When it comes to collection and recycling PET plastic (think plastic beverage bottles), South Africa is on par with many countries in Europe – thanks in part to the hard-working people in the collection and recycling sector around the country. Now, a newly released docu-series titled Sorted, directed by veteran actor-director Louw Venter, showcases these inspiring champions … [Read more...]
SA game changers honoured at the Eco-Logic Awards
There is an infectious feeling of optimism and comradery in the air when a group of like-minded individuals get together to celebrate the incredible work being done by local individuals, organisations, and communities to build a greener and more eco-logical world. And that’s exactly what the 2023 Eco-Logic Awards, which took place on 9 November at the Two Oceans Aquarium, is … [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...]
African litter reduction campaign aims for continental impact
A unique African-centric litter reduction campaign which is being piloted in South Africa will – once trialled and tested – be scaled and used throughout the continent. According to marine conservation non-profit Sustainable Seas Trust (SST), its flagship litter-reduction campaign, Operation Clean Spot (OCS), aims to reduce land-based litter by up to 90% in some communities. … [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...]
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...]
How kitchen waste is helping to win a war
Food scraps are an unlikely ally in any battle – except in the one we cannot afford to lose. Two military bases in Limpopo are proving that the war to save the planet can be won one kitchen at a time. A man on a military base who talks and even sings to what is in essence a high-tech compost heap is not an every-day sight – unless you find yourself on the outskirts of Louis … [Read more...]
Transforming bread bags into functional products
Join us in celebrating International Crochet Day and acknowledging the ReBag ReUse team for transforming plastic waste into something beautiful. This fantastic initiative repurposes plastic, preventing landfill waste and supporting local communities. They help women put bread on the table by repurposing empty bread bags. Over the past two years, these dedicated … [Read more...]
Women are boosting SA’s sustainability efforts
From scientists and sustainability managers to waste pickers and buy-back centre owners, women are boosting South Africa’s sustainability efforts – but more needs to be done to ensure equal representation. This is according to experts within the sector, as well as the country’s longest-standing Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), PETCO, which oversees collection and … [Read more...]
A new era of mandatory producer responsibility
With more than 18 years of experience as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), PETCO has helped shape how PROs administer extended producer responsibility (EPR) in South Africa. Section 18 of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act has ushered in a new era of mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It now obliges Producers to assume … [Read more...]
The forest and paper industry’s role in greener products
Tackling various issues from growing trees to trends in paper packaging, a roundtable discussion was hosted on 5 July by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). The discussion was chaired by award-winning author and Talk Radio 702 presenter Gugu Mhlungu, and featured representatives of Sappi Southern Africa, Mondi Zimele, Mpact, and Woolworths. The … [Read more...]
