RePlasticity is a transformative community project that aims to address the critical issue of plastic waste in Makoko, a vibrant community situated in Lagos, Nigeria. By combining the power of upcycling and learning, the project endeavours to ignite change, foster environmental consciousness, and empower the community to tackle the plastic waste crisis.
The primary objective of RePlasticity is to establish a comprehensive upcycling and recycling system that effectively manages and repurposes plastic waste in Makoko. The project begins by setting up collection points called “microsites” strategically placed throughout the community. The microsites are equipped with necessary machinery to compress the collected plastic waste into bales. Trained personnel facilitate the collection and sorting of plastic waste, ensuring proper segregation for effective upcycling and recycling. This active involvement of community members in the collection process creates a sense of ownership and responsibility, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
The Hub
The Makoko Community Hub serve as the central place where the plastic waste are transformed into reusable materials, such as bags, wall clocks, dresses, plastic pellets and many other products which can be utilized for various purposes. Local entrepreneurs also key into this project by purchasing the compressed plastic bales from the community, this not only reduces the demand for virgin plastic but also promotes the concept of a circular economy, where resources are conserved and waste is minimized.
Education and learning play a pivotal role in the RePlasticity project, community members, particularly the youth, are equipped with educational resources and tools to understand the environmental impact of plastic waste and learn about upcycling and recycling techniques from their young age. The Makoko Community Hub not only aims to address the immediate issue of plastic waste but also fosters long-term community empowerment. By actively involving community members in all stages of the project, from collection to upcycling to education, this instils a sense of pride and ownership.
The project creates employment opportunities within the microsites and the Makoko Community Hub, enabling individuals to earn a livelihood while contributing to the greater goal of waste management in Makoko. By establishing an efficient recycling system, the project significantly reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or pollutes the surrounding water bodies. This contributes to mitigating environmental degradation and protecting the biodiversity of the area. Moreover, by promoting the use of upcycled and recycled materials, RePlasticity helps to reduce the demand for virgin plastic, conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with plastic production.
In conclusion, RePlasticity is an initiative that combines recycling and learning to ignite change in Makoko. By establishing a comprehensive recycling system, promoting education, and empowering the community, RePlasticity strives to create a sustainable future where plastic waste is effectively managed, and the community thrives as responsible environmental stewards.
