Eco–friendly enthusiasts raise awareness
JOBURG NORTH – A group of dedicated environmentalists implement environmental programmes in schools.
A group of individuals who are passionate about conserving the environment were inspired to start an eco–friendly organisation.
Green Beings was initially established by three founding members in 2010. Green Beings member Marloese Dijkema said that one of the founding members discovered through a thesis she was doing that not much is being done for the environment. They decided to meet and brainstorm about environmental education, particularly on schools.
Green Being co-founder Alex Frost said that the organisation is self-funded and implements their programmes in seven schools in Cosmo City. They also receive a government stipend.
“I feel people are not addressing environment issues because they are not aware of it. We feel implementing our programmes in schools is the best way, in terms of environmental education. Schneider electric is one of our recent sponsors, they donated solar lights that will be sold in informal settlements,” said Frost.
He added that the other programmes they are working on is the ‘River Rehab Project’, which is about getting the community to look after the environment and creating responsible members in society.
“So far we have received great feedback from schools we work with. Through ongoing projects, schools learn the importance of taking care of the environment. We also encourage them to be creative, in terms of making use of what is around them. We have also received great feedback from friends and family. It is validating when pupils thank us for what we have taught and done for their school,” explained Frost.
Dijkema added that their organisation believes in collaboration and working with other organisations in different industries. The belief is that the partnerships they formulate will make what they are trying to achieve with the environment, even stronger.
“We encourage people to support recyclers in their efforts because what they do is useful. If you can start recycling in your home, it makes the recycler’s jobs easier. Collecting vegetable waste and composting it into your garden is a better alternative. We also advise people to avoid putting poison into their gardens, which leaks into streams at times,”concluded Dijkema.
