WWF-SA is the national office part of the global World Wide Fund For Nature network. This local NGO has worked to inspire South Africans to live in harmony with nature for 50 years. Now, as the festive season rolls around, WWF-SA are bringing good tidings and a waste-free Christmas to the country.
We all know just how messy and wasteful the holidays can be. With all the excess food, drink and gift wrap lying around, our well meaning recycling projects and plastic-free goals can be easily forgotten. Amidst all this wastage, WWF-SA is encouraging all South Africans to remain eco-conscious over the festive period. Urging us all to "refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle".
Following this four-step plan to a waste-free Christmas is a lot easier than it may seem. It starts by simply asking yourself whether you truly need the item you are purchasing. Not only does this reduce waste, but it's an excellent way to save up for the new year! The next step is to ensure that you take your own reusable bags to the store, as well as cutting down on plastic packaging, choosing reusable, durable goods over single-use items instead.
"Once you’ve followed all these steps, we also want you to recycle as much as possible." Says Eitan Prince, Digital Communications Manager with WWF-SA.
Sign up to receive your Good Tidings Advent Calendar here.
"Once you’ve followed all these steps, we also want you to recycle as much as possible." Says Eitan Prince, Digital Communications Manager with WWF-SA.
The Good Tidings Advent Calendar
To help you on your way to a waste-free Christmas, WWF-SA have introduced their handy Good Tidings Advent Calendar, a fun, interactive way for consumers to make better choices this festive season. This advent calendar is filled with 24 nifty ways to curb waste over the holidays. These come in the form of videos, demos, blogs, photo galleries, recipe cards and more, created with support from WWF ambassadors, including Chef Zola Nene, media personalities, Zoe Brown, Carl Wastie, Claire Mawisa and sustainable fashion guru, Jackie May. Here’s a sneak preview on what you can expect from the calendar: [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/B5gW2_VIVnc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]1. All that glitters is not gold
Sparkly glitter is undeniably festive, but much of it is made from microplastics, which can end up polluting the environment or be consumed by fish, birds and other animals. Consider plastic-free decor, such as glass jars filled with beautiful succulents and decorations made from fabrics or ribbon.2. Gift wrapping alternatives
Wrapping paper - it's festive, it's fun, it's fleeting. Each year, tons of it finds its way to landfills. So why not use leftover birthday wrapping paper or gift bags? Experiment with covering gifts with fabric, old newspapers or put them into any attractive tins, boxes or jars you may have lying around your home or office.3. Show love to local producers
There are many local designers and producers making exciting and innovative products from sustainable materials. The newly revamped WWF e-commerce site features a number of these local gems, such as Uzwelo, a brand that teams up with local communities to convert banners to fabric to make functional, fashionable and affordable bags. These bags are the perfect Christmas accessories for both kids and adults, with funky lunch boxes, laptop bags, beach bags, school bags and shopping bags. The WWF online store also has a great range of eco accessories and gifts. We love their eco-friendly reusable coffee cups, which are decorated with the iconic WWF panda logo. Their collection of plushies, recycled jigsaw puzzles and snap cards are also great stocking fillers for the kids. Show your support for the WWF-SA waste-free initiative by stocking up on these goodies or one of their custom hoodies, t-shirts or active wear apparel items. With ladies', men's and kid's clothing, there is something in their store for everyone this Christmas.
Sign up to receive your Good Tidings Advent Calendar here.
