By guardian life
October 23, 2022 | 09:00
Lindiwe Dim, a South African of Nigerian descent, is a 28-year-old influencer changing the way recycling is viewed. Guardian Life catches up with her to explain why everyone should embrace recycling, “Message In A Bottle”, and turn lemons into lemonades. How about your childhood, especially as a science nerd and as a South African-Nigerian? Joyful. I…
Lindiwe Dim, a South African of Nigerian descent, is a 28-year-old influencer changing the way recycling is viewed. Guardian Life catches up with her to explain why everyone should embrace recycling, “Message In A Bottle”, and turn lemons into lemonades.
How about your childhood, especially as a science nerd and as a South African-Nigerian?
Joyful. I have always been surrounded by love from both sides of my family, and I grew up with the majority of my aunts and uncles around me and my three siblings. I was also a gifted person who loved to learn. It delighted my father, and honestly, I wouldn’t change anything about my childhood.
We’re familiar with influencers in the beauty and fashion space, but you’re on a unique journey. Did you choose recycling or did it choose you?
I believe we chose each other. I have always been fascinated by nature and drawn to the natural sciences. Although I have a degree in environmental management, I have no experience as a scientist, so I looked for ways to put my knowledge to good use. Working with PETCO PET Recycling on its educational documentary series has provided me with a great opportunity to do just that, allowing me to continue learning while helping communities and the environment.
PETCO’s Message in a Bottle campaign tells the stories of inspiring people in the recycling industry. How did you find out about this project?
I auditioned for the role because it resonated with me: a young black woman who gets along well with different types of people; is comfortable in front of the camera and is interested in environmental issues and sustainability. Also, when I read the brief, I was in disbelief because the recycling industry is traditionally seen as a male-dominated industry, but in reality, many remarkable women and women-led businesses are doing it. waves.
In your opinion, how important is recycling and how do you expect your project to have an impact on the environment?
Recycling and cyclical living are paramount to ensuring that our existence as human beings does not further destroy the planet. Recycling is a way to use our waste, so we leave our environment better than we found it. It also creates employment and innovation opportunities. The only way people can start to care and make an effort to change is to gain knowledge and I believe the series has achieved that goal of enlightening people about recycling and its possibilities.
What is one thing the Nigerian government can learn from South Africa when it comes to waste management?
Certainly education. Environmental issues are treated nonchalantly in Nigeria. If people know and understand the importance of living sustainably, their mindset can change. If they know that plastic has value, they will learn to recycle. Sustainability must be a priority and we can start by teaching it in schools.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My whole life journey. I can’t reduce my life’s experience to just one thing. I believe that everything I have overcome and learned to get to this point, all of this together, is my greatest achievement.
You started studying acting but unfortunately Covid hit. How did you feel at that time and what should we expect from you?
I was truly heartbroken. It was as if I had given everything I could and still got a ‘No’. It took a while for my spirit to recover, but you can expect more authenticity, growth, and a wiser version of me. This will translate into all of my endeavours, including entrepreneurship, modeling, acting, and photography, as well as collaborating with other organizations such as PETCO that truly care about the environment.