The 5th of December was World Soil Day and a day very close to the hearts of all the individuals within the Letsolo team.

Did you know that only 10% of waste is recycled in South Africa? This fact, coupled with increasing amounts of hazardous chemicals, bad soil management, harmful irrigation practices and fuel leakage has led to shocking soil pollution in our country. It’s time that something is done to put a stop to this catastrophe!

Why Soil Pollution is Dangerous

The soil is where we grow 95% of all of our food, and it also acts as a habitat for many of the earth’s most precious creatures – creatures that maintain balance within delicate eco-systems. When the soil is polluted, it becomes drastically less fertile, making it nearly impossible for creatures to live in and for plants and crops to grow. The plants that do manage to grow, however, are likely to contain toxins that could prove life-threatening and spread disease if consumed by humans or animals.

Soil pollution also causes erosion and may even result in the creation of toxic dust, further compromising the health and wellbeing of those living on earth.

Be the Solution to Soil Pollution

World Soil Day’s theme this year was ‘Be the Solution to Soil Pollution’ and the goal was to educate the world on how to go about reducing the amount of soil pollution through a change in lifestyle and awareness.

So, how can YOU be the solution to soil pollution? By following these simple steps…

  • Be very careful of the way in which you dispose of hazardous waste, such as medicine and batteries.
  • Recycle as much as you can and avoid single-use plastics, like straws.
  • Electronic waste is another contributor of soil pollution, so think twice before you buy new electronic devices.
  • Avoid as much packaging as you can when shopping. Visit farmers’ markets if you’d like to go packaging-free, or be on the look-out for eco-friendly packaging in your local grocery store.
  • Use eco-friendly personal care, cleaning and gardening products.
  • Start composting! It’s the best way to nourish soils and reduce waste.
  • Re-use or donate old household items instead of throwing them away.

Together, we can make a difference. It’s the small changes that we make as individuals that really count in the long run.