Making saving the environment a community effort
From individuals doing their bit, to food and beverage industry role players changing their ways, the Zululand community has risen to the #ZOPlasticChallenge
ZULULANDERS are jumping on the #ZOPlasticChallenge bandwagon and telling us how they are practically implementing plastic waste reducing measures.
From individuals doing their bit, to food and beverage industry role players changing their ways, the Zululand community has risen to the #ZOPlasticChallenge.
Gian Ferraris of Justa Pasta has swopped the non-biodegradable polystyrene containers and packaging in favour of eco-friendly containers in which his customers receive their food.
Ferraris said saving the environment has been of concern to him for many years, but most people leave it up to others, rather than taking the initiative themselves.
‘When I had to make a decision on how I was going to serve my meals, it was a no-brainer,’ he said.
‘It had to be eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable containers.
‘We searched for the right product at the right price from the right supplier, and I am proud to be one of the first to take on this initiative.’
Ferraris said that while it is difficult to police the end user – those who turf their fast food containers out of car window when finished eating – the merchant selling the meals does have a choice to adopt environmentally friendly containers and packaging.
Resident James Turner suggested that the public buying fast food items think twice before taking plastic cutlery offered with their meal.
‘If you take your meal home where you have utensils, you will end up throwing them away anyway.’
Challenge #1
Ferraris challenges all fast food outlets to stop using polystyrene products and replace them with eco-friendly containers.
‘Polystyrene is going to be banned in South Africa eventually, so why not initiate the move now?’
He also challenges big business to encourage fast food outlets to move to eco-friendly containers, and the government to subsidise these.
Challenge #2
James Turner challenges fast food outlets to give consumers the choice whether or not they wish to use plastic cutlery offered with their meals.
He also challenges the public to only use plastic utensils if absolutely necessary.
Challenge your fellow community members to take up the #ZOPlasticChallenge by sending us your plastic waste reducing suggestion to zulobs@zob.co.za.
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