A group of Grade R learners visited the new Re-Trade Project Eco Centre, where they got to learn all about the importance of recycling and how to do it at home.
Walmer, South Africa (19 August 2022) – The Re-Trade Project helps people in need by allowing them to trade recyclable items for food, clothing and toiletries. The organisation is a non-profit that aims to grant those in need a dignified way to sustain themselves.
This opportunity allows everyone to uplift themselves without feeling like they are receiving a handout. They have to work to earn items from the trading depot, which then helps develop a healthy work ethic.
Last year, the recycling depot announced that they would be opening an official Eco Centre that would act as the headquarters for the organisation. The plan was to create an office space for the organisation’s admin, a training facility to upskill those wanting to learn, and storage space for all the recyclables and the trade store. A dream that is finally a reality.
The building has been made from reclaimed materials to go along with the eco-friendly and recycling cornerstones of the Re-Trade Project.
Now that it is complete, it is easy to see the benefit the project hopes to have on the community. With all-new facilities and opportunities, the future looks greener already.
Since reopening the centre, the project has welcomed schools to visit; they get to learn about the benefits of recycling and how many opportunities there are to do good because of it.
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The Re-Trade Trade Shop – Open for Business!
The trading depot uses funds from recycled items to stock its trade shop shelves. In turn, those who bring in recycling can access the shop and use their recycling as currency to purchase essential items.
Maria Grewar founded the Re-Trade Project to address poverty in Walmer Park as well as the high pollution and dumping rate in the area. By launching the trade shop, the community shifted their take on litter, and the area started to look tidy. People who previously loitered or begged began cleaning up their surroundings, taking part in recycling.
The shop stocks all sorts of food, clothing and toiletries. Everything is an essential item. Some of the top food items available include Tomato and Onion Mix, Instant Soup, Rice, Pasta, Oats, Oil, Long-life Milk, Coffee, Mealie Pap and Sugar.
The NPO also relies on physical and financial donations from the public to keep the shelves adequately stocked. You can help them by reaching out to see what is needed most.
You can follow the organisation via Facebook here.
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