Most of us are encouraged to recycle, and many of us do this naturally.
However, have you ever wondered what happens to recycled material, especially PLASTIC WASTE, which cannot all be recycled?
There is big money in handling waste, so our plastic and some other recycled materials are in fact the material used to create big businesses.
Much of the waste that we think is being recycled ends up in landfill sites, sometimes transported by rail or sea. Where and how are they disposing of it? Are we not being naive in thinking that these companies follow ethical practices?
There will always be a wolf in sheep's clothing where money is involved!
I recently told you about the Hillcrest AIDS Centre and the amazing work they do by upskilling people with AIDS.
Many do beadwork and other forms of art, all fascinating.
What really piqued my interest was the gorgeous works of art, from home decor to furniture, using plastic waste.
Plastic bottles and tops for milk, soft drinks, water, sauces, you name it, are turned into art.
Would you believe these angel wings once were plastic milk bottles? Each 'feather' is painstakingly cut out by the crafters.
Volunteers were helping put the finishing touches to these wings in preparation for a big art exhibition.
This colourful set of wings is likely to be used for a colourful bird.
Soft drink bottles are used as table legs, while the table tops are covered with plastic used for refills. SO very creative, I would never have thought to do this!
Pretty glass bottles are turned into glasses or flower vases, and looks beautiful. The crafters doing this sat inside in a room away from most of the crafters; they're cutting glass and one has to think of safety first!
PS Excuse the fuzzy images, the room was quite dark and small, but you get the idea!
There were many items, that they sell in their Woza Moysa shop as I shared in that previous blog. All proceeds go back into the care of the AIDS victims with an emphasis on the Respite Unit, Othandweni, or "Place of Love," which provides exceptional hospice care.
There was even a dragon made out of wire, rice bags were repurposed into shopping bags.
Their motto certainly rings true for those who were diagnosed too late and end up in the care centre:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
I would say they REALLY are in the business of recycling, and the money made from sales are being put to good use!
