NATIONAL CLEAN-UP WEEK

South Africa's first National Clean-Up Week was launched in 1999 by the Plastics Federation of South Africa (the Plastics Industries Enviromark) and Pick 'n Pay. It is held every year in the week preceding the International Coastal Clean-up. It brought together under one umbrella, organisations that are already actively involved in environmental campaigns, as well as community groups and schools to 'clean-up' beaches, waterways, parks, streets, local communities and schools. During this week all South Africans are urged to do something towards cleaning their local community. The focus of an individual clean-up may vary and will depend on issues pertaining to a particular community. Examples of clean-ups in the past include litter picking, the clearing of illegal dumping and competitions on a clean-up theme. An important part of the clean-up is to include a component to ensure that the benefits of the clean-up are sustained. This may take the form of an education campaign or ensuring that local facilities for cleansing are in order. In 2010, the Plastics Federation of South Africa‘s Enviromark initiated an annual recycling day for South Africa. Recycling Day South Africa encourages South Africans to recycle at home, school and at work and buy products made with recycled material. This day occurs during National Clean-Up Week and aims to increase awareness by educating the community about the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling.