CapeNature’s ‘Don’t Be Trashy’ campaign targets pollution in Western Cape

SOUTH AFRICA – CapeNature has launched a bold new campaign to combat land and sea pollution across the Western Cape.

The Don’t Be Trashy initiative, run in partnership with Soapbox and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), combines public awareness, education, and community action to drive lasting behavioural change.

The campaign comes at a critical time as mounting plastic and non-biodegradable waste threatens biodiversity.

Litter clogs rivers, disrupts natural habitats, and accumulates in the ocean, where it entangles marine life and degrades coral reefs.

Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, emphasized the role of government in guiding communities toward more sustainable practices.

“We need to grow our understanding of the value that can be unlocked from waste,” he said. “Let’s explore simple ways in which we can benefit from the circular economy that lies hidden in many trash items we simply throw away without a second thought.”

Protecting marine ecosystems

This year’s campaign places special focus on marine protected areas (MPAs), which are vital to ocean health. Pollution often travels from inland communities via rivers into the sea, highlighting the need for cross-sector collaboration to protect marine ecosystems.

“The impact of waste is not just unsightly; it has a significant impact on natural ecosystems,” noted Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.

“On land, litter contaminates soil and affects wildlife, while in our oceans it introduces toxins into the food chain. The Don’t Be Trashy drive is a call to action for communities, schools, businesses, and individuals.”

Soapbox, through its Captain Fanplastic program, is leading the youth engagement element of the campaign. By using gamified storytelling and outdoor experiences, it encourages learners to view waste differently.

“If we want to see lasting change in how we treat our environment, it starts with what we teach our children,” said Ruben Hazelzet, head of the program.

Over the past three years, Captain Fanplastic has reached more than 15,000 learners across 11 countries.

Part of a larger movement

The Western Cape initiative aligns with broader national and international efforts to curb plastic pollution.

Kenya’s 2017 ban on plastic bags and South Africa’s phased regulation of single-use plastics reflect growing momentum across Africa.

Globally, companies like Unilever and Coca-Cola are investing in refill and recycling systems to reduce packaging waste.

CapeNature is calling on the public to join clean-ups, reduce single-use plastics, and support conservation efforts in MPAs.

The campaign underscores that every individual action counts in tackling the region’s growing pollution challenge.

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