First planting day
First real planting day at Greenpop! We had to be at the office at 6:30 AM (luckily it is a 30 second walk from Scalabrini) for a journey to Hopefield! A very small town north of Cape Town, where we planted 100 trees with the local community. The drive was about an hour and a half, and once we arrived, the setup began! As a team we unloaded all the trees, mulch, compost, spades (shovels), and all other necessary supplies for the day. Along with members from the local community (adults and teenagers), we were sponsored by Bacardi (yes, the wonderful alcoholic beverage..) who paid for the trees and also helped out as volunteers. One of the best things that happened all day, was when everyone gathered in a large circle, and a group of 20 kids from the church came into the middle and started singing, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” It was literally one of THE cutest things I have ever seen. Unfortunately, they left right after and the real work began. Our duty as Greenpop-ers was to float around the teams to assist with any extra supplies they might need, as well as give positive encouragement to keep the energy up! Thankfully, all the holes were already dug up before we arrived (which made our job MUCH easier), and so the overall process was not extremely difficult.
The only issues that arose (which can happen on many planting days) is the soil quality within these communities. The land is mainly sand, which makes a very difficult (and nutrient lacking) environment for the trees. Our job is to ensure we provide enough compost, fertilizer and mulch (and water of course) to give these trees a way to survive. Greenpop does a good job providing the communities with the necessary tools to get the trees planted, and then it is up to the community to ensure these trees last. At times, the treatment (post-Greenpop) does not end up in our favor, which can be disappointing, but a reality of the whole process. This means Greenpop must do their best to encourage and educate these people in keeping the trees as alive and healthy as possible. It really helps when the community shares the passion for the environment, especially like our experience today.
Lizanna, the coordinator for Hopefield’s Greenpop experience is an extremely proud and proactive member of her community. She has a clear vision for the space where we planted the trees, and turning it into a fully accessible and self-sustaining place. People like this help spread the Greenpop message in a positive and effective way. As my first plant day, it was a great chance to get out of the office (every now and then), and get first hands on experience to see what Greenpop is all about. Obviously fun design magic happens at the office, and the environment is really casual (and the office is a really “swish” (which means cool) place to be), but sometimes you need to get your hands dirty and see where Greenpop really started. The experiences you get with local communities are unforgettable, and I really couldn’t stop smiling today (other than the last push of planting before lunch was served). But we work hard, and at times feel exhausted, but once we are fed we are happy once again!
So for a first real planting day, it was a great success! The ride home was a nice casual drive, listening to Xavier Rudd and admiring the countryside. I still feel these moments throughout the day when I stop and think, “is this really happening, or am I dreaming?” The experience of living in a foreign country is not necessarily new for me after studying abroad in Paris, but this time I really feel like I am in the right place at the right time. Paris was amazing, don’t get me wrong, but at times felt like it wasn’t the place I needed to be at that moment. Right now, I can safely say, Cape Town is where I want and need to be right now, and wherever it takes me I am along for the ride.
So on that note, I am looking forward to another adventure filled weekend, but this time in Cape Town! Paragliding or skydiving could be in the plan! Who knows. Back to work!
“We are all a part of something, it’s big and important and magical.”