“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela
In 2010, the 18th of July (the day Nelson Mandela was born) was declared “Mandela Day”.
On this day, people around the world are encouraged to give 67 minutes of their time, one minute for every year of Mandela’s public service, by doing something helpful for their local community.
This year the Earthstompers dedicated their 67 minutes to planting Spekboom. Studies indicate that 1 Spekboom tree (2-5 meters tall) captures 4-8kg of carbon from the air per year, to make plant tissue. This is on average 4 times more than other plants!
Hendrik, the owner of Earthstompers, has always been a big supporter and fan of Spekboom. Back in 2015 Hendrik brought 20 cuttings from Avoca River Cabins, in the Eastern Cape. They were planted in his garden in Somerset West and have multiplied in abundance since then!
From those original 20 cuttings (only 15-20cm long) we now have numerous big, healthy plants growing in the Earthstompers garden. In 2017 we took some cuttings from these plants and included a little DIY spekboom kit in Christmas gifts to our booking agents, encouraging each person to replant them at their homes.
Today we have made more cuttings from these Spekbooms, to plant in honor of Mandela Day. Each guest on tour this week had a Spekboom planted on their behalf. We plan to grow and multiply them again over the next years and will share them with our industry friends and family.
Our aim is to reduce carbon in the atmosphere, making a greener and cleaner community for all.
Sources: wonderplant.co.za