/ 4 December 2009

Being the change you want to see

Indalo Yethu, South Africa’s environmental campaign in collaboration with the department of environmental affairs, has developed an eco-towns concept to address the numerous environmental problems and challenges faced by most local municipalities.

These challenges include contaminated water, littering and lack of green initiatives.

The solid waste management systems that are in place focus on costly end-of-line solutions instead of adopting a proactive stance.

The eco-towns programme encourages and promotes sustainable standards of living and carbon-neutral developments.

The programme also aims to minimise unsustainable production processes that have a negative effect on the environment and human health.

The implementation of the ecotowns will go a long way towards reducing the effect of climate change on communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihood and sustenance.

The eco-towns programme advocates recycling and reduction of waste, the use of renewable energy, tree planting and other biodiversity activities, such as landscaping.

Eco-town communities will be educated and empowered to become more conscious of environmental issues, such as pollution, solid waste management and the exploitation of natural resources.

The objectives of the eco-towns programme are to:

  • Build towns for the future that will serve the needs of those who live and work within them;
  • Improve water qual i ty by addressing pollution, energy and waste management problems;
  • Improve the cleanliness of all the streets;
  • Use education and awareness campaigns to promote best environmental practice, eco-products and services;
  • Develop and maintain green public spaces;
  • Develop local environmental management indicators; and
  • Encourage locals to take ownership of the eco-towns programme activities.