More than 45 000 people reacted to Dear SA’s campaign inviting comment on draft legislation allowing meat from endangered species to be added to the list of animals allowed to be slaughtered, consumed and traded. The overwhelming majority of those participating in the campaign objected to the South African government’s plan to expand the list of animals for slaughter and … [Read more...]
Vaalpark reclaimers’ lockdown plight eased
Waste pickers who have not been able to work since the Covid-19 lockdown will have something to keep their hunger at bay after receiving 240 food vouchers. The national PET plastic recycling body PETCO and the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA) donated the vouchers to the families from Vaalpark in Sasolburg. The recipients of the vouchers belong to the … [Read more...]
Let’s help make ecocide a crime
A growing number of people believe ecocide should be recognised as an atrocity crime at the International Criminal Court - alongside Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity. Ecocide is serious loss, damage or destruction of ecosystems, and includes climate and cultural damage. Any member state, however small, can propose an amendment to the International Criminal … [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...]
Insist the DEA challenges seismic surveying of our coastline
In South Africa, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for oil and petroleum exploration activities is no longer mandatory because Section 39 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act has been withdrawn. This effectively means the oil and gas industry polices and monitors itself. Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) is applying for a reconnaissance permit for an … [Read more...]
Producers to take responsibility for waste created
Who is responsible for packaging materials lying around in the environment? How can we best curb this dilemma, which seems to be growing by the day? One solution is the principle of EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines extended producer responsibility (EPR ) as ‘an environmental policy approach in … [Read more...]
Environmental heroes recognised at sustainability-themed event
There are remarkable individuals and groups in this country who treasure our environment through innovative service. The 2015 National WESSA Awards have been presented to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of five individuals and groups. Dr John Hanks, Ntokozo Mbuli, Franz Fuls, the Paul Roux Residents’ Forum and the ROSE Foundation all received awards at a … [Read more...]
Selling your property and the Invasive Species Regulations
Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) are widely considered as a major threat to biodiversity, human livehoods and economic development. IAPs cost South Africa tens of billions of rand annually in lost agricultural productivity and resources spent on management. On 1 August 2014, the Minister of Environmental Affairs published the Alien and Invasive Species Regulations (“the … [Read more...]
New partnership to encourage Southern Cape recycling
The Eden district is on board for serious recycling and waste minimisation, setting a cool example of the way forward for the Southern Cape area. “PETCO is delighted to experience the beginning of a working partnership between Eden District and PETCO in our efforts to minimise waste and to encourage recycling in the Southern Cape area,” says the company’s CEO, Cheri … [Read more...]
COP17 Climate Train journey to end in Durban
COP 17 Climate Train journey ends this weekend in Durban. After an epic month-long journey through seven provinces, the COP17 Climate Train is due to arrive in Durban on Sunday morning. It will be greeted by dignitaries and the public at the Durban Station, where it will be parked for the duration of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) for visits by the public and … [Read more...]
