True to our commitment to spread our footprint as a company with a social conscience and our genuine concern for the disastrous effects of climate change on the planet, Suntoy hosted a fun event to celebrate ‘Earth hour’ at our ‘bottled sunshine’ pop up shop, 27 Boxes, in Melville, Johannesburg.

This annual event is a World-wide initiative that seeks to unite all who have a deep concern for the future of the planet and we were happy to make our contribution using only candlelight and the captured sunshine in our now already famous Consul solar jars, which we believe to be symbols of inspiration and motivation to the millions who share our hopes and dreams of a better, ‘greener’ environment.

Gentle acoustic ambiance was created by guitarist Pierre Coetzee and the highlight (excuse the pun) of the night was the ‘Earth hour 2017’ logo beautifully illuminated by using only Consul solar jars, reminding us that without electricity we still have light and a brighter future!

Porlwi by Nature: the festival unveils its program

Port Louis is metamorphosed. Artistic islets inspired by nature gradually arise at the heart of the city, enabling people of all generations to revel in all the festival has to offer. The annual festival of contemporary culture is back for a third edition with countless new creations. Porlwi by Nature, a part of the Celebrations of the 50 years of Independence, will be held from the 29th of November to the 3rd of December, across several emblematic and historical sites of our country.

The festival of contemporary culture differs from previous editions. “We wanted to invest in different locales this year, such as The Citadel, and challenge ourselves in new ways, namely by transforming Bourbon Street into a 100% pedestrian space, open 24 hours a day for five days, with activities scheduled during the day for people of all ages. The festival will occupy a smaller area, and be more organic and in phase with nature. It will be held over five days, from 7:00pm to midnight (on Thursday and Friday, the festival begins at 8:30pm.)

Solar Jar Project

Under the patronage of the Indian Ocean Commission, the European Union, Harel Mallac, PwC & ENL

In the darkness, hundreds of small suns appear to be flickering, casting a soft light against the old stone walls. Stepping closer, the viewer realizes the glimmer is contained in a small glass jar. The light emitted is sunlight captured. The five hundred lanterns–solar jars–were assembled by five hundred children from a variety of associations, who, in the creative process, assimilated the function of solar energy, a renewable energy of the future, of their future.

Clearwater Mall has gone green with this year’s Christmas décor. This comes after the mall’s recent installation of Africa’s largest, 1.5-Megawatt solar photovoltaic rooftop. The final system will generate, on average, 4 750 000kWh of electricity per annum. This equates to approximately 15% of the mall’s total consumption.

Thanks to Consol Solar Jar, the mall was able to go even greener. This was achieved by constructing a 4×8 meter Christmas tree that is made out of bottled sunshine. The tree is completely off grid because the jars are charged with direct sunlight and automatically turn on when the sun goes down. This eliminates the use of electricity as the jars use a natural resource. The tree will also last throughout the festive season as the jars are wind and weather proof, and the stainless steel itself is rustproof.

The Clearwater Consol Solar Jar tree is made up of over 400 jars that have little Christmas trinkets inside for decoration, and are programmed to shine for up to 5 hours, depending on the amount of sunshine they get. A very big thank you to Clearwater mall marketing manager, Cecile Braun for making this initiative possible by collaborating with Consol Solar Jar, and CPS Promotions for securing and decorating our jars and erecting the merry and bright tree.

What better way to celebrate a true South African Christmas than to be surrounded by sunshine? So, the next time you and your family go to Clearwater Mall, get festive, visit this sunny tree based at the mall’s main entrance, and bask in sunshine a little longer after sunset. You can also take a piece of this majestic tree home by getting your own bottled sunshine online at www.consol-solar-jar.co.za.

“Dad, I am so tired of the city, the polluted air and the lack of stars…” My son, Harald said, tilting his head back in exaggerated exasperation. “Wouldn’t it be nice to just get away? Can we go hide in the mountains somewhere for a night?”

Personally, I thought it was a splendid idea, a good place to go would be Simonskloof. Have you heard about it?

“Well, SIMONSKLOOF…” I explained to my son, “… is a mountain farm tucked away under the north slopes of the high peaks of the Famous Langeberg  range, trenching all the way from Worcester to Plettenberg Bay on the Western Cape’s east coast”.

So, it was we, together with the extra clothing and food we needed for our short stay, which we wished would have been longer, made our way to the farm. Out the door, setting off North on the N1, past De Door, its wine valley and bounded towards Montague.

Along came the beer too.

Upon our arrival, our host welcomed us and began an interesting conversation with Juergen, alternating between German and English.

We spent our night away in one of the four cottages. We enjoyed a welcoming drink while our host cooked our supper on the wood-fired stove, how exciting? There is also an outside braai/barbecue facility for those warm nights.

My son, Harald brought out a little sunshine… the latest version of his solar light jars to light up our cottage. It was delightful, there was no noise or smell, just a wonderful soft light for us to cook, chat and read by.

The owner and host now has these little bursts of sunshine that gently glow all over the farm, and in the homey cottages too.

Set in its ancient landscape, Simonskloof is a tranquil, scenic and a great hide-away from the city.

Michael Ridsdale and Harald Schulz.

The Consol Solar Jar™ was a highlight at the Oakfield farm Bridal Expo this past weekend. The classic yet vintage display stand earned Consol Solar Jar™ the 2018 Summer Show Stopper Stand Award.

The recreation of an enchanted forest themed wedding, with jars wrapped in French ribbons serving as chandeliers, created the illusion of a magical outdoor dining experience. Touches of ultraviolet colours from the protea flowers that were scattered about gave unique touches, which were accentuated by succulent flowers for a rustic green feel.

Vintage suitcases, pearls and greenery gave the décor an earthly feel, while a metallic mirror topped tray, graced with a glowing Consol Solar Jar™ recreated the feeling of warm sunshine rays, which gave the whole setup a classic, elegant look.

The alterability of the Consol Solar Jar™ is only limited by the human imagination. It stylishly allows the showcase of various ornaments, which are then enhanced by the solar light inside the classic glass jar.

The showstopper stand left people at the expo yearning for a classic vintage styled-wedding for themselves. It was evident that Consol Solar Jars are the ultimate favour for weddings.

Whether they are hung on trees, placed along the walkway or used as table décor, the jars are a beautiful addition to any wedding. Each jar is equipped with a holder for hanging and   accessories like shepherd spikes are available for creating the perfect display. The beauty of the Consol Solar Jar is that it is sun powered, does not have cords, and it is not limited to weddings only. Therefore, it can be placed or hung anywhere, from your home to picnic sites and even your office.

Start your little showstopper collection today by getting Consol Solar Jar™ online:  www.solar-jar.co.za

or email Brad at brad@suntoy.co.za or visit one of your stores Bottled sunshine: shop 112, 27 boxes, 75 4th Avenue, Melville or at the Consol shop: Woodmead, Stellenbosch and Cornubia mall.