By Ethel Omenda
Non bio-degradable plastic paper bags pose a challenge in combating environmental problems. They are cheap, their popularity and usefulness make them common at the shopping malls, grocery stores and mama pima. The lack of a proper mechanisms in managing waste in slums has rendered most areas to be waste dumping sites.
Every year two million plastic bags are handed out in Nairobi alone, and only a quarter of daily waste is collected. In bid to conserve the environment, Marhaba spoke to women in Kibera who have found creative ways of recycling plastic paper bags into environmental friendly products.
Zero Waste Women Group was started in 2000 but received recognition in 2004. The name “Zero waste” came about due to the undying effort by these women to give back ‘life’ to used paper bags and in the end conserving the environment, says 61 year old Kadar Abubakar one of the founder members.
Their interest in the recycling industry was sparked by the realization of easily accessible plastic paper bags that were fast becoming an environmental hazard and a nuisance.
Their level of creativity cannot be under-estimated by looking at their faces. Though they are aged, their collective effort has seen them make unique handbags, door mats, clutch bags, stools and dresses from plastic paper bags. They are full of gratitude to the current digital age that has rendered recording tapes of little importance but of great value in making hand bags. However the patience and tolerance required in their work has seen the group remain with 15 active members from the initial 77 women.
Process
The process of making these plastic paper bag items starts with collecting papers that are still in good condition. They are gathered from households and dump sites with the help of a few youths. In their small way, they have managed to create employment for these youths. “A small amount of KSh10 paper bag is handed out to these youth to motivate them,” says Amina.
The papers are then washed with soap to remove germs and hanged to dry for ten to twenty minutes. The second step involves cutting the papers bags into strings. The strings are then sewn together into shapes blending different colors to enhance its uniqueness. For instance, door mats are made into colors and shapes of animals like Zebras and cheetahs.
Buckles from old clothes and curtains are used as handles to support the bag and make it look stylish. Broken plastic containers and cans are turned into seating stools by decorating them with these papers.
Due to the lack of enough publicity of this group among the locals, tourists are their main customers. On a good order they earn between KSh2000 to 3000/= per person. Tourists offer good profits by buying the bag for KSh1800 to 2000 each. Locally the handbags are sold for Sh 500. Depending on the season, size and make, the price can rise to KSh800 or 1000. The cheapest of their products is a pocket bag that costs KSh150. Paper bag dresses are on demand during fashion contests and rainy seasons as they act as a rain coat.
According to a report released by the government in February 2005, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, evaluated the state of waste management in the country focusing on plastic bag pollution. It recommended for the development of programs to encourage people not to litter, but to recycle or use alternative bags for their shopping needs.
Late Professor Wangare Maathai
In this regard, it is saddening that the government is yet to recognize the effort of these Muslim women. However the Late Wangare Maathai was the only government official who was about to reward their effort. “We were to meet with Prof Wangare Maathai but unfortunately she passed on that same week,” adds 51 year old Zena Haile.
However, the international recognition they have received especially from Italy has enabled them to increase their market base. “Most tourists get amused with our creativity. We once got orders from Comesa countries and we made bags branded with flags and name of these countries. They were later exported to Tanzania and Zimbabwe,” explains 57 year old Amina Abdallah.
Zero waste women’s group is happy to have been trained by Teranova Group from Italy to advance their skills. In 2006, they had several exchange programs with students from Italy and those studying Arts from the University of Nairobi. They have also trained fellow women from Kilifi county and students from Aga Khan primary and secondary in Nairobi.
Carolina for Kibera is a nongovernmental organization that has promoted the publicity of these women group. It donated one sewing machine that has been helpful especially in sewing linings for the bags. The increasing demand of their products has seen them create their own publicity. They have posters in buses like Kenya Bus Service, they attend local trade shows and are often seen online on websites.
Unleashed creativity
The success of the Muslim women group can be seen from the documented photographs and the archives kept in their houses. They have further ventured in artistic work by making picture frames decorations and drawings. “We melt old plastics, smear the hot liquid on the fibre board and stick things like beans in a creative way to make it attractive. Sometimes we draw and sell the pictures,” says Kadar Abubakar.
The only major challenge the group has had is lack of enough machines for crocheting, a good market and enough personnel. “We can have a big order like for 60 to 100 bags but since we are few, meeting the deadline can be challenging,” asserts Amina Abdallah.
According Kadar Abubakar, the project has also unleashed their creative and artistic potential. “Some of us never knew we could draw or come up with creative products. We may be old but we are also creative.”
These women’s hope is to have a penetration into the international market for better sells. Their advice to their fellow Muslim women and girls is to get together and find a way of helping themselves financially. “The determination, commitment, and patience one has in his or her work results in success. Let us not resort to begging and being choosy with work,” concludes Zena Haile.
Source- The NewDawn.
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