Innovative Zero Waste With Recycling in Bilfen Antalya High Schools

     Over 100 billion clothes are sold in a year all over the world. 12 million tons of clothing go to waste from the USA, 6 million tons from Europe and unfortunately 1 million tons from our country from these clothes sold, and this situation poses a danger for the balance of the earth and nature. Moreover, these products do not disappear in nature for 200 years.

     The Young Spokesperson of the Environment Bilfen Antalya team, which started research on the solution of this problem, learned that combed cotton waste can be turned into combed cotton yarn in recycling facilities as textile products. Based on this, they raised awareness by transforming combed cotton waste such as t-shirts that are out of use at home into combed cotton yarns. Twelve environmentally aware students and two teachers first started to collect and recycle unused clothes from students and other students in the school went further on gathering them from their families and their immediate surroundings thanks to the campaign. With their work, they sent the collected clothes to the recycling factory in a short time. The clothes sent to the factory were transformed into combed cotton yarns without harming the environment, dyeing or any treatment. The combed yarn formed was finely embroidered and knitted into cactus pots by women who needed additional income.

     Flower pots knitted with recycled threads by women in need of additional income were placed in them and put on sale by the Young Spokesmen of the Environment on March 8, International Women's Day. All income from this project was transferred to the Raising and Protection of Mentally Handicapped Children (ZİÇEV) Foundation, contributing to the education of many mentally disabled children. With zero waste, nature, women in need of additional income through the foundation, and many children in need of special education have been benefited.

     The Young Spokesperson of the Environment team visited ZIÇEV Antalya branch on April 2nd, Autism Awareness Day, paying attention to social distance. During the visit, ZIÇEV Antalya School Principal Nilbert Yılmaz presented a plaque to the “Young Spokesmen of the Environment” for their help and the project they carried out.

     The campaign continues and Young Spokespersons of the Environment are working to benefit more children.