By Felix wanderi
A Kiambu County Assembly member has partnered with outdoor advertising companies in turning waste PVC billboard banners into funky, functional and fashionable school bags.
Solomon Kinuthia, MCA Ndenderu Ward while donating 1,200 bags to various schools, said saw the biodegradable billboard canvas could be put to good use rather than go to waste.
“Incorporating recycling as part of every sustainable waste management system is a key to improving the lives of people. Re-use is key to increasing the lifespan of the things we use. By recycling the waste, we eventually close the loop in a circular economic model,” said Kinuthia.
In line with the country’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Kinuthia said the country had invested in both policy and law enforcement to win the fight against plastic pollution and a sea of economic opportunities has been created through recycling.
Kinuthia said that he approached different outdoor advertising companies in making the project a reality and was able to get interested companies such as Magnate Ventures Ltd, Kimshee Outfitters , Kenagro Suppliers Ltd amongst other friends.
“The school bags are made from repurposed billboard canvas donated by a leading Kenyan Outdoor Advertising Company,” said Kinuthia.
Kinuthia added that he met the cost of tailoring and fitting while targeting pupils from vulnerable households within Upper Kihara, Wangunyu, Karura ACK, Ndenderu, Muya and Gacharage Primary schools.
“The bags are a durable material, strong, water resistant, tough and lightweight. The pupils are excited at their attractive colour. These qualities will ensure the bags serve the recipients for a relatively long time,” said Kinuthia.
According to one headteacher, the idea behind it is perfect and it will be a constant reminder of how we need to be sustainable for future generations.
“It’s been wonderful to see the delighted smiles it has brought to the students. It’s very satisfying to see our students carrying their own bespoke bags and we appreciate the story behind it,” said John Ole Seita, headteacher Wangunyu Primary School.
The outdoor advertising companies said it was gratifying to see that their advertising canvasses had been re-used in a creative way that could enhance the school experience for so many children.
“The idea is a noble initiative where recycling and sustainability cannot be ignored and we join in saying ‘No’ to waste and ‘Yes’ to helping the less privileged,” said Stanley Kinyanjui, Managing Director Magnate ventures.
Gregory Kamau, a parent, said that due to the weight of books carried by his child, he buys school bags every new term but the recycled canvass is strong and durable.
“Sometimes an idea can save humanity and community. The invention is not only environmentally conscious but also money saving,” said Kamau.
George Gitau, Managing Director Kimshee Outfitters said the PVC banners take years to decompose and through public-private partnerships, a solution to put them into good use can be found.
Advertising banners can be given a second chance by recycling them into wonderful items and at the same time conserving our environment,”said Gitau.
