Blue Square Waste Management, founded in 2018 by two determined women — Kelly Williams and Maria Grewar — provides waste management services with a unique approach in its support of schools, businesses, neighbourhoods, restaurants and shopping centres with timely, reliable collections. It has partnered with the ReTrade Project, a community initiative focused on recycling and empowering people. It helps underprivileged people act responsibly regarding the environment while accessing food and other essentials, ensuring dignity and worth. People collect recyclables such as plastic, cans, cardboard and paper, and bring them to the Trade Store for exchange. Volunteers help to evaluate the recyclables and award points for clean, sorted materials. The points can be used to purchase goods — such as food, clothing and shoes, toiletries and toys — in the Trade Store, which is stocked with goods that have been donated. It supports disadvantaged people through a “value-for-value” system where they exchange recyclables for essentials, giving them a hand-up, instead of a hand-out, and helping them meet their basic needs in a way that respects their independence and resilience. The ReTrade Project promotes eco-sustainability through public recycling depots. In addition, ReTrade raises awareness about the environmental crisis; educates the community on eco-sustainability and green practices; influences waste statistics and reduces landfill use. Minimising Blue Square’s Waste into recycling has considerably reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Greatest achievements
Minimising Blue Square’s Waste into recycling which has successfully reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills. Additionally, enhancing the recycling efforts at ReTrade has led to increased rebate income, which is beneficial for the Trade Store as it provides traders with more options.
What advice would you give to future generations?
The planet we inherit is not ours to exploit, but a precious legacy we must nurture and protect. Our natural world provides us with the air we breathe, the water we drink and the resources that sustain life itself. As you face the challenges of a changing climate, remember that every action — big or small — matters. The choices you make today will shape the world you leave behind, so choose wisely, with compassion for all living things. Together, we can ensure a future where both people and the planet thrive.