Tuning In: Make eco-bricks and help build a recycling depot

THE last newspaper for March – it has been incredibly tough. The mood out there is sombre and fearful. Reminder: happy thoughts create happy experiences.

Just remember that the following items have NOT been cancelled – going outdoors, listening to or playing music, family, reading, friends, singing, laughing and hope. Let’s embrace what hasn’t been cancelled.

ALSO READ : Tuning In: Embrace those things that cannot be cancelled… and well done to team Elliot

Sadly there is a monkey shooter in Marlin Drive, Pennington. A baby monkey was shot with a pellet gun and succumbed to its injuries after being saved by Shelly Gilmore who did everything in her power to keep this baby alive. If there is anyone out there with further information, please email the writer.

The UMPAC presentation of Mass Que Nada has been cancelled until further notice.

Azelle du Randt is putting together a winter warmth campaign with requests for knitted squares for blankets for the under privileged. Sacred Heart Children’s Home in Mtwalume will be supported with blankets this year. Contact Azelle for further information at 084 4108864. Now an opportunity to knit up a storm while in isolation?

Bernie Retief asks on behalf of Rotary Club of Scottburgh for blankets for the coming winter for distribution to the poor in the area and also to various charities. Items can be collected, so contact Bernie at 082 4535781 or 039 9782445.

Mike Lillyman has advised that the Pennington Conservancy AGM has been postponed until further notice. However, he has advised that there are a couple of issues that need to be concluded in the interim. The most important is the nomination of members to serve on the next committee for 2020/21.

Normally the deadline would be prior to the AGM, however as this meeting is being postponed, a new deadline would have to be set. The present committee have their final meeting on Thursday (March 26) so a decision will have to be made about dealing with nominations for the new year.

Please give some careful thought to playing a role in the conservancy. Happily, there has been a positive response to the request for volunteers to take up some of the responsibilities outside of the committee structure, but it is still a requirement to have six committee members and to date we only have three nominations. Mike can be contacted penningtonconservancy@gmail.com or 066 3715631.

So while in isolation and feeling somewhat unproductive, one could be creating eco-bricks.

The Pennington Conservancy has initiated a programme that could have a huge influence on the amount of plastic waste that finds its way down the local rivers and out to sea.

Everyone can share in the drive to reduce the amount of plastic waste by joining the eco-brick campaign. It takes almost no time, costs nothing and is so simple. All that is required is an empty two litre plastic bottle and a bag full of plastic waste. It doesn’t matter what type of plastic, just as long as it is clean.

Fit as much plastic into the bottle as you can, pressing it down with a wooden stick if necessary. A wooden spoon is the ideal implement to get the plastic nice and tight. When the bottle is full it should weigh approximately 500g.

A new recycling depot will be constructed by Pennington Conservancy with these eco-bricks, as the old site needs extensive repairs and has become too small. This will require just over 5 000 bottles and that means more than two and a half tons of plastic will be used to build the new facility.

Have a look at the Pennington Conservancy Facebook page to view explanatory videos on how to build eco-bricks. It’s the easiest way to play a role in reducing the amount of plastic waste that finds its way into our oceans every day. It’s quite amazing just how much plastic can fit into one bottle. Please remember to fit the cap back on the filled bottles. Completed eco-bricks can be dropped off at Impithi Kiosk.

At this stage of our lives, creative energy is quite possibly at an all time low; it is now that we need to gather up whatever strength we have to start getting creative. We have been through rough and fearful times before – now is the time to show exactly what strength and courage we are made of.

While in isolation, how about a good spring clean. I know that there are areas in my house that I walk past and look at and say to myself ‘later’. Perhaps now is later. Just a suggestion. A clean out would benefit charity shops, and at the same time unclutter and enhance the energy in the home.

Locals, you are reminded that this is your column. Send your news, views and pictures to Bronwyn@scottburgh.co.za

Happiness is always an inside job.

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