CapeNature will join hands with local communities in hosting the #DontBeTrashy drive from 1 to 30 September 2023. In the face of an escalating waste crisis, the #DontBeTrashy drive is a shining beacon of hope, advocating for a greener, more sustainable world. With a series of impactful clean-up events planned across the Western Cape, this campaign is meant to spark behavioral change and empower both learners and communities to take ownership of their environmental footprint.

The global and local reality of waste has reached an alarming state. According to the Green Cape (2022 Waste Market Intelligence Report) up to 868 000 tons of organic waste, 245 000 tons of plastic waste, and 60 000 tons of e-waste (electronic equipment) were generated in 2020 within the Western Cape. Millions of tons of waste end up in landfills and oceans every year, causing irreversible harm to our ecosystems. The linear "take, make, dispose" model of consumption has only intensified this issue. The #DontBeTrashy drive is embracing the circular waste economy that emphasises waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature says, “The #DontBeTrashy drive is actively raising awareness about the dire consequences of unchecked waste. Through educational campaigns, workshops, and community events, the drive is educating people of all ages about the importance of responsible consumption and proper waste disposal. By fostering a culture of accountability, this campaign seeks to empower communities to rethink their relationship with waste with the aim of a changed behavior towards waste where people are cognisant of its impact on the environment.”

As part of the campaign, a series of clean up events will be hosted across the Western Cape to educate participants and to bring waste collected back into the circular waste economy through responsible disposal at recycling depots.

To join a clean-up event or learn how you can get involved, email learning@capenature.co.za