Cyclers and spectators are dropping less waste! This was discovered this month during the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour. Two teams of clean-up crews recruited from local townships near Ocean View ensured that it was collected for recycling at various water and spectator points, the start and the finish, hospitality part, and refreshment points. The race also saw the … [Read more...]
Collective efforts needed to reduce plastic litter in the oceans
“South Africa has what it takes to become one of the world leaders in reducing the amount of litter that ends up in our oceans. Not only do we possess some of the most beautiful, diverse and dramatic coastlines in the world – teeming with a wide variety of different marine animals – but we also have private individuals, companies, research institutions and government … [Read more...]
Partnerships drive the plastic recycling industry to success
“The focus of waste management in South Africa is changing. No longer is the emphasis on the disposal of waste, but rather on avoiding its generation and minimizing and recycling the waste stream wherever possible.” This was the key message conveyed by Lisa Parkes, Marketing Manager of PETCO, at a workshop held during Wastecon in Somerset West this month. “The law … [Read more...]
3 Litres of burned oil for one printer cartridge
Did you know that the manufacturing process involved in producing new printer cartridges requires the burning of fossil fuel, specifically oil or natural gas? It takes on average 3 litres of burned oil to create just one cartridge shell. In SA there are more than 70 million cartridges produced annually. About 75% of used cartridges end up in the landfill, with resultant … [Read more...]
R10 million towards zero plastic waste to landfill
Zero plastics to landfill by 2030 is the ambitious target for caring companies in this country. One of the new kids on the plastic recycling block is Polyco, working on the recycling of Polyolefin plastic. Addressing Polyco members and the media during their AGM, Jeremy Mackintosh stated that Polyco has already succeeded in carving out a name for itself since it was created … [Read more...]
Earth Girls walk the talk & clean up communities
A colourful and buzzing atmosphere filled the Bloubos valley and spruit area, south of Johannesburg on Saturday when Miss Earth South Africa semi finalists spent the morning with around 150 Generation Earth students from across Gauteng, families and friends who came out and spent the morning in the winter sun. In honour of National Environment Week which will be celebrated … [Read more...]
Afbrekende energiebeleid moet verander – Alliansie
Koolstofvrye hernubare energie maak net 12% van die energie uit wat wêreldwyd verbruik word, aldus die burgerregte-organisasie AfriForum op Aardedag. Fossielbrandstof word steeds gebruik vir 80% van die wêreld se energie en genereer 30 miljard metrieke ton se koolstofbesoedeling elke jaar. Bekende en toeganklike fossielbrandstofreserwes het in 2012 reeds meer as vyf keer … [Read more...]
Decade of PET recyling brings benefits across the board
Did you know that after ten years in the industry almost half of all our PET beverage bottles are now recycled? That is 1.9 billion bottles per year diverted from the waste stream. The PET Recycling Company (Pty) Ltd was registered on the 3rd November 2004 and their first set of Directors included the late Rob Rodger, Bob Naidoo, Syd Carter, Roger Thomas, Mandla Tisani, … [Read more...]
Greyton aims to phase out plastic bags
From the 3rd of July 2014 (International plastic bag free day), Greyton aims to become South Africa’s first town to phase out single use plastic shopping bags. This is a drive initiated by Greyton Transition Town (GTT) and supported and assisted by Hayley McLellan from Rethink the Bag. This is just one of the many creative waste reduction programmes run in Greyton. Green … [Read more...]
Give your office a green thumbprint this Green Office Week
Next week is Green Office Week (GOW) which is intended to raise awareness of the importance of eco-friendly offices and inform office workers that they too can make a positive impact on the environment whilst at work. Your office will be healthier and make financial sense Although some organisations are already making clear statements about their green products or services … [Read more...]
Seli 1 wreck reduction operations a resounding success
Seli 1 wreck reduction operations to date have been confirmed as a resounding success; however the public are advised to keep a wide berth as further operations to ensure the safety of recreational users must still take place. A recent follow-up assessment of the Seli 1 wreck off the Table View coastline has confirmed that the operation has been a success, with the primary … [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...]
Shopping bags collect R1.7 for rhino conservation
Since the launch of the first iconic rhino reusable shopping bag in 2010, over R1.7 million has been raised for rhino conservation through a number of initiatives. Woolworths’ new limited edition rhino bag has arrived in stores in time for World Rhino Day on 22 September. Through the sale of each bag (R29.95), R10 (Vat inclusive) will be donated to the Wildlife ACT fund to … [Read more...]
