Oceans Not Oil (ONO) hails an advisory produced by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)’s Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) on the use of deep-sea seismic surveys to explore for oil and gas deposits in South African waters. In the scope of SAGE’s mandate, an “emergency” is defined as "a serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous situation that has … [Read more...]
Helping African fashion entrepreneurs launch their brands globally
A six-week, intensive digital programme called Re-roll Station hopes to help African fashionistas launch their brands into the global market. The aim is to provide creative entrepreneurs with actionable steps to grow brands that are environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and profitable. Re-roll is the brainchild of Cher Potter and Kesiena Harry. Harry is the Programs … [Read more...]
Uniting initiatives towards a circular plastics economy
Plastic waste is a massive problem in South Africa. In cities, towns and even the rural areas, plastic rubbish litters our streets, our beaches, our veld and our waterways. But who’s problem is it? “The problem with plastic waste is so big that the government cannot handle it alone,” says Devin Galtrey, Group Packaging Manager for the SPAR Group. “It’s my problem. It’s … [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...]
New recyclable label trial delivers affordable options
According to the Designing for the Environment guidelines, components such as closures and labels should be designed in such a way that they can be easily, safely and cost-effectively separated and then eliminated from the recycled PET. PETCO and one of their recycling partners, Extrupet, recently teamed up with PETCO member Oasis Water and global label producer MCC Label to … [Read more...]
Plastics industry releases latest recycling figures
The local plastics industry has just released the official plastic recycling stats for the year ending 31 December 2020. Each year, data is collected from plastics recyclers around the country by Plastix 911 on behalf of Plastics SA. PETCO provides figures from their listed PET recyclers, whilst raw material suppliers Sasol and Safripol provide input on the production and … [Read more...]
Waste reclaimers making an impact on Ermelo
Despite all odds and the challenges brought about by Covid-19, Johanna, the owner of Bophelo buy-back centre and her team of waste reclaimers were able to make grass-roots impact in Ermelo, by improving the lives and livelihood of community members while making a positive improvement on the environment. When Safripol in partnership with PETCO was announced as the winner of … [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...]
Running out of time to save our coral reefs
Beneath the ocean surface, an expansive network of dynamic skeletal-like invertebrates harbours at least 25 per cent of all known marine species. Both hard and soft corals provide the basis for functioning coral reefs, which are some of the planet's most biologically diverse and valuable ecosystems. They provide important cultural, economic, recreational and social benefits … [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...]
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...]
SA recycling sector receives technology boost
Innovative technology to track, trace and record the trading in recyclable materials is being rolled out across South Africa. The move is set to empower recycling SMMEs, strengthen the value chain and promote the economic inclusion of the informal sector. In a move set to revolutionise how recyclable materials are traded, tracked and traced in South Africa, an innovative … [Read more...]
2021 Eco-Logic Awards finalists announced
The 10th annual Eco-Logic Awards hosted by the Enviropaedia will present its second virtual event on 3 November 2021. A highlight of the annual green calendar, the Awards recognise South African businesses, communities, and individuals working toward an environmentally sustainable future. Strategically held in conjunction with the upcoming COP 26 summit in Glasgow, the … [Read more...]
