While it is not economically practical to stop producing goods for consumption and survival, it is possible to influence the types of goods that are produced and what they are produced from. This influence stems from the fact that as consumers we are buyers and as buyers we have PURCHASING POWER. If we collectively and consistently purchase goods - or request/demand/ask for (specific) goods that are recycled - manufacturers will we need to seriously reconsider their products look more to finding the best way of using BY PRODUCTS and so-called WASTE. This obviously cannot apply to ever corner of the manufacturing industry, but where possible, more attention needs to be given to the production of recycled goods, particularly in the paper and plastic industry.

The South African government itself is calling for stricter measures in order to achieve their vision for ZERO WASTE in South Africa (Business Report, October 25, 2007)

Most consumers are under the impression that recycled goods are of an inferior quality. This is not true. There are a number of good quality recycled products that are easily available and the more we, as the buyer, request recycled goods, the greater the range of recycled products that will become available. Consider buying the following:

• Recycled toilet paper (Pick and Pay Green Range)
• Recycled roller-towel paper (pick and Pay Green Range)
• Recycled ink cartridges
• Recycled Objets d’Art (from sidewalk markets,locall flea markets)
• Recycled cards (birthday, Valentines day …. )
• Recycled computer paper (there are numerous options from Elephant dung, to beer bottle labels, etc)
• Recycled paper and envelopes

A recent trip to Hermanus revealed the very clever use of recycled plastic to form durable and aesthetically pleasing pedestrian walkways and stairways along the village coastline ..

If you are not in the mindset … yet .. of purchasing recycled goods, think about storing goods in a dedicated storage space that can then be donated to companies/organisations/individuals who can use your “waste products to manufacture recycled goods.

PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL IF YOU HAVE ANY GOOD PRACTICAL IDEAS/TIPS or OUTLETS FOR RECYCLED GOODS THAT CAN BE ADDED TO OUR LIST

info@solien.co.za