71 - Karoline Hanks: Carry your own

February 24th 2020

This weeks guest Karoline Hanks is a passionate anti-SUP campaigner, and has been spear-heading a campaign against the use of plastic water sachets in road running in South Africa for over five years. She is a competitive Ultra distance trail runner, and recently scooped her fourth Puffer (80k) win. On the back of her latest race, she managed to raise R14 000 for a community project she manages with her partner in Noordhoek: Project Noordhoeked. She started a small business three years ago (called SUPA) making single-use plastic alternative products, which has grown from strength to strength, and which upskills a small sewing group in Masiphumelele.

We discuss some of the campaigning work that Karoline does in turning the tide on single use plastic with a focus on the waste produced during big running events around South Africa and the alternative solutions that are available. What gives me a sense of hope from this conversation is that people like Karoline are tackling their industries head on to do what they can to shift awareness, change behaviour move towards a sustainable future. I am grateful to Karoline and any of you who are pushing the boundries and calling for change in your own way.