On Thursday, February 6, 2024, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), known as Turn Plastic Recycling Foundation, showcased recycling innovations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities to commemorate its 2nd anniversary., which was themed, “Art, Culture and The Environment”.
The 2024 anniversary was designed to showcase the journey, impact, and vision for TURN Plastic Recycling.
The event was hosted in collaboration with Alliance Francaise and graced by people from all walks of life ranging from governmental agencies to educational institutions and private sector organizations like Total Energies.
According to a statement signed by Uloma Airhienbuwa, the recycling firm said its anniversary reflects on a journey that has not only redefined waste but has also impacted the lives and livelihood of local communities.
Speaking, Ihuoma Njemanze, the Project Coordinator from UNITAR, 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 she said.
While showcasing the recycling innovations, 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 Artworks by Eugene Komboye, and Miracle, who 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 in attendance 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) Programme is aimed 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).
She enjoined Nigerians to join hands with TURN Plastic in achieving her vision of zero waste on the streets whilst empowering our local communities.
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 percent women).
He stated further that the plant has grown by 50 percent between 2022 and 2023 and has saved in Q3 2023, a C02 equivalent of planting 300 trees.
Nwofa encouraged Nigerians to follow the hierarchy of waste management which entails refusing, if not needed; reducing, if you must use; and obviously proper disposal for recycling after use.
