Refuse reuse business remains untapped says artists

Proper recycling has been described as a huge problem especially in developing countries like Nigeria because a bottle of coke takes 400 years to decompose, thereby, causing environmental hazard and infertile lands.

This was the synopsis of the first Kaduna Fashion and Art Exhibition (Kafart), an idea developed to catch the young early into turning refuse into beautiful works of arts.

The event which took place over the weekend in Kaduna featured display of artworks made from recycled materials including old newspaper, CD plates, pieces of fabrics, toilet rolls and metal scrap which had been converted into beautiful pieces of art.

Speaking at the event, Founder of Kafart, Ganiyat Sani said, “This event is meant to raise more awareness on environmental pollution and how we can use Fashion and Arts to curtail environmental pollution.”

According to her, “We have seen that one of the best ways we can use to get the younger ones on board is by making it interesting, that way we can get more people to stop environmental pollution, using something they can easily assess.

“We are teaching them how to recycle used bottles from their houses. We are also bringing in people that have done it before and showing them it can be done”.

The host, Bilkisu Abdulrashid said the essence of Kafart is to see how fashion and arts can affect the environment positively and to counsel people on how their life styles affects the environment.

A participat, Ramat Abdulazeez Yusuf, said she produces beautiful works of art using recycled old magazines, adding, “Instead of burning them or putting them in the dust bin, I am using them to create something amazing. It takes a lot of time, energy, concentration and effort but the outcome is wonderful.”