Turn Plastic Recycling Foundation, on February 8, showcased recycling innovations as part of activities to commemorate its second anniversary.
Based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the recycling firm said its anniversary reflects a journey that has redefined waste and impacted local communities’ lives and livelihoods.
According to Ihuoma Njemanze, the Project Coordinator from UNITAR, the 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.
This year’s anniversary was themed Art, Culture, and the Environment, designed to showcase the journey, impact, and vision for TURN Plastic Recycling.
While showcasing the recycling innovations, Mrs Uloma Airhienbuwa spotlighted 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, who has woven a vibrant tapestry of art and culture to create environmental consciousness.
In addition, the program was graced by poets who were passionate about sensitizing the public to waste management and who had written creative and passionate poems about plastic waste management. Others included a professor who, in his project “Bin to Bank,” created a variety of musical instruments using waste.
TURN Plastic Foundation showcased some of its 100% recycled plastic waste products.
Mrs. Njemanze added that the TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation, which recently launched the Train Up a Child (TUC) Program, aims to bring about behavioural 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 ended her note by charging Nigerians to join hands with TURN Plastic to achieve her vision of zero waste on the streets while empowering our local communities.
Furthermore, Leo Nwofa, the project manager, presented a summary of the project journey and roadmap. He mentioned that the project has employed over 50 people (60% women) and that the plant grew by 50% between 2022 and 2023 and saved C02 equivalent to planting 300 trees in Q3 2023.
Mr. Nwofa encouraged Nigerians to follow the hierarchy of waste management, which entails: refusing if not needed; reducing if you must use; and proper disposal for recycling after use.
The event, hosted in collaboration with Alliance Française, was attended by people from all walks of life, including government agencies, educational institutions, and private-sector organizations like Total Energies.
