Turning Waste Into Treasure

These were the sentiments shared by Galoa Women’s Group leader, Udite Taukei.

The women of this small village community in Serua are innova­tors: they are setting the bar in their communities and champion­ing the course of curbing the issue of plastic litter in the province.

As a village located along the coast where many flock to for a time of fun and leisure, they have often been disheartened by the sight of rubbish, especially plastic items that are dumped by members of the public who use their beachfront.

These women depend on the ocean to sustain themselves and their families but the dumping of rub­bish by picnic goers could have a negative impact on their food source.

Earings made from plastic waste by the Galoa women’s group. Photo: Inoke Rabonu

SPTO

The Pacific Tourism Waste Ac­tion Initiative (PTWAI) is a Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) led programme focused on addressing key waste management challenges in Pacific communities through tourism.

As part of the PTWAI, SPTO has launched its Plastic Repurpos­ing Workshop, which harnesses the creative talents of our Pacific communities and marries these to contemporary waste materials gen­erated from the tourism industry, such as PET plastic bottles.

The initiative capitalises on re­purposing all or parts of PET plas­tic bottles for the creation of jewel­lery (earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets) wind chimes and other decorative items that can be re-sold to hotels, visitors, locals, restau­rants, cafes and tourism businesses thereby encouraging a circular ap­proach.

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