“I feel like we are innovating all over the place. Like we are a melting pot of creative cultures all making epic things happen.”
This week we meet with Misha Teasdale, the founder of Greenpop. A Cape Town based Social Enterprise that brings volunteers, companies and communities together to plant indigenous trees in under-greened areas.
Voices of the City is a weekly feature that spotlights the everyday lives of our citizens, living and working in the city. By asking the same five questions to all our interviewees, we discover not only how our experiences of the city differ, but also what we share. It is a daunting task to try and capture the diverse experiences of our city’s inhabitants, but we feel that it is a worthy, and necessary, endeavor, in order to better understand the present and future of our city.
This week we meet with Misha Teasdale, the founder of Greenpop. A Cape Town based Social Enterprise that brings volunteers, companies and communities together to plant indigenous trees in under-greened areas.
What about Cape Town inspires you the most?
I would have to say Table Mountain. Its really my rock. It energises me for all the work I’m on a mission to get done in my life. Having such incredible natural environment on our doorstep gets me super amped to get up and go. I try spend us much of my time as I can on the mountain. Before work missions up India Venster or Power Lines. It feels great to start the day by climbing a mountain. Makes the rest of the day feel like a walk in the park.
Do you have a secret space or place that you enjoy in the city?
This city really does spoil us. There are so many good options for awesome hangouts. My current favourites would have to be El Camino on Buitengraght Street, Plant on Loop Street and Sexy Food on Buitensingel Street, For me it’s all about happy, healthy and ethical vibes!
What was the last exciting event you attended in the city?
I went to see Mumford and Sons at the City Hall/Grand Parade. So impressive with the amazing architecture all around us and the setting sun behind Lions Head. World class band performing in a world class space. I really enjoyed that experience.
What frustrates you about the city?
I feel like we are innovating all over the place. Like we are a melting pot of creative cultures all making epic things happen. What grates me is that government, policy and business aren’t taking internal sustainability serious enough. The number of business’ in this city that just have no systems whatsoever makes me feel quite perplexed. We need to create massive behaviour change and following that, start celebrating people being active in this space. I’d say that many of the systems needed aren’t rocket science. With so many unemployed people, how can we be throwing away so many recyclable resources. I’d like to see this becoming a bigger priority.
You can have dinner with one person living or dead. Who is it and why?
Wow buster, got to be throwing that question my way. I’d have to say Bob Marley. I lived on Bob growing up. For me he really epitomises positivity which I’m always looking to surround myself with. I’m pretty sure, after one dinner with him, I’ll get some great perspective on personal positivity.
Read more
- Voices of the city: Funke Makinwa
- Voices of the city: Boeta Phyf
- Voices of the city: Zahira Asmal
- Voices of the city: Lapido Eso
- Voices of the city: Thozama Mputa
- Voices of the city: Darren Blair
- Voices of the city: Medina Dugger
Credits
- Image 1: Sarah Isaacs Photography
- Image 2: Jacques Smith
- Image 3: Rowan Pybus (Makhulu)