Eskom seeks campaign consultant On 4 February Eskom placed a press advertisement for a consultant to identify previously unexplored sources of funds to support its solar water heating programme. This follows a disappointing response to the energy supplier's solar heating initiative in 2008. Eskom general manager of investment strategy, Andrew Etzinger, told Business Report that the company hoped to pay rebates for 10 000 solar geysers in 2008. Instead, a disappointing 800 rebates were paid to consumers. According to Etzinger the campaign was hampered by a lack of funding. Solahart is listed on the Eskom DSM programme. To see how this benefits you, click here. Solar world conference to be held in SA The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) will be hosting the Solar World Conference (SWC) this year. SESSA's Jon Adams will chair the conference at the Sandton Convention Centre from 11- 14 October 2009. The topic of the 29th annual SWC will be "Renewable energy shaping our future". Renewable energy research and developments, along with technological advances in the field and related developments will be brought into focus at the convention. In keeping with sustainability and the congress' environmentally aware theme, the organisers have taken measures to ensure that the convention remains green. Some of the measures put in place to ensure that the congress has as little impact on the environment as possible include a paperless registration process, 100% recycled paper handouts, soy-based inks on all paper and biodegradable and reusable decorations. For more information on the Solar World Congress, visit the SWC website.		Reduce your footprint in second hand shoes In a consumerist society having the latest cellular phone or the most fashionable pair of shoes is a non-debatable issue. Very few consumers realise the damaging effect their insatiable appetite for new products has on the environment. A recent study found that the average American disposes of 30kg clothing and textiles per year. The production of textiles like polyester, which is made from petroleum, leaves a giant pollution footprint that is incredibly damaging on the environment. This footprint is increased even further when these products end up in landfills. The easiest way for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint dramatically is to stop buying new things. Investing in a vintage jacket instead of the latest couture or buying an antique table instead of a new one is a good way to start. Ensuring that the things you no longer use or want don't end up in a landfill, consider selling it or giving it away. The Internet makes this process a lot easier. Global organisations like The Freecycle Network are a good place to start. To read more on the environmental benefits of Solahart solar geysers, click here. Image of the Week This week's Image of the Week was taken by Julia Starr. To see more of her images, visit http://night-fate.deviantart.com/

Eskom seeks campaign consultant On 4 February Eskom placed a press advertisement for a consultant to identify previously unexplored sources of funds to support its solar water heating programme. This follows a disappointing response to the energy supplier's solar heating initiative in 2008. Eskom general manager of investment strategy, Andrew Etzinger, told Business Report that the company hoped to pay rebates for 10 000 solar geysers in 2008. Instead, a disappointing 800 rebates were paid to consumers. According to Etzinger the campaign was hampered by a lack of funding. Solahart is listed on the Eskom DSM programme. To see how this benefits you, click here. Solar world conference to be held in SA The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) will be hosting the Solar World Conference (SWC) this year. SESSA's Jon Adams will chair the conference at the Sandton Convention Centre from 11- 14 October 2009. The topic of the 29th annual SWC will be "Renewable energy shaping our future". Renewable energy research and developments, along with technological advances in the field and related developments will be brought into focus at the convention. In keeping with sustainability and the congress' environmentally aware theme, the organisers have taken measures to ensure that the convention remains green. Some of the measures put in place to ensure that the congress has as little impact on the environment as possible include a paperless registration process, 100% recycled paper handouts, soy-based inks on all paper and biodegradable and reusable decorations. For more information on the Solar World Congress, visit the SWC website.		Reduce your footprint in second hand shoes In a consumerist society having the latest cellular phone or the most fashionable pair of shoes is a non-debatable issue. Very few consumers realise the damaging effect their insatiable appetite for new products has on the environment. A recent study found that the average American disposes of 30kg clothing and textiles per year. The production of textiles like polyester, which is made from petroleum, leaves a giant pollution footprint that is incredibly damaging on the environment. This footprint is increased even further when these products end up in landfills. The easiest way for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint dramatically is to stop buying new things. Investing in a vintage jacket instead of the latest couture or buying an antique table instead of a new one is a good way to start. Ensuring that the things you no longer use or want don't end up in a landfill, consider selling it or giving it away. The Internet makes this process a lot easier. Global organisations like The Freecycle Network are a good place to start. To read more on the environmental benefits of Solahart solar geysers, click here. Image of the Week This week's Image of the Week was taken by Julia Starr. To see more of her images, visit http://night-fate.deviantart.com/