#doDifferent

Scents have a massive impact on our daily lives. Since smell is so intricately connected to our memory and emotions, the scents we encounter help to set our mood and change the dynamic of our environment. read more »

The sad reality of modern life is that the result of every process and every product is a waste of some form. Much of this waste stems from materials designed for a single-use. Sadly, following this single-use, a lot of this waste finds its way into oceans and the atmosphere and has got us to a critical environmental situation. read more »

We tend to think that the big changes required to fix all the problems society faces must come from big solutions. The #doDifferent philosophy focuses more on each small choice we make adding up to large-scale change. One Cape Town-based company exemplifies how even the small items we might overlook can make an impact. read more »

Salt. It’s the difference between bland and tasty food. It can also be the difference between simply consuming or making the choice to #doDifferent and make a positive impact. One South African brand is choosing to make this often-overlooked product have an outsized positive impact. read more »

With many South African consumers often not having enough money to cover their necessities, it is no surprise that more people have been purchasing things like clothes on lay-by. Purchasing on lay-by allows consumers to pay off an item on a monthly basis with no added interest, and they may collect it once it is fully paid for. read more »

Inequality of education continues to plague South Africa, possibly as its most worrying and tragic challenge. Not only are most public schools underfunded, but large portions of school goers are subject to the effects of historical education inequality and economic inequality. Access to learning materials such as books and stationery is difficult or out of reach for many. These are the basics, and without them, it is near impossible to improve education outcomes. read more »

Often corporate social investment programmes are box-ticking exercises which, though doing some temporary good, do nothing to genuinely change the circumstances for those they aim to help. Changing circumstances means genuine empowerment for people to build on and thrive. read more »

This week we look at a Stellenbosch vineyard choosing to #doDifferent in their approach to winemaking. Journeys End are a vineyard and winery producing a range of handcrafted boutique wines. Operating in a highly competitive local market they have chosen to focus on sustainable agriculture and social impact along with their terroir focussed approach to winemaking. read more »

South Africa was almost two months into the lockdown restrictions. A feature of this was the total ban on alcohol sales. Although necessary to relieve pressure on hospitals from alcohol-related trauma cases the ban had devastated businesses across the extensive alcohol-related supply chain. Data suggested almost 90% of craft breweries – supporting several thousand jobs – were at risk of permanent closure. read more »

As populations have grown ever larger and ever more demanding, our consumer culture has led to the ubiquity of cheap, mass-made products. This is evident in everything from food to furniture, but it is particularly true for textiles. read more »