SALM TEAM 
The last decade has been the hottest in recorded history and the planet is now facing a climate emergency of unparalleled proportions – and 2023 undoubtedly marked a turning point in which the reality of climate change was felt by the global population.
Europe faced a severe water crisis intensified by a multi-year drought caused by low winter rainfall and snowfall. Heatwaves adversely affected crops, with the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia, the UK, Ireland, Spain and Germany suffering compromised crop yields in some regions.
Severe drought affected 5% of the United States and 15-20% of China’s population saw a rising frequency of droughts. In Brazil, the level of the Amazon River was six metres lower than it was in 2022 and wildfires caused untold damage in Canada, Mexico, Greece and Hawaii.
In Africa, at least 15 700 people lost their lives to extreme weather disasters in 2023, according to the latest report from Carbon Brief, while another 34 million have been affected. From flooding to intense heatwaves and drought, these devastating statistics represent a human emergency on an unprecedented scale. The bulk of the fatalities were in Libya alone, where more than 11 300 people died in September when two dams overflowed in Derna and over 20 other flood disasters occurred across the continent. The frequency of tropical cyclones also increased alarmingly – Tropical Cyclone Freddy persisted for 34 days from February, impacting Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Réunion and Zimbabwe. It left at least 860 people dead, destroyed homes and cropland and caused cholera outbreaks.
18 March is Global Recycling Day – and you may ask how separating your glass, plastics, cardboard and metals into a separate bin can impact a deadly tropical storm – but every action influences the planet and has the potential to drive widespread change as more people adopt positive environmental behaviours.
Recycling is a key part of the circular economy, helping to protect our natural resources. Each year the ‘Seventh Resource’ (recyclables) saves over 700 million tons in CO2 emissions – projected to increase to 1 billion tons by 2030. There is no doubt recycling is on the front line in the war to save the future of our planet and humanity. The theme for Global Recycling Day 2024 is #RecyclingHeroes, recognising the people, places and activities that showcase what an important role recycling plays in contributing to an environmentally stable planet and a greener future which will benefit all.
According to available statistics, South Africans generate roughly 122 million tons of waste a year, with a mere 10% recycled or recovered for other uses. 90% is sent to landfills, dumped illegally or lost to the environment.
So how can you make a difference by recycling? Well, start with your own behaviour and then teach your children so that the habit becomes ingrained in everyday life. Something as simple as placing small paper recycling bins in various areas of your home makes it easier and more convenient to get into the recycling habit.
Educate
Recycling is the process of taking materials ready to be thrown away and converting or repurposing them into reusable materials. Only certain products, including paper, plastic, glass and metal can be recycled and the process for doing so is different for each material.
The benefits of recycling include the need for less natural resources to produce new materials when old materials can safely be recycled and re-used; landfill space is reduced; pollution is lowered; waste is minimised and energy is saved. The amount of energy used to manufacture products using recycled materials is considerably less than that required for producing products from raw materials.
For example: one recycled banana skin generates enough energy to charge one smartphone, twice; melting down an aluminium can for re-use requires just 5% of the energy needed to make a new can and it creates little pollution and the energy saved from recycling 1 plastic bottle can power a 100-watt light bulb for almost one hour.
Show
Set up a recycling station at home by providing separate bins for food waste, plastic, paper, glass and metal which they can easily access and use independently. Show them recycled products or products which contain recycled material so they can see how it is re-used – and how it is often indistinguishable from a new product.
Act
Our children learn by example – and we can each set an example in our community. By separating your recycling, organising recycling initiatives in your neighbourhood and working with your children’s school to make recycling part of their everyday lives there, too, you can have an exponential impact on the planet.
Many Beneficiaries of the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet program work to preserve our environment and you can support their work by signing up for a MySchool card online, or via the app (Google Play or Apple App Store). Select up to three preferred Beneficiaries and generate donations – at no cost to you – every time you swipe your card at a Partner.
Discourage Overconsumption
We’re all bombarded with advertising every day for new products and learning the difference between ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ is important. It also teaches us all to shop more mindfully and not generate more waste.
About Author
