Widow weaves magic into waste materials
A WIDOW believes every Fijian can play a part in helping saving the environment.
For Dilioni Tamani, collecting used plastic snack packets and turning them into art is a way in which she can contribute to just that — looking after her surroundings.
Ms Tamani weaves old snack packets into pencil cases, small handbags, laptop bags and mug holders.
She learnt the skills of weaving these old wastes from a group of Catholic nuns from the Philippines.
Apart from what she learnt, she also loves making handmade products.
The mother-of-eight started her small business almost 10 years ago from the comfort of her home in Caubati, Nasinu.
“We’ve been here for 15 years so it’s been 10 years since I’ve been doing this,” she said.
The 65-year-old started the business as a pastime, but when she started getting orders, it slowly transformed into a small business.
According to Ms Tamani, her materials are usually just waste found around their home or those she finds whenever she is out in town.
“Only when people order these things from me then I usually do it,” she said.
“My daughter just ordered some placemats a few weeks back.”
Her skills have also enabled her to win awards at the annual Catholic Women’s League meet where women showcase their handmade crafts.
Ms Tamani said her handmade crafts had also received orders from resorts in the Western Division.
She said other women could also start a living for themselves by doing similar things.
“I think this is a good business because not only do you get money out of it but you also help keep the environment clean by collecting these waste packets and weaving them into bags, cases and other stuff.
“Because instead, these old packets of snacks and biscuits would be scattered on the streets, making our environment dirty.
“I urge other women to also do the same and help save our environment.”
I think this is a good business because not only do you get money out of it but you also help keep the environment clean by collecting these waste packets
– Dilioni Tamani