Young entrepreneurs inspired to create clean-burning solid fuel source

GreenMovement was started in 2016 by longtime friends and former Springs Boys’ High School learners Zethu Kunene (26) and Siya Hlatshwayo (26).

“I tried to go into the recycling industry in 2013.

“I was collecting bottles from bars in Springs and Johannesburg CBD.

“This venture did not go well for me,” explains Zethu.

He then thought to approach Siya with the recycling idea in 2014.

“We continued to collect recyclable materials from businesses around Springs.

“One of our customers insisted that if we are to collect from their place of business, we should take the heaps of sawdust produced as a byproduct of their operations, so we agreed.”

In 2016, the young entrepreneurs realised they had collected around three tons of sawdust, which was stored in a backyard.

“Obviously, now it was becoming a problem to store the sawdust.

“We agreed that we had to do something with it.

“After a month of research, we figured we should try making briquettes from the sawdust,” he adds.

He admits that their first attempt at Woodies was laughable.

“We created them with water, paper and sawdust.

“It would take three months to dry, but we were happy that it caught light eventually.”

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Then, through rigorous research, followed by many sleepless nights of trial and error, the duo eventually arrived at an efficient, clean-burning solid fuel source made from 100 per cent waste material: the Woodie.

The pair has a long-term vision to be Africa’s market leaders in renewable and alternative energy production.

They believe the cost-effectiveness of their product speaks to the needs of their community.

“Through a unique combination of biomass materials, Woodies have been designed to provide thermal heat with lower emissions (which are also carbon neutral).

“The product burns cleaner than competing solid fuels, contains no hazardous substances and caters for the lower-income residential market.”

Zethu points out that during the lockdown, most households are using more energy around the home than usual.

“We would like to encourage everyone to try these cost-effective and easy ways to be more energy-conscious and energy-efficient at home.”

• Turn off lights in rooms that are not being used.
• Scheduling “energy free” time at home, i.e. leaving the TV off and reading a book or exercising.
• Clean the back of your fridge to make it more energy efficient. When the coils get fluffy, the fridge has to work harder.
• Batch-cook your meals instead of frequently cooking daily meals.
• Spend a minute less in the shower.
• If you use a washing machine, wash clothes at a cooler temperature.
• Only boil as much water as you need.
• Turn off all electrical appliances at the wall.
• Make the most of the sun’s natural warmth, i.e. close your windows before the sun goes down, shut the curtains to minimise heat loss.

Instagram: @GreenMovementEnergy
Facebook: @GreenMovementEnergy
General enquires: Hloni – 081 350 8776

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