Introduction
Plastic craftwork is more than a creative activity; it is a powerful tool for promoting sustainability and enhancing employability among adults. By turning plastic waste into useful and beautiful items, individuals can develop valuable skills, raise environmental awareness, and foster social inclusion.
Benefits of Plastic Craftwork
Plastic craftwork offers multifaceted benefits, addressing pressing environmental concerns through the creative reuse and recycling of plastic materials. By engaging in these activities, participants not only learn about the impact of plastic waste but also adopt sustainable practices, fostering greater environmental consciousness in their daily lives.
Moreover, plastic craftwork enhances practical skills such as creativity, precision, and problem-solving, which are valuable across various industries. This hands-on approach not only cultivates artistic expression but also boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of accomplishment, particularly benefiting marginalized individuals.
Additionally, plastic craft workshops serve as social hubs where communities collaborate and support each other. These gatherings promote social inclusion by fostering networks and creating supportive environments, offering opportunities for personal development and community enrichment.
Plastic Consumptions and Waste Management in BIH
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are no national-level policies and regulations specifically addressing waste management. The responsibility for environmental protection, including the management of plastic waste, falls to the two Entities as sub-national levels. Therefore, the governments of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska are responsible for creating and enacting their own policies and regulations on this matter.
According to the Municipal WasteManagement, Country Fact Sheets, published by European Environment Agency in 2021, Bosnia and Herzegovina generates an annual total of 1.2 million tons of waste. On average, this amounts to 356 kg of waste per person annually, with a significant portion likely comprising plastic waste.
The IDEA project comes into play right at this point.
The IDEA project highlights the potential of plastic craftwork as a tool for promoting sustainability and enhancing employability among unemployed adults. By fostering a greater understanding of the Circular Economy and providing practical, creative skills, the project aims to empower women at risk of exclusion and facilitate their inclusion in the workforce. Through innovative methodologies like tinkering and Non-Formal Education, the IDEA project paves the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Plastic Craftwork Examples from Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Eko Kultura: This organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina focuses on environmental projects, including initiatives related to plastic waste management and recycling. They collaborate with local communities and artisans to promote sustainable practices and create products from recycled plastics.
- Green Council: A non-governmental organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina that works on environmental issues, including plastic pollution. They initiate projects and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
- Eko Mozaik – Based in Sarajevo, Eko Mozaik is an NGO focused on environmental education and sustainable development. They organize workshops and projects that include plastic craftwork as a way to promote recycling and creative reuse.
- Art Studio “Plastika” – Located in Mostar, “Plastika” is an art studio that specializes in creating sculptures and installations from recycled plastics. They participate in local and international exhibitions, highlighting the artistic potential of plastic waste.
- Greta Gallery – Situated in Sarajevo, Greta Gallery is a contemporary art space that often features exhibitions focusing on environmental themes. They support artists who incorporate recycled materials, including plastics, into their artworks.
Global Perspectives on Plastic Craftwork
Plastic craftwork is gaining traction worldwide as a sustainable and creative solution to plastic waste. Here are some notable examples and initiatives from around the globe:
Precious Plastic (Netherlands)
Precious Plastic is an open-source project initiated by Dutch designer Dave Hakkens. The project provides blueprints and tutorials for building machines that recycle plastic waste into new products. Communities worldwide have adopted Precious Plastic’s methods, setting up local recycling workshops to turn plastic waste into useful items like furniture, household goods, and art pieces. This initiative not only addresses plastic pollution but also empowers communities by providing tools and knowledge for sustainable living.
The Plastic Bank (Canada)
The Plastic Bank is a social enterprise that encourages the collection of ocean-bound plastic waste in exchange for money, goods, or services. This initiative operates primarily in developing countries, where collectors bring plastic waste to local recycling centers. The collected plastic is then processed and sold to companies for use in new products. By turning plastic waste into a currency, The Plastic Bank helps reduce poverty, improve recycling rates, and prevent plastic from entering the oceans.
Ocean Sole (Kenya)
Ocean Sole is a Kenyan organization that transforms discarded flip-flops found on beaches into colorful, handcrafted art pieces and functional items. Artisans collect, clean, and carve the flip-flops into sculptures, jewelry, and home decor. Ocean Sole’s work not only cleans up beaches but also provides employment opportunities for local communities. The organization has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to plastic waste and its impact on environmental conservation and social empowerment.
Miniwiz (Taiwan)
Miniwiz is a Taiwan-based company that focuses on turning post-consumer waste into innovative products and building materials. Their plastic craftwork includes creating furniture, fashion items, and construction materials from recycled plastic. Miniwiz’s approach demonstrates the potential of plastic craftwork to drive sustainable innovation and create value from waste materials.
Conclusion
Plastic craftwork plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and enhancing employability. By transforming plastic waste into valuable items, individuals can develop practical skills, foster creativity, and build social connections. Educational workshops, community projects, and entrepreneurial ventures centered around plastic craftwork can have far-reaching benefits, contributing to environmental conservation and social inclusion. Embracing plastic craftwork as a tool for change can lead to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The global and local examples of Precious Plastic, The Plastic Bank, Ocean Sole, Miniwiz, Eko Kultura, Green Council, Eko Mozaik, Art Studio “Plastika” and Greta Gallery highlight the diverse ways in which plastic craftwork can address environmental issues while empowering communities. NGOs and individuals alike have a vital role to play in advancing plastic craftwork initiatives. Through awareness campaigns, training programs, funding, and personal participation, they can help mitigate plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices worldwide. As more people and organizations engage in plastic craftwork, the collective efforts can significantly reduce plastic waste and foster a culture of sustainability globally.