Environmental News

As Arbor Week in South Africa approaches, there’s a growing conversation around the importance of urban greening and the beneficial role this plays in our cities. While planting trees and food gardens can have far-reaching environmental and social benefits, this can only be sustained if the soil is taken care of first. This is why […]

It’s a figure that not only does the waste management sector know very well but also the food production industry, as many are uncomfortable with the 10 million tonnes of food waste that is produced every year. Understandably, as a large percentage of the country struggles with food security. However, taking a closer look at the food supply chain, provides a better understanding of the source of food waste per commodity, which also presents opportunities to reduce wastage and create circularity within the food production system; something that is needed. BiobiN South Africa takes a closer look at the food loss and waste stream.

South Africa is known to have some of the best waste management regulations and policies in the world, however progress towards a fully integrated circular economy is slow. This is especially evident within the food and organic waste stream with a total of 12.6 million tonnes of food loss and waste generated on an annual basis. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment’s (DFFE) response has introduced the Draft Strategy for Reducing Food Losses and Waste which was made available for comment in September 2023.

While our focus for the waste management sector has largely been placed on diverting waste streams from landfill to create a circular economy, a priority of equal importance is keeping waste contained so that it does not pollute the surrounding areas. The new challenge of baboons in many parts of the Western Cape is forcing many companies that produce high volumes of food and organic waste, to implement new ways to prevent their bins being raided and emptied to pollute the environment.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are our guiding principles for a more socially and environmentally sustainable economy. BiobiN is committed to fully achieving the environmental and social benefits of composting and turning organic waste into a valuable resource.

Friday, 07 April 2023, is World Health Day, drawing our attention to the importance of human health and well-being. A common theme for World Health Day every year is the link that is drawn between human health and environmental health, especially our soils, where we derive most of our food from, and even our modern medicines. BiobiN South Africa highlights soil health and conservation as a key environmental concern that impacts human health. 

It is not only solid recyclable waste that can repurpose to re-enter the market; organic waste can also follow a circular economic model to add value to the economy as well as the environment. Let’s take a look at why composting is the more financially feasible solution to deal with organic waste, compared to other waste disposal and treatment methods.

Wednesday, 22 March 2023 is World Water Day, dedicated towards accelerating water conservation, safeguarding natural water resources, and increasing access to water for drinking and sanitation. This is a global priority and is recognised under the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6).

The majority of our food is extracted from natural environments, and when not managed sustainably,
we will consume resources at a rate that is faster than what we can replenish them. The same goes
for soil. When extensively worked, soil can erode, losing key organic contents and its ability to support
plant life and the rest of the ecosystem. This includes the micro and macro species that inhabit these
areas. Soil can be said to be the foundation of ecosystem health.

One of South Africa’s most valuable resources requires us to implement considerable management
and conservation measures, should we want to have this resource available to us in the future. Our
soil allows us to grow food, keep groundwater clean, regulate local climate conditions, and supports
the rest of the ecosystem.