liveeco´s editor in chief, Nikki Seegers, chats eco savvy design with Irvan Damon of Big Brother fame and finds out more about his new solar initiative with SESSA
liveeco: You’ve become quite the eco warrior. What brought about this change in lifestyle after SA met you as Irv from Big Brother?
Irvan: I love the descriptor eco-warrior. My eco-savvy lifestyle started at UCT about 10 years ago where I completed two Masters in the policy arena as well as the energy sector. Since then my wife and I have created green broadcasting platforms like our TV show, “Hybrid Living” and also my radio show on 5FM called ”Eco-Brother”. These platforms show people how to live an eco-savvy lifestyle in the home, work and play space without compromising on the quality of life.
liveeco: Tell us more about your current solar water heating project
Irvan: I am the Ambassador for the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa. I lobby big business, government, parastatals about increasing the uptake of solar water heating and make South Africans aware of the financial and environment benefits of solar water heating. My mission is to make solar water heating attractive, desirable, even sexy and, of course, planet saving!
liveeco: A lot of homeowners are hesitant to switch to solar due to the high start up costs. Give us your take on the rands and cents and ‘sense’ argument for solar water heating.
Irvan: The initial capital costs for solar water heating tech is indeed one of the barriers and the rebate has assisted in getting end-users to adopt solar initially. I think that we need to connect the value proposition to one that shows investing in solar makes complete financial sense! We should also make the technology easily accessible; easy green finance options via big banks should be available like soft loans or interest-free loans for a limited period; ”de-jargonise” the technology and, lastly, government needs to act like a retailor and create more of a solar buzz! Lastly, don’t forget that we have been used to a legacy of cheap electricity and, that, is quite a barrier!
liveeco: At liveeco we are all about eco-chic fashion, beauty and lifestyle. Tell us how you got involved with Carbon d’Afreeque and where we can get our hands on these gorgeous eco accessories and furnishings.
Irvan: That’s such a fantastic and fun business created by my wife Gabriella and I and you can visit www.carbonfree.co.za or mail us on gabby@carbonfree.co.za or irv@carbonfree.co.za or call 011 513 3000.
liveeco: Where do you get your inspiration from for your designs?
Irvan: Gabby is usually the inspiration and design guru as she runs a brand strategy agency called Brandgurus and she’s Italian! Bella bambola!
liveeco: Who is your favourite ethical designer, locally and internationally?
Irvan: We love Heath Nash, EDUN and Lunar!
liveeco: Share with us some fail-proof tips on how to update our wardrobe’s with eco-accessories?
Irvan: Always remember that if you are wearing vintage, you probably will have the most unique piece at the party, and hey, Bono and his wife own the coolest eco-label called Edun, so you are in good company!
liveeco: What is your eco chic lust-have this winter?
Irvan: Some vintage scarves and a solar water heater of course!
The liveeco team
