Saving the planet by turning waste to wealth
WASTE to Wealth is an exciting new initiative between the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Engineering Hub for the African City of the Future (Afrihub) and recycling company, Planetcare.
Launched at an event held at the UKZN Howard College Centenary Building by renowned artist, Coral Bijoux, the venture aims to sensitise students to the perils of plastic and waste, as well as the need for recycling. The launch included a plastic art exhibition by Bijoux.
Afrihub manager, Dr Rudi Kimmie, said: “The partnership with Planetcare arose from a proposal by colleague Dr Herbert Bernhardt in chemical engineering to involve students in a recycling initiative.
This aligned with AfriHub’s focus on sustainable cities through not only promoting waste management and recycling, but also finding financial value through these activities. The intention in the short to medium term is to promote waste management and recycling as commercially viable ventures that are good for the planet and good for profit.
“However, the ultimate aim is to develop an environmentally conscious citizenry, greentech entrepreneurs and promote start-up ventures,” said Dr Kimmie.
The initiative received enthusiastic support from Planetcare director, Prince Ndlovu. He said: “Planetcare is very happy to be part of this adventure with UKZN. We have a lot of potential and hope for a fruitful journey to move ahead together and see where it takes us.
“There is a massive opportunity for young students at UKZN to get into the business where entry barriers are very few in terms of age, skills and qualification. All you need is to know that you have the drive and passion to run it,” said Ndlovu.
Bernhardt expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and mentioned some of the future plans for the initiative. “The Waste to Wealth initiative is premised on three steps.
“The first is to excite and sensitise students through a competition with prize money, sponsored by Planet Care. The second is to establish a student company through which students can learn about the logistics and value streams of waste, while the third is to work through the UKZN structures to explore ways to generate revenue from the university’s waste,” he said.