A young Fijian woman who was featured in The Fiji Times Greener Fiji environment column recently was named the Pacific youth leader at the Commonwealth Youth Awards ceremony held in London yesterday.

Sagufta Salma Janif was recognised for transforming waste into sustainable furniture.

She runs a program where waste materials are turned into sustainable furniture and home accessories.

Ms Janif says a lack of access to proper waste disposal in Fiji drove her to establish her enterprise, which has now upcycled more than 1000 tonnes of waste.

A statement issued by the Commonwealth said Ms Janif employed single mothers so they could support their families.

“This award will help me create more awareness around sustainable living and empower more women to work in a field that is largely dominated by men,” she said.

She received $12,000 in prize-money.

The 27-year-old’s genuine desire to reduce waste and reuse trash resulted in her resigning from a managerial position at Air Terminal Services (Fiji) Ltd and establishing The Fusion Hub three years ago.

The Fusion Hub was set up with a focus on improving waste management by encouraging “upcycling”, while empowering women and girls by teaching them skills that provided avenues for earning an income.

Ms Janif doesn’t just engage in environmental speak – she literally walks the talk.

By utilising trashed tyres, her team at The Fusion Hub transforms waste matter into pet beds and mirror frames, among other things.