18 February 2009
Minister Pierre Uys, provincial minister of Local Government, Environmental
Affairs and Development Planning, invites all people producing goods from
recycled content material to advertise for free in a special Western Cape
Recycled Products Catalogue.
This catalogue will follow the first edition compiled in 2008 and is the
first such eco-efficiency initiative for a specialized guide in the country
where everything recycled available for the home, garden, play and work in one
province is showcased together at no charge.
The Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
has embarked on a programme of action to stimulate the recycling economy and to
show people it is trendy to buy recycled. The Department endeavours to
pro-actively stimulate growth and job creation in the province.
To this end two special exhibitions to showcase interesting gifts were held
during the festive season last year. The catalogue was also widely
distributed.
The "buy recycled" campaign aims to inform the public that the salvaging or
separation of recyclables from waste is not enough to support the recycling
industry. Collected or recovered waste material (recyclables) will end up at
landfill facilities if there is no demand for products made from the recovered
material.
The aim is to secure the supply of salvaged material, and to stimulate the
demand for recyclables going back into the manufacturing processes. Furthermore
it is necessary to promote products made from reclaimed material, which is key
in conserving scarce natural resources.
"By buying products made from recovered rather than virgin material, all
contribute towards reducing energy consumption and green house gas emissions
that speeds up climate change.
"In buying products made from recycled material consumers will also
contribute towards saving on limited landfill space and conserve natural
resources. Buying recycled products will further support the much needed job
and opportunity creation in the province.
"Give a gift of conscience and be part of the solution to conserve our
natural resources by reducing harm to our environment. It makes perfect
environmental sense to reduce, reuse and recycle," Minister Uys says.
Minister Uys invited all people who want their products included in the
catalogue, to please phone 021 483 2971 or send their information to ipwis@pgwc.gov.za before Tuesday, 24 February
2009.
Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer)
Cell: 073 133 7299
Minister Uys
Cell: 082 4555 144
Issued by: Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and
Development, Planning, Western Cape Provincial Government
18 February 2009
