Plastic has all but become a dirty word in today’s environmentally conscious world, but it’s not all bad. People have come up with some ingenious approaches to reducing plastic waste by reusing it in unique ways.
One that immediately stands out is a dhow built in Lamu, Kenya. This vessel, named Flippy Floppy, is made entirely out of plastic and flip-flops found on the shores of Lamu.
The boat recently set sail from Lamu to the island of Zanzibar, almost 500km away, on a mission to highlight the plight of the world’s oceans against the rising tide of plastic waste. The ship set off amid great pomp and ceremony, including a boat race between similar craft, fashioned by local school children.
After this trip, these craftsmen hope to build an even bigger and better boat and venture further afield with their important message. Next stop? Cape Town!
Here are some ways you can support this new trend during your southern African safari.
Waste not want not in Africa
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront has gone big on recycling and environmental issues from the outset with a huge recycling plant on-site and strict tenant policies. That’s enough reason to support the V&A already, but the wonderful shopping opportunities are another.
At the Waterfront’s Watershed Market, you can buy gorgeously colorful hand-made animal figures made entirely from discarded flip-flops at Recycled Flip Flops Sculptures.
You can also pick up beautifully shiny sling bags, clutch bags, hand bags and belts made from recycled aluminum pull tabs at Cool-Tabs.
Travel inland to Johannesburg and you might come across fabulous artworks art some of the local galleries, made with a heat-gun and recycled plastic cool drink packaging. These are the work of internationally-acclaimed artist, Mbongezi Buthelezi.
In Namibia, you can buy faux ivory bracelets made from recycled plastic plumbing piping. These have the double-whammy effect of creating awareness around the ivory trade too.
Botswana has gone straight for the jugular when it comes to one of the biggest plastic waste issues in Africa – plastic shopping bags. On 1 November 2018, plastic bags were outlawed in this country and anyone caught with one, faces a hefty fine.
No doubt you’ll come across many more incredible ways that Africans are giving new life to waste during your southern African safari. Be sure to support these local artists in their noble endeavors, but first, get in touch to book your trip to experience the ingenuity, talent and hospitality of Southern Africa.
