Junior councillors ready to kick butt

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Environmental activist and educationalist, Jan Odendaal left members of the Mossel Bay Junior Town Council inspired after a discussion on a ground-breaking initiative to be launched in Mossel Bay.

Odendaal, known for this passion for cleaning rivers and planting trees, has declared war on cigarette butts and in his consultation with the Mossel Bay Municipality on environmental projects, is keen to involve the youth.

The Kick the Butt project is still in the planning phase, but Odendaal met Grade 11 members of the council for a brainstorming session on Friday, 10 September. The Mossel Bay Municipality's waste management office hosted the meeting, with the officials acting as facilitators.

Odendaal, formerly an educator, struck a chord with the young leaders.

"Despite the state of the world, environmentally speaking, you are in the pound seats regarding contributing towards a greener, healthier world. That is a great legacy to leave."

Odendaal explained some of the long-term pollution effects caused by cigarette butts. He said collecting these could have a tremendously positive impact, as the latest advances in recycling could turn cigarette butts into garden furniture.

"We are in fact embarking on this initiative. It is not anti-smoking, but anti-pollution."

Junior Town Council members (back, from left) Justin Pienaar, Joël Baker, Anam Gatyeni and (seated, centre) Zandri van Greunen with municipal officials (seated) Noluthando Biyane, Nombuyiselo Majola and (right) Lomelelo Gala and Jan Odendaal (Green for Life). Photo: Cornelle Carstens