GreenBinSA was founded by Sumitra Nydoo in 2021. As a business journalist, she covered the devastating effects of global warming and climate change. Most landfills in South Africa don’t use the gases emitted to generate power and are instead nearing full capacity. The country is far behind in green initiatives that involve organic waste when compared to places such as Singapore, Australia and Canada. GreenBinSA’s idea of “collect and compost” aims to help people get on board with keeping organic waste from landfill. Fewer methane emissions at landfills will reduce pollution and the organic compost made from collections can go to farmers to help replenish nutrients in the soil. GreenBinSA’s work is driven by a commitment to environmental change, making it more than just a business. Its services cater to both residential and commercial clients, with a strong focus on restaurants, because they are key contributors to food waste. This organic waste is collected and converted into compost. This helps keep food from rotting in landfills, aligning with the company’s vision of reducing environmental pollution and promoting healthier soil through nutrient recycling. GreenBinSA works to educate the public about the harmful effects of decomposing food waste on the environment, especially around methane gas emissions, which are 25 times more harmful than other carbon emissions.
Greatest achievements
Since launching in 2021, GreenBinSA has since made significant strides, averaging more than 13,000 tonnes of waste processed a year and surpassing 45,000 tonnes of food waste collected to date.
What advice would you give to future generations?
Food waste has a significant effect on the environment, contributing to pollution and climate change. By adopting green lifestyle habits such as separating your waste, reducing your waste and making eco-friendly choices, you contribute to a healthier planet and a sustainable future. Just get started. A sustainable world is built by individuals committed to making everyday changes.