Recycling enterprises and a camel farm!

by Sophie Henke, Chairperson, CAS

Community Action for Sustainability (CAS), based in Mount Gambier, relied on Facebook and newsletter to stay in touch during 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021, however, we visited Precious Plastic recycling enterprises in our region, an off-grid camel farm near Robe, and Kingston SE Small Steps.

In June we went to Tenison Woods College in Mount Gambier where students recycle plastic such as bottle tops and milk bottles into new products that can be recycled over and over, provided the products are not contaminated with other materials. This project was inspired by Precious Plastic, a global resource to help people with start-up kits wanting to do something about plastic pollution.

In July CAS visited Transmutation in Robe, a Precious Plastic business set up by a couple who recycle plastic, that would otherwise go to landfill, into new products. They recycle bread tags, turning them into sturdy bowls and other durable items. At the end of a product’s life, it can be returned to the store to be recycled again.

While in Robe we visited Humpalicious Camel Farm which aims to be small scale, chemical free, and ethical. The farm is powered by solar panels and a small windmill to generate power. The batteries are nickel-iron batteries chosen for their sturdiness and long life. Both Humpalicious and Transmutation were featured on ABC TV Movin’ to the Country, Series 2021 Episode 5.

We also met with Kingston SE Small Steps volunteers who have made over 10,000 fabric shopping bags. They sew for their community, providing free shopping bags and produce bags to the local supermarkets and other businesses made from old curtains and other donated fabric.

It was uplifting to meet so many motivated people mindful of plastic pollution and the environment.