Recycling a bottle can reduce its environmental footprint by 25% and ensures it does not contribute to pollution on land and sea.
To effectively promote and create a sustainable ecosystem, the South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) encourages citizens to make recycling a habit.
“South Africa’s recycling ecosystem, in general, is not set up to handle the packaging alternatives currently making waves overseas,” said Charlotte Metcalf, chief executive officer of the SANBWA.
“To recycle or process biodegradable and compostable plastics, cardboard or paper bottles and cartons, would require considerable investment in new equipment and infrastructure. If this investment is not made and these alternatives are used, they will go to landfills.”
According to a Plastics SA report, South Africa’s recycling rate is a step ahead of Europe’s.
South Africa recycles 46% of plastic, which is higher than is the case in most countries. Paper is recycled at 70%, beverage cans and metal at 72%, and glass at 42%.
There are various ways citizens can play their part in tackling litter, regardless of the destination.
These include the following:
- being an educated consumer – dispose of waste in a responsible manner so that it does not end up in the ocean;
- reducing the need for single-use plastics by choosing reusable items. Carry a shopping bag, use a reusable coffee cup, and purchase less food wrapped in plastics;
- sorting and recycling plastics – recycled plastic means less plastic being produced and entering the environment. It seems obvious, but a better job could be done of it; and
- taking or supporting direct action – participate in local recycling programmes and the upkeep of community parks, recreational facilities and beaches.
Support international campaigns that help remove plastic directly from the environment and prevent it from later becoming marine litter.
