One of Africa’s leading polymer producers and marketers has officially signed the Operation Clean Sweep® (OCS) pledge. According to Gert Claasen, Technology and Innovation Executive at Safripol, the OCS pledge firmly aligns with their recently launched “Let’s Plastic Responsibly” campaign, which encourages the responsible use of plastics. “From a Safripol perspective, it … [Read more...]
Paper Recycling 101 for Global Recycling Day
One of the planet’s most pressing problems is the incorrect disposal of waste. About 2.01 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste is generated annually, according to the World Bank, with conservative estimates being that at least 33% of that isn’t managed in an environmentally safe manner. With the majority of municipal solid waste coming from homes, Global Recycling Day on … [Read more...]
Better recycling needed to protect limited water resources
Water, as we know, is a limited resource that is essential for all life on this planet. This makes it all the more astounding that so many of us simply take it for granted, especially in a semi-arid country like South Africa. This should clearly demonstrate that it is vital that the nation as a whole changes the value it places on this life-giving resource. World Water Day … [Read more...]
Polystyrene industry steps up to help clean Hennops River
The increased rainfall in Pretoria over the past few weeks has resulted in an increase of waste collection in the so-called "poly-island" litter trap which is cleaned and maintained by the Hennops Revival NPO. The poly-island is a natural litter trap that was created many years ago by two trees that had fallen across the river and became lodged in a V-shape that collects the … [Read more...]
Schools club to increase recycling knowledge and awareness
It is no secret that educating children about the environment and the importance of recycling is key to ensuring that we create a generation of responsible adults. It is with this in mind that last year, PETCO began looking for a partner who would have the experience and reach to spread the message about recycling (and specifically PET recycling) in schools in South Africa. … [Read more...]
SA’s first plastic recycler signs operation clean sweep pledge
Recyclers play an integral part in the plastics value chain and therefore have the same responsibility as all other stakeholders to ensure that there is minimal leakage and spillage of granules and other unnecessary waste into the environment. Tufflex remains committed to being a responsible and environmentally conscious player within the plastics sector. They are the first … [Read more...]
Kenya emerges as leader in fighting plastic pollution
Kenya is emerging as a leader in the fight against plastic pollution and is among the first countries in East Africa to limit single-use plastics and sign the Clean Seas initiative to rid waterways of plastic waste. Juliette Biao, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Director for Africa lauded the country for banning plastic bottles, cups and cutlery in … [Read more...]
Reimagining a zero waste future with upcycled bags
Sustainability does not only come from a product; it comes from the packaging as well. Waste reduction, recycling, upcycling and sustainably sourced material is becoming more of a priority for the lifestyle and fashion sectors. Consumers are actively looking to support brands that take responsibility over their sustainability, adopting ways to reduce their product and … [Read more...]
SA’s health and wellbeing are at stake
On July 22, 2020 Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams gazetted a new policy on the development of communications networks in South Africa. The motivation for promoting 5G electronic communications networks ‘was for the creation of a digital economy and society’, she said at the time. Activists have criticized the draft policy, that will … [Read more...]
Plastic ocean waste NPO receives two global awards
Former Ballito resident, Clare Swithenbank-Bowman (main picture, on the left), founder of the non-profit organisation (NPO), Litter4Tokens, received two international Stevie Awards for Women in Business via a virtual awards’ ceremony held on Wednesday, 9 December 2020. The Stevie Awards, considered the world's premier business awards, were introduced in 2002 to honour and … [Read more...]
Developing new ideas for reducing plastic pollution
Municipality, business and community are collaborating to clean up the environment and get plastic waste out of the rivers and ocean and back into the value chain. Minster of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, the Honourable Mrs Creecy, launched the use of a Beach Rake and the Inkwazi Isu on 19 September at Toti Main Beach in KwaZulu Natal. Inkwazi Isu (Fisheagle … [Read more...]
Recycling tips for the December holidays
The holidays can be surprisingly heavy on waste, so it pays to be mindful of yours these holidays. Not only will you reduce your environmental footprint, but you can also support waste collectors by ensuring that your recyclables are clean and separate. December is often a time for people to do a bit of a declutter at home or at the office. If it’s time to clear out those … [Read more...]
National award for Mpumalanga recycling initiative
A Mpumalanga recycling project has received acclaim for improving the lives and livelihoods of Ermelo community members while making a positive difference to the environment. When Johanna Leshabane launched Bophelo Recycling in 2007 after being retrenched, little did she know that her dream of fighting unemployment in her community would evolve into an award-winning … [Read more...]
