ASEZ WAO presents innovative solutions for a plastic-free future

 The Save the Earth from A to Z – We Are One Family (ASEZ WAO) non-profit organisation met with members of the provincial government last month to present ideas aimed at finding solutions for a plastic-free environment.

ASEZ WAO, which operates from its office in Woodstock, is the volunteer branch of the World Mission Society Church of God. The group hosted its 2040 Plastic-Free Forum at the provincial legislature building in the City Bowl on Monday, 28 July.

The meeting was attended by various experts, which included the province’s director of waste management at the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Saliem Haider, professor Catherina Schenck from the University of the Western Cape, CEO for Center for Regenerative Design and Collaboration (CRDC) Abraham Avenant,  and Estelle van der Merwe, an associate at the FISH Safety Foundation non-profit.

Mr Haider delivered the keynote address on the topic of “Plastic and Its Impact on the Environment.”

“Plastic causes a great deal of harm to the ocean and fish, which is a serious problem that we need to unite together to combat this critical situation,” he said.

Mr Haider said plastic not only harms fish in the sea but also poses a hazard to human health, potentially leading to death.

“It is everyone's responsibility to take action against the situation we are currently facing,” he said

Volunteer Njabulo Timothy Phiwinhlanhla Dube said: “The impact of plastic on the earth is deeply concerning, and I hope this event will help raise awareness among everyone living on this beautiful planet.”

Fellow volunteer Jill Jacobs warned that failing to address the crisis could have severe health consequences. “It could even lead to the extinction of fish in our seas. All of humanity must act swiftly and work together to tackle these urgent challenges,” she said.

ASEZ WAO spokesperson, Lutho Mayeko, said his organisation is carrying out 2040 Plastic-Free activities around the world, in line with international goals to eradicate plastic pollution by 2040. He said their organisation also continued to carry out various street and community clean-ups. 

“‘Plastic-Free’ is a sustainable lifestyle that involves replacing single-use plastics with reusable alternatives. Young adults are practising this lifestyle in their homes, workplaces, and churches,” he said.

ASEZ WAO carried out a clean-up activity as part of their ‘Blue Ocean’ project at the Bokmakierie Canal on Sunday, July 27 where about 80 volunteers, including ASEZ WAO members, their families, and friends, took part.

ASEZ WAO volunteer, Lesedi Mokgautsi, said the clean-up raised awareness on the importance of taking care of our environment.

“Although it looks like a small event, it will have a great impact on the community and the people living in this area,” she said. 

Mr Mayeko said they collected about 70 20-litre bags of rubbish. He said they would have more events focused on plastic pollution solutions and community clean-ups later this year. Anyone interested in participating or collaborating can reach out via email at lamayeko@watv.org.