The GreenHouse Project

In the inner-city of Johannesburg, The GreenHouse Project is turning one urban park into a seedbed for sustainable communities. The program takes a holistic approach to the city's challenges, integrating green building and design, efficient and renewable energy, recycling, organic farming and nutrition.

Dorah Lebelo is the Executive Director of the GreenHouse Project, an environmental NGO that is establishing a center to demonstrate sustainable living and development in the northwest corner of Joubert Park, Johannesburg. She has worked for several organizations, fighting for environmental justice for her people. In July 2007, Dorah began co-hosting Citizens United for Renewable Energy and Sustainability (CURES)-Southern Africa, an international network focusing on renewable energy and climate change issues. Full bio and links »
maggymac's picture

What a great idea! It's so interesting to see the juxtaposition of this vibrant project within such a harsh environment. There needs to be more things like this in the inner-cities of America too. How can we develop agriculture and organic foods in our own cities?

William's picture

Good work. Thank you

andreaehopkins's picture

I really appreciate the holistic approach mentioned. I think it is the best method of laying down a sustainable foundation for living. And it benefits many aspects of society as well as promoting individual health. As for American cities, I would also love to see this methodology applied to the deteriorated urban areas. East St. Louis is a striking example of a community completely abandoned. When infrastructure is lacking to such a huge degree, I think it provides an opportunity to create a new foundation. One that is self-sustaining, able to promote healthy living and generates new types of urban space. Unfortunately, applying such infrastructural change to major American cities is difficult as they are already set in their ways and unable to tackle massive change. Its pretty unfortunate because the infrastructure needs updating and is incredibly inefficient and will probably stay that way (I live in nyc)

RANAEHTISHAMRABBANI's picture

I wish this couldl happen all over the world, Humanity needs this..I highly appreciate this good work

maria@sustainablesideofthestreet.com's picture

Dear Dorah,

Thank you. Haven't seen nothing like this before - excelent work.

Maria Lemos

trailernash's picture

Where would the world be without people like this? Here is someone who is prepared to stand up and use their ideas for the good of the community. I grew up in Johannesburg myself and have seen extreme poverty and always wanted to do something about it but knew that hand outs are not the way. Dorah's efforts are exactly what Africa needs, not just handouts from the world. Assistance in the form of aid of course has it's benefits but teaching someone to support themselves is far better. Dorah, you are an angel!

Nupur's picture

It gives me great encouragement and inpiration to know that there are people like Dorah on this earth. She is putting into action her beliefs. Thanks for telling me it is possible Dorah.

Md.ShahadatHOSSAIN's picture

I am going to describe the influence of greenhouse effect in Bangladesh. As you know that we are on the bank of the bay of bengle. For the green house effect we are sinking down the water of the sea. The hight of the water is increasing.So the government of this country should take the proper activities about this sensative issue.Besides this, Dhaka is a over populated city.There are a lot of vehicles for public transport which are back dated. This cars are exusting carbondi-oxaite.