Miss Earth finalist cleans up

Elné van Coller, a national finalist for Miss Earth South Africa, recently hosted a community clean-up in Turflaagte as part of the campaign, Waste Stops With ME. More than 50 people were involved in the clean-up and included the councillor of Turflaagte, Mr Rampai, community members of Turflaagte and ladies from House Sonnedou of the University of the Free State campus. The Mangaung Metro Muncipality’s solid waste department also supplied bags for the waste and a pick-up truck to remove the waste.
Van Coller says she spoke to the community members about the health risks involved in living in a polluted area like the one they cleaned up, as well as why they should reduce their waste, recycle and reuse as landfills are filling up to capacity.
“In order to grow green minds, education is key,” says Van Coller. “We need to be educated on waste, pollution, recycling, reusing and reducing in order to make a sustainable difference in our communities. The community members of Turflaagte now know the value of waste and know that waste stops with us. With all the bags collected it is clear that when you team up to clean up, you can make a big difference.” The gala event where the new Miss Earth South Africa will be crowned is on 8 September 2016.