Plastics SA and the KwaZulu-Natal Marine Network utilised the NETWORK for NETWORKS seminar hosted recently by the SA Association for Marine Biological Research at uShaka Sea World to launch the highly anticipated Clean-Up And Recycle SA 2024 campaign. The event also honoured several local environmental champions with Plastics SA’s prestigious Caroline Reid Eco-Warrior Award which is awarded annually to individuals or groups who display an unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s rivers and waterways.

This year’s Clean-Up And Recycle SA week will take place from 16 – 21 September 2024 and includes several key dates aimed at mobilising communities nationwide:

• Clean-Up and Recycle Week SA: 16 – 21 September
• National River Clean-up Day: 18 September
• National Recycling Day: 20 September
• National Clean-Up Day: 21 September
• World Clean-Up Day: 21 September
• International Coastal Clean-up: 21 September

Highlighting the seminar, Chris Whyte, a renowned environmentalist and founder of numerous organisations such as USE-IT, Sustainable Tech, Pyrolysis Group SDG Africa, ImagineIF, and Africa Circular Economy, received a special award from Plastics SA. Whyte, a dedicated member and chairman of the National Recycling Forum and the KZN Marine Waste Network, was recognised for his unwavering passion and vision in protecting the environment and promoting a circular economy.

Other distinguished award recipients of the Caroline Reid Award in KZN included the Clean Surf Project, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Wild Oceans and the Inkwazi Isu River Catchment Project, North Durban Honorary Officers, KZN Beach Clean-up, Cleansing and Solid Waste Services (CSM) SAAMBR and Sustainable Seas Trust (SST). The recipients based in other provinces will receive their awards in weeks to come.

In an impressive demonstration of community spirit, Saturday saw volunteers rallying for a beach clean-up at Umbogintwini Beach in celebration of World Oceans Day on 8 June. Partnering with Plastics SA, Clean Surf Project, Sapphire Coast Tourism, and the Inkwazi Isu River Catchment Project and 300 children from local schools collected 300 bags of litter—amounting to nearly one ton of waste that will not reach the ocean.

During Environment Week, the "Save a Fishie" initiative also made significant strides. The campaign, spearheaded by Zoë Prinsloo and her team, journeyed from the West Coast to Pretoria and Johannesburg in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of preserving South Africa's beautiful beaches. Their efforts will soon extend to Richards Bay before they head back to Cape Town. Plastics SA, Polyco, Petco, and eWasa the proud sponsors of this monumental venture and are deeply appreciative of the team's dedication.