GEORGE NEWS - In the spirit of being environmentally friendly, all visitors to the Garden Route Botanical Garden (GRBG) are now asked to take everything that they bring and use in the garden, out of the garden with them when they leave. 

Waste bins have been removed and the plan is to later put up four recycling bins in the garden.

Signs have been put up in the garden by the GRBG waste management to inform visitors. 

"We believe that changes come from within and that for us to promote a sustainable future and an environmentally conscious world, we need to lead by example. Our policy requires moving into a new world with a different way of doing things," reads the sign.

"Discipline and commitment are key factors for this change to happen. For this reason to reduce our footprint, reduce our waste and promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle the Garden Route Botanical Garden has decided to remove all the waste bins from the garden.

"We ask that you please take everything that you bring and use in the garden, out of the garden with you. We will establish a recycling station at the front office and the EEC (Environmental Education Centre). If unsure on any of the points, feel free to ask management."

Garden manager Corné Brink said on Monday 31 January that, in the past, there were more than 20 blacks bags of non-recyclable waste per week and more than 20 blue bags. At the moment there is a recycling station at the main entrance.

She said the plan is to put up four recycling bins in the garden and invited people to donate money for this purpose. "We are a nature conservation organisation and we must set an example."

A reader who didn't want her name mentioned said she fully understands what management is doing and the idea of being environmentally friendly. She is however worried that some people might just leave their waste in the garden and someone will have to pick it up in any case.

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