Trash is Treasure when it’s upcycled, and these incredible ECOpreneurs are proving it.
Muldersdrift, South Africa (07 May, 2023)—Earth Day took place on the 22 April 2023, and in Gauteng, Ecopreneurs who turn trash into treasure were celebrated for their conscious efforts and upcycled products at the AfriCAN Annual Honorees Earthizens’ Ceremony.
The youngest EARTHizen saw Linden Ambursley, a 10-year-old honoured in the Environmental and Conservation Category for his products focusing on natural and unrefined Shea butter from Uganda.
Founder Anthea Thyssen shared that a highlight of the ceremony was that two Award-winning Earthizens were discovered at the Rosebank Market—Kumkani Matosa and Mandla Mlobi. In fact, their products were the ceremony’s trophees; upcycled paper women made of recycled accessories like straws, newspapers and used metals.
Thyssen said that these African women resemble the uniqueness of African women, symbolizing strength, work ethics, beauty, creativity, and love. Fittingly, the theme for the event was ‘Let’s Honour Mother Earth’.
ECOpreneurs were honoured for their sustainable and innovative ideas of turning ‘trash’ into treasures.
The Earthizens’ Honorees for 2023:
Takula Lebuso – Indalo Intricate House
- Environmental Conservation Category: Handcrafted Zipper Accessories & Clothing
Mdu Mahlangu – Green Public
- Environmental Conservation Category: Organic
Pulane Ramotso – Tsebo Organisation
- Environmental Conservation Category: Used Cans
Kerry Knowles & Gina Shoemaker – Green Earth Concepts
- Environmental Conservation Category: Organic Waste Worm Farm
Linden Ambursley – ATA Pty Ltd
- Environmental Conservation Category: Organic Shea Butter
Special mentions go to the likes of Tarryn Johnston from Hennops River Revival; honored in the Environmental Conservation Category: Water & Waste Preservation. She retrieved 3 million kilograms of waste from the Hennops River from November 2019 until March 2023!
Anthea Thyssen chose the theme ‘Let’s Honour Mother Earth for 2023 because she envisages on the importance of eating natural foods, using natural products on your skin, and buying local clothes to support the proudly local economy.
And, you can support the ECOpreneurs too! Anthea urges schools, churches and corporate companies to start sorting their trash to support ECOpreneurs to produce products with their creative craftmanship.
Currently, they’re looking for two sanding machines before 27 May, and 300 Bottles before 15 September.
You can contact anthea@acytin.org.za to get involved!
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