World Environment Day saw the building of three new recycling villages and the upgrade of two more in KwaZulu-Natal. WILDLANDS recycling villages, which are at the forefront of recycling and the recycling circular economy in South Africa, are part of a well-established WILDTRUST programme. In celebration of World Environment Day, a day that encourages citizen-action to … [Read more...]
World’s largest plant survey reveals alarming extinction rate
The world’s seed-bearing plants have been disappearing at a rate of nearly 3 species a year since 1900 ― which is up to 500 times higher than would be expected as a result of natural forces alone, according to the largest survey yet of plant extinctions. The project looked at more than 330,000 species and found that plants on islands and in the tropics were the most likely … [Read more...]
Greenpeace Africa presents roadmap for a stumbling Eskom
As Eskom's debt approaches a staggering R500bn and South Africa’s economy contracts, the urgency of a business model revamp for the utility could not be clearer. To address this, Greenpeace Africa commissioned a study, Eskom: A roadmap To Powering The Future, which provides a clear roadmap for the sinking utility's reform and adaptation. “Fundamental reforms of the South … [Read more...]
Germany to close all coal fired power plants by 2038
Germany should shut down all 84 of its coal fired power plants by 2038 at the latest, a government-appointed commission said on Saturday, proposing at least 40 billion euros ($45.7 billion) in aid to regions affected by the phase-out. The roadmap proposals, a hard-won compromise reached early on Saturday after more than 20 hours of talks, must now be implemented by the … [Read more...]
Ramaphosa named in multi-billion-rand coal pollution court case
It has been 12 years since the South African government officially recognised the lethal levels of air pollution caused by the Eskom and Sasol plants on the Mpumalanga and east Gauteng Highveld. In that time, with international experts linking our national coal-fired pollution to thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of chronic illnesses a year — costing the economy in … [Read more...]
PET plastic bottles crest SA’s recycling wave
As the global movement away from single-use plastics gathers momentum, South Africa continues to make significant strides in its PET plastic recycling efforts. According to the latest statistics released by national industry body PET Recycling Company (PETCO), 98 649 tonnes of post-consumer PET plastic bottles were recycled last year alone, saving 612 000 cubic metres of … [Read more...]
Beating plastic pollution and recognising a fallen ocean hero
The South African plastics industry will team up with various industry partners to celebrate World Oceans Day on 8 June. Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics SA stresses that every person has a responsibility to keep our oceans clean. “Research has shown that 85 % of the litter found in oceans is from land based sources. Our activities this week and throughout … [Read more...]
Clean air a basic human right, not a luxury
This World Environment Day we face the reality that more than 9 out of 10 people globally are breathing unsafe air. “Clean air isn’t a luxury; it’s a basic human right. It’s not acceptable that so many people around the world are being forced to breathe polluted, toxic air. More and more people are having to deal with the terrible health impacts and they’ve had enough – … [Read more...]
SA’s new cabinet a blow for efforts against climate change
Following the delayed announcement of President Ramaphosa’s cabinet this week, the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and many civil society actors were disappointed and dismayed to hear that Mr Gwede Mantashe was awarded the newly combined Mineral Resources and Energy Ministry. “We are deeply concerned about the re-appointment of Mr Mantashe … [Read more...]
Operation #Cleanup Durban a huge success
The South African plastics industry has one again proved that we don't merely pay lip service when it comes to looking after the environment - we act on our promises! Under the guidance of Plastics|SA's Sustainability Director, Douw Steyn, supported by the KZN Marine Waste Network and various other organisations and institutions, more than 300 tons of litter were removed … [Read more...]
Next phase in plastic bag free trial announced
During the trial, which was launched in November 2018, over 100 000 single-use bags were saved from going out into the environment as customers opted for affordable, reusable shopping bags. After a six month trial in four of its Western Cape stores, including the launch of their first plastic bag free store, Woolworths confirms that it will be rolling out its new low-cost, … [Read more...]
Plastics packaging: the journey to designing for the environment
Climate change and sustainable development are two of the biggest issues facing society today and are perhaps foremost in our minds. It is increasingly important for companies to reduce the environmental impacts of products and services through their entire life cycle. Those companies failing to address environmental performance in product design and development will find it … [Read more...]
Single use plastic items to be banned in England
Plastic straws and drink stirrers, and cotton buds with plastic stems will be banned from sale and use in England from next April, the government has confirmed. The move, which has been in the offing for more than a year, is hoped to vastly reduce the litter and other environmental impacts of the nearly 5bn plastic straws currently used each year in the UK, along with more … [Read more...]
