Tag Archive for: Plettenberg Bay

Change Makers | Lunchbox Theatre

Mcedisi Ncedani and Stuart Palmer. Stuart started Lunch Box Theatre in 2007, bringing theatre projects as primary awareness raising tools for important issues that are relevant to South Africa’s youth ©David Peter Harris

Mncedisi Ncedani and Stuart Palmer. Stuart started Lunchbox Theatre in 2007, bringing theatre projects as primary awareness raising tools for important issues that are relevant to South Africa’s youth ©David Peter Harris

 

I met up with Stuart, Founder/Director/Facilitator/Script Writer and Actor of Lunchbox Theatre and Mncedisi Ncedani, Actor, Facilitator, Project Manager and Dreamer, after their catchy and  engaging Whale Show at a Primary School in New Horizons, Plettenberg Bay.

“There is so much passion in what we do. Passion for the theatre, passion for using our craft in a fun and educational way, passion for reaching kids, who are the generation of tomorrow; at this age group, they are young enough  to have that sense of wonder with vivid imaginations but they also start to measure their own impact in the world, and when they walk out of here, something has set in. So this is not just a job, this is a calling. “

 

Wanda the Whale, the star of the Whale show, is made entirely out of recycled materials. This amazing puppet was brought to life by South African Artist Simon Max Bannister ©David Peter Harris

Wanda the Whale, the star of the Whale show, is made entirely out of recycled materials. This amazing puppet was brought to life by South African Artist Simon Max Bannister ©David Peter Harris

Since 2007, Lunchbox has been using theatre as a medium to educate South Africa’s youth (grade 3 to Grade 7) and foster employment. Lunchbox Theatre is based in the Western Cape.

Read more on Lunchbox Theatre or make contact via their Eco Atlas page.

Change Makers | Florence Chabanel

Florence Chabanel, co-owner of Le Fournil de Plett, Plettenberg Bay. @ David Peter Harris.

Florence Chabanel, co-owner of Le Fournil de Plett, Plettenberg Bay. @ David Peter Harris.

 

On my first visit to Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, I was pleased to find many stations where people could drop their recycling in the colourful bins. That was just one of the many signs that Plett is not only the ultimate holiday escape, but is a town built on firm eco ethics and awareness. Florence Chabanel, the French half of Le Fournil de Plett, is one of the drivers of this inspiring eco shift.

“Our passion is making our customers happy, in the same way you would treat your friends at home. We believe that you are what you eat, so nothing tops natural food that is chemical and preservative-free . At Le Fournil we are proud to make all our dishes from scratch, from home-made artisan breads to real stock for our hearty soups.  Sourcing and offering free-range and organic products as much as we can is our ethic and neither Jane (co-owner) or myself are ready to compromise.”


“What difference do we make in the world? We actively  participate in educating people’s taste as well as making our staff proud of their skills and their creations. So maybe we are not making a difference to the big world but we certainly do make a difference in our small,  little world. “

 

Le Fournil de Plett prides itself in a business ethos and inspiring eco choices, which pave the way for bigger changes.

Pop in for an almond croissant and a cup of coffee, or visit their Eco Atlas page.

Truly GOOD Holiday Guide to Plett

holiday guide

Here is a useful guide to making your holiday in Plett all the more mindful with practical tips on finding places to eat, shop and play that are good for both people and the planet…

 

Eating out….

If you are looking for restaurants that will serve you up truly delicious free range eggs for your breakfast or meal have a look here

If you’ll only eat chicken when you know it’s free range, these are the restaurants to visit

And if organic greens are your thing this is where you should go, or if you’re more specifically looking for organic vegan places to eat out, click here

For a general perusal of restaurants in Plett that have factored in people & planet friendly practices have a look here

 

Getting Active…

Why not go for an eco friendly kayak on the ocean, take a short or long guided hike through nature, explore the birding routes, go on an untouched adventure or an unforgettable kloofing experience?

And if you’re looking for Fair Trade certified activities then this is the place to look

 

Shopping local…

If you’re passionate about buying local, fresh, organic and free range, then this is the market to visit. Or if you’re up for a Saturday adventure then take a short drive to this fabulous farmer’s market.

And if you miss the market days then this is the farm stall to visit or you could get fresh greens directly from this organic farm

You could even have fresh farm produce from the area delivered to your doorstep!

Some of the greatest exports from Plett are these locally made biodegradable cleaning products,  or these exquisite skincare products, all natural and not tested on animals, of course! Stock up while you’re here. Or support a fantastic community project making shwe-shwe hotboxes that will cook your food while you’re on the beach, find where to get them here

 

Recycling…

Recycling is actively happening in Plett, you’ll see the new drop off points on Marine Drive and on the Piesang River, but they’ll even pick up your recycling from your holiday home! Simply put all your clean recyclables (paper, plastic, tin and glass) in a clear bag outside, the day after your usual rubbish collection day. And voila, you can give all those holiday champagne bottles a new life!

Oh and speaking of champagne you’ll need the local variety, or visit this new tasting room to try out the full spectrum of locally produced wines (and craft beers from the Cape).

 

 Footprints in the sand…

Breathe deep on the fresh sea air, stretch your sun kissed body, up the feel good factor of your holiday and leave only your footprints in the sand, taking with you memories of magical moments….

 

(If you have a fantastic experience at any of the above eco ethical hotspots why not share the love and rate & review them? Or grow the planet friendly list and recommend a place that you think should be in the limelight)

 

Taking Time out in Treehaven, PLETT

The secret of the Garden Route is its surprises. Hanois Crescent winds up the side of a Plett hill that appears fairly ordinary and urban. Getting out at number 45 is a point of departure as well as arrival. You know that wands are made from trees, right? Maybe that explains the magic …

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Winding down wooden steps, I came to a bright doorway that suggested a Bauhaus for hobbits: clean, cute and classy. It opened to a ‘reception’  that felt more like a huge tree house that blends dining room, kitchen, patio and bush. A cascade of creativity and nature and optimal use of space: that’s Feo Sachs’ touch. He’s the resident architect responsible for every building in the spell or, rather, dell. Entire walls of glass and clever angles lend each separate building grandeur and nature in equal proportions. It’s mesmerising. And perfect for guests with dogs as TreeHaven is pet friendly.

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After introductions, Feo’s wife, Carol, whisked me off on a maze of lush pathways snaking through dappled milkwood and wild olive boughs.  On the way I met worms with their own farm. “Vermiculture” said the artist slash tour guide, “we give them all our organic waste, and I feed all my plants with their juice and encourage my staff to sell it for extra cash.” The ingenuity and generosity of a good person with a natural plan still curls through my mind with the paths, like the lines in her paintings. You’ll see them spotted around the dwellings, celebrating life.

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For a change of mood from your own balcony or view, take a walk around the garden and find the little bench amongst the jasmine bushes and you’ll understand why the proprietors think of it as their own private biome.

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The studio I stayed in is a corner of paradise replete with nesting Loeries and a north-facing patio that tracks the sun season in, season out.

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Immersed in natural isolation despite having neighbours nearby, I didn’t leave for the rest of the day, though the beach was calling and the weather near perfect.

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When strains of Carol and Feo’s classical music faded, I tuned in to a myriad of other winged ones singing the song of a sunny afternoon in a private idyll. By nightfall, the frogs sang too, and sleep was deep.

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Tip  : use insect repellent. Big mozzies from the bullrushes below.

To find out more about their Eco Choices or make a booking, visit the Treehaven page on Eco Atlas.

Of whales, dolphins and sea kayaks

Dolphin Adventures Sea Kayaking give us insight on the changing weather patterns and what that means for the kind of sightings you will have on a sea kayak trip in the beautiful bay of Plett on the Garden Route….and why going out on a sea kayak is one of the most eco-friendly activities around!

eco tourism plett south africaOver the years on our sea kayak trips we have noticed our climate has been changing and these changes are affecting our marine life, in particular the Southern Right Whales. Over the past two years, sightings of Southern Right whales have dropped in our area (don’t worry, the population as a whole are on the increase, they are just changing patterns and travelling further Westward), but we see more Brydes and Humpbacks than before. Our dolphin sightings are awesome and include the ever playful Bottlenose, super energetic Commons and the highly endangered Humpback dolphins.  We have a variety of sea birds which are often sighted as well as the ever growing Cape Fur seal population on Robberg Peninsula, which has also been home to a huge Elephant Seal for the last year. There are a lot of other animals sighted like turtles, Otters, Sunfish, Penguins, we never know what we will find, and that is why every trip is very different.

Whales and dolphins live in a world of water and sound. They feed, communicate and find their way around their world using sound. If we humans pump oil or chemicals into that world, or high levels of unnatural noise, then the animals will suffer. Chemical spills, seismic noise used to find oil and gas, conducting loud military exercises at sea and increases in boat traffic can all put dolphins and whales in danger by causing them to strand on our coastlines.

It is not too late for humans to learn to live responsibly, allowing the continued survival of all creatures and the continued health of this planet. The task is large, but not impossible if we each consider the influence we have in our lives and how much we can accomplish together. Each one of us can make a difference if we are willing to take an active role.

Written by Kira Primo, if you would like to learn more about their eco choices or book a trip visit their page on Eco Atlas.

 

eco tourism outdoor activity       robberg peninsula plettenberg bay

eco activities south africa