Encouraging next generation to go green

Image courtesy of artur84 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

More than 250 people attended the event this year, a record in the history of the Trash Bash.

The Trash Bash was established 10 years ago by the late Bob Richards of Sundays River who was a passionate conservationist and who wanted to educate people and create awareness of the environment.

"The purpose of the day is to clean the estuary and village streets, to educate and create awareness of the environment and to reward all participating children many of who are from disadvantaged backgrounds with a morning of fun, refreshments and prizes," said event co-ordinator Nick-Neil Boss.

The event has attracted many supporters such as Action Cyclers, Algoa Plastics, Colchester Spar, Colchester Primary School, GMSA, Jinja Promotions, MM Services, NMMM Municipality, Mpact Recycling, Plastics SA, PPC Cement, Pro Services, Rossies Place, Sanparks, SBD Promotions, Sundays River Ferry and the Waste Trade Company.

The local community members also supported the event by providing boats to transport all volunteers down the river.

A total weight of 1220kg was collected from the river and the surrounding village.

"We included our staff and their families, designed T-shirts for the event, handed out educational brochures about recycling and addressed the children with a talk about recycling, and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment," said Waste Trading Company marketing manager Vicky du Toit.

Kabega Primary, one of TWTC's top recycling schools, brought a few of their "Groenspoor prefects" along to support the event. They also entertained TWTC and GMSA staff with their newly written eco-song. "The lyrics are simple and relevant and the tune is really catchy - I like it!" reports Howard Bulkin, owner of the Waste Trade Company.

TWTC's school projects co-ordinator Rendani Ramavhoya will visit Colchester Primary soon to set up a recycling station there. "The pupils' enthusiasm and attitude towards the cleanup was nothing short of inspiring. I really look forward to promoting a culture of recycling in the community - it would be great to set up a public recycling station for Colchester too."

Source: Herald