LEBO MJANGAZE and MIHLALI MLONDZI
Mountains of waste-clogging landfills are polluting our planet but two local businesses are teaming up to change that with East London’s first-ever Upcycle Patch Market, which hopes to turn trash into treasure.
May 17 will see DNF Waste and Environmental Affairs, in partnership with Fine & Fabulous, host the first of what is hoped to many more upcycling market’s where eco-conscious consumers can buy sustainable handmade goods, one-of-a-kind upcycled pieces, vintage gems, second-hand books and fresh organic produce while dropping off their recyclable items at depos which will be stationed at the event.
The premise of all goods on offer is that vendors have used creativity to transform old or discarded materials into items of higher value and quality.
It reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators and saves energy as well as money in your pocket.
DNF and Fine & Fabulous believe their joint venture is an effective means through which local consumers can be encouraged to start thinking consciously about their spending habits and the impact that mindless consumption has on the environment.
DNF director Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman said: “Upcycle markets encourage meaningful conversations around sustainability, conscious consumption, and the power of small, creative actions to reduce our environmental impact.
“This is where creativity will meet sustainability in the most colorful way! The crafters are coming together to explore the art of transforming everyday waste materials into beautiful, functional creations.
“As the saying goes; one person’s trash is another’s treasure and we encourage that.
“Upcycling is different from recycling in that upcycling does not break the products back down into their raw materials but often involves restoring or enhancing the quality of an existing product and these give goods destined for landfill a new lease on life.
“We hosted a green jazz festival in December last year that featured stalls selling upcycled and hand-made goods and it was a huge success.
The event will also feature upcycled craft workshops in collaboration with SYLG Creations to encourage the practice of upcycling at home.
The upcycled crafting workshops will feature projects that teach consumers how to make decorative beaded jars, candle holders, DIY planters from plastic containers and mosaics using recycled/ upcycled materials.
Fine & Fabulous owner Sindy Preator, said that making people aware of upcycling feels like a calling to her.
“For me it is as though there has been a call for it, people are out there needing something, because there is not always a market that seeks people who recycle material in East London.
“It is important to help those that offer those kinds of products to sell, and get exposure. Our aims to educate people more on upcycling and recycling, also to create awareness especially in ways to take your recycling to.
“People are really aware of how, where and who to contact to take your recycles to. We have also created classes on how to use recycled material to upcycle it and make something out of nothing,” she said.
The event runs from 10am-2.30pm on Meadow Road, Transnet Building M, Cambridge. To reserve your stall, contact Sindy from the Fine & Fabulous Markets on 062-256-4901.
Book your space for the upcycling workshops as space is limited. Call 083-252-9102 or 060-564-4289.
