A Solid Waste Management in the Pacific report that was released in 2014 by the Asian Development Bank says that 65 to 68 tonnes of waste were generated by Suva City in a day.
The report stated that 16 per cent of this was paper and cardboard waste.
This meant that in a day, about 10.08 tonnes, or 10080 kilograms of paper and cardboard waste are produced around the Suva City area.
This is a concern because it shows that people are not aware of how common wastes such as paper and cardboard can be recycled to produce essential products that are for everyday use. Nor are they aware of how this waste could be used to generate a steady stream of income.
South Pacific Waste Recyclers, a paper recycling plant that began operations in 2012 processes about 12 tonnes of wastepaper in a day. This is processed and used to manufacture toilet tissues, such as “Nambawan Toilet Tissue”.
But there are small entrepreneurs and business owners who have also found their calling in the recycling business. One such person is Tikosaya Ledua, founder of Ledua’s Art Collection.
Ms Ledua began her business in 2021 and was focused on manufacturing artwork and painting murals in homes and offices. It was one year later when the idea came to diversify to recycled products.
“The idea was born when my husband and I were walking around our neighbourhood back when we used to live in Raiwaqa,” Ms Ledua said.
“One afternoon, we walked past one dumpster, so we collected all sorts of rubbish from there, like old tyres, offcuts from timbers and old magazines and eggs crates.
“From there we began to play around with it, with the many ideas from the internet, and so we began manufacturing styling couches, upcycled stools, and gift baskets.
“This was when my environmental cautious mind got activated as well.”
According to her, what helped was her art background as she was a painter and decorator by profession and creativity-wise, this helped a lot. “Most of my raw materials are waste products, and household wastes which we use to recreate and manufacture products.
“These are products such as styling couches from old tires, gift and fruit baskets from old newspapers and used canvases, which are purchased from thrift shops for recreation of artworks.
“Apart from my raw materials, that are from the dumpsters and household wastes, I also only use acrylic paints as it’s safer for the environment.
“These are purchased from Gem Solution in Toorak, or RC Manubhai.”
Ms Ledua said since her products were mostly home decor items, it usually took them three to four hours to complete one while basket weaving took four to five hours depending on the size.
“My products are very affordable and durable.
“We mostly attract homeowners, but our recycled baskets have gone as far as Holiday Inn and that was quite a breakthrough in our recycling journey. “Our tyre couches mostly go in Roc Markets, and it attracts my high-end customers.
“Our couches standard size normally goes for $150 to $160 a piece, baskets from $25, and yes, they are my bread and butter.”
Ms Ledua said they hoped to expand the brand in the years to come and supply it to overseas markets. Ledua’s Art Collection can be found on Facebook.
