Tracing the Journey of Plastic Resource Circulation and Sustainable Education on Three Islands in Saga

In a significant effort to address the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution, the NPO Karatsu Farm&Food organized an exhibition at the Saga Prefectural Hall, highlighting their initiatives focused on plastic resource circulation and sustainable education. This exhibition serves not only as a platform for showcasing the artistic outcomes of these efforts but also engages with the local community, particularly children, in discussing the oceanic plastic problem they face.

The Exhibition and Its Highlights

The exhibition revolves around the "Mawata Island Project," where children from three islands - Ogawajima, Katagijima, and Mawatajima - collaborated with educators to rethink resource circulation and highlight the implications of plastic waste. Visitors experienced several engaging displays, each representing a facet of the collective learning experience.

Some notable exhibits included:

- Saga Ballooners Upcycled Coasters: This project is a collaboration with the local sports team, showcasing how community efforts can lead to tangible upcycling projects that reuse plastic resources. Learn more

- Ogawajima Whale Keychains: Adorable designs that connect the island’s natural beauty with sustainable craftsmanship. Discover more

- Katagijima Island Shaped Keychains: Representing the island’s identity through materials that have been creatively reused. Explore further

- Sustainable Sunglasses Collaboration with Karatsu Minami High School: This project exemplifies how young people can contribute to environmental design, fostering a generation of responsible creators. See the project

- Mawatajima Sustainable Coasters: Coasters created specifically for this project represent the fruits of the ongoing efforts aimed at environmental awareness through artistic expressions. View more

These exhibits symbolize the transformation of collected plastic into new values, demonstrating the potential for positive environmental impact through community engagement.

Engaging Children in Problem-Solving

The exhibition transcends mere artistic display. It serves as a narrative of the ongoing journey that has involved engaging island children with the realities of plastic waste. By partnering with the Saga Prefectural Recycling Promotion Division, the initiative ensured that children participated actively in waste collection and upcycling projects. These experiences are not just instances of learning; they encourage behavioral change and foster a sense of responsibility toward environmental stewardship.

A Future-Oriented Circular Model

The unique location of these islands, while presenting challenges in logistics and recycling, also offers valuable insights into the beginnings of resource circulation. Throughout the exhibition, the accumulated local wisdom and creativity cultivated under these constraints have been shared widely, enhancing awareness both within and beyond the island community.

Karatsu Farm&Food aims to leverage the knowledge gained from these initiatives to promote similar resource circulation models in other coastal areas and islands across the nation, extending their positive impact.

Engagement efforts also included beach clean-up activities on Mawatajima, further emphasizing the collective efforts toward environmental conservation.

About Karatsu Farm&Food

- Organization: NPO Karatsu Farm&Food (Precious Plastic Karatsu)
- Location: Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
- Areas of Activity: Biodiversity conservation, environmental education (ESD), plastic collection, reuse, and upcycling projects
- Building a Circular Society: Collaborating with local communities to promote sustainability
- Website: Karatsu Farm&Food
- Instagram: Instagram Page
- YouTube Channel: YouTube Channel

This exhibition stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative approaches taken in addressing environmental challenges through education and community participation.