As the world increasingly turns its attention to protecting the environment, sustainable practices are becoming more vital than ever.
Across the globe, countless initiatives are being set in motion to address pressing environmental issues, with a focus on preserving nature for future generations.
At the centre of these efforts lies the principle of the ‘3Rs’ – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – a straightforward yet impactful approach to managing waste. These guidelines encourage individuals and communities alike to make conscious choices, helping to conserve precious resources and lessen their environmental impact.
However, while the concept seems simple, putting it into action requires dedication and long-term commitment.
A diverse group of passionate individuals, spanning all ages, have come together in an unexpected yet meaningful way to embrace one of the 3Rs during their Creative Santai workshop, hosted as part of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Kampong Pandan Library’s community activities.
Without realising it, this creative gathering has woven sustainability into their artistic pursuits, turning the workshop into more than just a space for creativity, but a subtle nod towards environmental consciousness.
The group’s efforts took a creative turn as they skilfully repurposed instant drink packets and wrappers, transforming what was once destined for the rubbish bin into intricately hand-woven baskets.
By reusing these everyday items, they exemplified one of the 3Rs in a practical and artistic manner, demonstrating how waste can be creatively turned into useful household items.
Under the guidance of Hayati binti Abdullah, a senior committee member of the library, participants were taught the craft of basket weaving using instant drink wrappers commonly found in pantries and cafés.
She explained, “In this workshop, we teach participants how to weave baskets using wrappers, typically from instant drinks or coffee, which are ideal as the base for creating bags and baskets.”
Hayati had thoughtfully gathered wrappers from various brands, folding them into the foundational strips necessary for weaving.
The result was a vibrant, colourful creation that could be shaped into anything from a small handbag to a full-sized basket.
She also shared how some individuals prefer using magazines, cutting them into strips for weaving.
However, Hayati highlighted the benefits of using instant drink packets, as they are more durable due to their combination of plastic and aluminium.
This material mix not only adds to the longevity of the baskets but also allows for a striking design, with the outer layer of the wrappers providing a colourful patchwork, while the aluminium interior offers a reflective, matte finish that adds a touch of elegance.
When combined, the two form a stark contrast that enables the weaver to express their creativity in selectively weaving the two together to create an intricate mix of patterns between the two.
Hayati fondly recalled how her journey into creatively reusing old wrappers and packets wasn’t entirely her own idea – it was sparked by the influence of her teacher and friends during their regular meet-ups.
“I remember seeing a beautifully designed and woven bag for the first time, and it instantly piqued my curiosity.
“I wanted to try my hand at it, and I was lucky to learn from my friends and teachers who had already mastered the craft. Now, I’m passing that same knowledge on to others through this workshop.”
Since mastering the basics, Hayati has taken the initiative to collect wrappers and packets from home, public eateries, and restaurants, which has given her a greater appreciation for how much waste can be repurposed.
“I started to realise just how much trash could be reused, and I’ve managed to gather enough to create several baskets,” she shared.
These collected wrappers were then used in her workshops, where she demonstrated how to clean, fold, and assemble them into the intricate interlocking structure that forms the base of each hand-woven basket.
She offered tips to simplify the process, such as cutting the packets to the ideal size, which is crucial for easier weaving.
Hayati pointed out that even a small handbag requires hundreds of these foundation strips, with larger bags needing even more.
“During one of our sessions, many participants expressed excitement after seeing how such a common household item, like an instant drink packet, could be transformed into something practical and beautiful,” she said.
“Rather than discarding these wrappers, we can recycle them into something creative and useful. It opens our eyes to the endless possibilities of repurposing everyday items.”
With a growing enthusiasm for her craft, Hayati hopes to expand her skills beyond making bags. She envisions creating trays and fruit baskets in the future, but for now, she encourages beginners to start small.
“A simple handbag is the perfect first project, but the potential is limitless once you get the hang of it,” she explained. Hayati also highlighted how these workshops are particularly beneficial for housewives and the elderly, offering a productive and engaging way to spend their time.
“Rather than sitting idle, why not use the time to learn new skills? It could even open doors to future opportunities, perhaps even as a source of income,” she suggested.
“This workshop is an ideal platform for like-minded people to come together, share ideas, and learn. After all, we all have to start somewhere.” Looking forward, Hayati hopes to hold the workshop regularly, not only to refresh the skills learned but also to allow participants time to gather the necessary wrappers and packets.
“It takes time to collect and prepare the materials, but with consistent practice, we can continue to build on the knowledge we’ve gained,” she added.
Embracing the principles of 3R represents one of the small steps that can be taken to combat the environmental crisis at hand, and efforts made at home can have a larger positive impact than simple recycling programmes, with reusing and repurposing everyday waste into practical household items serving as one prime example of such impact. – Daniel Lim
