It's hard to picture a more pristine coastline than the towering, green cliffs being battered by the rough breakers of South Africa’s Wild Coast. But though it may seem unspoiled, researcher Vonica Perold has come to learn there is no patch of ocean left that is untouched by human activity. Perold is on board the flagship research vessel – the SA Agulhas II – taking water … [Read more...]
Mass cleanup movement takes root in SA
‘Let’s Do It! World‘ is a civic-led mass movement that began in Estonia in 2008 when 50,000 people decided to clean up the entire country in just five hours. The concept has now spread to the rest of the world, including South Africa. In fact, there’s a big cleanup planned for cities such as Johannesburg in September this year. The local team at ‘Let’s do it! World’ spoke to me … [Read more...]
Mine dumps are making us sick, say Joburg residents
Tens of thousands of poor South Africans living in the shadow of vast mine dumps around Johannesburg are being exposed to toxic substances such as arsenic, lead and uranium. More than 200 mounds of earth contaminated with heavy metals, notably uranium, lie within sight of the city, says the Harvard International Human Rights Clinic. They include the one close to where … [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...]
Turning the tide on plastic waste at KZN beach clean-ups
Thousands of bags filled with litter were prevented from entering the sea off the KwaZulu-Natal coast this past month thanks to various beach-clean ups organized by the Plastics|SA Sustainability Division. According to Douw Steyn, Sustainability Director at Plastics|SA, a staggering amount of litter made its way down the Umgeni river recently after heavy rains and was … [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...]
Using theatre to teach SA’s youth the importance of recycling
What was the world like when the astronauts went to the moon in ’69? If they went again today would they see loads of litter on the little blue dot we call home? Are we being devoured by the diabolical Waste Monster we have created and grown to a disproportionate degree? Lunchbox Theatre’s ‘What a Waste Show’ teaches children about responsible waste management, recycling and … [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...]
Plans to save Africa’s polluted coastlines
The oceans have become the world’s biggest rubbish dump – and Africa’s coastlines are under siege. It is now the world’s second most polluted continent. Microplastics, chemical and agricultural runoff, oil, sewage and solid waste are contributing to the polluting of much of the continent’s natural resources warns the African Marine Waste Network (AMWN). But numerous … [Read more...]
Putting a new spin on waste: green is the new gold
South African non-profit association, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), aims to change perceptions and encourage more people to consider waste as a valuable resource. The institute’s Eastern Cape branch hosted its regional waste conference, titled ‘Green is the new Gold’ at the World of Windows in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week. “Our … [Read more...]
