Air pollution is not always caused by factories or traffic; sometimes it begins with everyday waste practices. By improving recycling and reducing waste burning, communities can play a powerful role in protecting the air they breathe. On 10 November 2025, the South African Learner Support Organisation (SALSO) hosted a community campaign at the Jabulani SafeHub in Region D, engaging 35 adult participants in a conversation about air quality and sustainable waste practices. The campaign explored how poor waste management contributes to air pollution and how recycling initiatives can help reduce these impacts.
Through interactive discussions and co-design activities, participants examined local environmental challenges and identified how practices such as waste burning and improper disposal release harmful pollutants into the air. The workshop encouraged participants to view recycling not only as an environmental responsibility but also as a practical strategy for reducing air pollution while creating economic opportunities.
The session also promoted collaboration among local recycling initiatives and youth entrepreneurs, highlighting how community-driven recycling systems can reduce waste burning, lower pollution levels, and contribute to cleaner air in the Jabulani community.
Overall, the campaign demonstrated that strengthening recycling practices is an important step toward improving local air quality while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The campaign reinforced that better waste management plays a direct role in improving air quality. By reducing waste burning and promoting recycling as a viable livelihood opportunity, the initiative showed how community-led environmental action can contribute to cleaner air and healthier neighborhoods.
Key Outcomes
Lesson Learned
- Economic opportunity can strongly motivate environmental action.
- Collaboration between recycling initiatives strengthens community impact.
What Stood Out
- 35 participants actively engaged in co-designing solutions for recycling entrepreneurship.
- Strong interest in turning waste into income-generating opportunities
