OnTap Magazine

LAUNCHES GREEN ZONES AND WASTE TO WEAR CAMPAIGNS. HEINEKEN CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY, Heineken®, in collaboration with the Greenpop Foundation, recently announced the launch of Heineken® Green Zones (HGZ), an initiative aimed at revitalising under- resourced communities across South Africa. With a mission to ensure “ fields green with grass, not glass,” the HGZ project represents a significant step towards fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The HGZ project kicked off with the establishment of three Green Zones in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These zones will serve as havens of biodiversity, recreational areas, and community hubs, enriching the lives of residents and enhancing the environmental landscape of these cities. Each Green Zone features an array of plants and trees, selected to thrive in urban environments. Sculptural installation and mural graffiti art focused on waste reduction adorn these spaces, showcasing the intersection of art and environmental activism. Celebrating local artists helps to develop and foster a sense of community pride. In tandem with creating green zones, the HGZ project organised community clean-up events to tackle waste, particularly glass pollution, in surrounding areas. This holistic approach aims to address area- specific social and environmental challenges. The HGZ project is rooted in the understanding that urban green spaces are essential for ecological and social well-being. Bhavna Mistry, Senior Brand Manager at Heineken®, expressed enthusiasm stating, “Heineken® Reimagining Urban Spaces for Vibrant Communities Green Zones embody our commitment to creating positive change in communities while promoting environmental sustainability. By partnering with local organisations, we aim to build inclusive, vibrant urban green spaces that benefit both people and the planet.” Through capacity building and skills transfer initiatives, and the local organisations empower community members and assist in job creation to maintain and enhance their green spaces in the long term. During the inaugural phase, the HGZ project collaborated with Philippi Village in Cape Town, Go Green Go Clean in Eldorado Park and Sakhikhaya Youth Development Centre in Lawley, Johannesburg.|These partnerships reflect the project’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives and fostering community-driven change. The Heineken® Green Zones project represents a beacon of hope for communities in South Africa. Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, Heineken® aims to create a legacy of sustainability and environmental stewardship for generations to come. ADV E RTOR I A L 42 | Winter 2024 | ontapmag.co.za