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. 

There is a strong movement towards the immediacy of reducing the effects of climate change as so adequately echoed in young Greta Thunberg’s recent UN speech, underpinned by the sentiment - Right Here. Right Now - and as she tackles issues of magnitude in this regard – the question has to be asked, what role does food waste play in the plight against climate change?

September marks Heritage month and as we celebrate culture, diversity and traditions, it’s critical not to forget mother earth. Interwaste has committed to commemorating environmental Zero Emissions (ZeDay) as well as National Clean-up and Recycling Day for the month of September, as we believe that this subtle alignment gives us the opportunity to focus on how we drive and support zero emissions, the role that recycling plays, what these observations mean for our country’s heritage, and the environment as a whole.

Putting excess waste to good (re)use

Cipla Medpro South Africa (Pty) Limited (“Cipla Medpro”), South Africa’s fourth largest pharmaceutical company in the private sector, working through their waste management partner, Interwaste, has donated approximately 10 000 reusable ice packs to sporting fraternities and the local paramedic association in the Cape Town area.

Q1: In your opinion, what is the status quo of the environmental sector in South Africa?

The environmental sector in South Africa is evolving daily and is an extremely exciting industry in which to work.There is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to education and changing mindsets as well as managing the array of environmental issues that affect our country

Today, 22 August 2019, local legislation bans all liquid waste from landfill – signalling a massive shift in South African waste legislation and placing significant importance on the effective management of such waste by waste producers and the waste industry alike. The question is – is South Africa ready to manage this and what is it going to take to do so?