The National Recycling Forum (NRF) recently hosted a panel discussion at the 3^rd Annual National Green Youth Indaba 2016 which took place at the Innovation Hub in Tshwane, Gauteng.

More than 500 hand-picked pioneering youth and more than 50 exhibitors attended this year’s Indaba, making it South Africa’s biggest and most eco-prominent youth conference. Plastics|SA was one of the organisations invited to attend in recognition of its work promoting the recycling and recovery of plastics.

Plastic participation

Waste Management and Recycling were two of the key areas highlighted for discussion and Jacques Lightfoot (Sustainability Manager, Plastics|SA) was selected to facilitate a panel discussion with young recycling entrepreneurs and the audience.

“The NRF is placing a major emphasis on the role of the youth in the environment this year. The panel discussion offered a unique opportunity for the NRF and audience members to hear first-hand about some of the exciting initiatives that our country’s young eco warriors are involved in,” Lightfoot said, adding that the importance of the recovery and recycling of recyclable materials in South Africa was a major discussion point that received a lot of air time during the panel discussion.

Inspiration both ways

“It was interesting to hear the different views as we discussed the most pressing environmental issues and green opportunities for youth within South Africa. Although the focus was on motivating and engaging young people to play a proactive role by addressing issues related to the sustainable development of our country, it was equally inspiring for us as an industry to attend and learn from them.  It is important for us to assist our future youth leaders by creating platforms for them where they can be innovative, and learn to be meaningful players in the industry,” Lightfoot concluded.

For more information, visit www.plasticsinfo.co.za