Earth Day was celebrated on Saturday (22 April) but according to the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve being environmentally conscience should be a daily practice.
The first Earth Day was held in 1970. The aim of the day, which was declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), demonstrate the importance of environmental protection. According to the Reserve’s team locals are blessed to live in a biosphere although many don’t realise they live in a rich Cape floristic kingdom. The West Coast Biosphere stretches from the Diep River mouth in the south and the Berg River in the north.
“One of our biggest and most successful projects is the Swop Shops. It is a way to educate children who in turn help educate their whole families on the importance of protecting the environment,” Sharon February, chairperson of the Reserve, explains.
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in our Planet” and Anique Umans says the Swop Shop is an effort to help younger locals live this motto. Thanks to the Swop Shops children between 7 and 14 years gather tons of litter throughout the year and swop the recyclables for toys, stationery and sweets.
February explains the shops in Middelpos, Saldanha and Laingville, St Helena Bay are up and running with the George Kerridge, Vredenburg one that will be opened in the next few months.
“Getting the children to gather litter ultimately helps to prolong the lifetime of the municipal landfills and helps keep neighbourhoods clean,” February urges.
Children visiting the swop shops also enjoy educational talks and creative projects.
Keeping your surroundings litter free is not the only way to invest in the planet, says Umans. Her passion lies in indigenous plants and she explains that planning a garden can make a big positive environmental impact.
“Aside from clearing alien vegetation being aware of what you add to your garden is just as important. Planting local, South African plant means you attract bees and butterflies and is a lot more water wise,” she says. Umans explains locals should always keep in mind that the West Coast is a water scarce region.
The Reserve invites businesses and organisations to become members for regular local environmental and development news. For business people this means operating with important information and a way to work in an environmentally sustainable way. WOW eBikes & eBike Tours and Pick n Pay are two of the Reserve’s newest members.
For more about the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve visit their Facebook page or email info@cwcbr.co.za
