In June 2023, WFWP Malaysia launched a green culture initiative to promote waste reduction as well as instill awareness and concern for our natural environment. This green project highlights the potential of upcycling by repurposing used beverage sachets like “3-in-1” instant coffee into beautiful handicraft items such as baskets and handbags.
The initiative also included a Handicraft-making Workshop, with the aim to empower disadvantaged communities with handicraft-making skills so they can earn an extra income to support their families. The workshop was also open to any participants keen on green craft-making.
Two sachet collection points were set up in Petaling Jaya, namely at the Peace Embassy and at Sungai Way Historical Corridor. WFWP members approached the local community, NGOs and residents in the area to promote the campaign. Exhibition booths were also set up during local events to increase awareness of this green initiative.
Families participating in the campaign were taught how to cut, wash and dry the used beverage sachets before dropping them off at our collection points. The campaign received excellent response from the public, with over 4,000 sachets collected in less than a month.
Finally, on 22 July afternoon, the Upcycling Handicraft workshop, co-organised by WFWP Malaysia and MPKK Seri Setia, gathered 40 participants at the Dewan Serbaguna Seri Setia to learn handicraft-making using used beverage sachets.
The session was led by experienced chief instructor, Mdm Chai Ah Choo, who demonstrated how the sachets could be cut and folded into strips which would later be used to weave baskets and handbags. Participants were divided into smaller groups to start weaving their first baskets and this was facilitated by an instructor in each group.
“It was a new experience at the handicraft workshop. I haven’t done handicraft for a long time and was having difficulty following the steps,” said one of the participants, a retiree.
“Fortunately, the instructors were very patient and soon I was able to work on it. They also supplied me with materials to continue my work at home. I really appreciate it.”
“I never expected the sachets that we throw away every day could be made into such beautiful hand bags!” said Evon, a resident from Kampung Baru Sungai Way.
President of WFWP Malaysia, Mdm Lina Cheng, expressed WFWP’s hope to empower women with skills to help them stand on their own feet and make a living. Mr Ong Yew Thai, Councillor of MBPJ Zone 20 and Mr Ding Eow Chai, President of MPKK Seri Setia who were also present at the workshop highlighted the importance of protecting the environment and recognised the efforts of the organisers.
We sincerely thank all volunteers and well-wishers who have helped to collect and prepare the used sachets. There is still much work to be done to protect Mother Earth and we call upon the public to actively participate in sustainable initiatives to make the future green.
