Paving the Path to Zero Waste: the #dontbetrashy Campaign
In the picturesque landscapes of South Africa's Western Cape, where the stunning beauty of the region meets the modern rhythm of life, an issue of substantial concern looms large. The Western Cape is home to 11.9% of the population and is responsible for a staggering 3 million tons of waste generated annually according to the Annual State of Waste Management Report of 2020 and STATSA’s mid-year population estimates for 2022. The sources of this mounting waste are as diverse as the province itself. The driving force behind this surge in waste is a simple equation: more people, more consumption, and, inevitably, more waste.
This waste predicament paints a less-than-rosy picture for the local economy and poses a threat to natural ecosystems, impacting flora and fauna as highlighted in the Annual State of Waste Management Report 2020, the Waste Collection and Transportation Status Quo Report 2021, and research conducted by Danielle Julius and Mathiyazhagan Nyberg on the topic of waste.
The consequences of waste are far-reaching, encompassing not only our immediate living spaces but also the delicate balance of biodiversity. This underscores the significance of the Catchment to Coast principle: the actions upstream in river systems have a ripple effect all the way to the oceans, carrying with them various forms of waste. Among the essential services nature bestows upon us, water stands out as paramount, for our very existence hinges upon it. Hence, the imperative lies in maintaining the cleanliness of our surroundings and embracing a lifestyle that generates zero waste.
As the province grapples with this escalating waste challenge, solutions are beginning to crystallize. The call to "reduce, reuse, recycle" is echoing through many avenues, urging individuals and businesses alike to adopt practical strategies. The Western Cape Integrated Waste Management Plan for 2022 identifies a suite of solutions which include streamlined packaging, the transformation of kitchen scraps into valuable compost, reduced reliance on plastic, and the art of gifting or repurposing items that are no longer needed.
Aligned with the 2020 National Waste Management Strategy, the concept of waste minimization takes centre stage. A thoughtful approach that carries notable benefits includes prolonging the landfill lifespan, conserving invaluable resources, curbing pollution, and thus reducing the financial burdens tied to recycling and waste disposal. This endeavour falls under the grand umbrella of the zero-waste philosophy which is an encompassing vision that champions the ethos of repurposing and recycling. It is our collective responsibility to heed the call to action for the sake of our environment and the current and future generations.
CapeNature addresses some of these concerns through its #DontBeTrashy Campaign which aims to bring an understanding of the impact of waste on our environment that will lead to waste minimization and a sustainable environment. One aspect being addressed includes minimising wastepaper and paper usage at CapeNature’s Offices, with a future vision to embark on recycling at all depots. The campaign also actively seeks out partnerships and more recently CapeNature has partnered with Shark Spotters to keep our beaches and oceans clean. During September, the public can also get involved through our DontBeTrashy Drive which is a collective initiative that involves numerous learners and the public doing clean ups across the province. This year, clean ups will be taking place between 1 September and 30 September 2023. For more information about DontBeTrashy Campaign and Drive and how you can get involved, please visit at www.capenature.co.za or contact learning@capenature.co.za.
Figure 1 Noordhoek
Figure 2 Pniel
Related News
Catch and release helps to conserve the Western Cape’s indigenous fish
Freshwater ecosystems across the Western Cape are rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of indigenous fish. However, these species are increasingly threatened by the spread of invasive alien fish species, that prey on indigenous species and compete with them for food, space, and breeding grounds.
Celebrating innovative, resilient women in tourism
Women are thriving in tourism and wielding influence from the boardroom to hiking trails, where they beat a pathway for others to follow. They occupy 70% of the tourism workforce in South Africa, and their voices are being amplified in the sector now more than ever. A powerful yet often overlooked statistic that underscores their vital role in the sector.
Rivers, Watersheds, and the Klein Estuary: A 2025 Natural Breach Event
Over millions of years, South Africa’s rivers and watersheds have evolved through the forces of erosion, rainfall, and shifting geology. A river catchment, or watershed, is an area of land where all surface water flows toward a single river, stream, or channel, eventually reaching the sea.
Avian Influenza detected in Western Cape: Public urged to stay alert, not alarmed
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) is a viral disease of birds that can also, on rare occasions, infect humans and mammals. The virus spreads through bird faeces and droplets from the nose and mouth, and is present in other body fluids and tissues of dead birds. The disease can cause high mortality rates in domestic poultry.
Independent experts’ review of draft action plan for baboon management now available
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform residents, interested parties, and stakeholders that the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan on baboon management is now available to the public.
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?