Saving the environment one ecobrick at a time

IN keeping with its mission to spread the message of recycling,  the Yellowwood Park (YWP) Conservancy was the driving force behind the large donation of ecobricks made to Amanzimtoti SPCA, handmade by the little ones at YWP Primary School on Thursday, 13 June.

READ: Anti-litter blitz kicks off in Yellowwood Park

Toti SPCA has been accepting and collecting ecobricks to build a classroom for the youth who visit the EduPaw programme at their premises every Saturday morning. The YWP Conservancy took on the initiative to partner with the school at the beginning of the year for an eco-brick challenge as a pro-active way to deal with litter and waste in the area, as well as educate the learners on the importance of recycling and caring for the environment. As part of the challenge, a trophy was awarded to the class that brought in the most ecobricks for the second term at YWP Primary School. Trish Di Meola’s grade 3 class brought in an impressive 22 ecobricks handmade by the learners, making them the winning class. Trish said it was easy to motivate the young learners to play an active role in this initiative, as she is a big environmental enthusiast herself.

Also present at the trophy hand-over was ward 64 councillor Gavin Hegter. Executive member of the YWP Conservancy, Billie Prinsloo said she was happy with the school’s overall commitment to the ecobrick challenge. “We have taught the learners the importance of the three R’s namely, reduce, recycle and reuse as well as how waste can be useful, hence why we have ecobricks. It is amazing to see how they have been inspired to do something that will contribute to saving the planet. Each term we are going to award a trophy to the class that brings in the most ecobricks and this will continue to be an ongoing project as this is an ongoing issue,” she said.

YWP Primary School principal Bongani Khanyi said that the school always looks forward to being involved in environment-friendly projects and will continue with the ecobrick challenge each term.

READ: Amanzimtoti SPCA to build ecobrick classroom

Recipients of the ecobricks, Toti SPCA were delighted upon receiving the donation. Toti SPCA PRO, Michelle Hannan said that she was very inspired to see the youth involved in projects like the ecobrick challenge. “Not only does it educate the children but also helps clean up the planet of the daily toxic consumables that many people aren’t aware of. They are preserving the environment not only for themselves but also for their future generations as well as animals. The ecobricks will further go a long way for us, with our plans to build dog kennels and a classroom for the EduPaw programme, to shelter our furry friends and those that help care for them,” she added.

Toti SPCA also appeals to the public and local business to assist with building materials such as cement and gum poles in an effort to realise their goal. For more information, contact the Amanzimtoti SPCA on 031-904-2424/5.

DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. 
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 876 3179
The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? 
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.

(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)