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.

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.

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.

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.

Supernova vol. 4.3

Supernova, the mag for curious kids
vol. 4.3

Butterflies, chocolates, fynbos and more!

So the school year is in full-swing, but life is too short to waste time watching mindless junk on TV once your homework is done. Keep it fun and interesting when you can. There are so many cool things in the latest issue of Supernova that will help you do just that.

One relaxing summer thing you can do (once your homework is done, of course) is to sit outside with this issue and admire all the butterflies on their way east. Have you ever wondered where they go? Now you’ll know! Check out the ‘Inkling’ to make a ‘pit stop’ for the butterflies on their journey.

If you’re in the Cape, take a stroll with your family on one of the many nature trails. Admire the beautiful fynbos, emerging out of the ashes of the recent fires. Did you know that fynbos actually needs fire to germinate, grow and bloom?

There are loads more ideas in this issue to keep life interesting all year round. Make some healthy, but delicious summer treats with melted chocolate to eat while you lounge around the pool. Keep cool (and look cool too) in your own awesome leopard print t-shirt. Learn to flamenco. Lie on the grass and watch the night sky for comets or meteor showers...

See? There are loads of great, fun things to do when your homework is out of the way!

To subscribe:
Email: subscriptions@bkpublishing.co.za
Tel: +27 12 342 5347
Web: www.supernovamagazine.co.za

Eco-friendly pest control

Install a JoJo owl house

One of the biggest threats facing farmers is rodent infestations that cause crop losses equalling millions of rands every year. It’s no better in our cities where both Cape Town and Johannesburg have already publicly declared a war on rats.

The ideal way to control rodent populations is to install an owl house.

Explains Rod Cairns, managing director of JoJo Tanks, “Controlling rodents through the use of conventional methods, such as poisons, are not only costly, but also have a huge negative impact on the planet and our eco-systems. Poisons compromise the quality of crops, local water supplies, and the population of desirable domesticated and wild animals and birds. The JoJo owl house offers environmentally conscious South Africans a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to get rid of rats in a way that does not harm the planet.”

The barn owl particularly takes to owl boxes very readily. The good news is that it is also one of the most successful and widespread predators on Earth and a single pair can consume over 2000 rodents a year. Barn owls are not as territorial as other raptors, so one can install numerous boxes throughout one’s property to effectively control the growing rodent population.

They also regulate their own breeding, in keeping with the rat population of a specific year. If there is a surge in rodent populations, they can breed up to 20 chicks, as there is so much food available. In years where the pickings are leaner, they lay fewer eggs, making them the perfect allies. Barn owls breed mainly from August to September in the Western Cape, and March to May elsewhere. The JoJo owl box is also suitable for spotted eagle-owls that will occupy the box if positioned around the perimeter of storage sites.

The JoJo owl box, a roto-moulded seamless unit, ready for installation, is manufactured from a low-density polyethylene. It is ultraviolet (UV) stabilised to ensure durability in the harsh South African weather and, like all other JoJo products, it carries an 8-year warranty.

Please note that the ideal height above ground is 4m. The nifty doorstep in the entrance to the box ensures that the eggs and chicks remain safely inside.

In built up areas, the owl box should be erected against the south facing or south-east facing side of buildings, preferably under the overhang of the roof.

The JoJo owl box can be installed by:

1. Attaching it to a wall
2. Placing it on a pole (pole base plate included)
3. Affixing it onto a flat surface by cutting off the pole base plate and levelling the bottom surface.

Get a JoJo owl house today – it’s really the most sensible way to control rats.

Guidelines to encourage raptors and owls in assisting with rodent management:

1. It is advisable to have a cleared area of at least 2m wide around the field with perches erected within the area.
2. Perches for raptors should be made of 3m x 50mm gum or poplar poles, and be planted to have a height of 2.4m above the ground surface.
3. Perches for owls can be shorter – 1.6m x 30mm gum or poplar poles that are planted to a height of 1.4m.
4. For both perches, long sisal inflorescence stems may also be used to save on costs.
5. No cross arms should be erected on perches as previous experience indicates that the birds prefer straight poles. Untreated wood is the best to use.
6. To attract owls and diurnal raptors to the perches, it is advisable to scatter a few handfuls of crushed grain around the perches in the late afternoon. Gerbils will soon discover the food, and lure owls and raptors to the perches.
7. It is advisable to remove barbed wire from fences where perches are erected in close proximity to fences as owls are often trapped by barbs when they try and perch on fences. This is particularly true for marsh owls, barn owls and spotted eagle-owls.

Compiled by Riana Greenblo Communications on behalf of JoJo Tanks

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