1Ndubuisi Chinyere, PhD
Department of Fine Art, School of Art, Yaba College of Technology
2Sorunke Olaseni Taiwo
Department of Graphic Design, Yaba College of Technology
Abstract
This study examined upcycling as a sustainable solution, transforming plastic waste into wealth through a school-based “Catch Them Young” initiative. The project combined workshops on upcycling discarded plastics into retail products (e.g., flower vases and wall art). Using a mixed-methods approach, data were analyzed via quantitative (chi-square tests – descriptive statistics) and qualitative (thematic analysis) techniques to evaluate waste management practices. Key findings revealed disparities in waste collection: 42% occurred on school grounds (exceeding the 33.3% expected baseline), while households lagged (25%). Weekly collection dominated (55%, +21.7% deviation), indicating systemic gaps in service frequency. Upcycled products, particularly jewelry and flower vases, generated income predominantly in the ₦12,001–₦15,000 bracket (59% of sales), though product type did not statistically influence income distribution. Efficiently, 84% of participants evaluated the workshops as “highly effective,” and 78% said they learned new entrepreneurship skills. Eighty percent of participants recruited three or more peers, and peer involvement flourished through demonstrations, with a success rate of 65%. Upcycling can reduce plastic waste and encourage young people to start their businesses, according to the study. Instilling a “reduce, reuse, recycle” ethos cultivates environmentally conscious citizens while creating economic opportunities. Recommendations include policy reforms to prioritize residential waste collection and scaling school-based upcycling programs to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate action and decent work.
Keywords: Creative thinking, sustainable development, Upcycling, Waste management