Accelerating impactful solutions to the plastics crisis

Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. Its far-reaching consequences have prompted global action, with the United Nations setting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 14: to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, including plastics, by 2025.

Aware of the urgency of the situation, Odity decided to join forces with the Pristine Earth Collective. Thanks to the mindful choice made by our clients who selected this association for their end-of-year donation gift, Odity contributed financially to one of their projects to address the plastics crisis in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Pristine Earth Collective, a resourceful partner

Created in 2019, Pristine Earth Collective is an NGO founded by Brett Jordaan and George Van der Schyff, two Cape Town residents and ocean enthusiasts. Pristine Earth Collective’s goal is to accelerate impactful solutions to the plastics crisis by:

• finding innovative solutions to intercept plastic before it enters our oceans,
• working with communities worst affected by plastic pollution.

“The Pristine Pathways Litter Net Project” is one of their innovative projects and started in August 2022 in Sea Point, a coastal suburb of Cape Town. Its objectives are both environmental and social.

Reduce plastic waste in the Atlantic Ocean, at Sea Point

Stormwater drains along the Atlantic coast feed onto the beach and into the ocean. Notorious for our strong winds and heavy winter rain, streams of waste are washed into these drains, ultimately finding their way into the ocean.

Situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, Sea Point is a popular destination for Capetonians and tourists. This picturesque neighbourhood is known for its promenade, stretching along the coastline.

By strategically installing five litter nets along these stormwater drains on the Sea Point Promenade, Pristine  Earth Collective can effectively:

1. trap and collect macro plastic and other debris,
2. safeguard the marine ecosystem,
3. maintain the visual appeal of this touristic area.

Meet the team in the heart of the project

Alakhe and Phakamisa play a critical role in efforts to combat plastic pollution by performing essential tasks,  such as:

• maintaining cleanliness and effectiveness of the five nets,
• manually cleaning the surrounding beaches of micro-plastic which bypass the nets.

Both reside in a township outside Cape Town and have a passion for the environment. They have been involved with the project since its inception and are extremely knowledgeable.
Thanks to them, 1 238 bags of plastic and other materials have been collected and diverted from the ocean in Sea Point since August 2022.

Recently, they have participated in a 6-week net-making course in Cape Town to empower themselves with the skills needed to internally repair and maintain the nets, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted pursuit of their mission.

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Driven by our commitment to addressing the plastic crisis, Odity will provide financial support, and Odity Cape Town’s Team also actively join the association in collecting plastic waste.
We look forward to sharing photos of our collective efforts with you in the near future!