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Unisa eliminates single-use plastics

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Unisa has been a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) since 2007 and has signed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Declaration, committing the university to advancing the implementation of the SDG principles. This includes protecting the environment through a commitment to eliminating waste and the use of single-use plastics in its operations.

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Waste, specifically plastic waste, has an immense negative environmental impact. This includes the broader environment and marine ecosystems – an area that Unisa has identified as a strategic focus area in terms of its Catalytic Niche Areas.

As part of creating awareness of the importance of the preservation of marine ecosystems as a critical resource, and as a champion of sustainability, Unisa continues to lead the way through executive decisions about discontinuing the use of single-use plastics and polystyrene materials.

The Management Committee (Mancom) of the university therefore confirmed, on 5 February 2025, its May 2015 decision banning the use of single-use plastics, particularly the use of bottled water in meetings. This means that the water fountains that have been placed across campuses need to be utilised together with reusable containers or environmentally friendly disposable containers.

In its recent decision, Mancom went a step further by approving the elimination of the use of plastics and polystyrene materials in catering services on campus.

This resolution reiterates the university’s commitment to sustainability and sets the tone for the narrative and action on the use of single-use plastics at South African universities.

The university community is therefore urged to heed the Mancom resolution and to play their part by ensuring that the use of single-use plastics and polystyrene is eliminated and by making way for sustainable solutions. 

* Submitted by the Sustainability Office

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Publish date: 2025/02/17

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