A day of celebration was held at the CoCreate Hub in the heart of Stellenbosch as Earth Day 2024 celebrations took place on Monday 22 April.
Held in collaboration with CoffeeMM, EcoMaties and various local small businesses and NGOs that trade from the hub, the event aimed to raise awareness of Earth Day while highlighting local products, initiatives and expertise in the sustainability space.
CoffeeMM, a business trading from the hub, took the lead in organising educational activities to promote awareness and collective action for change. “We wanted, today, to be a demonstration of CoffeeMM’s ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and environmental consciousness, and that’s why it was important for us to ensure a day filled with engaging experiences,” said CoffeeMM marketing and brand coordinator, Daniëlle Gerber.
The activities included planting plants in reused coffee cups, crafting scrubs with coffee grounds and talks on sustainability. Anaïs Breytenbach, chairperson of EcoMaties, discussed this year’s Earth Day theme, “Planet Vs Plastic”, while Lizé Myburgh, a master’s student researching predator-friendly, regenerative farming, shared insights into sustainable practices.
The event culminated in the serving of a snack of popped sorghum, a water-efficient alternative to popcorn, prepared by chef Kaylen Rolfe from Rae’s Place, also a vendor at the hub and seasoned with the Sustainability Institute’s Wild Harvest Range.
This was followed by a facilitated discussion prompting reflection on humans’ relationship with food and the environment. Wadi’s Kitchen, Rae’s Place and Creamy Creations added even more flavour to the menu with smoothies, vegetarian and vegan meals.
Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to engage with various displays and presentations. These included a showcase of indigenous grains by Dr Ethel Phiri, a display of eco-friendly feminine hygiene products by Lady Talk Matters and a display of products made from recycled animal snares – an initiative of the Ajubatus Foundation which focuses on conservation.
Basil Williams from Herbal View Hydroponics delighted visitors with fresh, locally produced vegetables, herbs, and pestos, while Siena Charles fired up the coals to bake fresh roosterkoek and share her philosophy of up-cycling through a quaint display of some of “Siena’s treasures” from her garden in Kylemore.
In the courtyard, Julia and Andiswa Mokoena from There is Life Here in Khayamandi creatively demonstrated what the fight against plastic pollution could look like. It crochets plant-pot holders using plastic shopping bags, some of which are already made from recycled plastic.
The duo, together with a larger group of women from the township, sells its up-cycled products to raise funds for a soup kitchen that feeds children and the elderly three times a week.
Said Susan Yallop, CoCreate Hub manager: “We are grateful for the community’s involvement in Earth Day 2024. For us, this special day just reaffirms our commitment to fostering connection, inspiring innovation, and raising awareness of social impact initiatives.”
