Johannesburg, 19 March 2020. The Polystyrene Association of South Africa hosted a virtual Annual General Meeting making use of an online meeting platform yesterday, following travel restrictions that were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this week in the light of the Covid-19 outbreak. Harnessing the power of technology, members and other interested parties were invited to log on to the platform to listen to presentations that unpacked the highlights of successes achieved during 2019, the strategic directions for the short to medium term and to vote for the new Executive committee members that will be responsible for leading the Association in 2020. A tough year for the polystyrene industry Launching the day’s discussions, outgoing chairman Anton Maingard said 2019 was an extremely challenging year that adversely affected the already battle-hardened businesses in the plastics manufacturing industries. “We had to contend with above-inflation increases in operating costs, wage disputes, electricity increases and extensive electrical load shedding which reduced efficiencies and outputs. Fuel increases and a fluctuating weak currency eroded profit margins and made it very difficult for companies to sustain themselves. Added to this, polystyrene packaging products were also on the receiving end of harsh criticism and calls for it to be banned along with other single-use plastics. However, despite these obstacles and opposition, the Polystyrene Association of SA continued its work of spreading the message about the need and versatility of polystyrene and its many uses of recycled polystyrene through our many existing and new exciting projects,” Maingard said. Various uses for polystyrene in domestic market Packaging continued to make up the vast majority ( approx. 60 %) of the domestic market for polystyrene this past year, although the material was also used in a wide variety of different applications, such as protective packaging for …
Plastic Pipes Body Urges Government To Invest In Quality Water Infrastructure As Fears Of Disease And Droughts Continue To Increase
Johannesburg, 23 March 2020. The Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA), the standards body for the plastic pipe industry, says the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in South Africa has once again highlighted the dangers that the country’s lacking water infrastructure pose for the most vulnerable in our society. Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA, says frequent hand washing with soap and clean water is one of the first lines of defense against contracting the Corona virus. “However, it is a sad and worrying reality that many informal settlements and communities around our country do not have access to clean water for drinking, hand washing or cooking to protect them against the ravaging effect of this highly contagious disease,” he says. “The country desperately needs a reliable network of water and sewage pipes capable of serving the whole population”. SAPPMA is a non-profit association representing the leading companies in the plastics piping sector, with the primary purpose and mission of creating absolute customer confidence in the plastics pipe industry through facilitating high standards of ethics, product quality and technical information. Each year, approximately 150 000 tons of pipe (PVC and HDPE) are produced in South Africa, used for forming integral, long term and extremely important infrastructure networks for water, gas and telecommunications supply. “We were relieved when Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu launched the National Water & Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP) towards the end of last year in which she committed to address the issues of insufficient water infrastructure, maintenance and investment, water and sanitation, deteriorating water quality and a lack of water engineers as a matter of urgency. However, we have not seen much progress made in this regard and believe the Corona-virus outbreak once again highlights that we cannot afford to delay the process any longer,” Venter implores. SAPPMA is …
OPINION PIECE | Why plantations are NOT green deserts
Johannesburg, March, 20, 2020 - Ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Forests on 21 March, Forestry South Africa research and protection director Dr Ronald Heath talks about how the commercial forestry industry is leading the way in conserving and rehabilitating areas of high biodiversity value. He also challenges people to think differently about plantations. Oribi. Southern Ground Hornbill. Southern Banded Snake Eagle. Cape Batis. Spotted Eagle Owl. Karkloof Blue Butterfly. Hewitt’s Ghost Frog. Pepper Bark Tree. Cycads. These are some of the species that have found a home within the South African commercial forestry landscape. Local forestry landscapes are a tapestry of commercial timber compartments – or crops – interwoven with tracts of natural vegetation, which enhance and conserve biodiversity in these grasslands, wetlands and indigenous forests ecosystems. Approximately 1.5 million hectares of forestry-owned land (1.2 million hectares of timber plantation and 300,000 hectares of conservation area) stretch from Limpopo and Mpumalanga to KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern and Western Cape. The country boasts the highest forest certification rate in the world, with some 80% of South Africa’s forestry landscape certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that land is managed and timber is produced in line with global environmental and social sustainability standards. From big birds to blue butterflies Through various research projects, ranging from public bird surveys to camera trap studies, our sector has identified more than 30 mammal species, 502 bird species and countless reptile, amphibian and insect species that call forestry-owned land home. This includes a number of rare, endangered and Red List species. One of these is the “Thunder Bird” or Southern Ground Hornbill. The patchwork nature of forestry with the mixture of insect-rich grasslands and tall trees for nesting lends itself as the ideal habitat for these …
Rehabilitation transforms Renishaw to indigenous state
Renishaw Hills is a mature lifestyle estate on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, is part of the larger Renishaw Development, developed on the ethos of environmental sustainability and community upliftment. One of the major projects highlighting this commitment is the Renishaw Rehabilitation Programme, the restoration of the region on both sides of the N2 and Mpambanyoni River and its tributaries, previously used for the cultivation of sugar cane. “Although the Renishaw Rehabilitation Programme only officially started in 2019 and is set for completion in 2022, we have been re-establishing the area through a number of projects since 2012,” explained Phil Barker, managing director of Renishaw Property Developments, developers of Renishaw Hills. “The first was the Alien Plant Eradication Programme to remove harmful invasive vegetation; the second was the establishment of the Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery at Crocworld Conservation Centre in 2013. The plants grown are used at both the estate and in the broader community.” Department of Environmental Affairs has partnered with Renishaw, and its aim is to ensure that degraded ecosystems are restored to their original state so that they are able to support the natural species, while providing meaningful employment to previously disadvantaged communities. With restoration the key, the project aims to: • Enhance the composition, structure and functions of degraded land. • Improve the protection, rehabilitation and sustainable use of wetlands, grasslands and forests. • Equip people with the knowledge, skills and mindset to effectively reach the objectives of the project. • Educate communities on issues of conservation and environmental management. • Remove alien invasive vegetation and sugar cane while re-establishing indigenous vegetation. Alongside environmental restoration of approximately 200 hectares of land, the project aims to create local employment opportunities for the surrounding communities, providing …
Keep the bees visiting your garden!
Bees are such a precious part of our eco system and there has been some concern about their well-being over the last few years. Mass farming, pesticides and urbanization could certainly be playing a role in their declining numbers. This is a huge problems simply because, without bees, we would not have a food chain. To put is simply, there are amongst the most important plant pollinators. Scientists believe that these little busy creatures pollinate at least 70 of the 100 main crops that feed the world. Without bees to pollinate, there would be no fruit and, ultimately no plants and no animals who reply on those plants to live. All that our little bees require is pollen and nectar to make honey. At Granny Mouse, we work hard to ensure that our lovely gardens are not just good to look at but are biodiverse havens that play an important part in helping the Midlands bees thriving. They not only play a hugely important part in the all-important farming that keeps our farmers producing fresh fruit and vegetables that make their way on to our restaurant tables but produce the honey that is found in most farm stores along the Midlands Meander. Our gardeners would like to encourage you to join them in ensuring that your garden also plays and important part in preserving our precious bees. If you do only two things, you’ll make an important contribution – plant flowers that are known to attract bees (especially indigenous ones) and try not to use pesticides that are detrimental to bees. When buying these sorts of products, check the labels and rather go for the greener, healthier pest control options. Flowers that attract these wonderful hard working little creatures include primulas, borage, sweet thorn, weeping wattle, fuschias, geraniums, strelitzias, rosemary, linaria, blanket flowers, sage, scabiosa species, sunflowers, thyme, cosmos, blombos, lavender, bottle brush, aloes and most fruit tree blossoms. Bees are especially attracted to purple, …
Limited space still available for Crocworld walk and talk by top conservationist, Jonathan Leeming
Crocworld has announced there are still limited slots available for the ‘Bite Me!’ breakfast presentation, ‘Creepy Crawly Walk’ and ‘Venomous Animal First Responder’ talk by renowned South African author, conservationist and professional speaker, Jonathan Leeming. Anyone who’s interested in participating in any of these delightfully informative sessions – running at Crocworld Conservation Centre on Saturday, 14 March and Sunday, 15 March – are urged to book early to avoid disappointment. “We are really excited to be hosting the legendary Jonathan Leeming at Crocworld Conservation Centre in March for a really entertaining look at the smallest members of the animal kingdom,” said Martin Rodrigues, Manager of Crocworld Conservation Centre. “Audiences will get to discover interesting details about spiders, scorpions and other interesting creatures, as well as benefitting from his must-attend first-responders seminar on dealing with bites and stings.” Leeming, who has authored nine books, consults for the Poison Information Helpline and speaks at medical conferences on the subject of envenomation, first aid, and health and safety policy and procedures. Jonathan brings unique, forward-thinking insight into the subject of venomous animals and the resultant bites and stings. Bite Me! Breakfast Presentation “How spiders can help us overcome the challenges of our time.” Date: Saturday, 14 March Time: 9am to 10am, followed by breakfast Cost: R50 per person including a light breakfast The breakfast talk will focus on the medical importance of spiders and their bites, deciphering fact from fiction while examining values, beliefs, scientific literature, medical data and media portrayal. Jonathan presents the information in an entertaining and interesting manner, outlining how these iconic creatures help us to understand our ever-changing world. For more details on the content, visit http://jonathanleeming.com/bite-me/ Creepy Crawly Walk Date: Saturday, 14 …
First of its kind recycling project launched in Limpopo
(Limpopo) – Residents in northern Limpopo are becoming eco-warriors thanks to a new campaign which aims to see environmental waste reduced and much-needed jobs created at the same time. A “separation at source” project is being rolled out in the towns of Thohoyandou and Sibasa in Limpopo’s Thulamela Municipality, thanks to a sponsorship of 200 waste separation bins worth over R160,000 by Safripol, a national company which manufactures high-density polyethylene and polypropylene plastic. The handover of the bins on March 4 was overseen by PETCO – the organisation responsible for PET plastic bottle recycling and collections around South Africa – in collaboration with the municipality and departments of Economic Development, and Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. The colour-coded green (glass), yellow (plastics), blue (paper) and red (cans) bins will appear at schools and municipal offices in the two towns, allowing residents to separate out their household waste for the first time. This means – at least for the households which partake in the project – that only waste which cannot be recycled will end up in the municipality’s landfills. In turn, the municipality will be able to allow recycling collectors access to the separation waste bins, creating much-needed recycling income opportunities in the area. “We are committed to helping uplift communities and stimulating income generation wherever we can,” said Gert Claasen, Safripol technology and innovation executive. Belinda Booker, PETCO’s collections and training project manager, said the support came at a time when the municipality could not afford the separation bins, which are a first for the area. “The knock-on effect is that the environment will be less polluted, in addition to which the project will also bring more attention to recycling as a source of income,” she said, adding: “The PET recycling value chain created more than 60,000 income opportunities in 2018 and initiatives such as …
Frogs hogging the lime light this leap year weekend!
This coming weekend, on February 29th & and March 1st - SAAMBR (South African Association for Marine Biological Research ) will be hosting a mini exhibition outside Dangerous Creatures Reptile Park situated in the uShaka Village Walk in celebration of Frog Awareness Day. If you would like to learn more about the frogs living in your garden or ways to attract frogs into your area, this is your opportunity to speak to the experts. The exhibition is designed to highlight the most common frog species found in KwaZulu-Natal. Frogs are an essential part of many ecosystems and are considered bio-indicators of the health of the area – so if you go to sleep to the sound of frogs you can rest assured knowing that your garden is healthy. The exhibition, which is free to the public, will be open from 9am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Entrance to Dangerous Creatures Reptile Park has been discounted to only R40.00 per person for the weekend. Children under three enter free! For more information, contact 031-3288000 during office hours. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
East Cape farmers on high alert over foot and mouth disease
EAST Cape farmers are on high alert to prevent any cases of the dreaded foot and mouth disease (FMD) breaking out in the region – something that could cripple a farming community already reeling from devastating drought. “The Eastern Cape cannot afford yet another setback,” AgriEC president Doug Stern said. “The fact is that cash flows are at an all-time low, and, while there has been good rain, the crippling drought is far from broken. In the midst of this new crisis [FMD], farmers desperately need to replenish breeding stocks.” The crisis that South Africa’s livestock industry is facing due to recurring outbreaks of FMD, combined with the ongoing drought, is having a huge impact on the industry and costing it – and the national economy – billions of rand, said Stern. Fresh from attending in-depth talks on the crisis, Stern said: “The impact of the current outbreak is uncertain, but it could conceivably exceed R10-billion, resulting in a loss to the fiscus of about R2-billion in tax revenue. It is imperative that the government steps in and does something.” Although FMD is not present in the Eastern Cape, Stern said that with red meat being by far the largest agricultural commodity in the Eastern Cape, the presence of this highly contagious disease in the province would have a huge effect, with knock-on repercussions for consumers. “Meat prices could soar by about 20%,” he warned, adding: “We are already set to lose about 30% of our farming population to the drought.” Stern said the most challenging factor facing the livestock sector was the lack of a co-ordinated and nationally approved identification and tracking system for livestock. The absence of such a system limited the country’s participation in potential export markets, he said, adding that discussions over the implementation of a Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) had been ongoing since 2011. “We need a comprehensive and cohesive strategy to address this …
Media group BMDM commits media resources to fight Plastic Pollution, creates #PlasticPledge
Media group BMDM commits media resources to fight Plastic Pollution, creates #PlasticPledge Media group BMDM announced today the launch of a campaign to raise public awareness about plastic pollution. Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is most visible in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. Every day approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans. There may now be around 5.25 trillion macro and microplastic pieces floating in the open ocean. Weighing up to 269,000 tonnes. Plastics consistently make up 60 to 90% of all marine debris studied. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to take the pledge. Anyone taking the #PlasticPledge can use the Plastic Pledge badge / logo on their online pages and organisations will be listed with a link to their website. The Plastic Pledge: I / We pledge to: avoid single-use plastic; reuse or recycle the plastic that are currently in use; educate others about plastic waste; take action to make plastic a thing of the past; spread the word about the #PlasticPledge Take the Plastic Pledge here: - https://bitmedia24.com/plasticpledge/ BMDM further announced that it will run a continuous social media campaign and will commit its extensive online resources to raise awareness about the #PlasticPledge. These resources include amongst others the largest support group for the Springbok rugby team, http://springbokfans.com/ with a Facebook following of more than 67 000 people. During RWC 2019, BMDM posts reached an estimated 15 Million people. The company also announced environmental activist, Sahara Thagunna as spokesperson for the #PlasticPledge campaign. Sahara will dedicate an episode of Earth Chats, a BMDM produced show …