ECOFAIR 2016 Christ Church, Constantia– Almost “done” by the weather!
The wind – and the debate raged on on Friday afternoon, as traffic and trees were felled by gale force gusts, and heavy rain fell relentlessly for hours – should we cancel the EcoFair scheduled for the following day?
Thankfully, Saturday was clear, beautiful and still. Our Ecofair was the most successful to date and I have fond memories of the cheerful buzz of fair attendees, and the patient queues for our organic coffee and homebakes.
Our motto was Secure our tomorrow today: REDUCE; REUSE; RECYCLE… and
RE-INVENT! Parishioner Keith Honeyman featured his Rotosail in a world first, a modern way of generating power through adapting ancient expertise; we hosted the Garden buddy team; found out how to source “Reliance Compost’s” products; planned to speak “rubbish” with recycler Cedric May and “junk” with Just Junk; got dirty with “Soil for Life” represented by the hardworking Gugu Mazibuko – also a parishioner, as is Rob Ervine of SAValue Engineers – we explored unconventional solutions with this inspiring “free spirit”. Rex Schelling discussed permaculture using his re-purposed packaging pallets.
We featured the newly established “hazardous waste unit of the City of Cape Town” as well as Petco and Newlife Plastics; Italcotto had us dreaming of efficient pellet burners and kettle cookers.
Annie Bisset, Francis Canterbury, Mrs Soltswayi, specialising in traditional personal ornaments, Golden, (“tin can flowers”) inspired gifting with the Outreach Shop another attraction.
John Green and WESSA introduced “Citizen Science” and “energy and climate change”; Aquarista showcased rainwater harvesting and grey water solutions.
We welcomed back two favourites, Tshisa “hot water in a suitcase” and Paul Dimaio of Spindel – an energy efficient way to deal with wet laundry.
At 25 entities, entrance to our largest EcoFair to date was free.
Mariette Daubenton
