niki writes a bit about going green

It has long been my ambition to become more planet friendly and do more towards saving the environment. I am absolutely in love with my country, and as an out-doorsy kind of person, I try to see as many places as possible – remote and touristy. I have a few favourite weekend spots where I go and unwind – these usually include a good dose of nature.

What has been bothering me, though, is how little people care about their surrounds – we are always debating whether it is because of lack of information, or because of a no-care attitude. I am talking here, for example, about invasive species taking over our beautiful indigenous bush and forest areas. I often try to engage with proprietors to understand why they are not doing something about it, and I have find that some are in fact busy resolving the problem. There are usually financial constraints and often, what I see is a snapshot en-route – not the end result. To take out, for example, a forest of wattle, takes ages. However, I do often find the less-informed and can’t-be-bothereds.

A few years ago, we went to a lodge in the Waterberg. One of the main attractions (published on their web page) was that they are located in an ecologically sensitive area and that they have been doing a lot to conserve their beautiful indigenous bush. When we arrived, however, we encountered a large garden surrounding the lodge (bordering their ecologically sensitive bush), which contained nothing but foreign plants (I call them exdiginous). This included a large lawn of kikuyu. They were very proud to announce that this garden was a new addition. First of all, the person who advised them on the garden should be hanged by the toes, and second of all, these doffies should have their license revoked....say no more.

I will never call myself an expert, but I think that most people who decide to go green, will find themselves in a bit of a conundrum. There is so much information out there and as with everything these days, it is very difficult to sift through the minefield and decide what to do. We hear about cars that are green because they emit such low levels of greenhouse gas, but then some scientist reminds us that the production process for this car is not so green. A well-known packaging company announces that all their packaging is recyclable – but what they omit to tell us, is that there is not a recycling plant for this particular material in South Africa – only in Norway. So the environmental impact of recycling the packaging is far worse than producing the stuff in the first place. Wind turbines are great, but they apparently create noise pollution (and I am holding my breath for some scientist proving that large wind farms cause micro climate changes which in turn has some disastrous impact on some sensitive ecological system down stream). But I am not a scientist, and therefore, admittedly, I have to take my lead from the experts. And I have to accept that what sounds right today, might be proven to be complete bullocks tomorrow.

But I am committed to try. To use an old cliché – the best way to eat an elephant is in small bites. Through my business, I am committed to learn more and do more and hope that others will follow my lead. I am hoping to at least create some momentum amongst the less-informed to find out more, and a tiny bit of guilt amongst those can’t-be-bothereds!

lunch menu

Crostini with Crème Fraîche, fish roe and smoked trout

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Gammon with sliced melon

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Chicken stuffed with buttery garlic cornflakes

served with tomato and basil salsa

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French green bean salad

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Pasta salad with garden herbs

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Traditional trifle (aunty Delia is a star!)

from the garden

Look at this beautiful crocosmia. If you are planning a function, party or wedding in summer, why not go for these - they are indiginous.