Group of volunteers save Khayelitsha’s wetlands from invasive water hyacinth
This group of volunteers saved their township from the harmful effects that could have come from the pollution.
Taking care of the environment is crucial for all of us. It has amazing benefits for our health.
Pollution causes a lot of harm to the environment. It affects the quality of air and water.
A group of young people in Khayelitsha have devoted themselves to reducing pollution in their area.
More than ten years ago, the Khayelitsha Canoe Club was formed to remove some of the most unimaginable trash, from baby nappies to car tyres which were found in the wetlands of Khayelitsha.
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The group also found that there was a bigger problem- water hyacinths. The water hyacinth plant threatens the fish population and prevents other aquatic plants from receiving nutrients.
The group learned that the dry weed of the plant could be burned to create biochar, an organic fertiliser that has the potential to keep gardens green and healthy when correctly used, reports Beautiful News.
The group decided to sell the biochar to local gardeners and schools to make a living for themselves.
The Khayelitsha Canoe Club also reportedly invites tourists to participate in wetland cleanups and take home biochar as a souvenir.
As a result of their cleaning initiative and selling biochar, not only has the group benefited financially, but the community at large has been saved from the harmful effects that could have come from the pollution.
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Image courtesy of Beautiful News.