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...]
Safe recycling initiative for Kommetjie and Simon’s Town
Residents of Kommetjie and Simon's Town can now make use of a special, safe recycling initiative in their area. This new project, says organisers, will also help the local economy. “We have been working in the area for a number of years already and we understand the unique challenges that residents face in the area when it comes to the safe handling of recycling material. … [Read more...]
Ten million tons of wasted food can feed our people
In South Africa, 10 million tons of food goes to waste every year and ends up in landfills. That’s a third of the 31 million tons produced annually in South Africa. Fruit, vegetables and cereals account for 70% of the wastage. Meanwhile a quarter of our population is going hungry every day, with another quarter at risk. The food wastage facts are documented in a WWF … [Read more...]
How to reduce your digital impact on the environment
Whether you’re sending an email, searching the internet or even just storing your messages, it may all seem perfectly harmless, but the environmental consequences are real. What is digital pollution and how can we reduce our impact? Digital pollution is the pollution created by the use of electronic devices and by web browsing in particular. This pollution largely emanates … [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...]
Africa’s largest plastics recycler switches to solar energy
A new state-of-the-art 1.3MWp solar power plant will power green recycling for the African continent. Extrupet is one of the largest and most advanced recyclers of plastics on the African continent and recycles more than 4 million PET bottles every day at their Wadeville facility. With the switch to renewable energy, Extrupet has become one of the first companies in the … [Read more...]
Creating climate impact with small acts every day
According to a Mail & Guardian article published in 2019, only 58% of Africans have heard the term “climate change,” while four in ten Africans have never heard the term before. Jack Mazingira, Founder of a community-based organisation located in the slums of Nairobi called Towards Green Environment, has seen climate illiteracy first hand. As a trained Climate Reality … [Read more...]
Unlocking growth in SA fashion sector with sustainable design
Nurturing sustainable design and production processes could unlock global growth for South Africa’s fashion sector, as the industry looks to revive local textile and manufacturing capabilities that prioritise both social and environmental wellbeing. This is the view of sustainability consultants Sarah Botha and Laura Llonch, who in collaboration with STADIO School of … [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...]
Inspiring the women waste pickers of Phalaborwa
Across South Africa, and the world are a group of determined women who come from an impoverished community that you may have never heard of. These are Woman Waste Pickers. They search high and low for recyclables that can be transformed from waste into a source of limitless creative potential. Inspired and motivated by the women Waste Pickers of Phalaborwa, South Africa, who … [Read more...]
Entries open for recycled plastic product awards
Entries are now open for the 2021 Best Recycled Plastic Product of the Year Awards. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s awards ceremony will be a virtual event that takes place on Thursday, 14 October 2021. During the event, the recycler of the material, the manufacturer of the product as well as the brand owner will be acknowledged. Each category will have a winner … [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...]
