By Gofaone Motsamai

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) stand against plastic pollution, launched in 2023, has evolved into an institutionalised environmental policy and the results speak for themselves.

In the first six months of 2025, the NWU recycled 140,6 tons of campus waste, including 36 tons of single-use plastic. This reflects reduced plastic bottle consumption and increased recycling efforts prompted by the initiatives, according to Percy Sehaole, specialist in environmental management and coordinator of the campaign against plastic waste.

The initiative began when NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka launched the #BeatPlasticPollution and #StopUsingPlasticBottles campaign in alignment with the UN Environment Programme’s World Environment Day 2023 theme.

In 2024, the University Management Committee took it further, prohibiting the purchase and use of plastic water bottles for all internal and office operations.

“The campaign was positioned as a challenge to all staff and students to cease buying and using plastic water bottles and instead adopt reusable alternatives,” says Percy.

The goals of the initiative are to reduce plastic bottle usage, lower the university’s carbon footprint, and foster a culture of reduction, recycling and reuse.

“The shift stems primarily from significant environmental concerns rather than direct health risks,” Percy explains. “Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and disrupting natural habitats.”

Looking ahead, the NWU will expand its sustainability efforts by phasing out polystyrene products in dining facilities, introducing reverse vending machines for recyclable containers, and conducting waste management pilot projects at residences. The university will also continue installing water-saving taps and showerheads in residences and communal areas.

“Our work doesn’t end with banning plastic bottles,” Percy emphasises. “Sustainability is about making everyday choices that protect resources for future generations and that’s the culture we’re building at the NWU.”

Colleagues at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus collect their bottles as part of the university’s ongoing campaign to beat plastic pollution.

Team effort at the Potchefstroom Campus as colleagues join hands to reduce single-use plastic waste through collection and recycling.

Staff members from the Vanderbijlpark Campus playing their part in the #BeatPlasticPollution initiative by gathering recyclable bottles.