Tuesday 26 May 2015

14 Ways to green the classroom

Go eco-friendly on World Environment Day - 5 June


Children are often more aware than adults about the importance of being planet-friendly, and the need to conserve scarce and precious natural resources. Many, however, don’t know which steps to take. Here are some practical and easy ideas from JoJo Tanks to take to school for a greener classroom:

1. Start recycling of paper, plastic and metal in the classroom, and motivate the entire school to participate.

2. Choose reusable packaging and a reusable BPA free water bottle for your lunch box, rather than throwaway plastic bottles.

3. Arrange a recycling day on World Environment Day at your school and encourage everyone to bring their recyclable waste from home.

4. Ask the science teacher to dedicate time on World Environment Day to show everyone how to make your own eco-friendly cleaners from vinegar and water.

5. Plant an indigenous tree outside the classroom for nature on your doorstep and a much cooler classroom.  (A great activity for World Environment Day on June 5.)

6. Grow a few indoor plants in your classroom. They’re not only nature's air filters; they also absorb computer radiation and airborne pollutants, and provide oxygen and cooler air. Winter is a great time to add a few plants because research indicates that indoor plants significantly reduce fatigue and incidences of cold-related ailments like sore throats and coughs.

7. Start a wormbin in your classroom for all the lunch waste.

8. Create a school veggie garden – a fun and educational way to learn about the pleasures of growing and eating fresh, local, organic food.

9. Get rid of disposable pens and pencils, and opt for refillable pens made from recycled plastic or biodegradable plastic, and select pencils made from sustainably harvested wood.

10. When printing, make sure it is double-sided, and use the ‘less ink’ options for all but the most important printing.

11. Use the energy saving settings on your computer.

12. Check for leaks in taps and report to the school management. It’s an easy way to reduce water wastage. One leaking tap can waste more than 2000 litres a month.

13. Put plastic bottles filled with pebbles or sand in the toilet tanks to reduce flushing water.

14. Lobby school management to have a JoJo rainwater-harvesting tank installed at your school.


Press release by Riana Greenblo Communications on behalf of JoJo Tanks.


Wednesday 13 May 2015

The most fun your family will ever have...

NICKFEST!

NICKELODEON TO TAKE OVER THE GLOBE AT SILVERSTAR 
WITH FAMILY-CENTRIC FESTIVAL, 13 &14 JUNE 2015


Kids and family favourite Nickelodeon (DStv channel 305) is teaming up with Tsogo Sun and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust to stage its first ever family-centric festival, NickFest, in Johannesburg at The Globe at Silverstar on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June.

NickFest will thrill kids and parents alike with its unique combination of live music from SA A-listers, character shows and appearances by Nickelodeon superstars SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Packed with fun and interactivity, NickFest promises a fabulous day out for kids of all ages and their families, with designated activities for pre-schoolers, primary school kids, tweens and teens. Of course there’ll also be lots of Nickelodeon’s trademark slime – tons and tons of gooey green stuff   in the awesome Slime Area!

A favourite with SA kids, Nickelodeon currently broadcasts three 24-hour kids channels in SA: Nickelodeon, Nick Jr. and Nicktoons. Nickelodeon consistently ranks as the number one kids and family channel on premium pay-TV in South Africa, thanks to award-winning, ratings-beating programming that puts kids first, including The Nickelodeon Kids’s Choice Awards*, SpongeBob SquarePants, Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Thundermans. Attracting 170 000 viewers per day, Nickelodeon’s viewership is up by 41 percent over the same time last year due to its compelling mix of classic, character-driven shows and a vibrant new programme slate.

During the two day festival, NickFest will welcome more than 4000 kids and families to The Globe, with the site totally transformed into a Nickelodeon wonderland. Two shows will be held on both days at 10:00 and 14:00. Details of performers will be released shortly.

Tasania Parsadh, Senior Channel Manager, Nickelodeon, Africa, comments: “We are delighted to bring NickFest to South Africa, providing a unique, fun-filled day out for kids and their parents to enjoy together. And, as a brand that prides itself of putting ‘Kids First’, we are donating a portion of the proceeds from the event to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust to help ensure South African children have access to improved healthcare facilities.”
In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust, NickFest will also feature The Celebrity Slime Challenge in which well-known celebrities will get doused in slime to raise funds for the charity, which is currently constructing the second paediatric hospital in South Africa, in Parktown, Johannesburg.

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital began construction in April 2014, and is targeted to open in the second half of 2016. The Trust continues to raise funds towards its R1 billion target, of which R620 million has been raised. “It is with support and donations from partners such as NickFest, as well as the public that we look forward to Madiba’s wish becoming a reality. And we look to the global community to continue supporting this project, which will improve children’s health for generations to come,” says Sibongile Mkhabela, CEO of Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust.

On behalf of Silverstar, Sanele Ntombela, Marketing Manager, comments, “As West Rand’s Number 1 entertainment destination, Silverstar is excited to team up with Nickelodeon for the inaugural NickFest. This fantastic, family celebration is the perfect fit for Silverstar’s family oriented profile.”

Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, comments, “We are very excited to launch NickFest in South Africa as it also forms part of our festivities to celebrate VIMN’s 10th year and the 10 channels we have launched in Africa.”

Tickets for NickFest go on sale 11 May 2015 via Computicket, priced R110 per person (entrance free for children under 2). Ten percent of funds from ticket sales will be donated towards the construction of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

For more information on NickFest, please go to www.nickelodeon.com, join us on Twitter @NickAfrica and on Instagram @Nickelodeon_Africa, or like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NickelodeonAfrica. To join the conversation about NickFest use the hashtag #NickFest.


*The Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards (KCA) was the #1 rated show on Nickelodeon during its launch week.(Source: TechEdge, 4+/4-14, 30-03-15 – 05-04-15, Whole Day, M-Su). 
The channel ranked #1 kids’ channel on pay-TV during the premiere broadcast of the KCAs. 
(Source: TechEdge, South Africa, A4+/A4-14, 01/04/2015)


Press release prepared by Capacity Relations.


Tuesday 12 May 2015

You’ve seen the Blue Ribbon ad, now learn the moves

Step-by-step guide to recreating the latest Blue Ribbon TV commercial, ‘My Mom is so cool’, in your living room.
If you haven’t seen the high-energy ‘My Mom is so cool’ commercial from Blue Ribbon, where have you been? In a bold break from tradition, the commercial was created as a contemporary music video, showcasing the dance talent of young South Africans. It’s already got people talking.
Blue Ribbon called on expert choreographer and actress, Lorcia Cooper, to bring the commercial to life. Cooper choreographed the dance sequence by drawing on her extensive knowledge of dance trends including Hip Hop, Pantsula and Kwaito to produce a high-energy routine. 
The selection process for the cast of school kids began with open auditions, and was based on talent and personality. 
The cast was full of energy – there was never a dip in enthusiasm at any point during rehearsals or filming,” says Cooper. “Dance is a fun way to keep young bodies and minds fit and healthy – and with the energy from a balanced diet, kids can fully enjoy growing up.”
On seeing the finished product for the first time, Cooper says, “I was incredibly proud of the kids and couldn’t believe how well the routine worked as both a commercial and a music video.” 
I don’t like to pick favourites, but I really love the Pantsula segments and the closing scene, when all the kids are dancing together – we had so much fun,” she adds.
Cooper hopes this snapshot of young talent will encourage support for South African dance. “I hope to be more involved in the development of the local dance scene, and projects like this one are a step in the right direction,” she concludes.
For more insights watch the behind-the-scenes video, and get moving. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the finale group dance from the Blue Ribbon ‘My Mom is so cool’ commercial. 
Share your moves on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #MmmmYumTaste. 

Issue on behalf of Premier Foods by Gullan&Gullan Advertising.


Monday 11 May 2015

Wear your tekkies for a good cause

29 May 2015 is Tekkie Tax Day!

Jack Parow: Animals ambassador
We know you love your tekkies more than your work or school shoes... So why now swap them for a comfy pair of tekkies on Friday 29 May 2015? Plus, it's for a good cause – it's Tekkie Tax Day!

All you have to do is:

Choose the sector you want to support and YES, you may choose more than one.
Animals
Basic Family Care
Children
Disability or
Education

Then, get your R10 sticker (that is the tax you pay) and wear your tekkies. You can also get a pair of funky shoelaces called 'tekkie tags', if you like. You can get the stickers and 'tekkie tags' from any of the participating welfare organisations or you can order what you need directly from their website.

The project is supported by five well know South African celebrities who will be the official ambassadors for National Tekkie Tax Day this year.

Sade Giliberti: Basic Family Care ambassador

Afrikaans rapper Jack Parow will be the Animals ambassador, Masterchef star Sade Giliberti the Basic Family Care ambassador, Sorina Erasmus (the Flooze) the Children ambassador, much loved Expresso presenter Katlego Maboe the Disability ambassador, and the queen of dance Tebogo Kgobokoe the Education ambassador.


Sorina Erasmus: Children ambassador

The campaign is endorsed by 16 of the biggest and most accountable national NGOs in the country, representing more than 1500 local organisations.
  • Epilepsy SA
  • Child Welfare SA
  • SOS Children's Villages
  • CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation)
  • Special Olympics SA
  • Endangered Wildlife Trust
  • HPCA - Hospice Palliative Care SA
  • Imisebeyelanga Services
  • CANSA
  • Meals on Wheels
  • ACVV
  • VVA
  • Highveld Horse Care Unit
  • Cheshire Homes SA
  • NG Welsyn
  • SAVF... and these are just the national beneficiaries!
    Katlego Maboe: Disability ambassador

    Tebogo Kgobokoe: Education ambassador

Visit www.tekkietax.co.za for more information.



Put your best foot forward this May and support Tekkie Tax Day 
on Friday 29 May 2015.