THE Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has begun a nationwide clean-up as part of World Environment Day. The Environmental Affairs and Tourism minister, Valli Moosa, said the event marks a time to create awareness around important issues such as poverty, employment, ecological integrity and waste management, invading species, water security and health. “Our focus this year is on the scourge of litter, which is one of the most important environmental issues in the country. This is one of the reasons why we are so driven to reduce the use of plastic,” he added. Moosa said litter clean-ups are being held in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northern Province, Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Kwazulu-Natal. Ronnie Kasrils, Water Affairs and Forestry minister, said everyone is encouraged to examine the state of the environment and to consider carefully the actions that are taken.