Originally published on 14 September 2018

Plastic waste is a big problem for the environment and health all over the world. In South Africa, even when people try to recycle, a lot of plastic still ends up in landfills (dumps). This waste harms the environment and was a missed chance to save the country money.

Some South African women found new ways to use plastic waste, helping their communities:

1. Lynn Worsley — All Women Recycling
   Lynn Worsley started All Women Recycling in Cape Town to cut down on plastic waste and to help women. The group turned old plastic bottles into eco-friendly gift boxes and taught women business and sales skills.

2. Thato Kgathlanye & Rea Ngwane — Rethaka Foundation
   Thato Kgathlanye and Rea Ngwane's Rethaka Foundation turned plastic bags into school bags with solar lights. These bags helped kids in areas without electricity in South Africa stay safe and study.

3. Salphy Nkoana — The Masupatsela Women’s Cooperative
   Salphy Nkoana started the Masupatsela Women’s Cooperative in Tembisa to help women fight poverty.

4. Quinette Goosen, Glinise Howard & Olive Grimsel — Uitenhage Recycling Mula Swop-Shop Project
   In the Eastern Cape, Quinette Goosen, Glinise Howard, and Olive Grimsel got kids involved in recycling by giving them points for taking part.

5. Nelisiwe Radebe — Remarkable Waste Management
   Nelisiwe Radebe started Remarkable Waste Management to organise waste better and stop it from polluting the environment.

Get involved

You could help support these projects and fight extreme poverty by joining campaigns like Tell President Ramaphosa: Let's #BeTheGeneration to End Extreme Poverty!

Read more

GlobalCitizen.org.

Acknowledgements:

Original article written by: Mbali Kgame

Photograph supplied by: Petco

Source

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.