Innovative technology to track, trace and record the trading in recyclable materials is being rolled out across South Africa. The move is set to empower recycling SMMEs, strengthen the value chain and promote the economic inclusion of the informal sector. In a move set to revolutionise how recyclable materials are traded, tracked and traced in South Africa, an innovative … [Read more...]
2021 Eco-Logic Awards finalists announced
The 10th annual Eco-Logic Awards hosted by the Enviropaedia will present its second virtual event on 3 November 2021. A highlight of the annual green calendar, the Awards recognise South African businesses, communities, and individuals working toward an environmentally sustainable future. Strategically held in conjunction with the upcoming COP 26 summit in Glasgow, the … [Read more...]
Safe recycling initiative for Kommetjie and Simon’s Town
Residents of Kommetjie and Simon's Town can now make use of a special, safe recycling initiative in their area. This new project, says organisers, will also help the local economy. “We have been working in the area for a number of years already and we understand the unique challenges that residents face in the area when it comes to the safe handling of recycling material. … [Read more...]
Africa’s largest plastics recycler switches to solar energy
A new state-of-the-art 1.3MWp solar power plant will power green recycling for the African continent. Extrupet is one of the largest and most advanced recyclers of plastics on the African continent and recycles more than 4 million PET bottles every day at their Wadeville facility. With the switch to renewable energy, Extrupet has become one of the first companies in the … [Read more...]
Creating climate impact with small acts every day
According to a Mail & Guardian article published in 2019, only 58% of Africans have heard the term “climate change,” while four in ten Africans have never heard the term before. Jack Mazingira, Founder of a community-based organisation located in the slums of Nairobi called Towards Green Environment, has seen climate illiteracy first hand. As a trained Climate Reality … [Read more...]
Unlocking growth in SA fashion sector with sustainable design
Nurturing sustainable design and production processes could unlock global growth for South Africa’s fashion sector, as the industry looks to revive local textile and manufacturing capabilities that prioritise both social and environmental wellbeing. This is the view of sustainability consultants Sarah Botha and Laura Llonch, who in collaboration with STADIO School of … [Read more...]
Inspiring the women waste pickers of Phalaborwa
Across South Africa, and the world are a group of determined women who come from an impoverished community that you may have never heard of. These are Woman Waste Pickers. They search high and low for recyclables that can be transformed from waste into a source of limitless creative potential. Inspired and motivated by the women Waste Pickers of Phalaborwa, South Africa, who … [Read more...]
Entries open for recycled plastic product awards
Entries are now open for the 2021 Best Recycled Plastic Product of the Year Awards. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony will be a virtual event that takes place on Thursday, 14 October 2021. During the event, the recycler of the material, the manufacturer of the product as well as the brand owner will be acknowledged. Each category will have a winner … [Read more...]
Recycle and reuse your trash for a cleaner environment
According to the EPA, the average person produces approximately 4.9 pounds of “solid waste” or trash per day. Thankfully, you can recycle many everyday household items to help promote a cleaner, greener environment. Recycling and reusing items can help each individual to produce less trash that goes into landfills, ultimately harming our soil, air, and water. We’ve come … [Read more...]
Clean-up and Recycle SA Week approaching
Its almost that time of the year again to stock up on black bags and dust off those beach boots for the annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA week, running from 13 - 18 September 2021. This year’s week will once again culminate in National Recycling Day on Friday, 17 September 2021 and the International Coastal Clean-Up Day/Let’s Do It World Clean-up Day on Saturday, 18 September … [Read more...]
Diversification to ensure sustainable packaging
South Africa’s legislation has moved from voluntary to mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) amid increasing consumer and governmental pressure on brands to ensure end-of-life solutions for their products beyond consumer use. With that in mind, South Africa’s PET plastic Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), PETCO, has announced that it is diversifying into … [Read more...]
Community programme educates learners about recycling
Packa-Ching, an innovative community recycling collection initiative is on a mission to improve South Africa’s recycling rate by mobilising schools and their learners. Started by Polyolefin Responsibility Organisation NPC (Polyco) in 2017, Packa-Ching mobile units are now operating in six areas across South Africa. Residents have so far been paid out over R2.5million for the … [Read more...]
Restoring our ecosystems one change at a time
Life on earth is symbiotic; each component within the ecosystem plays a significant role. The decline of the bee population and its effect on food systems is a timely reminder of just how interconnected everything really is. However, as urbanization, intensive farming and resource extraction increases, so we are witnessing the fragmentation of the environment even further. … [Read more...]
