CapeNature and Captain Fanplastic are teaming up to redefine environmental education through an immersive and impactful five-tier waste education program for primary school pupils. This collaboration is a testament to ongoing creative strategies and strong partnerships, which drive impactful environmental change.

Captain Fanplastic’s program uses a unique approach, which combines storytelling, hands-on activities, and recycling initiatives to engage pupils and help them to better understand waste management. By leveraging this innovative approach, CapeNature and Captain Fanplastic aim to set a new standard in environmental education, inspire diverse communities, and promote collective action to safeguard the Western Cape’s biodiversity.

The five-tier approach includes: 1) storytelling with animation to bring concepts to life, 2) educating students on the impact and value of materials and their potential to become waste, 3) fostering innovation through the creative reuse of plastic, 4) encouraging action with environmental clean-up activities like a treasure hunt, and 5) reinforcing recycling habits using school bins and recycling programs.

Through combining resources, expertise, and networks, this ongoing partnership helps to achieve greater impact. CapeNature can develop comprehensive and innovative educational programs by collaborating with non-profit organisations like Captain Fanplastic. These partnerships not only enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of environmental education but also amplify the message of waste management and environmental responsibility.

Putting the theory into practice comes to fruition within the #DontBeTrashy Campaign which takes place from the 1 to the 30 September 2024. The objectives of this campaign are to develop a sense of responsibility towards a sustainable and healthy environment and to create awareness around the topic of waste.

CapeNature is committed to continually advancing its educational strategies. This ongoing development is crucial for driving behavioural change and ensuring the long-term protection and conservation of biodiversity in the Western Cape.