The 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, more commonly referred to as COP28, brings together global leaders, experts, impacted communities and decision-makers to continue efforts aimed at solving the world’s climate challenges. COP28 unites attendees and diverse stakeholders with the aim to devise specific solutions … [Read more...]
More packaging return programmes needed
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) enlisted South Africa as one of the 16 countries that participated in this year’s global ‘Trend Tracker Survey.’ The biennial consumer research study, driven by Two Sides, seeks to understand consumer perceptions towards print and paper products, looking specifically at environmental awareness, reading habits, and … [Read more...]
The changing role of women in the construction industry
The construction industry has long been characterized as a male-dominated field, with women historically under-represented in all aspects of this sector. However, in recent years, significant progress has been made in breaking down gender barriers and increasing the presence of women in construction. This shift has had a profound effect on the industry, leading to greater … [Read more...]
SA cruise ship company recognised for environmental excellence
MSC Cruises has become the first major line to be awarded the Green Marine Europe Certification, a voluntary environmental certification programme for the maritime industry. Green Marine Europe is a partnership between North American environmental certification programme Green Marine and the Surfrider Foundation, a leading European Union NGO in ocean and maritime … [Read more...]
South Africans are concerned about climate change
Epson’s latest Climate Barometer survey – the third edition since the survey began in 2021 – has revealed new insights around South Africans’ attitudes and behaviours towards climate change, an imminent climate crisis, and taking action to make a difference for the betterment of the environment. After poverty (68.4%) and the rising prices of goods and services (64.2%), the … [Read more...]
Finalists announced for Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge
The Top 10 finalists for the first 2023 Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge have been selected, from a wide range of cross-cutting green economy entries. “The projects encompass renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, water and sanitation solutions. 90% of the entries are from black-owned businesses, and 46% are female-owned” said Nathi Nkonyane, … [Read more...]
The Return The Favour recycling campaign is back
Our children hold more wisdom than we can imagine, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. Children across the country have therefore embraced the importance of recycling used plastic packaging. The 'Return The Favour, Recycle Your Plastics' campaign demonstrated this last year, with a group of young recycling ambassadors taking over social media to share … [Read more...]
Civil society urges phase-out of dangerous pesticides
373 civil society and Indigenous Peoples organizations from 74 countries urged leaders at a historic global conference to act with urgency to phase out Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). This particular group of pesticides cause the most severe harm to human health and the environment and are considered too dangerous for use. The petition letter to governments and other … [Read more...]
Clean-up and Recycle SA Week a resounding success
Clean-Up and Recycle SA Week was once again a huge success. The annual event, which took place from the 11 - 16 September, brought together communities, organisations, and individuals from across the nation to tackle plastic pollution and promote responsible recycling. Spring cleaning our environment "This year's event has been an incredible success and it was once again … [Read more...]
Better Cotton signs UN pledge for traceability
Better Cotton has signed the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Sustainability Pledge ahead of the launch of its Traceability Solution at the end of 2023. The Sustainability Pledge is an open-source suite of policy recommendations, guidelines and standards that enable industry actors to authenticate their sustainability claims. The aim of the Pledge is to … [Read more...]
Biodiversity Disclosure Project ratings of SA companies released
Businesses are increasingly being required to show commitment to disclosing and improving their impacts on biodiversity. Yet the fourth annual Biodiversity Disclosure Project Ratings of companies listed on the JSE reveals that only 35% of South African companies even recognise biodiversity as being material. One of the first organisations to focus on measuring corporate … [Read more...]
South African Plastics Pact welcomes new members
The South African Plastics Pact has welcomed the signing of five new members, bringing the total number of members to 44 organisations. Food Lover’s Market, Naspers, and Sir Fruit join as new business members, and the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) and the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) join as supporting members. Business members of the SA Plastics Pact … [Read more...]
From waste to wonderful designs
For some decades now our society’s mounds of waste are of the worst indicators of us humans’ wasteful and entitled habits. Hence we are happy to share a story of an initiative which turns rubbish into something useful and beautiful. Plasticity is a company that designs handmade products from plastic waste and hemp for a more beautiful world. In line with SA’s commitment to … [Read more...]
