Page 25 - Dainfern Precinct Living July Issue 2025

ESTATE NEWS
THE BIG PICTURE
ESTATE MATTERS
NATURE
Rooibos is gaining attention not only for its health benefits, but also for its potential
in promoting sustainable practices. Beyond its soothing flavour, Rooibos offers eco-

friendly opportunities to repurpose used leaves, aligning with global efforts to reduce
ROOIBOS G6.9% of the 106 billion them, we can collectively reduce waste 8. Eye compress: Cooled Rooibos
RECYCLE YOUR
waste and support environmental conservation.

lobally, recycling rates have
and support a more sustainable way of
sachets or leaves wrapped
declined for the eighth
living.”
in gauze can be used as a
consecutive year, with only
calming eye compress to reduce
puffiness and irritation.
tonnes of materials used annually
Here are a few easy ways to repurpose
leftover Rooibos leaves:
coming from recycled sources. In South
9. Moth repellent: Dried Rooibos
leaves can be mixed with
1. Natural fertiliser: Rich in
Africa, the situation is equally pressing.
Approximately 90% of the country’s waste
nutrients, used Rooibos leaves
lavender or cloves and placed in
fabric sachets to deter moths in
ends up in landfills, with only 10% being
can be added to compost or
cupboards or drawers.
recycled. This linear approach to waste
directly to soil, enhancing plant
management underscores the urgent
growth and soil health.
need for sustainable practices. 2. Seedling mulch: Sprinkle 10. Fire starter: When thoroughly
dried, Rooibos leaves can be
used Rooibos around delicate used as a natural fire starter for
“The single-use model is no longer seedlings as a light mulch – it fireplaces, braais or camping.
viable,” says Marthane Swart, secretariat helps retain moisture and can 11.
of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC). “We gently nourish young plants. South African consumers have become
must transition to a circular economy 3. Exfoliating scrub: The aware of their environmental impact, with
where waste is minimised and resources antioxidant properties of more than 80% believing they can make
are reused and recycled. Consumers play Rooibos extend to skincare. a difference by recycling, cutting down on
a crucial role in this shift by adopting Used leaves can be incorporated food waste and reducing plastic use.
sustainable habits in their daily lives.” into homemade exfoliating
scrubs, offering a natural According to market research company
Rooibos, endemic to the Cederberg alternative to commercial Euromonitor International, nearly half of
region in the Western Cape, is not products. South Africans identify as zero wasters,
only an enjoyable beverage, but also 4. Deodoriser: Dried Rooibos which shows a real shift in mindset. But
a symbol of sustainable agriculture. leaves can absorb odours in while the willingness is there, which is
The Rooibos industry provides income refrigerators or shoes, acting as a vital first step, more action is urgently
and employment to approximately 8 a natural deodoriser. needed. Real environmental change
000 workers in primary production and 5. Natural dye: The leaves can be depends on turning that awareness into
related activities, such as processing, used to create natural dyes for everyday habits.
packaging and retailing. fabrics or paper, showcasing
the versatility of Rooibos in Swart says that meaningful change starts
Swart emphasises the industry’s promoting a zero-waste lifestyle. with the choices we make each day, from
dedication to sustainable practices. “The 6. Cleaning agent: The mild acidity how we consume to how we reuse and
Rooibos industry, deeply intertwined with of Rooibos makes it suitable recycle. Embracing sustainable habits
the rich biodiversity of the Cederberg for cleaning purposes, such as – even in simple ways like repurposing
region, is committed to protecting this polishing wooden surfaces. everyday items – is key to fostering a
natural heritage for future generations. 7. Pet care rinse: Rooibos has culture of responsibility that supports
This commitment is reflected in its natural anti-inflammatory and long-term environmental resilience.
participation in sustainability initiatives soothing properties, making it a
such as the Union for Ethical Biotrade gentle rinse for pets with itchy or Issued by Meropa Communications on
(UEBT) and Rainforest Alliance sensitive skin. behalf of the SA Rooibos Council.
certification. As part of these efforts,
Rooibos farmers have collectively
rehabilitated over 500 hectares of land,
actively restoring ecosystems.
“Further bolstering conservation efforts,
the Greater Cederberg Biodiversity
Corridor has secured 70 406 hectares
through formal stewardship agreements,
alongside an additional 282 953
hectares under voluntary partnerships
between biodiversity organisations and
the agricultural sector. These initiatives
demonstrate a growing synergy between
farming and conservation, ensuring that
agricultural growth supports – rather
than compromises – biodiversity.

“South Africans consume an estimated
3.5 billion cups of Rooibos every year and
with every cup comes an opportunity to
make a small, but meaningful difference.
By repurposing used Rooibos sachets
or loose leaves instead of discarding

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