SCHNETLER’S INC. IS “GOING GREEN”

As a law firm, it isn’t difficult to imagine the countless reams of paper which we consume each and every month. As a firm, we have realised that it too is our responsibility to unite our efforts with those of every other person who is consciously striving to erase our carbon footprint which is deeply embedded on our planet Earth.

It is predicted that Cape Town residents generate over 6000 tons of waste PER DAY! In other words, each person (and there are approximately 3,497,097 people in the greater Cape Town area) produces over 1.72 kilograms of waste per day. It is alarming to learn that waste generation in Cape Town escalates at approximately 7% a YEAR!

According to an Environmental Affairs and Tourism media statement issued in 2007, South Africa has set a national target of reducing the amount of waste going to landfills by 70% by 2022, and to minimise and treat the remaining 30%.

Recycling is our solution to this very serious issue, one which affects all of us. Recycling is something everyone can get involved in. Everyone can contribute positively towards ensuring that our planet does not develop into a colossal land fill. By implementing recycling in your everyday life, no matter what your financial position is, you can make a contribution towards living lightly on our planet.

For those who require further encouragement and validation that recycling really can and does make a difference to our environment, as well as to our ordinary lives, can find five reasons why YOU should recycle.

1. “Recycling saves energy”
   Recycling saves energy for the reason that the manufacturer does not need to create something new from raw, natural resources. By using recycled materials we save on energy consumption, which too keeps production costs down.
2. “Recycling reduces landfills”
   Recycling reduces the need for more landfills – nobody wants to live next to a landfill!
3. “Recycling preserves our resources and protects wildlife”
   By recycling, we reduce the need to destroy the habitat of wild animals. Paper recycling alone, saves millions of trees.
4. “Recycling is good for the economy”
   Recycling and purchasing recycled products creates a greater demand for more recycled goods. Products made from recycled materials use less water, create less pollution and less energy is used in the production thereof.
5. “Recycling helps our climate problems”
   Recycling produces considerably less carbon dioxide, which reduces the amount of unhealthy greenhouse gas emissions.

The bottom line is that reducing waste means less pollution, fewer raw materials AND a financial saving!

Schnetler’s has become a supporter of Oasis Association, to whom we provide all of our firm’s recyclable goods. Oasis processed over 220 tons of recyclable waste a month during 2007!  This means that Oasis Association saved the City of Cape Town approximately 20 339 cubic metres of landfill. Today Oasis Association recycles over 260 tons of waste a month. We believe that it is EVERBODY’S responsibility and duty to support and make an active effort to save our environment.

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice.