Through clean-up events, fun educational activities, and social engagements, CapeNature is promoting sustainable practices like recycling and reducing single-use plastics, ultimately encouraging the community to “not be trashy”!
Western Cape, South Africa (08 September 2025) – “Don’t Be Trashy” is more than just a catchy phrase – it’s a call to action and the powerful message behind CapeNature’s current campaign to address the growing threat of waste to ecosystems across the Western Cape province.
In partnership with Soapbox and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), the campaign aims to tackle pollution in both terrestrial and marine environments, where plastic and non-biodegradable waste are putting increasing pressure on biodiversity.
A Call to Action
The campaign highlights how everyday actions like littering and illegal dumping contribute to environmental degradation. Think: public awareness, education, and community action to reduce waste and drive long-term behavioural change.
Recognising the role the government has in guiding communities to change and improve their handling of waste, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, said:
“We need to grow our understanding of the value that can be unlocked from waste. Let’s explore simple ways in which we can benefit from the circular economy that lies hidden in many trash items we simply throw away without a second thought.”
A key focus of this year’s campaign is the protection of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which play an important role in sustaining ocean health.
The reality is that pollution doesn’t respect boundaries, and even waste generated far inland can travel via rivers into the ocean, impacting critical marine ecosystems. Collaboration across sectors and communities is essential to protect these environments.
“The impact of waste is not just unsightly; it has a significant impact on natural ecosystems,” says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.
“On land, litter disrupts habitats, contaminates soil, and affects wildlife. In our oceans, waste entangles marine animals, degrades coral reefs, and introduces toxins into the food chain. The “Don’t Be Trashy” Drive is a call to action for all communities, schools, businesses, and individuals to be part of the solution.”
Inspiring Children to be Community Changemakers
Soapbox, through its Captain Fanplastic Programme, is adding a creative and educational dimension to the campaign, particularly among young people.
“If we want to see lasting change in how we treat our environment, it starts with what we teach our children,” said Ruben Hazelzet, Head of Programme at Captain Fanplastic.
“Through our gamified storytelling adventures and outdoor experiences, we turn environmental education into something memorable, fun, and impactful. We pride ourselves on being able to reach 11 countries with vital education for many young people. Over the past three years, we’ve reached more than 15,000 learners, inspiring them to become “Plastic Pirates” and community changemakers.
He added that campaigns like “Don’t Be Trashy” reinforce education reform based on creativity, curiosity, and real-world action, which is key to building a generation that sees waste not as rubbish, but as a resource.
Get Involved
CapeNature is calling on all individuals to join the campaign by taking part in clean-ups, reporting illegal dumping, and reducing waste at source. The Entity also encourages all to support the work being done in nature reserves and MPAs.
The public can share the campaign message online using #DontBeTrashy.
For more information and updates on upcoming events, visit www.capenature.co.za or follow CapeNature on social media
Sources: Supplied
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