Tag: Kate Stubbs

We live in a time where human beings are better off than they have ever been, yet our natural systems are under stress and millions of people are suffering. Sufficient evidence and rationale support the imperative to alter our behaviour and embrace sustainable living practices. Yet, why do we hesitate to do so? And if we are indeed taking steps, are we progressing swiftly enough?

In the global quest for sustainable waste management solutions, the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has emerged as a pivotal strategy. Originating in Europe in the 1990’s, EPR essentially places the onus on manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, from production to final disposal.

Sustainability has risen to board level discussions in South African corporates, as they grapple with both the public’s demand for environmentally friendly products as well as the growing requirements of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting.

Read our exclusive cover story titled Waste Governance - can your cost burden become a value driver? by Kate Stubbs, Group Business Development and Marketing Director, Interwaste, plus a host of other topical management articles written by professionals, consultants and academics.

Kate Stubbs | Marketing Director | Interwaste | mail me | Our resilience and adaptability have been put to the test more than ever over the last 18...

Life on earth is symbiotic, each component within the ecosystem plays a significant role – you only have to examine how the loss of the bee population today is affecting food systems – to be reminded of just how interconnected everything really is.

As the global population continues to increase, waste generation is threatening biodiversity and the planet as a whole. With the global population expected to significantly exceed nine billion people by 2050, of which some 2.5 billion will be living on the African continent, biodiversity is shrinking, even as the waste generated by billions of people grows exponentially.

For the past 50 years, human activities have dramatically reduced biodiversity across the globe. We have, through our actions, extinguished our habitats and reduced populations of plants and wild animals by up to 60% so that today, our natural resources and the species on our planet are under threat – from us.

If we really want to encourage the ‘nothing wasted’ mindset, investing in a circular economy model must be taken seriously. Whilst still a relatively new concept, in Africa, this model offers significant opportunities to truly deliver far more inclusive growth for the economy and includes an increase in job opportunities as well as positive environmental practices - all of which is needed for sustainable growth - a dire need for South Africa.

A third of the food that is produced in South Africa is destined for landfill sites, which are fast reaching full capacity. According to statistics, South Africa produces 10 million tonnes of food waste[1] every year and reportedly, has the largest proportion of food wastage in Africa. Yet, an average of  14 million people[2] go to bed hungry every night and 2,5million of these are children.