There is no place like home…tread lightly

RIVERSDALE NEWS - Nicole Hein, the owner and creative force behind Nicole Hein Design Studio, has a deep passion and respect for the environment and feels strongly about taking personal responsibility for one's choices and actions.

With a desire to create environmental awareness, Nicole Hein Design Studio and the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) partnered to sponsor a mural with a message at Dibiki Holiday Resort in Riversdale.

Dibiki is situated just off the N2 and offers self-catering accommodation, campsites, braai facilities and sparkling swimming pools to enjoy.

The mural has been created in the popular swimming pool area which is often teeming with children and families in the summer, making it a great location for this specific design and message.

When we asked Nicky about the meaning behind her design, she said, the message is very clear, "We don't have another planet Earth to live on, our actions and every step we take has an impact on what our home will be like in the future. We should be considerate in the way we act, and treat our home, because there isn't another place like Earth that can sustain life as we know it.

Nicole Hein and her assistant Angelika creating the mural.

"From a metaphorical perspective, this piece is a gentle reminder that home is also an emotional place and that we should treat ourselves, others, the environment and all life with respect and love. It's about having an intention in our hearts to do as little harm as possible.

"When we start living from a heart space of love we automatically start behaving differently and have a more loving impact on our physical home, Earth, and our relationships with people, nature and animals."

Originally the design consisted of the macro, outer-space scene with a personified Earth giving this tongue-in-cheek message. After collaborating with the GCBR, Nicky decided to bring in the Fynbos as a micro view, to truly bring the message to our home here in the unique, globally important, Cape Floral Kingdom.

The owner of Dibiki Holiday Resort Riversdale, Mart-Marie Pretorius, says that she feels it is important for businesses to take responsibility and lead by example in whatever way they can.

They must do their best to reduce their impact and contribute towards a sustainable future where everyone can thrive. One can start with small steps like recycling and creating positive awareness through environmental messaging.

Look out for the next article on tips to tread lightly.

When people and organisations take hands so much can be acheived - Mart-Marie Pretorius, Linda Fletcher and Nicole Hein.