By One Planet SA
Did you know that every toothbrush, comb or toothpaste tube you have ever used, still exists? These items made of plastic never completely decompose, simply becoming smaller and smaller particles known as microplastic. Each year over 350 billion tons of plastic is produced, with about 8 billion tons ending up in the ocean.
Bubble wrap and bottle tops, crisp packets, coffee cups and takeaway tubs are a scourge when discarded irresponsibly. However, when creative eco-conscious kids get hold of them – the result is astonishing! The annual Midlands Trashion Show, organised by One Planet SA, held during Plastic Free July, highlights issues around single use plastic.
This year 130 students from One Planet’s Sustainable Schools programme took the opportunity to show off their fashion sense, style and skills, and demonstrate the importance of rethinking waste. Who would have thought that scrabbling through the bins at the recycling centre, or picking plastic out of gutters could become a cool thing to do?
Charlene Chinembiri watched videos for inspiration to create her ensemble using a feed bag and wool, with the help of her sister who is a huge fan of fashion. Thandoluhle Khumalo from Lions River collected all the mealie meal bags from her school feeding programme and, helped by her mother, created a dress that she is very proud to own.
Nkazimulo Mokoena has entered before, “It’s a way for all of us to thank the Earth, creating something from available waste materials,” she said. Particularly stunning outfits included Naledi Duma’s party dress, Hannah Zunckel’s amazingly intricate construction with bodice of metal ring pulls and skirt made of cds and Alwonde Mpangase’s beautifully constructed pleated frock.
Laila Gangerdine looked every inch the Trashion Queen with a stunning headdress of card and plastic, detailed dress and sceptre, while Emihle Sithole was named Pompom Princess for her magnificent, layered newspaper skirt.
Dineo Hlatswayo got up at 4am to travel from the Drakensberg for the event, so was thrilled when her elegant checkerboard dress won a prize. The boys also shone – Thokozani Makhaye in his pink rapper outfit complete with cargo pants and baggy waistcoat, and Zekhethelo Dlamini stood out in his clever astronaut costume.
The wire cars always attract a lot of attention – Kiara Hansraj won for her neatly finished, spray painted vehicle, Zanokuhle Sithole had the best suspension and Lukhona Sishi was awarded the best overall design.
The prizes for winners in the various categories demonstrate environmental care through energy efficiency, waste reduction and elimination of plastic. Easy swaps for your usual plastic items. Bamboo toothbrushes, wooden combs, toothpaste tabs in a jar, bags made from recycled banners, washable menstrual products, natural soap wrapped in paper, reusable straws and desert salt with ceramic grinders went home with trashionistas dressed from head to toe in scavenged materials that would otherwise go in the landfill – and ultimately the ocean.
We won’t be able to save the planet with Trashion Shows, but we sure are having fun – and every bit of plastic that does not end up in an unsuspecting sea bird, is a win for us all. Thanks E’yako Green, Dignity Dreams, Rondavel Soap, Natural Life, Kindbrush, Oryx Desert Salt, Blushproof and Nude Soap for supporting the Trashion Show. Follow One Planet SA on social media to see all the spectacular photos.
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