The Xolani Gwala Show

Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler has helped shed light on the importance of conscious consumption and recycling.

The South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (Sapro) is leading the way in promoting a culture of recycling, Knowler explains.

She says that consumers need to put an end to the current 'make-use-dispose' culture in relation to plastic use.

Read: Environmentalist Karoline Hanks hell-bent on curbing Cape's plastic footpint

We have to embrace recycling, reusing and repurposing.

— Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist

Plastic gets a pretty bad rap, and understandably so. It's made from oil - a non renewable resource.

— Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist

If plastic is only used once and discarded, it's an environmental disaster.

— Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist

You can't avoid the impact of plastic waste on our beaches and oceans - we're not even seeing the landfill.

— Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist

The future of the planet depends on us, the humans.

— Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist

Knowler and Sapro general manager Annabe Pretorius shared some case studies on finding creative ways to recycle plastic and some inspiring examples of what can be made with recycled products.

Also read: SA will soon have 100% biodegradable plastic bags

If it's plastic, put it in your recycling bin and the waste management company will sort it out.

— Annabe Pretorius, General Manager at South African Plastics Recycling Organisation

There is so many different plastics that every grade and every type has to be recycled separately. That's our challenge.

— Annabe Pretorius, General Manager at South African Plastics Recycling Organisation

Take a listen to the insightful discussion:

Got a consumer case you need help resolving?

Email: consumer@knowler.co.za, put Cape Talk in the subject line, followed by the issue e.g. cellphone contract dispute.

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : Why consumers need to wake up to plastic waste (and start recycling)