Index

EnvironmentalMatters

By now, everyone knows our 4x4 Green Guru, Foliage Fundi and the Echo Expert – Raymond du Plessis. This is a man who wants to make difference. And he does. Let’s join him in his efforts to preserve our wilderness for future generations.

TOP CROP

What’s hempening, bru?

Legalising industrial hemp farming in South Africa could turn this head-spinner into a money-spinner overnight. In many countries it’s already recognised as the cash crop of the century that can create jobs and fuel, nourish and clothe people, build houses and reduce our dependence on forest products. Though from the same plant family as marijuana, hemp has no stimulating effect. So what’s not to get high about, then?

Internet websites and social networks are abuzz as more and more people sign a cyber petition to legalise the growing of hemp for industrial use in South Africa. Hemp Now (www.hempnow.co.za) was created to reflect the multitude of support, both locally and globally, to legalise industrial hemp. According to Tony Budden, official spokesperson for Hemp Now and marketing director of Hemporium (www.hemporium.com), the law in South Africa prohibits industrial hemp cultivation.

“Our aim is to change that law.”

Also working on the nationwide appeal to give hemp a chance is Nick Szymanowski, communications director for Hemp Now. He has worked with NGOs, environmental groups, community projects and green companies in Europe, the US and South Africa.

The hemp plant’s more than 50000 recorded uses are not to be sneezed at. What makes a hemp crop even more desirable is that the entire plant can be utilised. The outer stalk can be used for textile fibres, the inner stalk for building materials and cellulose, the seed kernel for nutritional oils, the seed husk for biodegradable plastics and the leaves for re-tilling and fertilising soil after each harvest.

Countries that are already reaping the benefits of hemp’s potential multi-billion dollar industry are Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Greece, Britain, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.

These countries have identified hemp as a wonder crop for more than one reason. Hemp is grown organically. It is naturally resistant to most pests so no pesticides or herbicides are required in its cultivation.

An acre of hemp can yield up to eight dry tons of fibre -- about three times more than cotton. The same crop will also give four times more paper than an acre forest trees.

Hemp makes an extremely durable textile fabric which is four times stronger than cotton. And hemp paper lasts way longer than tree paper. There is said to be an actual piece of hemp paper more than 1500 years old. Hemp paper can also be recycled more often than wood-based paper.

Also, hemp matures in about three to four months, whereas trees take more than 20 years to reach a size worth destroying.Best of all, though, is that the hemp plant has a rapid rate of photosynthesis, which means more oxygen for everyone.

Industrial hemp could provide solutions to many of South Africa’s critical problems. It would create jobs, nourish and clothe people, produce material for house-building and reduce our dependence on wood products from forests and reduce our carbon footprint by providing biodiesel.

Biodiesel is said to be the only alternative fuel that can be used in any standard, unmodified diesel engine.

According to www.hempnow.com hemp can provide two types of fuel: hemp biodiesel, which is made from the oil of the pressed hemp seed, and hemp ethanol/methanol, which is made from the fermented stalk.

It is safe to handle and transport since it is a biodegradable sugar. It is 10 times less toxic than than table salt, has a high ignition point of 149 degrees Celsius, compared to normal diesel that has an ignition point of 52C.

Taking into consideration the soaring oil price, climate change, recurring oil spills, global food shortages and increasing poverty and unemployment, hemp could be the answer everyone is waiting for, its proponents say. You can even make hemp butter brownies, hemp pasta, hemp mayonnaise or a hemp stir-fry.

It seems there is real hope that South Africa will one day reap the benefits of legalising industrial hemp. Research is being carried out by the Agricultural Research Council in Stellenbosch where hemp fibre strains are grown.

The local website, www.hempnow.co.za, displays some novel arguments for legalising of hemp. “We wish to end the botanical racism imposed on the industrial hemp plant. Let’s free the industrial hemp plant from the current apartheid style discrimination. We support legislation change that will allow the hemp plant to grow in peace.”

To sign the petition to legalise hemp in South Africa, go to www.hempnow.co.za

Sources: www.hempcar.com; www.hempnow.com; www.hemporium.co.za

Lotus not into temptation

No, you are not hallucinating. This is real. Lotus has succeeded in manufacturing almost the entire body of the Lotus Eco Elise from hemp fibre instead of fibreglass. The sporty seats are also made of hemp. Watch the clip on YouTube.

What else can hemp be used for?

Now you can really smoke your socks. Hemp fibre can be used like cotton in just about any clothing. It is “perfect” for creating insulation material, surfboards, doors and bricks. Hemp mixed with lime creates bricks and other building material that needs no heating or warming as the seasons change, and emits nearly zero carbon.

High on hemp?

No way, Jose! Despite being from the same plant family, Cannabis sativa, hemp and marijuana are not the same. They might look similar, but hemp lacks the “high” inducing substance known as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, (THC) that is found in marijuana. Although there are traces of THC present in hemp, it has no stimulating effect. For more interesting facts, visit http://www.hemp-guide.com/difference-between-cannabis-and-hemp.html

What has the 4x4 Community been up to?

The 4x4 Community are as active as ever. They have assisted The Friends of Pilanesberg Society (Fops) with their project in August to build new enclosures for the cubs and kittens that are bred at Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary in Midrand.

In the last few years the zoo has had a huge success with breeding of endangered cats such as the South American ocelot and tigers, among other animals. Lory Park Zoo has both Bengal and Siberian tigers and is committed to educating the public about the plight of these amazing cats. The zoo is also home to a number of endangered animals from around the world and of course, South Africa.
In recent years the zoo has expanded and is growing. It is privately owned and relies on entrance fees, sponsorships and donations to be able to develop. Space for cubs and kittens, off display, is now needed. Babies are hand-reared in the baby room, but they need to go outside for natural sunlight during the day. The cub camp has to be restricted to staff only while the babies are building up their immune systems.
The area that was set aside for this camp was developed to offer shade, sunlight and grass and is divided into two enclosures of 3m x 9m, with one safety cage for both in front.Volunteers of the 4x4 Community also planted gum poles to serve as the base frame and doorways to the cages, which was then cladded in wire mesh.They worked for three consecutive weekends to build these enclosures.

For more information, to volunteer your help or to have a look at what the 4x4 Community has achieved, log onto www.4x4community.co.za. For more info on Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary, visit www.lorypark.co.za.

Another interesting 4x4 Community project is a joint venture with the Leopard Conservation Project (LPC). Since 1000 leopards are killed in snares each year, a snare removing weekend will be arranged in the Waterberg/Vaalwater district to remove snares, raise funds and provide logistical support. Read more about LCP on www.leopardcon.co.za

For more information on getting involved with the 4x4 Community or to read more about this project and many other exciting opportunities to make a difference, contact Doug Norval of the 4x4Community Forum on 083 308 4775 or conservation@4x4community.com

HELP THE RHINO

Report rhino poaching

Another rhino was recently shot in the Umfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, which brings the total killed by poachers to 176. The rhino bull was shot in the head with a single shot from an AK-47 rifle in the early hours of Wednesday, 18 August. The horns were surgically removed, indicating that this was the work of a professional.

These pictures were taken by Doug Norval at Bora. The first is the collection of skulls and the second is an example of how the poachers cut right through the sinus and nasal cavities to remove the horn.The problem with this is that currently a lot of the rhino are darted, not shot. If they are found in time, they can be saved, but with a wound like this, the animal bleeds to death.

Rhino Poaching Hotline: 082 404 2128

What is Wessa?

Founded in 1926, the Wildlife and Environment Society of SA is South Africa (Wessa) is the oldest and largest non-government, membership-based environmental organisation in the country. Wessa maintains a watchful eye on the South African environment through its extensive network of regional offices, branches, friends groups and environmental clubs.

Its vision is to achieve a South Africa that is wisely managed by all to ensure long-term environmental sustainability, while its mission is to have the public participate in “caring for the earth”.

Wessa believes that civil society is very concerned by the seriousness of the situation and thus would like to create the opportunity for people to get involved and make a difference.

What can they do?

Wessa wants to raise funds for the Rhino Initiative so that conservation areas (including private reserves) can increase their overall security by building and increasing capacity of existing anti-poaching staff, employ additional trained personnel and provide anti-poaching resources and technologies

Wessa would facilitate the process of involving and supporting all custodians of rhinos, while acknowledging the work already being done by the conservation authorities.

What can you do?

Make a donation and SMS “Rhino” to 40706, or make a donation to Wessa with the reference “Rhino”.
Account Name: WESSA National Office
Bank: First National Bank (or FNB)
Branch: Howick
Branch Code: 220725
Account Number: 52530037988
Swift Code: FIRN ZA JJ (For donations originating outside of South Africa)

For more information, visit www.wessa.org.za. Wessa is a Section 21 company registered as an Incorporated Association not for gain.

In a block:

"Tell people - and they may forget...
show them - they may remember...
but involve them and they will understand."
Confucius

CONTACT DETAILS

Tuffstuff 4x4 Insurance: Raymond du Plessis: Raymond@tuffstuff.co.za, www.tuffstuff.co.za

Tel. 012-310 3425.The

Wessa: 033 3303931, marketing@wessa.co.za

4x4 Community: contact Doug Norval: 083 308 4775, conservation@4x4community.com