There is pressure on all polystyrene producers to ensure their polymers remain in a resource loop and are recycled into new functional products. This is why Danone, manufacturers of yoghurt tubs, have joined the non-profit product recovery organisation Polystyrene Association of SA. According to the Adri Spangenberg, the Polystyrene Association’s Chief Executive Officer, … [Read more...]
Only 12 years to avert 2 degrees of global warming
Only half a degree warmer would result in double the severity of the consequences to this planet. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report was released on 8th October. It focuses on the differences between a 1.5- and 2-degree global warming future climate scenario. The main points of the report, based on 6000 scientific papers and approved by all … [Read more...]
Gauteng campaign teaches kids the importance of forests
WESSA is excited to launch a new environmental education programme for schools that is aimed at increasing knowledge about the key role forests play in enabling sustainable life on our planet, including the cultural, ecologic, economic and social functions and benefits. LEAF (Learning About Forests) is an innovative, international programme that encourages learners and … [Read more...]
WESSA celebrates environmental achievements with annual awards
WESSA has paid tribute to a wide range of outstanding environmental achievements with the presentation of the organisation’s 2017 Annual Awards. The Awards were presented at the organisation’s 91st AGM, hosted by WESSA’s KwaZulu-Natal Regional Membership at the Protea Hotel Durban Edward on Saturday. The WESSA Awards, which have been presented since 1974, enable WESSA to … [Read more...]
School project brings eco education and animal awareness
Developing learners' appreciation for nature and understanding of ecology is essential for their adaptation to a changing world and ability to be caretakers going forward. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), in partnership with Africa Foundation and andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, launched a new environmental education project in the Mduku … [Read more...]
WESSA graduates say “YES” to greener futures
Over 100 enthusiastic young participants on the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Youth Environmental Services (YES) Programme are equipped to pursue careers in the green economy after having received their graduation certificates at a ceremony held in Caledon today. This group is the latest intake of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds that have completed the year-long … [Read more...]
Environmental heroes recognised at sustainability-themed event
There are remarkable individuals and groups in this country who treasure our environment through innovative service. The 2015 National WESSA Awards have been presented to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of five individuals and groups. Dr John Hanks, Ntokozo Mbuli, Franz Fuls, the Paul Roux Residents’ Forum and the ROSE Foundation all received awards at a … [Read more...]
Germiston schools catch polystyrene recycling fever
Schools in Germiston and surrounding areas are proving to be dynamic eco-warriors with their fevert commitment to recycling. During the past few months, no less than nine schools have partnered with the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPCP) to recycle food packaging items made from polystyrene. Laerskool Germiston Primary, Elsburg Primary and Ons Ark Nursery were the first … [Read more...]
Changing behaviour demands re-minding a generation
In order to change the behaviour patterns of our communities we need to change the mind-set of a generation. These were the words by Cheri Scholtz, CEO of PETCO, who has worked hard this year to help reduce waste in schools, increase recycling awareness, to create cleaner spaces for the learners and communities and impart the culture of caring for the environment. One of … [Read more...]
WESSA awards environmental wizards
Regional Environmental stars shine at WESSA Western Cape’s 65th Annual Regional Meeting and Awards ceremony. A select group of individuals and organisations were formally acknowledged for their invaluable contributions to the Western Cape’s environmental conservation and environmental education sectors at WESSA’s 65th Annual Regional Meeting and Awards Ceremony, held at … [Read more...]
Minister Molewa urged to address fracking implications
The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) considers the Minister’s decision to gazette the intention to declare fracking a controlled activity a portent of the risk fracking poses to our water resources in the greater Karoo. WESSA continues to urge the Government to exercise the precautionary principle enshrined in the National Environmental Management Act … [Read more...]
Environmental leadership course takes flight
The Stepping Up to Environmental Leadership course funded by the DG Murray Trust was hosted by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and took place between June and July 2013. As one of the participants I wanted to share our transformative and influential experience. The group was selected based on personal submissions in response to questions of … [Read more...]
Evaluating the state of the Western Cape environment
During the final session of the public participation process for the Western Cape’s Draft State of the Environment Report a summary of this important report was presented by Karen Shippey, Western Cape government Director of Sustainability. In the virtually empty provincial chambers sat a few stakeholders - the Green Times as only media and other civic bodies, NGOs and … [Read more...]
