This month we’re… joining the eco-revolution.
Appreciating beadwork
Gorgeous beadwork is synonymous with Africa and particularly here in Durban where we have a host of skilled crafters who work with beads, including a delightful character by the name of Christopher Kennedy (from Chris Wire Works). You’ll find Chris at local markets and in his home studio working with wire and beads to create both mass-produced as well as bespoke or commissioned wire and beadwork art that adorns the homes of art-lovers here at home and abroad. Details: e-mail him on [email protected] or call 074 768 6246.
Casual fine dining
We were treated to a delicious lunch at the fairly newly-opened Steak Grill and Co on Florida Road – the only steakhouse in South Africa that is housed in a national monument, tastefully designed and offering patrons a whole new dining experience. The kitchen is manned by critically-acclaimed head chef, Simon Mayise, who serves up prime cuts of meat with signature sauces that include truffle mushroom and the yummy blue cheese and vodka, to name just two. There’s a wide range of starters from escargot and oysters to fresh black mussels, beef carpaccio and more and from the grill, you can get stuck into marinated and flame grilled deboned peri-peri chicken, marinated lamb chops, pork and beef ribs or ostrich served with a delish balsamic and red wine reduction. For hearty meat eaters, try the ultimate combos like surf and turf, bespoke burgers and” a fall-off-the-bone lamb shank and a chicken and prawn curry that are simply lekker! For the not-so-hungry there’s an array of salads and seafood. The home’s original gardens have been relandscaped and now house some fascinating public art. You’ll find it at 295 Florida Road, within the popular Urban Regeneration Project. Details: To book, contact 031 521 0269.
Saying no to plastic
If you are a fan of no plastic bag shopping, then you’ll be pleased to know that Woolworths at Kloof’s Delcairn Centre has joined its sister stores across the country in becoming plastic shopping bag free. During a recent trial in four Western Cape stores, more than 100 000 single-use bags were saved from going out into the environment as customers opted for affordable, reusable and recyclable shopping bags made locally out of recycled plastic. The first and only African company to sign The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment endorsed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the World Economic Forum, Woolies is leading the way on this project aimed at positively changing consumer behaviour and for this, we salute them. We’ve already got our hands on a reusable shopping (R5.95) from Woolworths, and hope you join the revolution too.
Stepping out in style
We just love these African-inspired handbags by WeAllShareRoots. Not only are they gorgeous, quirky, fun and on trend, but they are ethically-made in partnership with small organizations in townships and family-owned SMEs meaning they contribute to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Each bag is a unique creation, mixing local genuine leather or Piñatex (a vegan natural leather alternative) and African inspired prints (shweshwe, wax print, etc.) to create a range that includes the Ipanapula (Vegan Clutch) for R995, the Lekker (Foldable Clutch) for R980, the Yebo (Small Clutch) for R860 and the Sharp Sharp (Shopping Bag) for R920. Details: Get the story behind WeAllShareRoots at www.weallshareroots.com or Instagram: weallshareroots or Facebook: Weallshareroots
WIN
We are giving away a small coin purse from WeAllShareRoots valued at R250. To enter, you MUST like and share our Get It Durban Facebook page, as well as the competition post for WeAllShareRoots pinned to the top of the page, then send your contact details to [email protected] before 29 July. Make sure you include the name of the competition in the subject box. Good luck!
Becoming eco warriors
We live in a world over run with plastic and other litter. None of us like it, we all want to help, but we don’t all have the means to do it. Introducing The Upcyclers, a family-run business passionate about recycling and determined to help others become eco-warriors. This little organisation has our vote, because the only thing they get off on is the reward of knowing that every piece of plastic they can keep out of the landfill or the ocean, means they are making a difference. Based in Waterfall, they currently offer their services to suburbs in, around and including Kloof, Assagay and Crestholme, with the hopes of expanding or at least encouraging others in areas further out, do to the same. Membership is only R100 a month and they collect your recyclables once a week. Two reusable bags are provided and all they ask is that all recyclables are cleaned and sorted into a bag of plastics and a mixed bag containing paper, cardboard, glass and tins. After collection, The Upcyclers sort everything into different categories for upcycling, donations to non-profits and recycling with various companies, including Envirotimbers and Wildlands. It’s amazing what can happen when you strive to make a difference! Details: To join the eco-revolution contact them at [email protected]
