LIMPOPO – “Nearly one third of the plastic packaging we use escapes the collection system which means it ends up clogging our city streets and polluting our natural environment. Every year up to 13 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans where it smothers coral reefs and threatens vulnerable marine life,” Raluswinga said, adding plastic also makes its way into our water supply and thus into our bodies.
Raluswinga explained this year’s World Environmental Day, celebrated on 5 June, provided an opportunity for everyone to embrace the many ways they can do their part to combat plastic pollution around the globe.
Moudy Mudzielwana of Tshikovha Consulting said World Environmental Day is celebrated in countless ways, with everything from beach clean-ups and tree planting to calling on staff and partners to get involved and do their bit to protect the environment.
“It is also a great way to show your contribution to society. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time, with statistics showing that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050,” he said.
Tshikovha Green and Climate Change Advocates (Pty) Ltd chose to celebrate the day with the Thulamela Municipality to inspire locals to participate in waste recycling including plastics as this forms part of a large amount of waste going to landfills.
“We aimed to also encourage students from the University of Venda, especially those in the School of Environmental Sciences, and other local organisations to participate in programmes which reduce waste while creating jobs.
“The function was a success considering we had almost 400 people whose role and responsibilities in their working environment and shopping would need them to make a decision on what to do with plastic.
“I thank everyone who participated and encourage them not to wait for environmental events to make a difference but do their part daily.”
