Privately-owned Fastjet Zimbabwe will work with Victoria Falls -based environmental recycling outfit, Ele-Collection, to preserve this natural wonder of the world.
Like most tourist destinations, Victoria Falls generates lots of waste. Much of this is recyclable plastic which can be reused.
If not managed properly, waste becomes a serious issue, impacting the experience of visitors who visit the destination.
FASTJET ELE-COLLECTION PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Fastjet Zimbabwe has partnered with Ele-Collection, a local plastic recovery initiative working to protect Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most iconic and ecologically sensitive destinations.
Through this partnership Fastjet will collect all waste from its flights landing in Victoria Falls and hand this over to Ele-Collection for permanent recycling into eco-aggregates. This is a sustainable material that replaces quarry stone in concrete.
“In our pursuit of a sustainable and lasting solution to responsibly dispose of or recycle the plastic waste from our Victoria Falls flights, we are proud to partner with Ele-Collection, who are making significant strides toward a scalable and lasting solution to the plastic pollution problem. This commitment reflects our belief that businesses can indeed be a powerful force for good”. Fastjet Zimbabwe Business CEO and Country Head, Donahue Cortes said.
Fastjet will also deliver an in-flight announcement on each flight to Victoria Falls, raising awareness of the growing “plastidemic” and inviting travellers to be part of the change. Additionally, the airline’s inflight magazine, Asambé, will detail how passengers can support the initiative.
CONTRIBUTING TO A SUSTAINABLE PROJECT
That said, this partnership is more than just cleaning up or recycling plastic. It’s about turning waste into an opportunity and empowering local communities in the process.
“The plastic waste problem is real and threatening the environment, the wildlife, and the communities that depend on tourism. With Fastjet’s support, we are a step closer to a cleaner, more resilient Victoria Falls. This partnership is not just about managing waste and protecting the environment – it is about transforming plastic pollution into a construction material and providing opportunities and improved living environments for the communities we operate in”. Simon Teede, CEO of Ele-Collection stated.
The organisation will process the plastic into Plazrok at its Pioneer Road facility in Victoria Falls, which was opened in May this year. The recycled material can then be used to produce concrete.
Locals also earn money from assisting in the collection of recyclable waste. This helps to preserve Victoria Fall’s natural environment and significantly reduces the risk of wildlife ingesting plastic when grazing. Furthermore, Plazrok is a sustainable material which can be used in the construction sector.
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