Play your part in saving the planet, appeals MMC
The focus of this year's ECO day is plastic pollution.
The City of Ekurhuleni recognises the importance of celebrating World Environment Day, which coincides with the Youth Month celebrations in the country.
The celebration is marked by the continued activities embarked on by the city to ensure that all its development is following a sustainable path.
The sustainability of the environment is critical for the survival of current and future generations, especially the youth.
World Environment Day, also known as Eco Day, is celebrated every year on June 5 with the aim of creating awareness and fostering action for the protection of the environment.
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“Since taking over as the MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management, I have initiated clean-up campaigns that focus on cleaning and greening the environment.
“There is a need for broader participation by residents and business communities of the city to ensure greater impact,” said Eunice Matloga, adding that the campaign will continue until the situation is satisfactory.
“Let us do our part in saving the city from the contamination of non-biodegradable plastic with every contribution we can. For instance, when we go shopping let’s minimise the use of plastic bags as they end up in our river system and ultimately in our oceans. They also find their way into our stormwater system creating blockages, which result in flooding.”
People from more than 150 countries participate in this United Nations international day, which celebrates environmental action to create a more sustainable world.
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South Africa is part of the 150 countries that celebrate Eco Day on an annual basis, and every year the United Nations identifies a theme under which the day is celebrated.
The theme for 2023 is #BeatPlasticPollution, ‘Ecosystem Restoration’. The celebrations for World Environment Day officially kicked off in host country Cote d’Ivoire, and millions of people in the 150 countries have prepared for similar celebrations.
The MMC appealed to the public to work with the local authority in promoting a circular economy in which everyone can divert recyclable materials from entering landfill sites.
“Let’s save the planet and stop littering,” appealed Matloga.
