A Hive Creative Entrepreneur Spotlight

Contrary to what you may have heard; life is literally a group project. The environment we live in, the air we breathe and so many aspects of human life depend on the collective responsibility we have to each other and future generations. Environmental issues like the litter that decorates our cities, don’t just “add to the ambience of the CBD”, all that waste spreads diseases, smells awful, contaminates soil, fills vast amounts of land and directly contributes to global warming.

We looked at the team from @weloveourcityklean to learn what an ordinary citizen can do to help build cleaner cities and a healthier environment.

Featured

L.O.C.K (@weloveourcityklean)

Members: Keitumetsi and Zwelihle Magwaza

Formed by Partners in Marriage, Zwelihle and Keitumetsi, L.O.C.K is a creative start-up that educates communities about responsible waste management. They also run workshops, training initiatives, cool events and projects around themes like recycling, upcycling and environmental responsibility etc.

“I hate that people think you can’t change human behaviour.” – Keitumetsi

 

 

1. Let’s change our habits

You guessed it, changing the world begins with making some changes in our own lives. How clued up are we about our carbon footprint(s)? What example are we setting for the kids coming up now?

Organizations like L.O.C.K make it a point to educate the public on the environmental effects of daily activities and some of the ways people can control these better. Also, a major part of “getting clued up” involves doing our own research and trying to put that information to good use.

Graphic: 

Been to the Hive?

Our “dustbin” is a recycling station in a collaboration with the L.O.C.K team

2. Join the movement(s)

Besides educating the public, causes like L.O.C.K run projects and events that focus on directly combating environmental issues. 

Some environmental groups may go as far as organizing protest action against bodies/ organizations directly responsible for environmentally-harmful business practices. Once we’ve done what we can to manage our own mess, we can make an even bigger difference by adding our efforts to such causes.

Share your energy with me!” – Kakarot

 

While a simple clean up won’t solve a city’s waste problems, many times people litter less in cleaner areas (nobody wants to start a slow clap); similarly, using our collective voice, time or power to set the precedent for environmental responsibility automatically challenges businesses, governments and fellow citizens to do the same.

3. Make “Loving Earth” cooler than climate change, again...

While expressing concern over our burning planet or polluted cities won’t win you many cheers in social settings, making the culture of environmental responsibility less Alex Dunphy can go a long way in improving its popularity. Just as the individual superhero journey begins with looking at ourselves, our business activities can make it a point to champion our support for the environment. 

Sustainable living and “stopping the planet from burning down” will never become mainstream until brands make it a point to put it there (and not just on Earth Day). Just like our social gatherings benefit from us sharing information about them, the culture of environmental responsibility will also benefit from some social marketing. 

In an interview (attached at the end), The Magwazas mention how their first idea was an event to Klean up Joubert Park. The setup would’ve been complete with DJ’s and fun social activities for everyone involved. This is a good metaphor for some of the ways we can merge our environmental goals with some of the things we already do and love.

Also, by standing for our beliefs, we inspire similar-minded people to do the same.

4. Support a wellbeing economy [Last Point]

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The L.O.C.K love includes environmental awareness training and wellness projects to help support Joburg communities.

We have the power to influence our planet’s biggest corporations and industries. One of the most effective, proven ways of making environmental change is by holding major culprits (businesses, government and industries) accountable for laying our environment to waste. 

A “wellbeing economy” is one that prioritizes the wellbeing of humans and the environment, as opposed to the interests of these culprits. We can choose to support businesses that operate with environmentally-conscious principles in mind. 

  • Which competitors are making an extra effort to sustainably produce and package their things? 
  • What is the “environmental reputation” (here & around the world) of the businesses we’re already supporting?
Conclusion

It’s a lot of work trying to save a burning planet. Maybe all you have to do is change your habits. For others, maybe you should join that environmental awareness/ clean up event. With all the problems in our society and around this city, there’s also so much more we can all do to make the world a place where rats and landfills aren’t a casual feature of daily life.

You can donate to L.O.C.K or follow them on their Facebook Page. Also, they’re always open to collaborations or fresh ideas. Watch the video below to see them some more.

Don’t forget to follow us @Hivejoburg! Sho…

Written by: Lungelo Hlela (I am Multeemedia) // Images supplied by L.O.C.K, taken by: @Manolography  & @edropianaldo

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Lungelo Samkelo Hlela has won (Loerie, Bookmark & Creative Circle) awards for his work as a digital copywriter. With “nothing to share”; he has been a contributing writer on our blog since 2018

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