#Japan #Upcycling #Precious Plastic #Karatsu #Higashi Karatsu

Upcycling Education at Higashi Karatsu Elementary

In a remarkable initiative, Higashi Karatsu Elementary School, supported by the NPO Karatsu Farm & Food from Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, held a unique upcycling class focused on environmental education. On September 24 and November 5, 2024, students participated in hands-on learning by transforming discarded plastic bottle caps into medals for their endurance running competition. This experiential learning aimed to instill values related to the importance of not spilling plastic waste into the environment, resource circulation, and protecting local nature.

Transforming Bottle Caps into Medals

During the first class on September 24, students used finely shredded plastic bottle caps as raw material to create a bronze medal using Precious Plastic's injection molding machine. The children eagerly chose their colors, loaded the caps into the machine, and collaborated to shape the new creation. Through this process, they witnessed firsthand how waste plastic could acquire a new value in a fun and meaningful way.

The subsequent session on November 5 focused on making a gold medal. Armed with the experience and knowledge from the previous class, students became even more proactive and engaged in their tasks, culminating in the creation of unique medals that they proudly held up with smiles. This experience not only provided a sense of accomplishment but also sparked discussions among the students on the importance of reducing plastic waste in their lives.

Fostering a Connection with Local Environmental Issues

The upcycling classes centered around four main themes:

1. Preventing plastic waste from entering the environment.
2. Cultivating an awareness of reducing personal plastic use.
3. Emphasizing the importance of valuing resources.
4. Protecting the local East Beach environment.

Students also learned about the current state of ocean plastic pollution affecting their local beach, Higashi no Hama. This contextual approach helped them relate the global issue of plastic waste to their everyday surroundings, encouraging them to see how they can contribute to environmental solutions from a young age.

Precious Plastic and Community Engagement

In addition to this inspiring educational program, the NPO Karatsu Farm & Food collaborates with the Precious Plastic initiative, an open-source project originally from the Netherlands. They collect plastic waste from within Karatsu City, crush and reshape it to create upcycled products. Their activities aim to engage the entire community, from children to adults, in experiencing a circular economy through workshops and partnerships with local schools.

Organization Overview

• - Organization Name: NPO Karatsu Farm & Food (Precious Plastic Karatsu)
• - Location: 3-7-22 Higashi Karatsu, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
• - Representative: Nozomi Hamaguchi, Executive Director
• - Activities: Biodiversity conservation, environmental education (ESD), promoting a circular economy
• - Official Website: Karatsu Farm & Food
• - Instagram: Precious Plastic Karatsu
• - YouTube: Farm Food YouTube Channel

Through such initiatives, Higashi Karatsu Elementary School and the NPO Karatsu Farm & Food are paving the way for a generation that values sustainability and environmental responsibility. By turning trash into treasure, they are not only educating the youth but also fostering a culture of eco-consciousness in their community.