Somarelang Tikologo
Encyclopedia
Somarelang Tikologo is a member-based environmental NGO
located in Gaborone
, Botswana
. The aim of the organization is to promote sustainable environmental protection by educating, demonstrating and encouraging best practices in environmental planning, resource conservation and waste management in Botswana.
ST has a small, dedicated staff and hundreds of committed volunteer members that undertake numerous environmental awareness raising activities throughout the community each year.
lecturers, due to a concern about the state of Gaborone's environment. These lecturers operated Somarelang Tikologo activities out of their offices for a year.
In 1994 ST was officially registered as a Society. The First Annual General Meeting was held in March 1995, at which the first Executive Committee was elected and membership fees decided upon.
Today Somarelang Tikologo has more than 500 individual members, 50 corporate members and 22 Life members supporting its network in Botswana. An Environmental Resource Centre operates daily at the office, and publications include fact sheets, newsletters, workshop proceedings and educational materials.
, with an aim to ultimately achieve safe and proper landfill disposal with a focus on recycling
. This waste management approach aims at conserving and protecting the limited and fragile natural resources, maintaining a healthy and clean environment, and a conducive environment for sustainable development.
Somarelang Tikologo has an on-site Recycling Center where anyone in Gabarone can drop off recyclable materials. Once sorted, the plastic
s and glass
are transported by truck to recycling facilities in South Africa
and all paper
products are transported by truck to recycling facilities in Zimbabwe
. The costs to transport all recyclable materials in this way is generously donated by Kgalagadi Beverages Trust.
and the rest of Botswana
. This includes issues relating to public open spaces, urban agriculture, public transport, recreational facilities, and public participation in the decision making process.
Somarelang Tikologo is currently developing an Ecological Park.
Sub-Committee of Somarelang Tikologo provides a venue for the members of Somarelang Tikologo to voice their concerns regarding the state of Botswana's environment, and contribute to making positive change in Botswana's environmental situation through various activities. Such activities aim to promote a greater awareness of environmental issues to the general public and certain target groups, and have a positive impact on local communities and the environment.
The Sub-Committee specifically focuses on the following objectives in relation to the environmental planning of Greater Gaborone and the rest of Botswana:
* To provide marketing support to and promote the efforts of each Sub-committee.
* To assist in the development of fundraising plans
* To implement selected fundraising activities
* To develop and implement the communication strategies for ST (Newsletters, brochure, website, promotional products, etc.)
* To develop and promote the Green Shop project
* To provide advice on income-generation projects
* To develop and implement a Membership Program
* To develop and implement a Volunteer Program
The park was officially opened by the Botswana Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Hon. Onkokame kitso Mokaila on February 27, 2009. The park itself consists of five main components: Playground for children, the Green Shop, Community Organic Garden, Recycling Center, and Eco Cafe.
Items offered for sale include jewellery
, hand bags
, hat
s, baskets, home decor, natural marula products and herbal teas.
manure
, chili powder and food remains. Chicken
manure
helps to make vegetables grow without polluting the groundwater and the chili powder scares away insects without killing them. Rainwater collected in tanks is also used to water the plants, making the entire process sustainable without posing a threat to the environment.
Organic vegetables such as spinach
, rapeseed
, spring onions, chomolia
, chonga, tomatoes and beet root are all grown seasonally.
, paper
, plastics and cans which are then collected for recycling by respective recycling companies. All plastic
s and glass
are transported by truck to recycling facilities in South Africa
and all paper
products are transported by truck to recycling facilities in Zimbabwe
.
The first of its kind in Botswana, this drop-off center has been used as a pilot project for the development of a number of other recycling drop-off centers constructed within Gaborone
. It provides opportunites for Batswana (people of Botswana) to participate in the whole waste management process, which begins with sorting waste at home.
.
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
located in Gaborone
Gaborone
' is the capital and largest city of Botswana with a population of 191,776 based on a 2006 survey, about 10% of the total population of Botswana....
, Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
. The aim of the organization is to promote sustainable environmental protection by educating, demonstrating and encouraging best practices in environmental planning, resource conservation and waste management in Botswana.
ST has a small, dedicated staff and hundreds of committed volunteer members that undertake numerous environmental awareness raising activities throughout the community each year.
History
ST was initiated in 1991 by three University of BotswanaUniversity of Botswana
The University of Botswana, or UB was established in 1982 as the first institution of higher education in Botswana. The university has four campuses: two in the capital city Gaborone, one in Francistown, and another in Maun. The university is divided into six faculties: Business, Education,...
lecturers, due to a concern about the state of Gaborone's environment. These lecturers operated Somarelang Tikologo activities out of their offices for a year.
In 1994 ST was officially registered as a Society. The First Annual General Meeting was held in March 1995, at which the first Executive Committee was elected and membership fees decided upon.
Today Somarelang Tikologo has more than 500 individual members, 50 corporate members and 22 Life members supporting its network in Botswana. An Environmental Resource Centre operates daily at the office, and publications include fact sheets, newsletters, workshop proceedings and educational materials.
Waste Management
The country of Botswana has yet to impose legislation governing the collection of recyclable materials. As such, waste levels are quite high. Somarelang Tikologo promotes the internationally acclaimed Waste Management Hierarchy of Reduce, Reuse, RecycleRecycling
Recycling is processing used materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution and water pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse...
, with an aim to ultimately achieve safe and proper landfill disposal with a focus on recycling
Recycling
Recycling is processing used materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution and water pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse...
. This waste management approach aims at conserving and protecting the limited and fragile natural resources, maintaining a healthy and clean environment, and a conducive environment for sustainable development.
Somarelang Tikologo has an on-site Recycling Center where anyone in Gabarone can drop off recyclable materials. Once sorted, the plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
s and glass
Glass
Glass is an amorphous solid material. Glasses are typically brittle and optically transparent.The most familiar type of glass, used for centuries in windows and drinking vessels, is soda-lime glass, composed of about 75% silica plus Na2O, CaO, and several minor additives...
are transported by truck to recycling facilities in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and all paper
Paper
Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets....
products are transported by truck to recycling facilities in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
. The costs to transport all recyclable materials in this way is generously donated by Kgalagadi Beverages Trust.
Resource Conservation
The Somarelang Tikologo Resource Conservation Subcommittee conducts demonstration projects at local schools in Gabarone, as well as country-wide awareness-raising campaigns to educate Botswana about the importance of conservation of these resources. Popular topics of education include increasing the efficiency with which resources are utilised as well as to ensure equity in the distribution of the benefits accrued from harnessing said resources.Environmental Planning
The Environmental Planning Sub-Committee aims to promote the integration of environmental issues into urban planning in Greater GaboroneGaborone
' is the capital and largest city of Botswana with a population of 191,776 based on a 2006 survey, about 10% of the total population of Botswana....
and the rest of Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
. This includes issues relating to public open spaces, urban agriculture, public transport, recreational facilities, and public participation in the decision making process.
Somarelang Tikologo is currently developing an Ecological Park.
PR & Fundraising
The Fundraising and Public RelationsPublic relations
Public relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
Sub-Committee of Somarelang Tikologo provides a venue for the members of Somarelang Tikologo to voice their concerns regarding the state of Botswana's environment, and contribute to making positive change in Botswana's environmental situation through various activities. Such activities aim to promote a greater awareness of environmental issues to the general public and certain target groups, and have a positive impact on local communities and the environment.
The Sub-Committee specifically focuses on the following objectives in relation to the environmental planning of Greater Gaborone and the rest of Botswana:
* To provide marketing support to and promote the efforts of each Sub-committee.
* To assist in the development of fundraising plans
* To implement selected fundraising activities
* To develop and implement the communication strategies for ST (Newsletters, brochure, website, promotional products, etc.)
* To develop and promote the Green Shop project
* To provide advice on income-generation projects
* To develop and implement a Membership Program
* To develop and implement a Volunteer Program
Ecological Park
Somarelang Tikologo is located inside an ecological park at Plot 3491 Ext 4 in Gabarone, Botswana.The park was officially opened by the Botswana Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Hon. Onkokame kitso Mokaila on February 27, 2009. The park itself consists of five main components: Playground for children, the Green Shop, Community Organic Garden, Recycling Center, and Eco Cafe.
Playground For Children
The playground is open to the community for families and children to visit anytime during business hours. The purpose of the playground is to demonstrate fun and environmentally friendly ways that locals can make their own yards more entertaining, and also to help establish Somarelang Tikologo and thus Recycling as a welcomed part of the community.Green Shop
The Green Shop is a small store in ST's Ecological Park. All products for sale are made with recycled materials and are provided by local people in Gabarone, most of whom are poverish or unemployed. The purpose of the Green Shop is to encourage recycling and environmental awareness by promoting the re-use and sale of recyclable products. It also provides opportunities for urban and rural Batswana (people of Botswana) to generate income by selling green products and acts as a source of funding for Somarelang Tikologo’s other environmental initiatives.Items offered for sale include jewellery
Jewellery
Jewellery or jewelry is a form of personal adornment, such as brooches, rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.With some exceptions, such as medical alert bracelets or military dog tags, jewellery normally differs from other items of personal adornment in that it has no other purpose than to...
, hand bags
Bags
-Nickname:* Jeff Bagwell, a former Major League Baseball player* Milt Jackson, a famous jazz vibraphonist nicknamed "Bags"-Other:* Oxford bags, a form of baggy trousers originating from the University of Oxford* Cornhole, a game commonly referred to as bags...
, hat
Hat
A hat is a head covering. It can be worn for protection against the elements, for ceremonial or religious reasons, for safety, or as a fashion accessory. In the past, hats were an indicator of social status...
s, baskets, home decor, natural marula products and herbal teas.
Community Organic Garden
As a way of educating the public and demonstrating how to cultivate organically grown vegetables, Somarelang Tikologo operates an organic garden using no pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Plants are fertilized with a natural brew of chickenChicken
The chicken is a domesticated fowl, a subspecies of the Red Junglefowl. As one of the most common and widespread domestic animals, and with a population of more than 24 billion in 2003, there are more chickens in the world than any other species of bird...
manure
Manure
Manure is organic matter used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Manures contribute to the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are trapped by bacteria in the soil...
, chili powder and food remains. Chicken
Chicken
The chicken is a domesticated fowl, a subspecies of the Red Junglefowl. As one of the most common and widespread domestic animals, and with a population of more than 24 billion in 2003, there are more chickens in the world than any other species of bird...
manure
Manure
Manure is organic matter used as organic fertilizer in agriculture. Manures contribute to the fertility of the soil by adding organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, that are trapped by bacteria in the soil...
helps to make vegetables grow without polluting the groundwater and the chili powder scares away insects without killing them. Rainwater collected in tanks is also used to water the plants, making the entire process sustainable without posing a threat to the environment.
Organic vegetables such as spinach
Spinach
Spinach is an edible flowering plant in the family of Amaranthaceae. It is native to central and southwestern Asia. It is an annual plant , which grows to a height of up to 30 cm. Spinach may survive over winter in temperate regions...
, rapeseed
Rapeseed
Rapeseed , also known as rape, oilseed rape, rapa, rappi, rapaseed is a bright yellow flowering member of the family Brassicaceae...
, spring onions, chomolia
CHOMOLIA
Chomolia is a vegetable widely farmed in Zimbabwe. It is usually prepared as a relish for porridge . Chomolia is green in colour and households grow it in their domestic gardens, watering them at least once a week. In the rainy season there is hardly any watering necessary...
, chonga, tomatoes and beet root are all grown seasonally.
Public Recycling Drop-off Center
The drop-off center was officially opened in the Ecological Park on September 1, 2005. It is intended to reduce the amount of solid waste going into landfills. Members of the public are encouraged to drop off glassGlass
Glass is an amorphous solid material. Glasses are typically brittle and optically transparent.The most familiar type of glass, used for centuries in windows and drinking vessels, is soda-lime glass, composed of about 75% silica plus Na2O, CaO, and several minor additives...
, paper
Paper
Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets....
, plastics and cans which are then collected for recycling by respective recycling companies. All plastic
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
s and glass
Glass
Glass is an amorphous solid material. Glasses are typically brittle and optically transparent.The most familiar type of glass, used for centuries in windows and drinking vessels, is soda-lime glass, composed of about 75% silica plus Na2O, CaO, and several minor additives...
are transported by truck to recycling facilities in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and all paper
Paper
Paper is a thin material mainly used for writing upon, printing upon, drawing or for packaging. It is produced by pressing together moist fibers, typically cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or grasses, and drying them into flexible sheets....
products are transported by truck to recycling facilities in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
.
The first of its kind in Botswana, this drop-off center has been used as a pilot project for the development of a number of other recycling drop-off centers constructed within Gaborone
Gaborone
' is the capital and largest city of Botswana with a population of 191,776 based on a 2006 survey, about 10% of the total population of Botswana....
. It provides opportunites for Batswana (people of Botswana) to participate in the whole waste management process, which begins with sorting waste at home.
Eco Cafe
The Eco Cafe is an environmentally friendly refreshment stand offering guests to Somarelang Tikologo's ecological park a selection of organic and all natural snacks grown and processed in environmentally friendly ways. Preparation and service of the items sold in the Eco Cafe are selected after considering their effects on the environment.Enviro Cycling Challenge
Somarelang Tikologo, with the help of BPOMAS will be hosting a Cycling event to be held on Sunday11 October 2009 at 06H00 at the Notwane Grounds next to the national stadium. This is to commemorate World Habitat Day which is a reminder to care and take collective responsibility for the habitat.Partnerships
Students Without Borders (SWB) and World University Service of Canada (WUSC) provides Somarelang Tikologo with volunteers from CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.