere, causing a greater amount of heat to be reflected back to Earth. The result is an increase in average world temperatures and in the future this could lead to the flooding of cities world wide and more natural disasters accuring
Ideas to Help
Don't waste electricity. Electricity is produced by burning coal, oil and gas and this action gives off carbon dioxide.
Car fumes produce carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide - so try to cut down on car journeys if possible.
Use a bike or walk - it's good exercise for you too!
Recycle as much of your waste as you can. Methane, the most effective 'greenhouse gas', is released into the air as the rubbish in landfill sites rots.
Endangered Habitats and their Wildlife
Wild habitats all over the world are fast disappearing. Forests are being cut down, rivers and seas polluted, heathlands built on, hedgerows pulled up, ponds filled in - the destruction seems endless. As the habitats decrease, so do their communities of animals and plants. Habitat destruction is one of the main reasons why many species face extinction. Other reasons include the hunting of animals and collection of plants.
There are now more than 5, 000 species of animal and about 25,000 species of plants threatened with extinction. During the last 200 years more than 200 species of mammals and birds have become extinct i.e. disappeared from the earth forever. It is possible that we are losing one species of animal or plant every day!
Ideas to Help
In many countries souvenirs made from rare wildlife are available - never buy shells, coral or things made from elephant ivory or rhino horns
Remember that South African habitats and wildlife are under threat too. The destruction of wood land, pollution of rivers and ponds, the use of pesticides and herbicides have all contributed to the reduction in the amount of wildlife in South Africa.
Many animals and plants are endangered e.g. red squirrels, otters, barn owls, golden eagles, toads, many species of butterflies and dragonflies, orchids - to name just a few. If you have a garden at home, you could transform it into a mini nature reserve for wildlife. The same could be done in your school grounds. Here are just a few ideas to create a wildlife garden:-
Make a pond. Even A small pond will attract frogs and toads etc.. Birds may use it for drinking.
Make a wildflower meadow. Wildflower plants and seeds may be bought from garden suppliers and, if planted correctly, a colourful meadow will result, attracting birds, butterflies and other insects.
Provide logs and stones and allow a few autumn leaves to remain lying around. These provide shelter for minibeasts and perhaps small mammals such as shrews and mice. An over-neat garden will not be attractive to wildlife.
Feed the birds during winter and put up nest boxes for birds to use in spring.
If your garden is big enough, you could plant a small wood. Always grow native trees such as oak, ash or birch - these attract more insects than foreign trees.
Avoid using chemical sprays in the garden - some of these can be poisonous to wildlife. It's best to let the birds eat the cabbage-munching caterpillars.
Please forward your comments to assistpr@motorsportsa.co.za
(10 December 2009)
International Mountain Day 11 December
International Mountain Day promotes awareness about the importance of mountains to life.
To achieve environmental and human sustainability in mountains we need to find ways to manage mountain resources and systems so that they can provide critical ecosystem services.
Mountains are exposed to a host of human induced and natural threats.
Mountains host a wide variety of ecosystems, a diversity of species, distinctive human communities; providing the freshwater needs of more than half of humanity.
For more information about International Mountain day please visit greenworks.co.za
Take a step in the green direction because going green works
(10 December 2009)
FIM Ride Green Eco Enduro: D-10!
On 11, 12 and 13 of December, the first FIM Ride Green Eco Enduro will open a new page of motorcycle history by registering electrical motorcycles only. This international competition organised jointly by Ivan Reedtz-Thott (World Champion Runner-up Rallies Quad - six entries (car) in the Dakar), Vivi Siig and Soren Clauding (owners of Scandinavian Racing Press), the Danish Motor Union (DMU) with the support of the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) will take place at the same time as the COP15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
The concept of this event is to show the world that mechanical sports and riders can be environmentally responsible and are prepared to seek new ways and innovative solutions to reduce the sports’ negative impact on the world’s climate. The first two stages are configured as a regular enduro race, on different kinds of terrain, but on the last day, the race will become a Super Motard/MX race on a small circuit, built for the occasion in a military area, not far from downtown Copenhagen.
Vito Ippolito, FIM President said: “As the world governing body for motorcycle sport, the FIM is pleased and proud to support this event that will be held close to Copenhagen for the first two days and in the centre of the city on Sunday 13 December. The FIM Ride Green Eco Enduro that will take place during the United Nations Climate Change Conference will boost exposure to this great initiative organised by passionate and motivated people and show the world that motorcycling is moving fast to prepare its future. From a sporting point of view, we will be able to demonstrate that electric motorcycles can run an Enduro event which will be stimulating for our people to shape the future of the sport. The FIM wants to thank the organisers and the DMU and wishes good luck to all the participants!”
Yet another Environmental Seminar for MSA Environment Stewards was hosted. This time for the Port Elizabeth/Eastern Province Region.
A total number of 28 individuals attended the seminar on 3 September in Port Elizabeth and wrote the exam. The President of the Environment Panel, Marius Matthee, received some very positive feedback from a few people at the end of the presentation.
Thus far, this has been the biggest attendence thus far.
Below is the list of individuals who received training thus far and completed the examinations succesfully.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS - TRAINING
Date/Venue Name
27 & 28 May 2009
Cape Town
Nick van Rensburg
Howard Daniels
Robert Mahle
Paul Lehmann
Brian Jeffries
Dave Malan
Frank Creese
Ernest Leite
Riaan Keyser
25 Junie 2009
Cape Town
Arlene Brown
Charmaine Haupt
Clint Rieper
Dick Vlietman
Stewart Malcolm
Peet van der Walt
Derek Jacobs
John Green
Jennifer Jeffries
Neva van der Merwe
Paul Simon
Kes Naidoo
Warren Fraser
Henry C. Marais
Lorraine Kriel
Jürgen Finnern
31 Julie 2009
Durban
Philip Stegen
William Gaugain
Lynette Gaugain
Leon van Eeden
Ashley Wayne Dove
Trudy Stegen
Janine van Eeden
Gert Alberts
Carol Alberts
Brett Hume
Gay Tilbury
3 September 2009
Port Elizabeth
Sparky Bright
Charl van Jaarsveld
Geoff Blandford
Chris Shinn
Ronald Scott
Joan Shinn
Mark Scholtz
Colin du Plessis
Bobby Fulton
Michael Munna
Leigh Shepherd
Ian Wright
Ross Guscott
Ian Meaker
Diana Steyn
Iddo Steyn
Juan-Pierre van Zyl
June Scott
Alistair Pringle
(08 October 2009)
WHY ENVIRONMENTAL MATS??
It seems that there are still several misconceptions about the so-called ENVIRONMENTAL MATS and the use of it at race meetings.
The MSA Environmental Code describes the Environmental Mat as follows:
18.7 For all off-road events, the use of an environmental mat or similar ground-protecting device is mandatory.
Whereas the FIM Environmental Code has the following definition:
6.1
The Environmental Mat is compulsory for all disciplines. It must be composed of an absorbent part and an impermeable part. Its use will be compulsory everywhere where work on motorcycles is allowed by the organisers.
The minimum technical data for the mat are:
– Dimensions: Minimum 160 cm X 100 cm
– Absorption capacity: Minimum 1 litre
– Thickness: Minimum from 5 to 7 mm
The “Environmental Mat” is nothing more than a barrier between the vehicle/motorcycle and the soil. The rationale behind the use of the mat is to protect the soil from pollutants like vehicle fluids. Spilled vehicle fluids pose a serious risk for the environment and can cause irreversable damage to the ecology and groundwater sources.
The key-element, when deciding on an environmental mat, is to consider the absorption capacity of the mat (or ground protecting device). Under no circumstances must it allow vehicle fluids to seep through onto the soil or to form puddles on top. It must be rinsed with water ONLY in a place with a proper drain and oil-divider (at most petrol garages). Used Environmental Mats must be considered as hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.
PLEASE NOTE: The use of Environmental Mats is MANDATORY at all off-road events and there is really no excuse why competitors can not comply with this very simple request and by doing that, taking a responsible stance towards environmental protection.
(10 September 2009)
SOIL POLLUTION
Although spoil may look like a motionless mass, it is actually a living ecological habit where countless organisms thrive and reactions and processes take place. Millions of organisms live off the substance in the soil and makes it suitable for plant growth. Depended, as we are, on plant growth for our food supply, we are indirectly depending on the quality of the soil.
Many soil pollutants are invisible, but it moves steadily and the effect may suddenly come to light many years later. It may be found that the soil life has been disturbed severely or that crops have been poisoned. It is also possible that polluting substances seep into the groundwater systems, causing serious problems to our drinking water. We often discover our wrongdoing only after pollution has proceeded its harmful effects for some time and when we can do little to stop it.
Preventing Soil pollution is thus of great importance in all off-road racing disciplines, but it can also apply for fixed circuit events. Problems can arise when vehicle fluids are dispersed or allowed to drip onto the ground at service, refueling and cleaning areas. In order to avoid this, it is compulsory (MSA Environmental Code) to cover the ground under the vehicle/bike with an ‘environmental mat” that will form a barrier and will absorb spilled fluids. Non-compliance in this regard is subjected to a fine or exclusion from a race, but the real goal is naturally to preserve the environment and not to punish. Motorsport South Africa expects that all competitors and their crews must contribute to environmental sustainable practices in order to safeguard the future of motorsport.
(09 September 2009)
Tips on recycling
Literally hundreds of items that can be recycled. Read the following to see just how much everyone can contribute towards the protection of the environment :
Saving one 2 litre plastic milk bottle for recycling, sufficient energy is saved to keep a 100 watt light bulb on for 11 hours
One recycled can will save sufficient energy to keep the television on for 3 hours
The energy saved annually from recycling paper, is sufficient to supply 512 homes with electricity for a year
Only 20% (140,000 tons) of all glass containers produced annually, are saved for recycling. The balance (approx. 550,000 tons) end up on our landfill sites.
PLASTIC
Plastic never disintegrates and is never “absorbed” by soil. By throwing plastic bottles in your normal rubble bins at home, you are NOT protecting the environment as Town Councils do not separate waste – everything is dumped on our landfill sites together. Wind, rain and the very poor who look through rubble on the dumps move the plastic around, making it very easy for any plastic item to end up in streams.
So next time you throw ANY plastic bottle away, just remember that you have basically ‘thrown away’ the energy required to keep one a 100 watt light bulb on for 11 hours!!!
Plastic items such as ball point pens, empty lipstick and mascara holders, plastic knives and forks are also recyclable.
WATER
All predictions indicate that the 2009 and 2010 summers will be the longest, hottest and one with the least rain in South Africa for the past 60 years. Gold and Platinum are not South Africa’s most precious commodities - WATER is.
Although it is impossible to add the water each individual saves during a month to your “monthly collection of recyclables” for the prize, please consider the fact that if MSA’s 21 staff members each manage to save only 1 LITRE of water per day, it will amount to a saving of 7,665 LITRES of water per annum.
5.8 LITRES of water is wasted if one opens a tap fully and leaves the water running for 1 minute. If the 21 of us do this only once a day, we will be wasting 121.8 litres of water per day, and 44.457 litres per annum. So please think about this next time you leave a tap open unnecessarily……
PRINTER CARTRIDGES
They are fully recyclable. Your own ones can be added to your “monthly collection” but please keep them separately, as I have to deliver them to a different recycling ‘depot’.
FOOD
Please do NOT leave any left-over food in any item you hand in for recycling. Use a serviette or any other paper to remove left over food from the container. The same applies to very liquid food in tins (tomatoes, beans, etc). Use a LITTLE water to lightly rinse out the tin. If you don’t, the food will start rotting and the tin will not be recyclable.
In celebration of World Environment Day on 5th June, Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the controlling body of all forms of motorsport in South Africa, has embarked on a greening campaign to plant trees at disadvantaged schools across the country.
With the financial assistance from the international controlling body of motorcycling, the FIM trees were purchased from national greening social enterprise, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) and local nurseries. In total 360 trees were planted at 15 different schools in the Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape to promote greening, awareness of climate change, food security and to offset carbon dioxide emissions.
I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read and receive my company. - Thomas Jefferson
Nature’s nuclear power plants
Do trees have more to offer than lumber, firewood and fruit? What about food and shelter for birds and animals? How about simple shade and sheer beauty? Trees actually supply the planet with far more than most people realize.
One large tree can:
• provide a day’s oxygen for four people
• absorb noise
• release up to 400 gallons of water into the atmosphere each day
• filter dust and remove a wide range of toxic pollutants, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, airborne ammonia and sulphur dioxide, from the atmosphere
• trap 75 percent of the carbon monoxide produced by the average car
• filter 7,000 dust particles per liter of air
• absorb 4,000 liters of water from the ground
• regulate temperatures through the evaporation of water in its leaves
• limit the severity of storms by filtering the fall of precipitation, holding some of it in and lessening its impact
• intercept rainwater, aiding soil absorption for gradual release into streams, preventing flooding, filtering toxins and impurities and extending water availability into dry months when most needed
• cleanse groundwater as it filters through the root systems
• improve property values by 10 to 20 percent
• help offset the "heat island" effect resulting from too much glass and concrete.
• can cool urban neighborhoods up to 11 degrees cooler in summer heat than those without trees
• slow down rainwater, helping runoff to soak into the soil at a slow and even rate, which takes the pressure off storm sewers and allows for the renewal of groundwater
• reduce stress and crime
• improve our aesthetic environment, providing a peaceful place to relax
• provide a sense of "home" to a neighborhood
• speed the healing process. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, hospital patients get well faster when their room has a tree view.
In addition to all these incredible feats, one acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people every day. It also absorbs enough carbon dioxide per year to match that emitted by driving a car 26,000 miles
Yet almost every city in the U.S. has recorded a drop in the number of trees along its streets due to development, pollution, disease and neglect.
(10 June 2009)
First Environmental Steward Seminar in Cape Town
The first Environmental Steward Seminar, was conducted by Marius Matthee (President of MSA’s Environmental Panel) in Cape Town at the end of May.
The first Seminar was very successful and all that attended passed the basic examination and are now accredited as “Environmental Stewards”.
A second Seminar will be conducted in the downstairs lounge of the Western Province Motorsport Club at 18:00 on Thursday 25 June. Interested parties can contact Marius Matthee on – matthee@capewinelands.gov.za
Picture: Herwith the new Environmental Stewards who passed:
BACK ROW: Riaan Keyser, Marius Matthee, Paul Lehmann
FRONT ROW: Howard Daniels, Dave Malan, Ernest Leite, Nic van Rensburg, Robert Mahle
Brian Jeffries, who also attended and passed the seminar took the photograph. Frank Creese was absent when the picture was taken.
In celebration of World Environment Day on 5th June, Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the controlling body of all forms of motorsport in South Africa, has embarked on a Greening campaign to plant trees at disadvantaged schools across the country.
In 1996, MSA became the first National Sports Federation in South Africa to adopt an Environmental Code and recently appointed a specialist Environmental Panel as part of their structure. Through this management structure MSA ensures that the highest environmental standards are met during the organisation and hosting of more than 1 200 motorsport events annually at all levels and it also promotes environmental education amongst all motorsport role players (approximately 16 000 competitors).
With financial assistance from the international controlling body of motorcycling, the FIM, trees were purchased from a national greening social enterprise, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA).
With their assistance as well as regional representatives from MSA, the trees will be planted in June at 11 schools in the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, to promote greening, awareness of climate change, food security and to curb carbon dioxide pollution.
Marius Matthee, President of the MSA Environment Panel, said one of the Panel’s objectives was to plant 500 trees in 2009. “It is great to work in conjunction with FTFA. They supply one metre indigenous or fruit trees with instructions on how to maintain them. The actual tree planting events highlights the benefits of trees and greening, thereby educating the youth on important environmental and climate change issues. Trees are integral to the quality of human life and the environment. When managed in a sustainable way they can continue to supply current and future generations with a wide range of essential ecological, social and economic goods and services”.
Beaulah Schoeman, Managing Director of MSA, says Environmental issues are inherently linked with quality of life and motorsport is proud to do its small bit in providing green “lungs” or even food security that support quality living environments. MSA is fully committed to the environment and wishes to be at the forefront of environmental awareness and protection. We are further committed to reducing our environmental impact as part of a wider commitment to sustainable development.”
These commitments ensure that the environment, social and recreational values are maintained, whilst promoting sustainable motosport in South Africa for future generations. MSA wishes competitors in all categories of motorsport enjoyment in their chosen sport, while caring for the environment at the same time.
MSA has further called upon its clubs, organisers and promoters to partake in special environmentally related projects around World Environment Day and has even offered a cash contribution to the club with the best campaign.
FTFA has distributed over 3,5 million trees and helped to set up over 2 500 organic food gardens for the poorest in South Africa in the past 19 years.
MSA, in conjunction with the Environment Panel, are conducting Training Seminars for MSA Environmental Stewards. The first training session is in Cape Town.
If you are interested and would like to acquaint yourself with the contents of the Training Manual CLICK HERE
(20 May 2009)
Logo Design Competition Winners
The logo design of Frederick from Cape Town was chosen as the winner of this competition and will become the official environment logo for MSA.
The logo will appear on its website, decals, official documentationk banners etc. The logo had to depict motorsport and the environment and had to contain the words "Motorsport South Africa" as well as an applicable slogan addressing motorsport and the environment.
The colours were restricted to green and white only. Frederick's design was chosen as it is a dynamic depiction of motorsport. The logo has a great element of speed, the word "Motorsport" is recognizable immediately and the flying leaves introduce the environmental element.
CLICK HERE to view the other logo's which formed part of the top 20 (in no particular order).
(05 May 2009)
FIA Brochure - Make Cars Greener
Please CLICK HERE to download the "Make Cars Greener" FIA Brochure. (2MB)
Great new Blue-Bag recycling campaign for Lonehill
Residents are requested to put all of their recyclables directly into blue bags, and to place these bags outside every Monday next to their wheelie refuse bin. Pikitup empties out the bins while Mama She’s Waste Recyclers collect the blue bags, which are taken to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where their contents are separated, baled and sent for processing.
*Please note that all of the recyclables can be put together in the same blue bag, and all packaging material for food and beverages needs to be rinsed*
List of recyclables:
Metal
The following metal can be recycled:
• Beverage cans
• Food tins
• Lids of glass containers
• Aluminium foil and foil packaging
• Paint and aerosol cans (leave labels on the cans as their contents are viewed as hazardous and recyclers need to know what was in them)
Glass
The following glass can be recycled:
• Beverage bottles
• Food jars with lids (used for jam, mayonnaise, tomato sauce etc)
The following may not be recycled:
• NO pyrex
• NO ceramics (cups, saucers, plates etc)
• NO drinking glasses
• NO light bulbs or tubes
Plastic
The following plastic can be recycled:
• Food and beverage containers (hard plastic as used containers for ice cream, milk, juice, bottled water, soft drinks, milk, butter and margarine)
• Household cleaner containers (hard plastic such as that used for cleaners such as Handy Andy, bleach, dishwashing liquid, fabric softener)
• Plastic bags (soft plastic such as that used to wrap magazines, six-packs of beer or packs of toilet paper)
• Cling-wrap.
Paper
The following types of paper can be recycled:
• White office paper
• Magazines and books (glossy magazines and
inserts printed on glossy paper are recyclable, as long as nothing is laminated)
• Newspaper
• Cardboard, Cardboard boxes and cereal boxes
• Tetrapak (fruit juice and milk containers that seem to be made out of paper, but are lined with foil and plastic)
The following may not be recycled:
• NO laminated or waxy paper (such as that
often found in boxes used for tomatoes or bananas)
• NO waxy paper ream wrappers
• NO punch confetti
• NO carbon paper
• NO stickers
•
Mama She’s Waste Recyclers
Your affirmative choice for Waste Management- Processing- Recycling
*The Engen Petrol Station in Lonehill is now selling blue refuse bags for just R20 per pack of 20 bags*
Please e-mail us at: lonehill@wasterecyclers.co.za for more information.
(19 January 2009)
Trees in commemoration of FIM Congress
To commemorate the 2008 FIM Congress in Durban, Motorsport South Africa (MSA) purchased a tree from Food & Trees for Africa on behalf of every delegate, accompanying person, FIM and MSA Secretariat member and the team of interpreters.
As a result, 406 trees were planted at disadvantaged schools in the Durban area.
This was done to promote greening, awareness of climate change, food security and to curb carbon dioxide pollution.
Each person also received a certificate at the Congress, confirming that a tree has been planted on his/her behalf. Food and Trees for Africa will provide MSA with photos of the trees and the schools at which the trees were planted, and MSA will forward this information to all the delegates as soon as it is received and will also post it on the MSA website.
Mr Logie Naidoo, the Deputy Mayor of eThekwini, said in his opening address: “As global warming has become a cause of great concern for all countries, it is especially comforting to know that the FIM is also recognised as one of the leading international Federations insofar as environmental issues are concerned”.
• Motorsport South Africa (MSA) hosted the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme) World Congress over 10 days from 18-25 October at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.
• The main reason for hosting the FIM World Congress in different countries, is to not only promote motorcycling (competitive and leisure riding) throughout the world, but to provide the host National Federation (MSA in this instance) with the opportunity to introduce and showcase its country to all delegates, and to promote the country as a tourist destination.
• During the Congress the Commissions responsible for the relevant categories of motorcycling, discuss both sporting and technical regulations for their individual categories; set the World Championship calendars for the following year, and also discuss issues such as safety of circuits and protective clothing, minimum medical facility requirements at events, etc.
(28 October 2008)
FTFA Carbon Standard Calculator
How, what and why:
Climate change is now the most urgent environmental issue and as the world wakes up to the threats of this South African public benefit organization Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), who have been talking of the need to address this through conserving, planting and maintaining trees since they started in 1990, has launched The Carbon Standard, a programme to make it easy and affordable to measure their carbon emissions and offset these.
The FTFA carbon calculator, the first South African calculator of its kind, was developed by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (the first African company accredited to do carbon auditing) using the Global Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocols which aim to harmonize GHG accounting and reporting standards internationally to ensure that different trading platforms and other climate related initiatives adopt consistent approaches to GHG accounting. This protocol has recently been converted into a standard (SANS ISO 14064-1:2006 Part 1: specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals).
The principles in this standard have been used to develop a Carbon Calculator that is applicable to South Africa and provides a high level estimation of the carbon footprint. The purpose is to create awareness around lifestyle choices, events, venues, office buildings, business processes, industries and the contribution to climate change. Creating awareness based on a credible baseline is the first step in reducing your footprint. As we say, “If you do not know how large your footprint is, how can you evaluate your reduction”?
Reduce what you can and offset the rest!
Knowing your footprint is therefore the first step. What to do about it is next and although reducing the footprint is the next active step you can already start to offset your baseline. This awareness has resulted in companies and individuals who have used this Carbon Calculator, and worked with FTFA to plant trees, initiating emission reduction programmes. These include installing an auto switch off program for airconditioners and lights in office buildings, increasing paper recycling in branch offices, further reducing energy consumption by changing to energy saving light bulbs and even rationalizing travel.
To address global warming requires lifestyle and business changes that all of us can make. Here are some simple things you can do:
Turn off the lights when you don't need them and fit energy saving light bulbs
Open the windows and switch off the aircons
Switch off your computer and other appliances when not in use, at the plug point
Switch to solar power
Walk, cycle or use public transport where possible
Drive slower, it is safer and uses less fuel, thus less emissions
Buy locally produced items and organic food
Avoid packaging where possible
Request your bills electronically and pay on line
Reduce paper usage and recycle as much as possible
There are several ways to offset your carbon emissions. One of these is planting trees.
The Carbon Standard provides a measurable way of planting trees that grow and absorb some carbon dioxide. Apart from absorbing carbon dioxide, planting of these trees also contributes to a host of environmental, economic and social benefits for these communities as you can see on this website.
Some of the draw backs of international schemes are already addressed by FTFA such as:
• planting large volumes of non-indigenous species in any open space -- FTFA is planting either indigenous or fruit trees at schools, clinics, in backyards etc. This helps with food security where it is needed and the trees are mostly planted in already degraded and denuded urban environments therefore not placing strain on underground water sources.
• Trees can die or be cut down by people for firewood.-- FTFA, through community training and education programmes that provide information on the value and benefits of trees. Research on projects in South Africa shows a survival rate of 60-98 % as a result of these FTFA programmes. For the purpose of the calculator the more conservative lower figure is used for the safety margin.
• Double accounting of trees for various schemes. FTFA is an award winning organization keeping a database of trees planted and their specific location. The Carbon Standard involves an audit of two parts, one being the inventory and the other the planting of trees by an independent auditor. This will provide comfort to participants that the offsetting is credible.
You will be asked to input your annual consumption for travel – local, national and international air travel (in terms of duration as long medium and short flights have different emission factors), local and national car travel. These are international IPCC default factors. In order to have a practical and easy calculator the calculations are based on a medium sized petrol car. In accordance with the definitions and factors from the GHG Protocol Mobile Combustion Tool this car would emit 0.22 kg CO2 per km. In an average company some employees would drive smaller and others larger cars. A medium sized car would closely approximate the overall picture. This emission factor cannot be applied to off road agricultural or delivery vehicles. Please follow the principles of the GHG reporting protocol (now also available as SANS 14064-1:2006 Specification with guidance at the organizational level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals) to guide you should you/your company need a comprehensive calculation.Should a detailed inventory be needed company specific petrol and diesel consumptions and emissions will be used. For the high level estimation only distances are required and international accepted emission factors are used.
Input your electricity usage. In South Africa the electricity for the national grid is mainly provided by Eskom's 2006 report as 0.978 CO2 Emission factor. This is an audited figure that is updated annually.
Then input your paper usage from monthly or annual purchase. In South Africa paper production is done via dedicated forests owned and managed by the paper and pulp manufacturers. Paper manufacturers plant on average 3 trees for every tree cut down. The trees vs. paper calculation is added for interest and is not added to the total footprint or offset. This is in accordance with international reporting principles.
Using these figures the calculator will estimate your carbon footprint for the year, as well as the number of trees it will take to sink the carbon for these activities
FTFA will plant the necessary number of trees with your donation to offset your carbon emissions through its National Tree Distribution and Trees for Homes programmes. As trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide (one of the most important green house gases) from the atmosphere and convert it into oxygen through photosynthesis. The process of trapping carbon in forests, soils, geological formations and other carbon “sinks” is called carbon sequestration. FTFA has already planted over 2,5 million trees in South Africa. It is estimated that just 60% of these planted will have already sunk over 200 000 tons of carbon dioxide.
In addition to sinking greenhouse gases that cause climate change, these new urban forests provide other benefits to the communities and the environment as described elsewhere on this site. They also help to protect water quality, restore wildlife habitats and enhance public recreation areas.
Various academic studies indicated that an average indigenous tree planted in an average urban environment in South Africa absorbs carbon exponentially as it grow and over a period of about 15 years on average 500kg of carbon is stored per tree. Although these trees will not be cut down after the fifteen year period it was decided, in order to remain conservative, to use these figures for the high level estimate. For site specific carbon sequestration studies FTFA can refer applicants.
FTFA is working with expert carbon technical advisors to assist companies wishing to do more in depth assessments and audits that factor in various other issues such as recycling, vegetation already on their properties, sustainable energy inputs etc.
Cape Town - The introduction of a carbon tax could have the biggest single impact on cutting South Africa's emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
This is outlined in the government's long-awaited scientific study outlining scenarios for mitigating emissions, released yesterday after being presented to the cabinet earlier this month.
The study forecasts that South Africa's emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent, if left unchecked, would quadruple by 2050 from a base of 440 million tons in 2003.
It projects that an escalating carbon tax would have the effect of cutting emissions by more than 600 million tons by 2050. This amounts to twice the size of the reduction of any other single intervention.
Nevertheless, the study says even the full range of strategic options to cut emissions - including the extended use of renewable and nuclear energy, the introduction of electric vehicles, and the use of subsidies and a carbon tax - leaves a "large gap between where our emissions are heading and where they need to go".
It assumes that South Africa's role in guaranteeing global climate stability would be to limit emissions to between 30 percent and 40 percent of 2003 levels by 2050.
Environmental affairs and tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk was quick to point out yesterday that no decision had been taken yet on the state's preferred instruments to cut emissions.
Carbon would have a price, and a tax was one possible measure. "We believe markets will have to play a large role," he said, adding that the government had noted business's preference for incentives to comprise as large a part of the package as possible.
His department hopes to have the basic outline of a climate change policy in place next year.
André Fourie, the chief executive of the National Business Institute, said business expected a firm commitment from the government to move towards a carbon tax.
At a recent meeting with senior business leaders, Van Schalkwyk "suggested South Africa would have to come to terms with it [a carbon tax]", said Fourie.
He added: "I think a number of business leaders understand that at some point, carbon will have to attract a price. It will happen all over the world."
Business leaders at the recent meeting with Van Schalkwyk - his second after a briefing with business on climate changelast year - included Eskom chief executive Jacob Maroga, AngloGold Ashanti chief executive Mark Cutifani and ArcelorMittal South Africa chief executive Nku Nyembezi-Heita.
Richards Bay Coal Terminal chairman Kuseni Dlamini, who attended the first meeting and plans to be proactively involved in future talks, said yesterday that South African business was "aligned with the global conversation happening on climate change" and that leaders realised the imperative to "act now rather than later".
But no one measure by itself would solve the "very complex challenge" of global warming, Dlamini said. There was not yet agreement on whether a carbon tax was the best way to achieve results, or on what form it should take.
Laurraine Lotter, the climate change representative for Business Unity SA (Busa), said the group believed it was a mistake to speak only of a carbon tax without examining other economic instruments, such as import duties on energy efficient equipment. Busa believed subsidies were problematic, she said.
Fourie said there needed to be a clear understanding of the economic impact of a carbon tax. The next step for business would be to set up a think-tank and conduct research on how to approach carbon pricing.
According to the study's modelling, a carbon tax could be used to provide incentives to shift patterns of investment.
This model would cut gross domestic product and reduce jobs for higher-skilled workers by 2015, but increase jobs for semi-skilled workers. Its overall welfare effect was deemed to be negative, although for poor households it was neutral.
Source: Business Report, Online Edition
By INGI SALGADO
(29 May 2008)
Environment Websites
Save Our Environment
www.sustainableharvest.org - Every dollar plants 10 trees & also helps feed families. Learn how now!
Environment Preservation
www.Seacology.org - Protect Local Environments, Provide Benefits to Islanders - Learn More!
Stop Global Warming
www.sierraclub.org/foundation - Learn how you can help stop global warming from destroying our planet.
South African Government Department of Environmental Affairs and ...
Lists policies and projects, and state of the environment reports. Provides maps, news and calendar of events.
www.environment.gov.za
Environment South Africa - NEWS - FORUMS - ARTICLES - LEGISLATION
Environmental News Articles and Forums for South Africa. ... Visit Environment South Africa today for all your environmental news.
www.environment.co.za
IOL: Environment
Nothing quite stains an oil supplier's environmental image, or gives their critics more weight, like several hundred dead ducks. Full Story. ...
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DELTA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE - Improving environment quality ...
DELTA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE aims to enable people to improve the quality of their environment by promoting the management and sustainable use of all ...
www.deltaenviro.org.za
WESSA - Welcome
WESSA is the oldest and largest non-government environmental organisation in South Africa. Its mission is to promote public participation in caring for the ...
www.wildlifesociety.org.za
Forum for Economics and the Environment
The Economics for the Environment Forum is a non-aligned, informal group of individuals with an interest in Economics and the Environment in southern ...
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Environment
Global Environment Facility ... Corporate Environmental & Social Sustainability ... Browse projects in:. Environment and Natural Resources Management ...
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Global Environment Facility ... Corporate Environmental & Social Sustainability ... Browse projects in:. Environment and Natural Resources Management ...
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Environmental News - Get the Latest Global Warming and ...
News and features on issues that impact the environment. Topics include the Endangered Species Act, global warming or climate change, smog and other ...
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Environmental News & Environment Information - Los Angeles Times
A federal jurist, setting a May 15 deadline, rejects the administration's plea for additional time. The order is a victory for 3 environmental groups. >> ...
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Find breaking news & environmental news on the EPA, oceans & marine life, weather, wetlands, pollution, wildlife, global warming, hybrid cars, ...
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Environment - Environment DG
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ec.europa.eu/dgs/environment/index_en.htm
EPA Environmental Kids Club: Home Page
US Environmental Protection Agency's site for kids. Lots of fun and interesting things to read and do to learn about the environment.
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Heldref Publications: Environment: Science and Policy for ...
More readable than specialized journals and more timely than textbooks, Environment analyzes the problems, places, and people where environment and ...
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Breaking news on the environment, climate change, pollution, and endangered species. Also featuring Climate Connections, a special series on climate change ...
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EUROPA - Activities of the European Union - Environment
Links to policy overview, relevant laws, policy implementation and sources of information.
www.europa.eu/pol/env/index_en.htm
(13 April 2008)
MSA ENVIRONMENTAL NOTEBOOK
Participation in all categories of motorsport has to be accompanied by the varying production of sound volumes. MSA has, in its Environmental Code, created regulations for the monitoring and control of sound related problems. However, officiating at 2 recent national motorsport events highlighted a particular concern for me, which is the damage potential to hearing of repeated exposure to excessive sound or noise.
Occupational health standards have determined that the upper limit of sound exposure on a daily basis at which permanent hearing damage will not occur is 80 dB(p) – 80 decibels on the A weighted scale.
Although routine sound volume measurement is currently not a feature of many motorsport events, it is common knowledge that decibel levels at motorsport events, particularly at the start of an event are certainly much higher than acceptable safe levels. My increasing concern is for the potential hearing loss that may result from motorsport events in competitors, trackside officials, marshals and medical personnel.
I wish to recommend to all competitors, officials and marshal and medical personnel to utilize some form of ear and hearing protective devices while operational at motorsport events. As an example, no marshal or medical person is allowed on to the track at Donnington Park, an international circuit in the UK, unless they have earplugs, which are provided, at no cost, at the circuit medical centre.
It is gratifying to acknowledge the involvement of families in motorsport events. It is, however, unwise for babies in arms and babies in prams and push-chairs to be taken to the start of events or close to a track. The hearing of a child in undeveloped, sensitive and liable to infection. Parents are advised not to take children under the age of six closer than 6 – 8 metres from the start or an event.
Dust is a natural hazard in all off-road events, particularly in inland events during the dry winters. Dust is an irritant to the nose, the sinuses and the airway of all people. This situation is markedly aggravated in people suffering from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), chronic or recurrent sinusitis and asthma. Persons exposed to dust, such as Clerks of Course and particularly Marshals and Medical Personnel are advised to consider the following measures;
1. Try and locate yourself in a position where both the vehicle at the start and the wind direction are away from your position;
2. Wear sun glasses or protective goggles if you cannot avoid the dust. Dust is an irritant to the cornea and conjunctiva and may contain minute fragments of grit that may cause corneal abrasions.
3. Particularly if a person suffers form hay fever, sinusitis or asthma, they should consider the use of either an industrial mask or a surgical mask which covers both the mouth and the nose.
Dust moistened by misty rain is a particular hazard for competitors as it will coat helmet visors and goggles, which may result in the abandonment of the use of visor and goggles, thus exposing the eyes to damage.
The temperature of the human body is maintained at a range of 36.5°C and 37.5°C, depending on a number of internal and external influences. When the body temperatures drops below 35°C, the damaging effects of hypothermia are initiated, which is accentuated in the presence of injury. The conventional oral and rectal thermometers are not calibrated to measure levels below 35°C.
In spite of South African weather, hypothermia may be a problem even in summer. A competitor who has been exposed to rain or hail is at greater risk of developing hypothermia.
How can hypothermia development be prevented or counteracted;
1. Remove wet clothing;
2. Expose the person to a warm environment – a car with the heater running;
3. Cover the competitor with old-fashioned blankets that are not colder that the competitor. So-called rescue or space blankets do not raise body temperature, but may maintain the body temperature at the time of application. Their secondary value is their bright colour, which may help identify the location of an injured competitor, particularly from the air.
4. Warm fluids by mouth in small, frequent volumes are in order provided the competitor is not vomiting nor has a reduced level of consciousness which may put the airway at risk of aspiration.
(18 July 2007)
GLOBAL WARMING
According to the University of the Western Cape’s Website the average global temperature today is about half a degree Celsius warmer than it was 100 years ago. 1990 was the warmest year ever recorded, it states, with 1988 the second warmest. 1980, 1981, 1983 and 1986 were also amongst the warmest years in the previous century. If current pollution trends continue, scientists conclude that the earth could probably be about one degree Celsius warmer by 2025 and three degrees Celsius warmer by 2100.
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING
1. Plant more trees, this will help to reduce carbon dioxide levels.
2. Try to reduce, reuse and recycle and save energy.
3. Make sure your tyres are properly inflated – this will ensure maximum fuel efficiency.
4. Use Lift Clubs, Flexi-time, public transport, bicycles, or your feet for transport
(Taken from In-house Magazine)
(12 July 2007)
What We Can Do at Home!
www.earthday.net
Replace (3) frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs – reduce your carbon footprint by 450 pounds a year
Car pool, use public transportation or drive a fuel efficient car – reduce your carbon footprint by 1 pound for every mile you do not drive
Keep your tires properly inflated and get better gas mileage – reduce your carbon footprint another 20 pounds for each gallon of gas saved Change your car's air filter regularly Run your dishwasher only when it’s full
Make sure your printer paper is 100% post consumer recycled Move your heater thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer – reduce your carbon footprint by 2,000 pounds Keep your water heater insulated and the thermostat no higher than 120°F Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended
Take shorter showers because showers account for 2/3 of all water heating costs Use a low-flow showerhead because less water means less energy to heat the water – reduce your carbon footprint 350 pounds a year
Use cold water to wash your clothes – reduce your carbon footprint by 500 pounds a year Buy locally and reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to your store
Buy products with less packaging and recycle paper, plastic and glass – reduce your garbage by 10% and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by 1,200 pounds a year Plant a tree because trees suck up carbon dioxide and make clean air for us to breath
Buy energy efficient appliances
Weatherize and insulate your home, and consider double pane windows
Turn off what you’re not using and even unplug electronics you’re not using – reduce your carbon footprint by thousands of pounds a year
Buy organic food because the chemicals used in modern agriculture pollute the water supply, and require energy to produce
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This Arbor Month, September 2010, Food & Trees for Africa celebrates 20 years of greening South Africa, with over 3.4 million trees distributed to disadvantaged communities across the country. Through the simple message of planting and conserving trees to care for the planet and the people and address climate change, the social enterprise has contributed to the growth in green interest from government, companies, schools and communities.
We kindly would like to inform you that MOTORSPORT SOUTH AFRICA has provision in its budget for Environmental Projects. We have also obtained a grant from the FIM (International Motorcycle Federation) for the planting of trees at permanent circuits, tracks and venues as well as other environmental projects under MSA’s auspices.
Ride to Work Day originated in the USA and 21 June 2010 will mark the 19th annual event. It has become an international event and riders throughout the world are encouraged to ride their scooters and motorbikes to their workplace on this day in order to demonstrate that motorcycles are an important form of transportation as well as recreation. 
Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the controlling body of all forms of motorsport in South Africa, has again embarked on a Greening campaign to plant trees at disadvantaged schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal in celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June 2010. With financial assistance from the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM), trees were purchased from South Africa’s national greening organisation, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA). The trees will be planted during the first week of June to promote greening, awareness of climate change, food security and to curb carbon dioxide pollution. 
The Killarney Circuit (Western Province Motor Club) recently became the first recipient of
South Africans must do more to save water!
Another Environmental seminar has been planned for the 18th of February which will be held near the Head Office of Motorsport South Africa.
Yet another few succesfull Environmental Seminars for MSA Environmental Stewards were hosted. This time for the Free state, Northern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Regions.
Our planet is in trouble! Almost every day we seem to hear of yet another problem affecting the environment - and what a list of problems! - pollution, acid rain, global warming, the destruction of rainforests and other wild habitats, the decline and extinction of thousands of species of animals and plants....and so on.
On 11, 12 and 13 of December, the first FIM Ride Green Eco Enduro will open a new page of motorcycle history by registering electrical motorcycles only. This international competition organised jointly by Ivan Reedtz-Thott (World Champion Runner-up Rallies Quad - six entries (car) in the Dakar), Vivi Siig and Soren Clauding (owners of Scandinavian Racing Press), the Danish Motor Union (DMU) with the support of the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) will take place at the same time as the COP15, the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Yet another Environmental Seminar for MSA Environment Stewards was hosted. This time for the Port Elizabeth/Eastern Province Region.
I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read and receive my company. - Thomas Jefferson 
To commemorate the 2008 FIM Congress in Durban, Motorsport South Africa (MSA) purchased a tree from Food & Trees for Africa on behalf of every delegate, accompanying person, FIM and MSA Secretariat member and the team of interpreters.