South Africa is expected to pass its long-awaited Carbon Tax Bill this year and implement the tax in January 2019. The bill, which was released in draft form in December 2017, will be the subject of parliamentary hearings this year. To reduce littering and discourage customers from buying plastic bags, the state is also upping the plastic bag levy by 50% to 12c per bag. This … [Read more...]
Disabled Gansbaai residents receive PVC beach wheelchairs
As part of their commitment to the environment and community the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) recently donated an imported beach wheelchair, made from PVC pipes, to Cross Home Care based in the Gansbaai area, Western Cape. According to Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of SAVA, the wheelchair was imported from the USA and is the first of its kind in South Africa. It is … [Read more...]
$180bn investment in plastic factories feeds global packaging binge
The global plastic binge which is already causing widespread damage to oceans, habitats and food chains, is set to increase dramatically over the next 10 years after multibillion dollar investments in a new generation of plastics plants in the US. Fossil fuel companies are among those who have ploughed more than $180bn since 2010 into new “cracking” facilities that will … [Read more...]
Community-run recycling initiative receives much-needed equipment
The Tembisa Self Help Association of the Disabled (T-SHAD) is a community based development programme initiated in 1990. PETCO is supporting the great work undertaken by T-SHAD through the sponsorship of much-needed protective equipment and recycling infrastructure. T-SHAD established a self-help factory with various income generating projects where people with … [Read more...]
Finally, Kenya effects ban on plastic bags
Susan Khalayi, a shopper in Nairobi walks out of a supermarket in the city’s central business district carrying foodstuff, mostly fruits. The goods are packed in an eco-friendly, reusable bag made of cloth. Just a day before, the groceries she bought at the same outlet were packed in plastic bags. That was the norm in Kenya until August 28, when the government effected a … [Read more...]
Our planet is doomed unless ocean health improves, says yachtswoman
She's witnessed awe-inspiring sights at sea, but yachtswoman Dee Caffari (photographed, right) has also been left "dumbfounded" by the vast floating islands of plastic and rubbish she has seen in the world's oceans. As the first woman to have sailed single-handedly around the world in both directions, Caffari has seen up close the harmful effects of man's activities, from … [Read more...]
Disposable diapers a growing threat to African rivers
Since the invention of disposable baby diapers in the 1960s, consumption has sky-rocketed. Along with the increase in use of disposables come numerous environmental consequences. The pollution of water systems caused by used diapers is becoming obvious in many African countries, and globally, disposable diapers create large quantities of waste. Solutions to the problem must fit … [Read more...]
Let’s stop Coke from killing our seabirds
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats facing our oceans. Up to 12 million tonnes of plastic is entering the oceans every year. This is affecting sea life – one in 3 turtles and 90% of seabirds are now estimated to have ingested plastic. Plastic is even ending up in the seafood on our plates. Coca-Cola are the largest soft drinks company in the world. Globally they … [Read more...]
Tide of plastic waste discovered off Caribbean coast
Shocking images have captured a Caribbean island’s clear blue seas being choked by a tide of plastic rubbish. Taken off the Honduran island of Roatán, the pictures show plastic cutlery, bags, bottles and wrapping floating among seaweed. One picture, taken from below the waterline, shows the sun being blocked out by the sheer weight of the pollution dumped into the … [Read more...]
Fun runners clean Joburg, one plastic bottle at a time
A group of just over 180 proud residents took to the streets of Joburg on Sunday, 17 September 2017 as part of a ‘Joburg City Clean-Up’ in the prelude to the 2nd annual FNB Joburg 10K City Run. “We were overwhelmed by the support that the ‘Joburg City Clean-Up’ received today,” says Blake Dyason, ‘Joburg City Clean-Up’ pioneer. “Our cities have so much history and … [Read more...]
Upcycling gives waste an exciting new purpose
Upcycling is a fun and creative way to transform old products and packaging into something with a new purpose. According to the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)’s Waste Management Hierarchy, upcycling, which in the most basic sense is ‘reusing’ waste, is the second most preferred waste management option after ‘reducing’ your waste. Have you ever used an old glass … [Read more...]
Norwegian billionaire funds world’s largest yacht to scoop up plastic
Norwegian billionaire Kjell Inge Røkke has profited from offshore drilling. But now the businessman, who started as a fisherman, wants to give back with a colossal yacht for marine research. The vessel will be able to scoop up around five tons of plastic every day, and then melt it down – all in yet another private effort to help clean up the ocean. Røkke, who’s worth around … [Read more...]
Fishing Line Recovery Programme aims to spread responsible fishing
The Fishing Line Recovery Programme, aimed at preserving South Africa’s marine heritage, has extended to now boast 360 bins along the coast. DPI Plastics has been involved with the initiative for the past four years, supplying the pipes and fittings for the manufacture of the specially-designed fishing line repositories, explains Marketing Manager Martine Goodchild. The … [Read more...]
