From Girl Guide to environmental consultant
When she is not out trying to bring socio-economic change she enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, cycling, and growing her plant collection.
Joining the Girl Guides Gauteng East contributed towards the inspiration behind Lehlogonolo Mashego’s decision to become an Environmentalist and Sustainability Activist.
She joined the club after she moved to Benoni, in the hopes of meeting other young girls who wanted to explore and experience the teachings offered by the Girl Guides.
“I instantly fell in love with the principles, more so the experiences presented and values of respecting our space and surrounding environment.
“I grew a liking to the outdoor activities and appreciation of nature and its offerings.
“Concurrently, I was quite strong in the subject geography, and to make matters worse, I enjoyed the subject so much that I took it up into tertiary.”
She added that the experience had allowed her to branch into Environmental Science and as such, she is currently practising as a junior environmental consultant.
Lehlogonolo is also the founder of KE Dinaledi, an organisation that aims to address social and environmental issues whilst introducing sustainable solutions to bring socio-economic change.
As a student at the International Association for Impact Assessment, her primary objective is to close the gap that exists between formal training and the workplace.
Role of an environmental consultant
This role entails the planning, management, and rehabilitation processes tied to different developments.
“The needs of our clients vary but my primary mandate is to ensure that along with the implementation of development, that environmental management and social justice is achieved as far as practically possible.
“I serve the mining industry, construction, agriculture, and energy, I aspire to tap into the marine and oil space as well,” she said.
Through her experiences as an environmental consultant she also shared a few tips on how residents can be friendlier to the environment:
• Recycle and reuse as far as possible – this reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills that is a current threat as the capacity of landfills is fast running out.
• Avoid the use of single-use items – this contributes to waste and the idea is to reduce one’s waste footprint.
• Do not litter.
This is an underestimated act, despised by many due to the visual impact it has when it accumulates but many people still litter.
• Pay attention to energy usage, things such as the frequency of boiling water, keeping plugs on.
The best tip that can be offered is to use as few energy-dependent items where possible and make use of natural light.
• Be an intentional shopper, plan and buy strategically.
It is recommended to buy locally produced items, make use of shopping bags instead of purchasing plastic bags, less packaging is important, and try a meat-free product and make a full meat-free meal.
• The thrifting space has grown over the past few years, allowing more people to penetrate that space and further support it.
This has further helped curb the consequences of fast fashion and the fashion industry.
“Although this is not the answer certainly is a step in the right direction,” she said
When she is not out trying to bring socio-economic change she enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, cycling, and growing her plant collection.
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