South Africa kicks off National Environment Month this June, and communities across the nation observe National Environment Day on 5 June.

This year, the spotlight is firmly on urgent climate action and ecological preservation.

As the umbrella body representing the entire South African plastics industry, Plastics SA is actively shifting the narrative from pollution to preservation:

Driving the Circular Economy to Lower Carbon Footprints

Plastics SA recognizes that ecological preservation begins with reducing waste at the source. By aggressively promoting a Circular Economy, we are working to ensure that plastics are kept in the economy and out of the environment.

Generating new plastic from raw materials is energy-intensive. By scaling up local recycling infrastructure and promoting the use of recycled content, Plastics SA is helping to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the manufacturing sector.

Spearheading Nationwide Clean-Ups & River Catchment Projects

We cannot protect the oceans without securing the land. Plastics SA is a primary coordinator of environmental clean-up initiatives.

Stopping Source Pollution

While our flagship Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week peaks later in the year, our sustainability teams work year-round—including throughout June—to support active eco-warriors, formalize waste collection, and fund community clean-ups.

The Caroline Reid Award: Plastics SA continually honors and supports local NPOs and community groups working tirelessly to clear plastic and polystyrene from South Africa’s vital river catchments and coastlines before it ever reaches the sea.

Education and Training for Sustainable Behavioral Change: True ecological preservation requires a shift in mindset. Plastics SA invests heavily in specialized training and educational programs aimed at schools, municipalities, and businesses.

Empowering Communities: Through educational resources, workshops, and school competitions, we are teaching the next generation about responsible waste management, the value of recycling, and how littering directly fuels broader environmental degradation.

The Climate Fight Belongs to all of us.  The plastics industry must be part of the solution, but sustainable change requires a collective effort. Ecological preservation isn’t just up to manufacturers; it depends on the choices we make every single day.

This National Environment Month, let’s turn awareness into action.

How You Can Take Action Today:

• Separate at Source: Start separating your recyclables at home to support local waste pickers and recycling plants.
• Say No to Littering: Take responsibility for your own waste and encourage your community to do the same.
• Support Local Eco-Warriors: Join or donate to a local clean-up initiative in your neighborhood this week!