Concerns surrounding a global climate emergency have brought into sharp focus the need to mobilize increased investment flows towards clean energy. Such flows are needed to fund incremental power generating capacities that are non-polluting. Capital is already shying away from backing new coal-fired thermal power plants. These complementary imperatives and trends are … [Read more...]
Caroline Reid Awards honour this year’s clean-up champions
Awards were handed out to this year's clean-up volunteers to recognise their tireless efforts in keeping our rivers and oceans clean. Plastics SA used National Water Week (20-26 March 2022) to recognize the commitment and dedication of our country’s water warriors by awarding the annual Caroline Reid Awards for Clean-Up Champions of the Year. “We launched the Caroline … [Read more...]
New partnership cleans up polluted waterways
Several prominent brands recently teamed up to remove litter from the Jukskei, one of Joburg's most heavily polluted rivers. Polo SA has been a brand known and loved by South Africans for many years. In 2020 Polo SA launched their Naturally Polo initiative focusing on sustainability and a more eco-conscious approach not only to fashion but to the broader environment in which … [Read more...]
Upcycling pop bottles for a better night’s sleep
Take another look at that empty bottle of fizzy pop you just threw into your recycling bag. Tonight it could be part of your mattress – if you make the right choices. The problem of plastic pollution is becoming more urgent every day. According to the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), over 82 metric tonnes of PET are used every year to … [Read more...]
Open burning of waste: time for urgent action
More than a million premature deaths a year due to air pollution, waste and open burning is one of the critical issues contributing to increasing levels of pollution especially in urban areas. Countries should call time on the common practice of open burning waste in order to mitigate climate impact, environmental pollution and to improve the health of billions of people who … [Read more...]
30% GHG emission reduction by 2030 not enough
In September 2021, Sasol announced disappointingly modest and self-contradictory plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. As the company heads towards its 2021 shareholder AGM on 19 November, at which it will table its own non-binding vote on its emission reduction plans, this press briefing note outlines our response to Sasol’s latest targets. It’s no … [Read more...]
South Africa’s first climate finance deal is a promising start
Climate and environmental justice groups cautiously welcome the $8.5 billion partnership announced at COP26, but demand transparency about the scope and conditions, and accountability by lenders, beneficiaries and the South African government. The partnership between the governments of South Africa, the US, the UK, France, Germany and the EU will mobilise $8.5 billion (R131 … [Read more...]
Ocean Cleanup heads to the gyre with System 002
The Ocean Cleanup, the non-profit developing and scaling technologies to rid the oceans of plastic, announces proof of technology upon returning to Victoria Harbour with trash collected from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. With this confirmation, the organization will immediately return to the infamous gyre to start cleaning the ocean’s largest accumulation of plastic … [Read more...]
Extraction’s devastating impact on small-scale fishers
The Green Connection’s (GC) first ever Oceans Tribunal – which took place on 21-22 September 2021 – was marked by heart-wrenching stories and presentations from small-scale fishers and other communities whose livelihoods are being destroyed by extractive industries. Part of its ‘Who Stole Our Oceans’ campaign, the Tribunal – attended by more than 200 people – aims to … [Read more...]
Donated gumboots invaluable at river clean-up
There are many benefits to wearing a good pair of vinyl gumboots. Apart from their ability to keep feet dry because they are water-resistant, gumboots also provide good grip, sole support and flexibility that makes the boots comfortable to the wearer. PVC gumboots are easy to clean, help avoid the build-up of bacteria and will even shield volunteers from insect or snake … [Read more...]
SA’s no-show at global plastic treaty meeting deeply disappointing
Responding to its no-show at the ministerial meeting on a proposed global plastics treaty, Greenpeace Africa, groundWork and WWF have expressed deep concerns at the unwillingness of the South African government to showcase the country’s leadership and willingness to tackle plastic pollution on a global platform. As the world moves away from linear to circular economy models, … [Read more...]
Celebrating Kenya’s fourth plastic ban anniversary
As Kenya marks the fourth anniversary of the ambitious plastics ban much has been achieved including limiting the pollution by carrier bags and the president's directive in protected areas but, still more needs to be done. Greenpeace Africa applauds the gains that the country has made and urges the government to urgently ‘’pronounce its support for the global plastic … [Read more...]
Greenpeace Africa demands accountability after Durban fire
Greenpeace Africa volunteers have launched a petition demanding accountability from United Phosphorus Limited following the July explosion of their chemical warehouse in Cornubia in Durban. An investigation by amaBhungane has uncovered that the warehouse stored hundreds of chemicals with known adverse health effects, including Masta 900, methamidophos, and paraquat. It also … [Read more...]
