In a celebration marking its second anniversary, the Turn Plastic Recycling Foundation has unveiled a range of innovative recycling solutions and capacity-building initiatives.
The foundation, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, recently showcased these pioneering initiatives as part of its commemoration activities. The event served as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to redefining waste management practices and empowering local communities.
With a focus on sustainability and environmental consciousness, the Turn Plastic Recycling Foundation presented a variety of innovative recycling solutions designed to address the challenges of plastic waste.
“TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation is borne from a CSR collaboration between the United Nations (UNITAR), TotalEnergies E&P Nig. (TEPNG), and NNPC. “TURN” refers to TURNing Waste into Value and empowering the local ecosystem,” said Project Coordinator from UNITAR, Ihuoma Njemanze.
This year’s anniversary was themed: Art, Culture and The Environment, designed to showcase the journey, impact and vision for TURN Plastic Recycling.
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While showcasing the recycling innovations, Mrs. Uloma Airhienbuwa cast a spotlight on creatives who have embraced environmental sustainability as their medium, challenging perceptions and inspiring a new wave of environmental awareness through art.
She showcased Upcycling innovations using plastic flip flops turned into unique and amazing Artwork by an artist and environmentalist- Mr. Eugene Komboye; and another artist – Mrs. Miracle, both have woven a vibrant tapestry of art, and culture, to create environmental consciousness.
In addition, the program was graced by poets with a passion for sensitizing the public on waste management – who rendered their creative and passionate poems about plastic waste management. Others included a professor who has created a variety of musical instruments using waste in his project called “Bin to Bank”.
TURN Plastic Foundation showcased some of its products made from 100 percent recycled plastic waste.
Njemanze, added that the TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation which recently launched the Train up a Child (TUC) Program, aims to bring about behavioral change, skills acquisition, promotion of waste management, and an increase in the pace of adaptation of the UN SDGs and the nationally determined contribution (NDCs).
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She ended her note by charging Nigerians to join hands with TURN Plastic in achieving her vision of zero waste on the streets whilst empowering our local communities.
Furthermore, the project manager, Leo Nwofa, showcased a summary of the project journey and roadmap where he mentioned that the project has employed over 50 people (60% women).
He further stated that the plant has grown by 50% between 2022 and 2023 and saved in Q3 2023, a C02 equivalent of planting 300 trees.
Nwofa encouraged Nigerians to follow the waste management hierarchy, which entails refusing, if not needed; reducing if you must use; and proper disposal for recycling after use.
The event was hosted in collaboration with Alliance Francaise and graced by people from all walks of life, from Governmental Agencies to Educational Institutions and private sector organizations like Total Energies.
