Will you combat litter bugs’ work?
Do you have any plans for National Recycling Day on September 19?
Benoni resident Samantha Choles, PRO for the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa, welcomes you to join a clean-up on this day.
Choles will coordinate the clean-up around Farrarmere Gardens, the Farrarmere Community Centre, Benoni Nursery School and Belvedere School.
She said as many people as possible should get involved, including businesses.
A few weeks ago Choles, along with teachers and parents from the Benoni Nursery School, filled 16 bags of litter – mostly recyclable – in the park area along Village Road.
People all over are encouraged to take part in Recycle Week from September 15 to 19.
“Gather family, friends and colleagues to give a few hours back to Mother Nature by picking up litter,” said Ursula Henneberry, operations director of the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (Prasa).
“Whether you choose a lake or beach, a mountain or valley, a park or pavement, make a morning of it.”
Prasa also appeals to businesses and retail stores to become involved.
“Allow each staff member an hour during the week to collect litter in the area surrounding your premises – especially parking areas, pavements, kerbs and drains,” suggested Henneberry.
“A few hours each day during Clean-Up SA Week will make a massive difference.”
Participants of the Farrarmere clean-up must meet at the Farrarmere Community Centre, on Friday, September 19.
The clean-up will commence at 1.30pm until 3.30pm.
Bags will be supplied.
People should bring their own gloves and sturdy shoes, a hat, sunscreen and own refreshments are also advised.
- Three steps to start you own recycling programme:
1. Separate waste into the various recyclables.
a. Paper, cardboard, milk and juice cartons
b. Plastic, cans and glass
2. Go to www.mywaste.co.za to find your nearest recycling drop-off site, or agree to keep your recyclables in a bag for an informal collector.
3. Go to www.prasa.co.za for some helpful paper recycling tips.
Recycling facts:
- During 2013, 1.2 million tonnes of paper were recovered in South Africa – enough to fill 1 403 Olympic-sized swimming pools and save 3.5 million cubic metres of landfill space.
- A total of 648,015 volunteers in 92 countries picked up more than 5.5 million kg of rubbish from beaches and waterways in the 2013 International Coastal Cleanup – they did this by walking 20,058km and searching 732km of water.
- During 2013, just short of 1.2 million tonnes of paper was recovered in South Africa through formal collection programmes and by informal waste collectors. This is enough to fill 1,403 Olympic-sized swimming pools and save 3.5 million cubic metres of landfill space. www.prasa.co.za
- While 62 per cent of paper is recovered for recycling in South Africa, only five per cent of homes actually recycle their paper.
