The esteemed water-bottling brand, aQuellé, located in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal, has garnered multiple awards for its commitment to quality and community service. This innovative company collaborates with local authorities and communities to revitalise neglected areas, breathing new life into them. aQuellé actively engages with communities, providing education on the importance of maintaining a cleaner environment and highlighting the myriad benefits this brings to residents and the ecosystem. Their efforts are about cleaning up and inspiring a healthier, more sustainable future.
By partnering with local government bodies, aQuellé effectively identifies areas needing improvement. Together, they work towards finding sustainable, practical solutions that enhance the community's overall well-being. Their efforts improve the landscape and foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents, encouraging a shared responsibility for their surroundings.
The project coordinator, Gladson Songela, said, “Sometimes, the problem is much bigger than we can manage, requiring a workable solution that benefits all. For instance, through our joint clean-ups, the teams have identified a massive problem of disposable nappies in some rural areas, taking over the areas and creating health risks. The team is now busy with research to see how they can use the waste better. In this case, we are talking about nappies, which pose a huge problem in certain areas”.
This innovative approach to waste management is just one example of aQuellé's impressive capabilities. The team also shows schoolchildren how to use empty plastic bottles and other waste to make toys. This helps children become aware of the meaning of environmental protection and reducing waste, especially plastic. They also work together with Emseni Farming’s vegetable garden’s outreach project. The project focuses on schools where schoolchildren are shown how to turn a small area into a vegetable garden at home or in schools. Empty plastic bottles are then used as mini hothouses to protect small plants and help them grow into healthy crops that they can use or sell for an income.
The team is dedicated to revitalising overlooked areas within the community that pose a health problem. Some local authorities launched an engaging “adopt-a-spot” initiative to pinpoint neglected regions. This event encourages community members to identify spaces that can be transformed into functional areas, such as vibrant vegetable gardens, to serve the community's needs. In this collaborative effort, local authorities lead the charge, ensuring that the transformation beautifies the environment and fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among residents.
The aQuellé brand has received numerous well-deserved awards over the years. It was recently voted South Africa's most-loved bottled water brand, and it's easy to see why. The brand benefits the community by creating a model for collaborating with local authorities to develop sustainable, clean areas. The inspiring impact of these initiatives is a testament to the power of collective action and community involvement.
To find out more about the clean-ups and how you can become involved, visit www.aquelle.co.za/KHULA or www.facebook.com/aQuelleKhula
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