IMBO Magazine Issue 33: One Love | Page 51

CAPTAIN PLANETS BY KARABO MOTSOAI According to PikiTup, South Africans produce an estimated 1.3 million tons of waste every year. By 2020 the landfills will be overflowing. W aste is extremely harmful to the planet, considering the amount of chemicals that are released into the atmosphere from the landfills. The process of recycling includes converting used or waste products into new reusable materials. The recycling industry in South Africa has not been a very successful one so far. Currently, South Africans do not prioritize the importance of recycling or keeping the environment clean. Meanwhile, PETCO recycling reported that an estimated 26 000 jobs are being created by the recycling industry, making a massive contribution to South Africa’s GDP. The process of recycling has saved the depots millions in trying to get rid of the bottles, cardboard, glasses etc. 51 IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14