Celebrate World Environment Day

World Environment Day is around the corner – a time for us all to unite and respect Mother Earth.

The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) is encouraging all South Africans to show commitment to positive environmental change.

The United Nations’ annual initiative to create awareness for positive environmental action, World Environment Day, is celebrated on 5 June.

Professor Suzan Oelofse, president of the institute said, “World Environment Day is a fantastic day for all citizens to stand together for the common good. Everyone can contribute by making small changes in their everyday routines.”

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The IWMSA is southern Africa’s waste management industry body and strives for a cleaner and greener environment. The institute stresses the importance of caring for the environment all year round and calls on all individuals and organisations to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We encourage everyone to make a small change each day to their daily routine. Small steps make big impacts,” said Oelofse.

Here are a few tips to become more environmentally conscious on a daily basis:

• Save water and turn off the tap when you are washing your face, brushing your teeth or doing the dishes.

• Save electricity by turning off the geyser and switch off the lights when you are not using them. Switch off and unplug appliances at the wall when not in use – even when not in use, they still use electricity.

• Shop smarter and take your own shopping bags for groceries and opt for eco-friendly products.

• Buy locally produced products; imported goods have a larger carbon footprint.

• Buy items that use less packaging and use reusable containers for storing food as opposed to foil and plastic wrap that will end up in the dustbin.

• Get active and cycle or walk to your nearest grocery store instead of driving.

• Make use of teleconferences; when possible, conduct your meetings telephonically instead of travelling to meetings.

• Recycle and separate your waste at home and the office by putting recyclable materials in the green recycling bin or delivering it to your nearest recycler. Find your nearest recycler by visiting www.mywaste.co.za

• Turn leftover food into compost by setting up your own composting system at home. Find out how by visiting www.iwmsa.co.za

• Reuse items and convert used tyres, wooden pallets, toilet rolls and plastic bottles into artwork, handy containers or even furniture.

“By living consciously, we can all be eco-warriors. Be the change you want to see in the world and do your bit to look after the environment for the benefit of future generations,” Oelofse concluded.

Details: www.mywaste.co.za; www.iwmsa.co.za

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