PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In commemoration of its second year anniversary, the TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation hosted a showcase of recycling innovations on February 8, marking a milestone in its journey to redefine waste management and positively impact local communities.
The event, held under the theme “Art, Culture, and The Environment,” aimed to spotlight the transformative journey, societal impact, and future vision of TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Ihuoma Njemanze, Project Coordinator from UNITAR, emphasized that TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation emerged from a corporate social responsibility collaboration between the United Nations (UNITAR), TotalEnergies E&P Nig. (TEPNG), and NNPC. Njemanze elaborated, “‘TURN’ stands for ‘TURNing Waste into Value,’ reflecting our commitment to empowering the local ecosystem.”
The anniversary event featured a showcase of creative endeavors that embrace environmental sustainability, with particular focus on the arts. Uloma Airhienbuwa highlighted the works of artists and environmentalists such as Mr. Eugene Komboye and Mrs. Miracle, who transformed plastic flip flops into stunning artworks, weaving together a narrative of art, culture, and environmental consciousness.
Moreover, the event saw participation from poets advocating for waste management awareness through creative expressions, as well as a professor demonstrating musical instruments crafted from recycled materials in his “Bin to Bank” project.
TURN Plastic Recycling Foundation also exhibited products made entirely from recycled plastic waste, underscoring the organization’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Mrs. Njemanze further introduced the Train up a Child (TUC) Program, which aims to instill behavioral change, impart skills, promote waste management, and accelerate the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and nationally determined contributions (NDCs). She called upon Nigerians to unite with TURN Plastic in realizing the vision of a waste-free environment while uplifting local communities.
Leo Nwofa, the project manager, provided insights into the project’s growth trajectory, highlighting its positive impact on employment and environmental conservation. Nwofa urged Nigerians to adhere to the waste management hierarchy of refuse, reduce, and recycle.
