Bottle tops, toilet roll holders, puzzle pieces, yoghurt tubs, tin and paper have all been used to magical effect to create “Christmas Trees of Green” at Ballito Junction Regional Mall.

The centre challenged local schools to decorate trees provided by Ballito Junction using recycled goods and handmade, repurposed decorations with each tree having its very own unique festive theme.

The competition has drawn enthusiastic participation from Ashton International College,                                    Shakaskraal Primary School, RA Padayachee Primary School, Trinity House,                                                      Curro Mount Richmore, Eco Kidz and Curro Castle, Umhlali Preparatory School, and                                      Crawford North Coast.

By reusing, recycling and upcycling, the green Christmas trees encourage learners and Ballito Junction shoppers alike to give some thought to sustainability during this season of celebration.   

CEO of Ballito Junction Regional Mall, Geraldine Jorgensen, says: “We are absolutely delighted by the response to our competition and the creativity and resourcefulness shown by our young participants. Through this project we really wanted to get our community thinking about how less can really be more and how reinventing old and discarded materials can give them a new purpose which is good for people and the planet.”

In addition to sharing some festive cheer, the school that creates the winning tree will earn themselves R10,000 in Ballito Junction Regional Mall gift cards. The centre will also donate the trees back to each school.

The Magic Bean Foundation  have upcycled plastic bags and packaging into stunning plant holders which have been used as the base of the school decorated Christmas trees.

“The “Christmas Trees of Green” project has shown us the genuine concern learners have for our environment and how even the simplest artistic endeavour can be used in the service of a good cause. Watching the trees transform and come to life has been truly inspiring and we hope that it inspires our shoppers too, especially at this very special time of year,” says Jorgensen.