Don’t Be Trashy Campaign Tackles Waste in Western Cape
CapeNature, in partnership with Soapbox and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), is working on the “Don’t Be Trashy” Drive to address the growing threat of waste to ecosystems across the province.
The campaign aims to tackle pollution in both terrestrial and marine environments, where plastic and non-biodegradable waste is putting increasing pressure on biodiversity. It combines public awareness, education, and community action to reduce waste and drive long-term behavioural change.
Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said government has an important role to play in guiding communities to change and improve their handling of waste.
We need to grow our understanding of the value that can be unlocked from waste. Let’s explore simple ways in which we can benefit from the circular economy that lies hidden in many trash items we simply throw away without a second thought.
A key focus of this year’s drive is the protection of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which play an important role in sustaining ocean health. Pollution doesn’t respect boundaries and even waste generated far inland can travel via rivers into the ocean, impacting critical marine ecosystems. Collaboration across sectors and communities is essential to protect these environments.
The impact of waste is not just unsightly; it has significant impact on natural ecosystems. On land, litter disrupts habitats, contaminates soil, and affects wildlife. In our oceans, waste entangles marine animals, degrades coral reefs, and introduces toxins into the food chain. The “Don’t Be Trashy” Drive is a call to action for all communities, schools, businesses, and individuals to be part of the solution.”
The campaign highlights how everyday actions like littering and illegal dumping contribute to environmental degradation. Through clean-up events, educational activities, and social engagements, CapeNature and its partners are promoting sustainable practices like recycling and reducing single-use plastics.
Soapbox, through its Captain Fanplastic Programme, is adding a creative and educational dimension to the campaign, particularly among young people.
If we want to see lasting change in how we treat our environment, it starts with what we teach our children. Through our gamified storytelling adventures and outdoor experiences, we turn environmental education into something memorable, fun, and impactful. We pride ourselves on being able to reach 11 countries with vital education for many young people. Over the past three years, we’ve reached more than 15 000 learners, inspiring them to become “Plastic Pirates” and community changemakers. Campaigns like “Don’t Be Trashy” reinforce education reform based on creativity, curiosity, and real-world action, which is key to building a generation that sees waste not as rubbish, but as a resource.
CapeNature is calling on all individuals to join the campaign by taking part in clean-ups, report illegal dumping, and reduce waste at source. The Entity also encourages all to support the work being done in nature reserves and MPAs.
The public can share the campaign message online using #DontBeTrashy.
For more information and updates on upcoming events, visit www.capenature.co.za or follow CapeNature on social media.
Related News
Penguin Palooza 2026 returns to Stony Point in support of African Penguin conservation
Stony Point in Betty’s Bay is one of the last known locations on Earth where African Penguins still breed on the mainland, and the species is under growing pressure. On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Penguin Palooza returns to Stony Point Nature Reserve, giving the public a chance to learn about the species and the work CapeNature, SANCCOB and other partners are doing to protect it.
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Robberg Nature Reserve has been named the Best Outdoor Activity in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. The recognition follows months of nominations and voting by communities across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, making the award a meaningful reflection of the place Robberg holds in the local community.
CapeNature maintains clean audit record and expands the Western Cape’s Protected Areas
CapeNature's 2025/26 Annual Report shows the Entity added more than 44 000 hectares to the Western Cape conservation estate over the year. The additions extend protection across mountain catchments that feed the province's water supply, guarding them against the invasive plant growth and wildfire risk that threaten water security. Ultimately the protected areas expansion improves our ability to conserve the rich and unique Western Cape biodiversity.
WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship
South Africa’s Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are entering their next chapter with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship, inclusion, community participation and long-term coastal resilience, as WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, celebrates 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and its own centenary.
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of