Environmental Initiatives

Youth-led “Trashion Show” in Lagos

Plastic bottles, food wrappers, and metal can tops are being transformed into vibrant and colorful outfits at a recent runway event in Lagos. This initiative, known as the “Trashion Show,” focuses on art, activism, and education.

Organizers and Objectives

The Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative, an environmental organization founded in 2012, orchestrated the event. The group is involved in conservation and rescue programs across Nigeria and neighboring countries. Their work includes rehabilitating injured sea turtles caught in fishing nets or plastic debris and returning them to their natural habitats.

Theme and Purpose

This year’s theme, ‘Sea Turtle Awakening: Our Oceans, Our Turtles,’ was selected to emphasize the impact of plastic waste on marine life. The organization seeks to raise awareness and address these issues through creative engagement.

Involvement of Young Designers

Teenage designers, students, and volunteers crafted garments from litter collected along beaches and coastal areas. These outfits, constructed from bottle caps, water sachets, straws, and discarded packaging, highlight how everyday waste contributes to pollution and demonstrate its potential transformation through creativity.

Promoting Recycling and Advocacy

The initiative aims to not only promote recycling but also to engage young people in environmental advocacy. The goal is to prepare the next generation to participate in environmental conservation.

Plastic Waste in Nigeria

Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Much of this waste ends up in rivers, lagoons, and the Atlantic Ocean, posing a threat to marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.

Impact on West Africa’s Coastline

West Africa’s coastline has become a hotspot for plastic pollution, with turtles, seabirds, and fish frequently found entangled in or ingesting debris.

Youth Participation and Perspectives

For the young participants, the show is both a creative challenge and a call to action. The Greenfingers Wildlife Initiative has organized similar outreach projects in schools and coastal communities in Ghana, Benin, and Sierra Leone, promoting conservation and sustainable waste management.

Conclusion

The organizers aim to transform awareness into action, using fashion as a tool to spark a broader movement against plastic pollution.