The second edition of the printed version of Cape Town Green Map was launched in a unique manner earlier today to save on the environmental footprint usually generated by function-type launches.

The map, which encourages residents and visitors to live more sustainably and to make 'greener' lifestyle choices by identifying Cape Town’s green spaces, nature reserves, recycling drop-offs, eco products and other green choices on a printed and online map was launched in cyberspace at 10:00. This eliminated the need for printed invitations, media packs, travel to and from the venue, food and beverages, and speakers.

The second edition print map can be downloaded from the Cape Town Green Map website enabling readers to enjoy the spoils of all the sustainable, natural and cultural sites on the handy print map.

The print version gives a fresh view of the mother city, reminding visitors and residents to enjoy and use their environment in a sustainable way. It is brimming with information on ways in which to live, work and play in order to reduce our impact on the fragile ecosystems within the city.

It is divided into easy-to-use sections that feature: 'good food'- where to eat organic, 'organic/local markets', 'tours', 'sleep well'- where to find environmentally responsible accommodation, and 'visit', which highlights places, projects and centres with a ’green’ or environmental theme.

There is also a ‘shopping’ section, with a list of stores that focus on eco/organic products, and a number of information boxes that highlight great green reads, events, beaches, recycling and box delivery schemes.

The second print edition features improved maps of the central city and wider Cape Town area, extra sites and new information such as sustainable transport options and 'drink to nature', which details eco-friendly wine initiatives.

World Environment Day is one of the main days through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness about the environment and encourages political attention and action, making it an obvious choice for the launch of the second edition of the print map.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme “through World Environment Day, we are able to give a human face to environmental issues and enable people to realise not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development.”

The Cape Town Green Map is counted as a member of 600 communities in 60 countries on www.greenmap.org. A copy of the map was presented to the founder of the Green Map System, Wendy Brawer, at their New York offices yesterday. The opportunity was used to discuss the OpenGreenMap system and Cape Town’s ongoing contribution to this international “green” phenomenon. This international collaboration has provided a successful platform from which the City can market its “green” brand across the globe as well as locally.

Cape Town Green Map is also part of the project of Host City Cape Town Green Goal 2010 - the environmental programme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The print version of the Cape Town Green Map is available free of charge at all Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centres, as well as online. Cape Town Tourism is a contributing sponsor of the Cape Town Green Map and is committed to implementing the Host City Cape Town Green Goal 2010 programme.

The map is printed on SAPPI Triple Green paper, an environmentally-friendly paper stock made from chlorine-free sugar cane fibre, to support sustainable afforestation in South Africa and kindly sponsored by SAPPI. The printers use only vegetable-based inks and printing presses rated amongst the most energy efficient in the world.