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 not only redefined waste but has also impacted the lives and livelihoods of local communities.
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, she said.
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 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, who has 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% recycled plastic waste.
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 in achieving her vision of zero waste on the streets while empowering our local communities.
Furthermore, Leo Nwofa, the project manager, showcased a summary of the project journey and roadmap, where he mentioned that the project has employed over 50 people (60% women). He went further to state that the plant has grown by 50% between 2022 and 2023 and has saved in Q3 2023, a C02 equivalent of planting 300 trees.
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 was hosted in collaboration with Alliance Française and graced by people from all walks of life, ranging from government agencies to educational institutions and private sector organizations like Total Energies.
