Sagufta Turns Old Tyres into Furniture

with tyres and now we are looking to invest in plastic waste as well.

“Anything that ends up in the ocean we take it up and re-use it.

“I started in October last year. “I had applied for funding which I didn’t get but I wouldn’t let that stop me so I continued on with it by boot strapping and borrowing.”

Ms Janif said the biggest hurdle was getting the finance to start.

“I didn’t let it stop me as I am a big oceans person and a recreational diver as well.

“I got sick after being diagnosed with an illness, so I went to the ocean to clear my head, I was shocked to see all the rubbish there.

“The marine life had transformed, I could see plastic items like straws and diapers, so I decided to do something about it.

“I have no expertise only a degree in communications and marketing so I started researching on the internet on what can be done to waste material.

“When I was researching about recycling, I came up with the idea of upcycling as it prolongs the life of the product.”

She said this meant making another prodand uct create a longer life span for it. with the idea and we decided to start working with tyres by making pet beds.

“Right now it’s just me out of my garage.

She said she was now trying to work with plastic waste by melting and creating a mould to make furniture out of it.

“We have done pet beds, coffee tables and side stools.”

Ms Janif said right now she was trying to secure some funding to import some machines into Fiji to help her business grow.

“Pet beds market is an untouched market and it has worked brilliantly, and they sell from $70 to $140 based on size.

“I think this is an amazing opportunity for environmentalists and those who are working on climate change, to get this boost.

“Being a woman in this field and being recognised in this event which is the biggest held in Fiji is so amazing.

“My mother is my biggest inspiration apart from being a single mother as my parents separated when I was in class one.”