WASTE MANAGEMENT

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In a press release distributed by the Eden District Municipality last week it was noted that most of the waste arriving at the landfill site consists of recyclable materials. If these were recycled it would greatly reduce the amount of waste arriving at the site.

The press release continued:
“During an Eden district-wide study, it became evident that municipalities lack information, regarding the different types and volumes of waste, featured in their Integrated Waste Management Plans.
For this reason, Eden District Municipality (Eden DM) took the initiative, to procure the necessary equipment required to conduct waste characterisation studies. This was done with the prize money received from the Greenest District Municipality Awards that was won in 2015.

“From August 2015, the Eden DM Waste Management Section conducted waste characterisation studies in the Bitou, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Hessequa and Oudtshoorn municipal areas.

“The reason behind these studies has been to obtain and provide a breakdown of the composition and quantities of household and commercial waste collected from different outlets and disposed at landfill sites. This information is needed to ensure proper integrated waste management planning.
“A representative sample, relative to the total number of households per sub-area, was collected, identified, sorted and weighed. The waste was categorised into 15 different waste types, namely: soft plastics; hard plastics; paper; cardboard; glass metal; food waste; garden waste; textiles; wood waste; inert waste; nappies; e-waste; and hazardous waste and more (waste that does not fall under the aforementioned categories).

“The results obtained from the different sub-areas within the different municipalities, illustrated different trends in waste generation. These trends will be significant in identifying and prioritising the type of waste minimisation areas and management initiatives to implement in the various sub-areas.
For example, home composting initiatives should be implemented in the sub-areas where garden waste was the most prominent component of the waste sampled.

“A waste characterisation study is planned for early 2017 in the George municipal area, whereafter similar studies will follow in the other local municipalities within the Eden district. The above mentioned studies will be performed on a bi-annual basis, in order to determine the seasonal waste generation trends.”

LIFE… with Elsa

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Why is my teenager cranky?
As we all know, the way teens and adults think and experience things vary completely.
Teenagers are sensitive and take everything personal.
In my professional opinion, teenagers behave in certain ways to avoid pain or gain pleasure and their behaviour is usually 95% of time, never who they really are. It does not make their behaviour okay, but it helps understanding it.
Teens are constantly concerned with what others think of them, which makes it difficult for them to reach their goals, trust themselves and follow their dreams/hearts.

The best things a parent/guardian
/educator can do to help teenagers are:
Show them a mirror of their potential.
Show them how much you believe in their potential.
Inspire them to reach their potential.
Find effective ways to communicate.
Last but MOST important; Lead by example.
The best thing a teenager can do for himself/herself;
Communicate your thoughts/feelings/beliefs to those you love
Keep good company – people that are uplifting and contribute to you dreams.
Just be yourself
It is essential for teens to understand themselves and their emotions, have control over their emotions, know their potential, know their purpose, and be in balance.
This will enable them to fore stand peer-pressure and other curve-balls life might throw at them. It will also enable them to completely be themselves, love life and reach their full potential.

Master NLP Pracitioner and Transformation Coach
Elsa Cronje 

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Collars & Leads

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Collars should be introduced to your puppy right away. Do not be concerned if he initially scratches at it or shakes his head. Though he may resist wearing a collar, soon he will not even notice it is on.
There are four basic types of collars: buckle collars, choke collars, halter collars, and prong collars. Buckle collars are the only collars recommended for puppies younger than four months of age, and the only collar that is safe to leave on any dog while unsupervised. Stronger dogs over four months old that pull hard on leads may need a choke collar, or in extreme cases, a prong collar…still, only when on a lead. Better yet, use a halter-type collar which gives you much more control and is less likely to irritate or damage the throat and neck area.

Teaching puppy
Your puppy will accept a lead (leash) much more readily if you introduce it gradually. Under your supervision, begin by letting your puppy drag the lead around the yard to get him used to the feel of minor pressure on his neck. As he walks around, follow him, then gently pick up the lead and walk with him. Keep the lead held high and speak in a friendly, encouraging manner as you walk.
At this early stage, do not look for the disciplined precision of a formal heel. Your goal is simply to get your pup comfortable with the leash and to walk with you without resistance. If he starts to pull out in front, gently reverse your direction and make a noise to distract your pup. No verbal commands should be used during this introduction. You are simply helping your puppy become accustomed to the weight and feel of the lead.
Taking the time to properly introduce your puppy to the collar and lead sets the stage for teaching your puppy the basic elements of obedience. The goal is to have your puppy accept a collar and lead calmly, without resisting.

For puppies, collars and leads with lighter hardware (buckles, snaps, and rings) are best. When grown, you can replace with heavy-duty hardware if appropriate for your breed. Be sure to check your puppy’s collar size frequently and loosen it as your puppy’s neck grows.