Reducing the amount of resources we consume is the first step to becoming an environmentally responsible citizen. Fuel, electricity and water are resources we use daily and often take for granted. By doing simple things like turning off lights, unplugging cell phone chargers when not in use, taking shorter showers and using car-pools we collectively make a big difference to our impact on the environment.
Re-using the products that we buy is another way of minimising consumption. Margarine tubs can be re-used as lunch boxes or a plastic soft drink bottle can be filled and frozen to use as an ice-brick in one's cool box. When it melts, there is cold water for drinking too. Re-using products just requires a little extra thought before tossing things in the bin, and buying products with minimal packaging is even better.
To bring attention to the third R; paper, plastic, cans and glass can all be recycled. Recycling is one of the most effective ways in which we can reduce our personal ecological footprint on the environment, and making use of government recycling facilities that are in place is up to us.
Durban Solid Waste head, Raymond Rampersad commented, "Recycling is just one piece of the environmental puzzle, but it's an area where everyone can get involved. Many people recycle simply because they know it is healthy for the environment, and our objective is to encourage individuals to take responsibility of their environment and manage their waste responsibly."
Over the festive season waste separation facilities for paper, plastic, cans and glass have been put in accessible public places, including the Durban promenade and general beachfront area. Additionally, the bagged litter collected by the VBCU workers is handed over to municipalities across the country, which is then sorted to ensure that recyclables are processed correctly.
The Vodacom Beach Clean Up campaign aims to assist municipalities in their efforts and thereby contribute towards an environmentally sustainable society.
