Sue Swain from BioWise explained that the trees were bought from Pledge Nature Reserve. "We heard that the reserve was having a sale on indigenous trees and immediately ordered eight. We already do what we can to minimise our carbon footprint at the office, but felt that planting these trees would further offset the carbon footprint we do generate. And, of course, September is Arbour Month, the perfect time for tree planting."
"Epilepsy SA is in the process of creating an outside entertainment area and was thrilled at the prospect of having eight indigenous trees to shade this area and add to its atmosphere and ambience. More importantly, the organisation also nominated three persons per tree who will be responsible for its general care and maintenance."
"This simple act has many benefits," Swain continued. "We have offset a percentage of our carbon footprint, a local nature reserve was supported in financial terms, a local charity organisation benefitted and the environment has been enhanced. These are all important aspects of what Knysna Cares... Naturally is all about."
Swain said that the over-arching Naturally Knysna initiative is based on the realisation that human communities - such as the town of Knysna - are simply natural ecosystems, and asks us to function as such. "Natural ecosystems can only function and flourish if all parts of the system work together to ensure the healthy functioning of that system. In other words, all working together to maintain our community.
"Many people have seen the Naturally Knysna presentation and have been inspired to get involved," Swain continued, "It really is quite easy. The best way to maintain our community is by caring for it. And that means caring for all who live in our community, caring for the environment that provides for our essential needs and caring for our community's economic health and vibrancy.
"These three basic functions have given rise to the Knysna Cares... Naturally project.
"The exciting and encouraging fact is that Knysna already cares quite naturally! The large number of charities, non-profit and community-based projects in our community is testament to this fact. Knysna Cares... Naturally merely aims to bring this all together by highlighting what is already being done, providing opportunities for creating connections, linkages and partnerships and creating opportunities for everyone to get involved by presenting various campaigns, projects and programmes."
"Three things underpin the essence of any healthy, successful, vigorous system or town," she said. "These are: a) a cohesive social network and an interconnected, interdependent community unified in purpose and bolstered by its diversity; b) a healthy environment that is actively and continuously restored and regenerated; and c) a vibrant economy based on closing the loops within business, treating waste as a resource and promoting self-reliance.
"We are planning a number of projects within each of these categories to ultimately connect with each other, sharing the common vision of functioning as an interdependent, caring system. And these projects will make it easy for everyone to get involved," said Swain.
"Go Local will ask us to support and celebrate everything local in everything that we do - from the goods and services we buy right through to our local heritage and everything in between. Go Local will be launched in November and we are also hoping to launch a site for the collection of waste oils from motor vehicles, mowers etc. at the end of October - watch the press for details on how to get involved."
"Our two Recycling Swop Shops, thanks to EDGE of AFRICA and 7 Passes Rheenendal, are running fantastically, helping to ensure a cleaner environment and bringing about an awareness that waste has value while providing children with the opportunity to meet some of their own needs. But we do please need on-going donations of clothing, toiletries, stationery, non-perishable foods and pet food.
With donation trolleys located at both the Pick n Pay and Spar, kindly donating these items is easier than ever. And anyone can join the Knysna Cares... Naturally network and volunteer at the charity of your choice.
"All of our projects will be guided by the Naturally Knysna principles of being life-friendly, efficient, adaptable and responsive, on promoting partnerships, creating connectivity and focussing on continuously closing the loops so that we may evolve into as self-reliant and self-sufficient a town as possible," Swain assured.
"We would love to hear about and celebrate what you and your organisation might already be doing, so please fill in the spreadsheet on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/knysnacaresnaturally and we will update our charities/NPO/CBO database and hopefully help to connect people," Swain concluded. "We are a kind and caring society. Let's celebrate that and become ever more so: more caring of our community, our environment and our local economy."
