News Editor
The consequences of modern human activity such as burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and pollution on the environment which has negatively impacted the ecosystem resulting in climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, food insecurity and increased frequency of natural disasters, it is time for urgent action.
This was the focus of Think Green Foundation, during the workshop it organised for Young Recyclers in commemoration of the World Environment Day, which is marked on the 5th of June annually, the workshop highlighted environmental custodianship as a national orientation matter. It also featured talks on the modern environment, as well as the basics and benefits of recycling.
The workshop was in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Comprehensive Special School Lafia. The Young Recyclers’ Workshop took place recently in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, as part of a two-pronged project that also includes a tree planting campaign.
Speaking at the event, the convener of the workshop, Mr. Folorunso M. Oluwadarasimi (Volunteer Researcher, Think Green Foundation and Team lead for Africa Faith for Climate – Lafia Circl) called on participants to compare the old environment to the modern environment and encouraged them to play a part in restoring and protecting natural ecosystems by adopting sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
The workshop focused on encouraging community participation in matters of environmental protection and remediation through eco-friendly practices and skills acquisition. Participants were mainly youths from schools and traditional communities within 5 local government areas between ages 13 and 18 who were equipped with recycling skills using plastics and other reusable waste materials.
The workshop’s hands-on practical session on waste-to-wealth craft-making allowed participants to create items such as flower vases, piggy banks, and pencil cases using common items like single-use plastic bottles, fabrics, zips and so on.
The Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu (Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Nasarawa State House of Assembly) emphasised the importance of environmental custodianship as a national orientation matter.
Participants were treated to’ creativity, an upcycling demonstration was carried out using a reclaimed tyre, fabric, in and foam to create a piece of furniture, by showcasing the reality that classified waste items can be used to create wealth while ensuring that they are not indiscriminately disposed of in the environment.
A total of 75 participants across 9 schools and 5 Traditional Councils in Nasarawa state were invited for the recycling workshop, with 8 schools and 4 traditional councils who turned up as participants.
Think Green Foundation coordinated the implementation of the workshop, designed the information, education, and communication (IEC) tools as well as sponsored logistics, provision of workshop materials, souvenirs, and feeding.
Mr. Dalong Peter (Volunteer Facilitator, Think Green Foundation and Artist, Dalong Dynasty Arts & Crafts) took participants on a step-by-step process of upcycling a reclaimed car tyre into a furniture item. Using foam, reused fabric, glue, and pins, the tyre was transformed into a colourful and portable seating stool.
Ms. Enam Gbecha Fidelis (Volunteer Facilitator, Think Green Foundation, Forester and Environmentalist took participants through the 3 “R”s of Sustainability – Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.
The Recycling Basics talk fed into the practical hand crafting session, whereby each participant received recyclable items and tools necessary for upcycling plastic waste into valuable items. Various waste-to-wealth items were created, including flower vases, pencil cases, and piggy banks. Participants were allowed to keep their creations for personal use.
To encourage knowledge retention and uphold interactive workshop standards, participants were engaged in various quizzes and physical games for which prizes were given. Gift items included branded Think Green Foundation mugs, pens, lapel pins, tote bags and stickers.
It would be recalled that In May 2024, Think Green Foundation partnered with NYSC and the Comprehensive Special School Lafia to design a free one-day recycling workshop aimed at educating youths about the need for environmental conservation and protection, as well as equipping them with basic recycling and upcycling skills.
