We are fortunate enough to live in a time where a stronger focus is being placed on the environment – from the climate, all the way through to the waste we accumulate each day and every year.

Despite recycling efforts, 79% of plastic waste lands up in landfills, oceans, rivers and on sidewalks – with the rest being burned if not successfully recycled. Therefore, the impact of plastic waste on the global environment is devastating where plastic bags – and straws to a large extent – have been hailed as the holy grail for environmental damage

There is no doubt that recent worldwide events have hindered the output of many industries and created very new playing fields for many of them. Similarly, this slow down has meant some relief for our environment and has shone a light on the importance of changing the way we do things. One such industry is the textile/fashion industry.

As published in Resource Magazine on 01 February 2021.

South Africa alone generates 108 million tonnes of waste per annum, equating to about R25.2 billion worth of waste dumped, of which 90% is disposed to over-capacitated landfill sites with only 10% of this waste being recycled. These are resources which could have been fed back into the economy by means of recycling, repurposing, and reusing. 

South Africa has for many years been hailed as one of the few countries in the world with the safest drinking water – with water being consumed on a daily basis straight from our taps. Similarly, with 43% of consumers having access to water services and 90% of these using improved water sources – one would say there is hope. However, in reality, we are not out of the woods by a long shot, following the past four years of drought. While we have recovered slightly, long term water security is definitely a concern and more so when we consider the need for clean water resources. 

Given that so many households and business are hindered by electricity blackouts, as well as the fact that we are lucky enough to enjoy many months of incredible sunshine in South Africa, means that numerous people are starting to take a closer look at solar panels - as alternative means of generating power.

To say 2020 was a strange year is a mild understatement, and so this year, there is no doubt that many people are going to be taking the bull by the horns and using the time that they have, to really unwind. Not to mention the fact that our tourism sector desperately needs a good boost and so we are likely to see some great deals in the coming months – giving us the opportunity to truly explore our own country and tap into those places that offer real tranquility.

Saturday, 21 November marks World Fisheries Day – a day commemorated to raise awareness on the importance of water as well as the lives it sustains, both on land and for marine life. The use of plastic in the world is affecting and destroying our planet due to the ‘throw-away’ mentality that many of us have without considering the extreme damages and harm not only to the environment but the consequential impact on human life.

A third of the food that is produced in South Africa is destined for landfill sites, which are fast reaching full capacity. According to statistics, South Africa produces 10 million tonnes of food waste every year and reportedly, has the largest proportion of food wastage in Africa. Yet, an average of 14 million people go to bed hungry every night and 2,5 million of these are children. The recent pandemic has fuelled the food crisis, by increasing the level of food insecurity in the country, placing an even larger emphasis on the management of such food waste, and making sure that – where it can’t be mitigated, it should be repurposed through useful innovation.

Current statistics highlight that South Africans generate 108 million tonnes of waste per annum, equating to about R25.2 billion worth of waste dumped with 90% disposed to landfill sites – this is a lot of waste and added to this challenge is the fact that much of our landfill sites are fast approaching full capacity. Luckily today, many households and companies have started their own recycling programmes and while this is sorely needed, more must be done. It is not merely the end products that must be recycled, but the entire supply chain of products, goods and services must be examined by South African businesses, if we want to thrive in this era of action against climate change.