Readers' tips for a sustainable future
AS WAS discussed previously, the purpose of this column is to engage you, the reader, about environmental and sustainability issues.
Frankly, we need to discuss what is on each other's mind and get to understand the different perceptions that exist as it concerns our environment and sustainability issues. I thought it opportune to highlight and thank the readers, who have written in to share their thoughts with us.
Unfortunately I cannot discuss all the e-mails in detail, but I have clustered them in themes such as recycling, to cover as many as possible.
The majority of e-mails we received were inspirational, with some of the readers sharing with us how they were making a difference in their communities as it regards our environment.
For example, Thabo tries to combine environmental aspects with arts and culture in his training endeavours and Jabulani is "motivated to start greening (his) community".
Thapelo, from Pretoria, pointed out that most recycling efforts focused on gathering materials - like glass, cans, paper and so on - and shipping these back for recycling. Thapelo made the valid point that much of what is recycled can be processed further into goods that can be sold. For example, collected glass bottles can be turned into vases or beer bottles into wine glasses.
The question then is: "Who would be able to teach our young people to turn recycled materials into goods that can be sold?
Thapelo, I urge you to enquire at local schools, churches or training facilities as to whether they could assist you to obtain the relevant skills.
Tlhapane (Pretoria) indicated the importance that churches and other religious institutions can play in recycling and sustainability endeavours. He also pointed out that revenue from recycling can be much less than anticipated.
The lack of revenue from recycling is indeed a cause for concern. To increase revenue one could recycle more so as to make it more viable.Interestingly enough we also received e-mails from taverns indicating that they need a place to dispose of their bottles.
Another suggestion could be to investigate the possibility of acquiring a sponsor, who could contribute to recycling revenues. For example, if you recycle 1000 bottles and get paid R20 by a recycling company, then a sponsor could agree to contribute to your cause, 50% of the revenue that you received from the recycling company - that translates to R10.
We would like to hear from you.
As always we would like to hear from you what you deem to be important and what topics you would like to discuss, what are your views on nature conservation, sustainable development or environmental awareness or education? Are you, your small group or community involved in any effort to contribute to the Green Revolution.
Please include "Sowetan Column" in the title of your comments or critiques and you can talk to us at the following address: sustainability@nedbank.co.za
Go green to preserve our planet
Readers' tips for a sustainable future
AS WAS discussed previously, the purpose of this column is to engage you, the reader, about environmental and sustainability issues.
Frankly, we need to discuss what is on each other's mind and get to understand the different perceptions that exist as it concerns our environment and sustainability issues. I thought it opportune to highlight and thank the readers, who have written in to share their thoughts with us.
Unfortunately I cannot discuss all the e-mails in detail, but I have clustered them in themes such as recycling, to cover as many as possible.
The majority of e-mails we received were inspirational, with some of the readers sharing with us how they were making a difference in their communities as it regards our environment.
For example, Thabo tries to combine environmental aspects with arts and culture in his training endeavours and Jabulani is "motivated to start greening (his) community".
Thapelo, from Pretoria, pointed out that most recycling efforts focused on gathering materials - like glass, cans, paper and so on - and shipping these back for recycling. Thapelo made the valid point that much of what is recycled can be processed further into goods that can be sold. For example, collected glass bottles can be turned into vases or beer bottles into wine glasses.
The question then is: "Who would be able to teach our young people to turn recycled materials into goods that can be sold?
Thapelo, I urge you to enquire at local schools, churches or training facilities as to whether they could assist you to obtain the relevant skills.
Tlhapane (Pretoria) indicated the importance that churches and other religious institutions can play in recycling and sustainability endeavours. He also pointed out that revenue from recycling can be much less than anticipated.
The lack of revenue from recycling is indeed a cause for concern. To increase revenue one could recycle more so as to make it more viable.Interestingly enough we also received e-mails from taverns indicating that they need a place to dispose of their bottles.
Another suggestion could be to investigate the possibility of acquiring a sponsor, who could contribute to recycling revenues. For example, if you recycle 1000 bottles and get paid R20 by a recycling company, then a sponsor could agree to contribute to your cause, 50% of the revenue that you received from the recycling company - that translates to R10.
We would like to hear from you.
As always we would like to hear from you what you deem to be important and what topics you would like to discuss, what are your views on nature conservation, sustainable development or environmental awareness or education? Are you, your small group or community involved in any effort to contribute to the Green Revolution.
Please include "Sowetan Column" in the title of your comments or critiques and you can talk to us at the following address: sustainability@nedbank.co.za
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