Innovative Upcycling Workshop at Kojiwa Elementary School Teaches Recycling Values
On December 19, 2025, Kojiwa Elementary School in Nagasaki City held an engaging upcycling workshop for third graders, conducted by the NPO Karatsu Farm & Food from Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. This workshop was part of a parent-child recreation program aimed at fostering creativity and environmental awareness. The third-grade students actively participated by transforming collected plastic bottle caps into unique fish-shaped keychains. Each keychain was distinct, reflecting the children’s individual designs, ensuring that every creation was one-of-a-kind.
The workshop was not merely about crafting; it emphasized the importance of learning concerning environmental issues, recycling, and the circular economy. Through their studies on the beauty of rivers, the students had already begun to recognize the pressing issues of garbage pollution affecting their local waterways. This upcycling initiative was a natural extension of their learning, allowing them to witness firsthand the transformation of waste into valuable items.
As part of the workshop, the approximately 40 participating students, equipped with hand-operated upcycling machinery, collaborated to create their keychains. Many students faced physically challenging tasks, highlighting the importance of teamwork as they encouraged each other throughout the process. Not only did they discover the joy of recycling, but they also learned that the journey could be demanding, which added depth to their experiential learning.
Feedback from educators indicated that this workshop stood out as a memorable highlight of the second semester. One teacher shared how some students reflected on the keychain-making project as their favorite experience, emphasizing that they gained a profound understanding of recycling’s significance and the importance of waste reduction through practical engagement. The use of homemade machinery for crafting also provided a lasting impression on the students, enhancing their educational experience.
The initiative traces back to a connection formed during the "Tsushima Learning Forum," where the teachers learned about the Precious Plastic project. Originally initiated in Tsushima, the network of learning and environmental awareness is now gradually spreading throughout Nagasaki and the Kyushu region, fostering dialogues on natural environmental conservation and resource circulation.
Looking forward, Karatsu Farm & Food plans to continue collaborating with local communities and schools to implement experiential environmental education projects across various regions.
NPO Karatsu Farm & Food is committed to addressing marine plastic issues as a local challenge and aims to drive solutions from within the community. By implementing the international resource circulation project "Precious Plastic" in Karatsu, they conduct cleanup activities at locations like Hado Cape and Tsushima, and host workshops that allow participants to repurpose collected plastics into new products. Their work is centered around collaboration with local residents and students to enhance not only awareness but also practical experiences that connect communities with their environments and ensure the sustainability of marine and natural resources for future generations.
About NPO Karatsu Farm & Food (Precious Plastic Karatsu)
The workshop was not merely about crafting; it emphasized the importance of learning concerning environmental issues, recycling, and the circular economy. Through their studies on the beauty of rivers, the students had already begun to recognize the pressing issues of garbage pollution affecting their local waterways. This upcycling initiative was a natural extension of their learning, allowing them to witness firsthand the transformation of waste into valuable items.
As part of the workshop, the approximately 40 participating students, equipped with hand-operated upcycling machinery, collaborated to create their keychains. Many students faced physically challenging tasks, highlighting the importance of teamwork as they encouraged each other throughout the process. Not only did they discover the joy of recycling, but they also learned that the journey could be demanding, which added depth to their experiential learning.
Feedback from educators indicated that this workshop stood out as a memorable highlight of the second semester. One teacher shared how some students reflected on the keychain-making project as their favorite experience, emphasizing that they gained a profound understanding of recycling’s significance and the importance of waste reduction through practical engagement. The use of homemade machinery for crafting also provided a lasting impression on the students, enhancing their educational experience.
The initiative traces back to a connection formed during the "Tsushima Learning Forum," where the teachers learned about the Precious Plastic project. Originally initiated in Tsushima, the network of learning and environmental awareness is now gradually spreading throughout Nagasaki and the Kyushu region, fostering dialogues on natural environmental conservation and resource circulation.
Looking forward, Karatsu Farm & Food plans to continue collaborating with local communities and schools to implement experiential environmental education projects across various regions.
NPO Karatsu Farm & Food is committed to addressing marine plastic issues as a local challenge and aims to drive solutions from within the community. By implementing the international resource circulation project "Precious Plastic" in Karatsu, they conduct cleanup activities at locations like Hado Cape and Tsushima, and host workshops that allow participants to repurpose collected plastics into new products. Their work is centered around collaboration with local residents and students to enhance not only awareness but also practical experiences that connect communities with their environments and ensure the sustainability of marine and natural resources for future generations.
About NPO Karatsu Farm & Food (Precious Plastic Karatsu)
- - Location: 3-7-22 Higashi Karatsu, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture.
- - Representative: Nozomi Hamaguchi, Executive Director.
- - Mission: To promote biodiversity conservation, environmental education (ESD), and circular economy initiatives.
- - Official Website: Karatsu Farm & Food
- - Instagram: Precious Plastic Karatsu
- - YouTube Channel: Farm Food
Topics Environment）
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