Latest News & Developments
environmental cleanup
Wastepickers play a key role in the fight against plastic pollution
Melanie Samson, an Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Johannesburg says research shows waste pickers collect 80%-90% of the used packaging and paper recycled in South Africa
Stellenbosch schools go green as Fibre Circle relaunches recycling initiative
A renewed push for environmental education is underway in Stellenbosch, as Fibre Circle, in partnership with the Stellenbosch Municipality and Zithande Mzansi Schools Programme, relaunches the Green Schools Recycling Initiative. The programme equips schools with recycling infrastructure and curriculum-aligned resources to promote sustainable habits among learners. Following a successful pilot, the initiative is now being scaled across the region, encouraging community empowerment and long-term environmental stewardship.
Young environmental champions: Athlone pupils collect 700 kg of recyclables
n a remarkable initiative, pupils from three Athlone primary schools collected nearly 700 kg of recyclable packaging, fostering environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Nyanga Hiking Club: A gateway to nature for local children
Over 70 children from Nyanga, Cape Town, embark on monthly hikes with the Nyanga Hiking Club, discovering nature and building community despite challenges like lack of proper footwear
Nyanga Hiking Club empowers children through nature experiences
The Nyanga Hiking Club is providing children in Cape Town with opportunities to explore nature.
Join the Hout Bay beach clean-up this Sunday
Join the Hout Bay community this Sunday, May 18, for a beach clean-up at Mariners Wharf.
Leaning wall of Milton Manor no more: City confirms removal of problematic tree after long wait
After more than a year of battling invasive tree roots threatening their safety and property values, Milton Manor residents in Sea Point finally see hope as the City of Cape Town confirms the removal of the troublesome tree.
Celebrating World Water Day: GrandWest's impactful clean-up along the Elsies River
On 28 March, GrandWest commemorated World Water Day with a significant clean-up initiative along the Elsies River Canal, engaging local volunteers and students to tackle environmental challenges and promote water conservation.
South African Peoples Tribunal to address agrochemical crisis and government accountability in court of public opinion
The South African People’s Tribunal on AgroToxins will hold the government accountable for failing to protect farm workers and their families from hazardous pesticides. Testimonies from affected individuals will reveal the dire consequences of regulatory failures and the urgent need for change.
South African artists are upcycling padel balls into eco-friendly furniture
A Western Cape NGO, Amazeballs is revolutionising sustainability by transforming discarded padel balls into furniture.
Why clean beauty matters: The truth behind toxic ingredients and eco-friendly alternatives
Some common ingredients in traditional skincare and personal care products can do more harm than good.
South Africa’s eco-heroes honoured at 2024 Eco-Logic Awards
South Africa’s Eco-Logic Awards 2024 celebrated environmental champions and showcased the inspiring winners dedicated to conservation and sustainability.
No to ‘slave wage!’ Waste pickers call on companies to pay up on service fees
In 2021, South Africa signed the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) agreement, a policy aimed at holding producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products, including waste management
Illegal dumping, hazardous waste plague hillary residents
Residents in Durban West are battling toxic air and illegal landfill sites as waste disposal companies exploit communities, prompting swift action from city officials.
DUT staff and students lead clean-up campaign to revitalise City Campus
DUT City campus staff and students recently united in a clean-up campaign to rejuvenate their campus and surrounding areas.
Unveiling the ‘teach naked’ concept: Energising youth for environmental change
To embrace nature we should ditch traditional classroom habits, venture into wild spaces — even if that’s just stepping outside your back door — and teach naked says animal behaviourist Aliza le Roux.
Major oil spill hits South Africa’s west coast after cargo ship breaks apart
An oil spill emergency has struck South Africa's west coast after the MV Ultra Galaxy cargo ship broke apart during severe weather, leading to a coordinated clean-up effort.
Morongwe Mokone and Refilwe Sebothoma shine at 2024 Veuve Clicquot Awards
Morongwe “Mo” Mokone and Refilwe Sebothoma, pioneering entrepreneurs, have been named the winners of the 2024 Veuve Clicquot Awards in the categories of Bold Woman and Bold Future Awards, for their exceptional impact on innovation and sustainability.
Self-taught artisan Morongwe Mokone’s journey to sustainable ‘Made in SA’ home decor designs
Mokone runs a company committed to sustainability, emphasising fair wages and safe working conditions for local artisans.
Petco achieved 98 percent of legislated targets of collection and recycling of post-consumer packaging
Last year, Petco invested over R70 million in the collection and recycling value chain, enabling contracted recyclers to purchase R309 million in post-consumer packaging from collection businesses.
Pikitup to advertise more waste picking jobs after protests
The City of Johannesburg and Pikitup management has announced they will advertise additional job opportunities to give casual workers an opportunity to after protests rocked the city of gold this week.
International Day for Biodiversity - youth engagement vital for biodiversity conservation
Youth engagement is essential for effective biodiversity conservation in South Africa, young environmental experts weigh in on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Transforming Trash to Treasure: How eThekwini is steering South Africa towards a zero-waste future
The Zero-Waste Municipal Learning Exchange, held in eThekwini Municipality, brought together delegates from various South African municipalities to share innovative approaches to waste management. From composting pilots to recycling operations, the exchange highlighted the urgency and potential for transitioning to zero-waste models.
WATCH: Venice residents riot about new tourist entry fee
Venice has implemented an entry fee for day-tripping tourists arriving from outside the city limits, charging approximately €5 (R96) for those entering between 8. 30am and 4pm.
WATCH: Mount Everest stinks of faeces and urine
Referred to as ‘Garbage Mountain’ in the year 2000, Everest now stands as a reminder of the toll humanity has taken on the environment. Picture: Bai Yui