We kicked off the year at the ISK Welcome Back Picnic with an incredible showcase of student-led sustainability!
♻️ Plastiki Rafiki, the Greenhouse Club, and the Carbon Neutral Alliance joined forces to celebrate our mission for a greener ISK.
Visitors made their own keychains from discarded bottle caps using our hand-cranked injection molding machine! Our partner workshop from Mathare joined the fun — arriving in the TukTuk we donated last year!
Next door, the Greenhouse Club cooked pancakes on a student-designed mobile biogas system, served with stingless bee honey harvested right from our school hives!
And Thrift Treasures brought the style with pre-loved clothing finds!
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by — what a perfect way to start a sustainable school year! 🌎✨
We’re excited to announce the opening of a new recycling workshop in Ewaso town, along the Narok–Sekenani road!
A collaboration between KU Leuven, Sobores Well, and Trash Punx, this space transforms discarded plastic into unique, useful products using a Plastiki Rafiki extruder and custom molds designed by ISK students.
We look forward to more collaboration — cleaning up the environment, designing innovative molds, and creating meaningful local employment. 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
As the school year wraps up, we want to give a big shoutout to one of our longtime partners—the Futbol Mas Mathare plastic recycling workshop! We've been collaborating with them for six years, and it's been incredible to see the program grow.
Recently, they relocated from Valley View Academy to a new space near Austin's Football Ground—a former dumpsite transformed into a vibrant football field. From this workshop, they’ve been producing many of the products we've showcased this year, including the popular giraffe flashers and medals for local sporting events.
ISK students design and fabricate the molds in our Fab Lab, and the Mathare team uses them to manufacture the products—helping clean up the neighborhood, create meaningful employment in the community and supporting their sports and life-skills programs!
We’re proud of this partnership and excited to keep building together when school resumes in August!
🌍 EARTH DAY 2025 SERIES (PART 2): MIDDLE SCHOOL WORKSHOP ✨
Following our High School bench project (see previous post!), our Middle Schoolers dove into the world of plastic recycling through an interactive three-station workshop!
Station 1: Students learned the Plastiki Rafiki story - from humble beginnings to our current impact, plus how THEY can join our mission.
Station 2: Hands-on plastic sorting lesson! Our future environmentalists discovered why proper separation is crucial before materials head to our shredders.
Station 3: The crowd favorite! Students watched our injection machine transform plastic waste into Earth Day keychains they took home as souvenirs. From trash to treasure right before their eyes! ✨
These workshops show how environmental education spans all age groups at ISK. From learning the basics to building benches - every student plays a part in our sustainable future!
Which station would YOU have enjoyed most? Tell us below! 👇
🌍 EARTH DAY 2025 SERIES (PART 1): HIGH SCHOOL WORKSHOP ✨
From plastic waste to campus treasure! Our ISK High School students just unveiled 3 gorgeous bench-planters made from 80kg of recycled plastic that would have ended up in landfills.
The process? Students collected thousands of plastic bottles, processed them through our DIY machines, designed functional seating that doubles as planters, and assembled everything during our Earth Day workshop.
Swipe to see all three benches placed strategically around campus! Each one represents what's possible when young minds tackle environmental challenges with creativity and determination.
Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow to see how our Middle School students also got involved!
What do you think of our latest project? Would you like to learn how to make your own recycled plastic furniture? Let us know below! 💚
We've been working with our friends at the San Diego Zoo to develop these giraffe fence flashers. Remember the early prototypes from a few months ago? They're now fully in use! A simple yet effective design that can help address a complex and unfortunate problem...read more below!
Shoutout to @futbolmaskenya_org for also partnering up for this project!
"Habitat fragmentation is a leading cause of giraffe population declines across Africa. Specifically, the reticulated giraffe habitat in northern Kenya is becoming increasingly fragmented due to infrastructure development and more commonly, fencing. While it is not known specifically why, fences present a massive challenge for giraffe and result in numerous fatalities every year due to entanglement and electrocution. Giraffe mortalities along various fencelines are reported multiple times each year and no formal research has been done to look at the impacts of fencing on giraffe. We are hoping to trial mitigation techniques that could be used to reduce impacts of fences to giraffe across Africa." - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
🏅Whether bronze, silver, or gold — go green with your next race! We’ve been crafting custom medals from 100% recycled plastic for events of all kinds. Sustainable, stylish, and student-made. ♻️🏃♀️🏃♂️ #RecycledMedals#GoGreenGoGold#PlastikiRafiki... See MoreSee Less
In February, ISK proudly hosted the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Drama Festival. As part of the event, Plastiki Rafiki led a series of hands-on workshops focused on plastic recycling and sustainable design.
Festival participants got to experience the entire recycling process — from collecting, sorting, and shredding plastic, to designing molds and producing final products using our new desktop plastic extruders. ISK Middle School drama students held a bag tag design competition - the winning designs were turned into custom molds, which ISTA participants used to create their own recycled plastic bag tags.
Each participant walked away with a unique, student-designed tag — a tangible reminder of how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Easy fix - recycled plastic sheet on top of an old broken stool. Whenever possible.....Reduce, Reuse (fix)...and if you can't do either, then recycle! ... See MoreSee Less
We love helping out our fellow students and teachers. Plastiki Rafiki created these whiteboard connectors for a teacher in the Elementary School. We were able to bring creativity and innovation to our younger classmates while making them out of 100% recycled plastic.
Today in our meeting, members of the design team presented their many wonderful furniture designs! It was amazing to see all the creativity from our members. But...who will take home the prize?
Members of the Plastiki Rafiki Design Team will be taking part in an intra-club competition this month. Each member must design a unique piece of furniture and submit it for a GRAND PRIZE!
We are so excited to see all the designs members will develop over the next couple of weeks!
Track and field medals made out of 100% recycled plastic! Celebrating our young athletes while cleaning up the environment! Ready-set-go.....circular! #plastikirafiki#circulareconomy... See MoreSee Less
Alphabet sand toys made from thermoformed discarded HDPE containers. We had a chance to test them out with the ISK pre-k students who are just learning their A-Z's. Lots of exciting feedback coming from the sandbox!
From sketch to modeling....to final product. Our design process at work - a unique garden stool created by an ISK Design Tech student made from 100% recycled plastic.
From trash to treasure: Our recycled plastic rhino hooks are proving that yesterday's waste can become tomorrow's masterpiece! Each hook is crafted from shredded plastic that was destined for landfill and is now transformed into your new favourite way to hang things in style. Who knew being organized could help save the planet? 💙♻️ Drop a 🦏 in the comments if you love this design!
Coffee is a globally loved beverage that is best served with family and friends.
This coffee table makes it easy to carry multiple mugs of coffee, or any drink easily. Think about it -- a cold Saturday spent drinking hot chocolate or other warm beverages with your loved ones. This tray makes those moments not only accessible, but sustainable, too.
Two of our leaders represented Plastiki Rafiki at ISK's annual Lion's Tank - where we, alongside many other amazing clubs at our school, got a chance to pitch our initiatives to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). We are so grateful for their support and the opportunity to share about our Numicon Project. More on that soon... 👀
Cookswell Jiko's had tasked us with creating leg caps for metal pipes to put on their Jiko's. Showing yet another creative way of dealing with discarded plastics!
Capturing the craftsmanship: building the Sheetpress machine step by step!
Ever since we built this innovative recycling tool, it has been incredibly helpful in transforming waste plastic into robust, reusable sheets, which we treat like timber. This has allowed us to create high-quality, durable materials for construction, furniture, and design, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices – a true step forward for the circular economy in action.
It has been almost two years since we began producing our plastic gutters, and they are performing better than ever, standing strong against the elements. This simple, sustainable solution effectively addresses the challenges faced in Kenya.
Last weekend Plastiki Rafiki and the Futbol Mas Recycling Workspace had an amazing time at the Shamba Recycling Fair! We had the opportunity to network with other Kenyan recyclers. Visitors learned about plastic recycling, purchased sustainable products, and had the opportunity to make their own keychains and magnets using our portable injection machine! 🛠️♻️
An additional big shoutout to The Nation Newspaper for featuring us this weekend – thank you for helping us spread the word about the circular economy in Kenya! ... See MoreSee Less
Our ISK Middle School Theatre Department is hosting the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Nairobi MS Connect Festival, and we’re proud to have been invited to participate this year! The Nairobi MS Connect Festival is in conjunction with Still I Rise, an international humanitarian non-profit organization working to end the global education crisis by offering top-quality, free education to refugees and vulnerable children. This year, the ISTA festival is welcoming students from Still I Rise Kenya, an international school in Nairobi, Kenya, for over 150 refugee children from the surrounding region. Students from the ages 10-14 will be coming to Kenya to learn the story of Flipflopi: How a boat made of flipflops is going to help save the ocean. They’ll also be able to make their own plastic art with yours truly, Plastiki Rafiki. ISTA schools, come join us!
The space between environments and worlds: highlighting the contrasts and connections between different environments, be they natural, urban, or digital
This vacuum bowl is made from recycled plastic cooking oil cans, demonstrating how everyday waste can be transformed into something useful. By repurposing old materials, we help reduce plastic pollution and contribute to a more sustainable, eco-friendly future.
Plastiki Rafiki had a booth at our school's Welcome Back Picnic. We sold our products, had some fun games, and even made keychains! It was fun to reconnect, enjoy good food, and celebrate sustainability together under the sun! 🌞
During our recent Intercultural Trips to Watamu and the Masai Mara, our students took part in beach and community clean-up efforts, using our custom-made Taka Tongs to collect waste. These innovative tongs, crafted entirely from 100% recycled plastic, feature jagged teeth for grip and a rounded top joint to maintain tension—perfect for the task! Made using a 2D mold and injection machine, the Taka Tongs have been a reliable tool for several years in helping ISK students and others clean up our environment - the coolest part is that any plastic collected can be recycled into new tongs! ♻️ 🌅 🏝️
Honoured to have been invited and to have attended the inaugural Mazingira Awards, hosted by Kenya's First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto. Our team was inspired by fellow grassroots environmentalists working to "restore our land and secure our future". Congratulations to all the changemakers!
Join Plastiki Rafiki at the Shamba Café Recycling Fair this Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20, in Nairobi! Discover how Plastiki Rafiki is turning plastic waste into innovative, eco-friendly solutions that make a positive impact. While you're supporting local farmers and exploring sustainable products, stop by our booth to learn how you can get involved in reducing plastic pollution. Together, we can create a greener future! 🌍💚
#plastikirafiki#shambacafe#ECO-Friendly #kenya♻️ *CALL FOR PLANET SAVERS!* *Join Us for the Recycling Fair 2024!* ♻️ _*Be Part Of The Movement!*_ 🌍✨
Come and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about sustainability. Let’s raise awareness, create networks, and take action toward a greener future together! 🌿🌱
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, share, and make an impact! 🙌🏽
*#RecyclingFair2024 #BePartOfTheMovement #Sustainability #CreateAwareness #EcoFriendly #GreenFuture #NetworkingForChange* ... See MoreSee Less
We've now created something for animals, the earth, and you!
At Plastiki Rafiki, our design team recently designed Giraffe Flashers, and Futbol Mas created them using their communities' plastic. These colourful discs are used to divert animals from nearby fences, usually electric. We all know how important it is to keep our animal friends safe, and now we can do it while helping our environment!
Carry your own little piece of sustainability wherever you go!
Here at Plastiki Rafiki, we believe that these carbon-neutral keychains are more than just accessories; they are a reminder that even our smallest choices can contribute to a greener future. Now, you can take your own initiative by buying these keychains and make your own little impact towards a better future.
These keychains were made in collaboration with the Carbon Neutral Alliance here at ISK. We are matching all proceeds that we collected from these keychains and donating them to the Leaf Charity, a mangrove restoration group on the Kenyan Coast.
We are so excited for our Welcome Back Picnic happening this weekend.
We will be selling all our amazing products, playing cornhole and chess, and we are bringing back our popular ‘Make Your Own Keychain’ Station! We are hoping to see you all there.
In a collaboration between Loisaba Conservancy and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, our Futbol Mas Muthare Plastic Recycling Workshop is in the process of making fence flashers. ... See MoreSee Less
Mini Golf? Bowling? ISK Product Design students have been experimenting with recycled plastic molding during the recent "Early Childhood Educational Toy Project". Turning trash into treasure!
One year ago we partnered with the ISK Autos Club to transform a 1-cylinder diesel-powered 1970 PiagioApe passenger-carrier into a pick-up designed for waste collection and showcasing recycled plastic products. The tuktuk features a roof and fenders made from recycled plastic. We also designed a custom cabinet and display case made from recycled plastic sheets to transport, display, and market recycled plastic products at selected events.
Last week, we donated the tuktuk to the Mathare Futbol Mas Plastic Recycling workspace, which we helped set up and have supported since 2019. The vehicle will be used to collect waste plastic from around the community, which will be brought to their workspace to be sorted, shredded, and turned into unique products. The sale of these products supports the after-school football and life skills program - hence the ability for the tuktuk to transform from a utility vehicle into a funky mobile shop and display space!
It has been a fun project and a great learning experience for the students. We look forward to following this tuktuk's adventures as it sets out to help clean up Mathare and showcase the opportunities of grassroots plastic recycling!
Thanks for the shout out! We love working with Cookswell Energy Saving Jikos - innovation never stops as we try and make Kenya a greener and cleaner place!Out with the old way and in with the new! Asante sana Plastiki Rafiki for making us these new recycled plastic tube stoppers for our jiko feet. The trendiest new jiko shoes 👞👞 in town 😍
We are always amazed at all the clever things this incredible high school #STEM project has come up with over the years under the watch of one particularly amazing teacher.
#kidsarethefuture #bestgenerationever #recycledplastic #manufacturingkenya ... See MoreSee Less
Rev up your engines and get ready for our new cute keychains!
These racecar keychains were custom-made for a birthday party. They are made of 100% recycled plastic using our injection machine. The moulds were designed by students here at ISK.
Thanks WildlifeDirect for inviting us to present our work as part of the Plastics vs. Planet Earth Day discussion! Ten stunning talks by phenomenal young people, six short films, and a lot of discussions about Plastics vs Planet. A great way to celebrate Earth Day with participants from Malaysia, Comoros, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, USA, Mexico, Cameroon, South Africa, Madagascar, and India - all working toward a greener and cleaner planet! ... See MoreSee Less
Today we are introducing our newest product: Earth Day Keychains! We hosted a workshop for our middle schoolers today celebrating Earth Week and introducing them to our club. They used our injection machine to make these bag tags. Thank you so much for following along in our Earth Week fun!
We are loving our new sheet-press! Check out this picnic table - repurposed frame and 1/2" top made from 100% waste plastic collected from the local environment. Ready for Easter weekend fun!
Empowering communities through small-scale plastic recycling!
We recently received these photos from Bernard, one of our recycling partners in Nairobi, who had the opportunity to present and sell his products at the Loop Kenya Forum at the Sarit Centre! We have worked with Bernard for the last 5 years - we collaborate on mold and machine design and Bernard employs people in Gachie to collect waste plastic and create unique products! Bernard is one of the many workspaces we have helped set up around Kenya - so rewarding to see the growth and potential of grassroots recycling!
Experimenting with our sheets! 100% recycled HDPE, LDPE, PP 1m x 1m sheets available in 1/2",3/4" and 1" thcikenesses. Lots of bigger products in the pipeline - watch this space!
Thank you, AISA! Plastiki Rafiki was recently featured in AISA's (Association of International Schools in Africa) video about integrating design education into service-learning programs! As a club, we aim to combine our design learning while helping the environment and our community!
The 2023 Futbol Mas Kenya final league took place at the UN Recreation Center. All the participants were awarded 100% recycled plastic medals made from waste collected in Mathare. The medals were made by the youth leaders and parents at the Mathare Plastic Recycling Workshop we set up five years ago!
"Futbol Mas League is a special moment where children get to play against each other and the other schools in the program. The teams are formed based on the Futbol Mas ranking system which is a summation of attendance, Green cards received, child’s progress, and self-evaluation scores. The unique part about this approach is to have both boys and girls from each class play together, purely based on the progress they have had in the program and not how good they are in football!"
We are proud to support this workshop - to see it grow and flourish over the years - doing such great things for youth Mathare!
In collaboration with our Elementary School, we created these recycled backpack charms. Each animal represents a different Aim that we strive to uphold at our school: Self-Manager, Thinker, Collaborator, Change-maker, and Communicator!
Following on the theme of toys, our newest creation is our tumbling tower! These bricks, made from 100% recycled plastic, are a perfect game to play with your family.
Supersized Sheet Press! Our biggest baddest machine yet! Fabricated at the ISK Design Lab using Precious Precious Plastic's open source blueprints this sheet press creates beautiful 1.2m x 1.2m recycled plastic sheets up to 1" thick, using up +/- 25kgs of waste plastic per sheet. We can not wait to create unique products using these versatile sheets -watch this space!
Transforming waste plastic into beach toys! A recent project -transforming discarded oil drums into sand toys using thermoforming and a 3D printed mold. The thermoforming manufacturing process traditionally relies on virgin plastic sheets - recycled plastic works just as well and avoids us adding more plastic to the waste stream!
Platsiki Rafiki made the moulds for the medals. Our partner workshop - Futbol Mas, Mathare - produced 2000+ medals, all made from 100% recycled plastic collected from the local community. Big thanks to Faraja for the support and for thinking about the environment!
Plastiki Rafiki has been prototyping with plastic timber created using our extrusion machine. Our latest creation was a plastic timber table created around the base of a wind turbine made in collaboration with 3D Fundi. Remember these other ones? Scroll through to see some of our other creations!
Plastiki Rafiki had a very successful booth at ISK's annual Welcome Back Picnic. It was amazing to connect with our ISK community and try out our latest injection machine. We appreciate everyone who showed their support for our club!
Recycled plastic gutters installed at Ewaso Secondary School
After a year of prototyping and iterating on the ISK D&A Lab roof we are excited to be installing our first set of Plastiki Rafiki self-clamp gutters in a field trial at the Ewaso Secondary School in Laikipia. In a part of the country that suffers from drought we are hoping for some good rains this year to take advantage and test the effectiveness this raiwater harvesting system - bring on the El Nino! ... See MoreSee Less
Using single use LDPE planter bags is not sustainable, using plastic containers makes the plants hard to transfer when planting causing stress. A couple of years ago we designed some reusable interlocking recycled plastic planters to solve that problem, but they were labour intensive to make which hiked up the price.
This new design works the same way, except they take 2 minutes to make and are completely free! In addition they fit perfectly into a bread create making for easy transport. We might not be making any money on this product, but we are extremely proud of this design and hope people everywhere can use it to plant more trees for a greener and cleaner Kenya for all! ... See MoreSee Less
Check out our new and improved pom pom makers created from 100% recycled plastic! Plastiki Rafiki, in collaboration with Provisions Kenya, a business that sources local artisan products made in Kenya, created these DIY pom pom makers. Check out our TikTok (plastikirafiki) to learn how to use them!
Check out this feature on Plastiki Rafiki produced by our friends at Precious Plastic! We can not thank Precious Plastic enough for all their work, support, and vision over the years - we could not have done it without you guys!
Our workshop opens up again next week after the holiday break and we look forward to working together to promote the circular economy in Kenya - turning plastic waste into unique products!
Plastiki Rafiki was honored to be invited as an exhibitor at the recent Green Expo and National Dialogue event hosted by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) at the Kenya International Conference Centre. NEMA and the National Steering Committee have organized the Expo to launch the "Kenya Plastics Pact" as one of the build-up activities to commemorate the 2023 World Environment Day which is commemorated on 5th June of each year. The global theme for this year is "Solutions to plastic pollution", the slogan is "beat plastic pollution".
The theme seeks to highlight science-backed solutions to tackle the problem of plastics pollution as the global community tries to address the Earth's triple planetary crisis - climate, nature, and pollution. In Kenya, other than waste collectors, the plastic recycling space is largely dominated by a few big players, many of which ironically are subsidiaries or larger plastic manufacturers. We believe that for Kenyans to really see discarded plastic as a resource, the know-how and technology needs to reach the grassroots level. During the event, we showcased the different open-source machines we fabricate and the different plastic products designed by ISK students. There is no reason every town in Kenya can not have its own recycling center where discarded plastic is collected and turned into innovative products.
Turtle rescue transport cage made out of 100% recycled plastic - heading to Local Ocean in Watamu.
We are proud to have been working with such an amazing organization for the last three years. Make sure to check them out when you are next at the coast and find out how you can help protect Kenya's amazing marine environment!
Using recycled aluminum to create recycled plastic products!
Creating aluminum casts for recycled plastic wall climbing holds. We started with clay mold, then a plaster cast, then poured an aluminum cast. Thanks to Precious Plastic for the inspiration. Going circular!
Trophy for upcoming Faraja "Paddle for Cancer" fundraiser taking place at Savage Wilderness on the Tana River. Designed by ISK students. Made from 100% recycled plastic and acrylic off cuts from our workshop. We love collaborating with amazing organizations!
Mud kitchen tables made out of 100% HDPE recyled plastic!
The old wooden tabled in the ISK Kidergarten garden were rotting away, so we decied to replace them with sustainable, tough, UV and water resistant work surfaces so upcomming cohorts of mud artists can get to work! 🙂
Anyone up for a game of checkers of chess? Designed by ISK students and injection molded from discarded plastic....we love the simple interlocking chess board solution!
What an honor to have his excellency the President of Kenya test out one of our Plastiki Rafiki slingshots at the recent launch of the #NAIROBIRIVER rehabilitation project - working together with SeedballsKenya to regreen degraded riparian land!
Made out of 100% recycled plastic removed from the environment and designed by ISK students, these slingshots, when used together with indigenous tree seedballs, are one of the many weapons we have to fight climate change desertification in Kenya!
Kicking off the new semester with a brainstorming session!
Plastiki Rafiki has come back from winter break excited to start this semester! Groups of students are working together to brainstorm ideas for the new year and we are looking forward to sharing new products with the Plastiki Rafiki community. We are continuing our long time partnership with Local Ocean, a ocean conservation organization based in Watamu. A group of members is working on creating new products for the organization and we are excited to show you all what we have come up with!
Happy New Year! Thanks for all the support we received in 2022 - we could not have done it without you! As we continue our work towards cleaning up our local environment and empowering communities to earn a living through plastic recycling and creative product design we wanted to give you a sneak preview into some current projects we working on - we look forward to sharing more in the new year!
In the not-so-distant future, you could be wearing a pair of sunglasses made from recycled plastic collected from the icy slopes of Mount Kenya or the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Karibu Dudus! "Insect Hotels" made out of 100% recycled plastic and bamboo provide nesting spaces for solitary bees and wasps and other insects. The bamboo provide nesting spaces while the plastic protect insects from the elements. A recent collaboration between ISK HS clubs Students for the Environment and Plastiki Rafiki.
Recycled plastic railway tracks. One of the best toys ever - classic wooden railway tracks - now also available from 100% recycled plastic. Easily interchangeable with any of the original classic wooden tracks. We look forward to developing this prototype to see what railway set creations the team can come up with!
Recycled Plastic Lawn Games Have fun in the sun with Plastiki Rafiki lawn/beach games. Kuub, Horseshoes and Bocce Ball all made from 100% recycled plastic. Colorful, tough, waterproof, sustainable.....and so much fun!
Check out these multicolored interlocking puzzles made out of 100% recycled plastic. Designed to foster hand eye coordination and creativity in early years learners, we look forward to testing these puzzle sets with local schools in the coming weeks. What would you make with these pieces?!
Check out these beautiful keychains and magnets designed for our friends from Local Ocean in Watamu. Made from 100% recycled beach plastic with all profits form their sale benefiting their important conservation work.
What do you think of our new bracelet design? All the beads and turtle pendant are made from discarded beach plastic. Show your support for your "local ocean" and make sure to check them out when you are next in Watamu! Find out more by visiting localocean.co/... See MoreSee Less
Plastiki Rafiki, is a proud member of ISK's Carbon Neutral Alliance. A network of student led clubs and organizations advocating for environmental change within the school, with the goal to make ISK - Kenya's first Carbon Neutral school!
Following a school-wide carbon audit, the alliance is extremely proud to announce that ISK has committed to offset all their 2021-22 Carbon emissions through the purchase of Carbon Credits from verified local organizations. While it is great to announce that we are officially Carbon Neutral, we see offsetting as a temporary measure and hope to gradually reduce the credits we buy every year as the school becomes more sustainable.
In commemoration of this achievement, Plastiki Rafiki students designed a custom bag tag / key chain that is made from 100% recycled discarded plastic collected during the 2022 High School Intercultural Trips. We are selling them for 800ksh each with all proceeds going towards greening initiates at the school.
Plastiki Rafiki is proud to be part of the ISK community. We love designing products to help our school community. Check out these colorful numbers made out of recycled HDPE designed for the ISK Kindergarten playground area!
Plastiki Rafiki were honored to design the 2021 PETCO Awards recognizing companies working towards a circular economy, leading the way in post consumer PET recycling in Kenya. These beautifully crafted awards were made from recycled plastic and acrilic off-cuts. Congratulations to this year's winners and big thank you to PETCO for their support.
Do you ever get stuck in mud or sand when on safari? Our sister club, Construction By Design made these rubber recovery tracks! Made from recycled car tires, these recovery tracks are incredibly tough, lightweight, foldable and offer great traction. An incredible project they have been working on that we are happy to showcase. We are glad to work alongside such an incredible team!
Flower pot stands. Keep your flower pots off the ground, protecting the floor and helping with drainage. Available in different colors and sizes - made from 100% recycled plastic. Simple, sustainable design solutions...
Plastiki Rafiki was recently voted best "Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative" in Kenya by an independent panel of judges drawn from non-profit organisations, academia, sustainability advocacy, professional bodies, industry networks, and media. The yearly CSR (CSR 100) Awards recognize brands who have excelled in the social impact initiatives and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. We thank everyone for the support over the years and we look forward to working together for a greener and cleaner Kenya for all!
Emboo River Camp - the greenest lodge in the Mara!
When it comes to sustainable travel, these guys have gone all in! Renewable energy, wastewater treatment, electric vehicles, organic farming, tree planting, onsite recycling, etc....all this while empowering the local community and operating an award winning lodge. We are honored to have partnered with them on several projects including the design of signage design and keepsakes for guests - all made from 100% recycled plastic collected from the environment. Check out their website to find out more about this remarkable place in the Mara.
Commemorative DART Mission keychains designed by our own Plastiki Rafiki space geeks and molded from an old discarded water tank by the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) workspace. These keepsakes were given to visiting Astronomers from Edinburgh University who came to Ileret last month to set up a telescope and observe the successful DART impact! Did you know Turkana has some of Kenya's best night skies?
Loko - Live Performance this Thursday and Friday in Nairobi!
Make sure to check out Kisumu's funkiest band - bringing lakeside vibes to the Gecko Bar and Sarakasi Dome today and tomorrow evening. Best of all they got a song called "Plastiki" - check out the cover shot! ... See MoreSee Less
Take a minute to vote for one of our oldest friends and recycling partners in Kenya - The Flip Flopi Project!Flipflopi has made it to the final of the World Sailing Racing Sustainability Award!
The award supports innovation in the sailing and marine industry that is creating solutions for the ocean, people and planet. Flipflopi is one of 4 finalists, with public voting to decide on the winner, we really need your help to win!
If we win, we will receive a $10,000 prize that will support our community waste management programmes across East Africa whilst accelerating our research & development into plastic boatbuilding
ISK students recently travelled to the Round Square Conference in Oxford, UK. Bringing together more than 800 delegates from 50 countries around the world, this year's conference theme was "Take Less and Be More" - a collective pledge, that together as a generation, “we will carefully consider what we take from our environment and from the people around us, and always put back more than we take”.
In the spirit of this pledge, during the traditional "pin exchange" that happens during the event, the ISK delegation brought Plastiki Rafiki pins. Designed by ISK students and made from discarded plastic by our recently set up Gachie workshop, these pins not only clean up the environment but provide much needed income to those who need it most!
We are 4 years old! Can you believe it? - we started in 2018 - same time this flame tree was planted (in fact the sign used in the commemoration plaque was one of our first attempts at creating recycled plastic sheets).
Like the the tree pictured, we have can not believe how fast we have grown! From one machine in the HS fabrication lab, being used by six students experimenting with recycled plastic collected from the school's bins - Plastiki Rafiki is now a registered student led CBO, which has set up 12 workshops around Kenya, built over 30 different plastic recycling machines, and designed over 300 different unique products using recycled plastic! Our goal was, and remains, to clean up our local environment and empower communities to earn a living through plastic recycling and creative product design.
Welcome Back ISK! 💚
We kicked off the year at the ISK Welcome Back Picnic with an incredible showcase of student-led sustainability!
♻️ Plastiki Rafiki, the Greenhouse Club, and the Carbon Neutral Alliance joined forces to celebrate our mission for a greener ISK.
Visitors made their own keychains from discarded bottle caps using our hand-cranked injection molding machine! Our partner workshop from Mathare joined the fun — arriving in the TukTuk we donated last year!
Next door, the Greenhouse Club cooked pancakes on a student-designed mobile biogas system, served with stingless bee honey harvested right from our school hives!
And Thrift Treasures brought the style with pre-loved clothing finds!
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by — what a perfect way to start a sustainable school year! 🌎✨
#sustainability #plastikirafiki #greenhouseclub #carbonneutralalliance #circulareconomy #StudentInnovation #isk #recycling #biogas #upcycling ... See MoreSee Less
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♻️ New Plastic Recycling Hub in Ewaso!
We’re excited to announce the opening of a new recycling workshop in Ewaso town, along the Narok–Sekenani road!
A collaboration between KU Leuven, Sobores Well, and Trash Punx, this space transforms discarded plastic into unique, useful products using a Plastiki Rafiki extruder and custom molds designed by ISK students.
We look forward to more collaboration — cleaning up the environment, designing innovative molds, and creating meaningful local employment. 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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Thermofolded paint pallets molded using discarded cleaning liquid containers. #plastikirafiki #productdesign #GoCircular ... See MoreSee Less
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We are back - ready for the 2025-26 school year - hot and fresh!
Check out how well these chili plants are doing, growing out of recycled HDPE extruded planters ... See MoreSee Less
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As the school year wraps up, we want to give a big shoutout to one of our longtime partners—the Futbol Mas Mathare plastic recycling workshop! We've been collaborating with them for six years, and it's been incredible to see the program grow.
Recently, they relocated from Valley View Academy to a new space near Austin's Football Ground—a former dumpsite transformed into a vibrant football field. From this workshop, they’ve been producing many of the products we've showcased this year, including the popular giraffe flashers and medals for local sporting events.
ISK students design and fabricate the molds in our Fab Lab, and the Mathare team uses them to manufacture the products—helping clean up the neighborhood, create meaningful employment in the community and supporting their sports and life-skills programs!
We’re proud of this partnership and excited to keep building together when school resumes in August!
#plastikirafiki #internationalschoolofkenya #preciousplastic #futbolmas ... See MoreSee Less
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🌍 EARTH DAY 2025 SERIES (PART 2): MIDDLE SCHOOL WORKSHOP ✨
Following our High School bench project (see previous post!), our Middle Schoolers dove into the world of plastic recycling through an interactive three-station workshop!
Station 1: Students learned the Plastiki Rafiki story - from humble beginnings to our current impact, plus how THEY can join our mission.
Station 2: Hands-on plastic sorting lesson! Our future environmentalists discovered why proper separation is crucial before materials head to our shredders.
Station 3: The crowd favorite! Students watched our injection machine transform plastic waste into Earth Day keychains they took home as souvenirs. From trash to treasure right before their eyes! ✨
These workshops show how environmental education spans all age groups at ISK. From learning the basics to building benches - every student plays a part in our sustainable future!
Which station would YOU have enjoyed most? Tell us below! 👇
#sustainability #kenya #green #recycle #preciousplastic #internationalschools #EarthDay #EarthDay2025 #designcompetition #sustainablefurniture ... See MoreSee Less
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🌍 EARTH DAY 2025 SERIES (PART 1): HIGH SCHOOL WORKSHOP ✨
From plastic waste to campus treasure! Our ISK High School students just unveiled 3 gorgeous bench-planters made from 80kg of recycled plastic that would have ended up in landfills.
The process? Students collected thousands of plastic bottles, processed them through our DIY machines, designed functional seating that doubles as planters, and assembled everything during our Earth Day workshop.
Swipe to see all three benches placed strategically around campus! Each one represents what's possible when young minds tackle environmental challenges with creativity and determination.
Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow to see how our Middle School students also got involved!
What do you think of our latest project? Would you like to learn how to make your own recycled plastic furniture? Let us know below! 💚
#sustainability #kenya #green #recycle #preciousplastic #ECO #designcompetition #sustainablefurniture #EarthDay #EarthDay2025 ... See MoreSee Less
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We've been working with our friends at the San Diego Zoo to develop these giraffe fence flashers. Remember the early prototypes from a few months ago? They're now fully in use! A simple yet effective design that can help address a complex and unfortunate problem...read more below!
Shoutout to @futbolmaskenya_org for also partnering up for this project!
"Habitat fragmentation is a leading cause of giraffe population declines across Africa. Specifically, the reticulated giraffe habitat in northern Kenya is becoming increasingly fragmented due to infrastructure development and more commonly, fencing. While it is not known specifically why, fences present a massive challenge for giraffe and result in numerous fatalities every year due to entanglement and electrocution. Giraffe mortalities along various fencelines are reported multiple times each year and no formal research has been done to look at the impacts of fencing on giraffe. We are hoping to trial mitigation techniques that could be used to reduce impacts of fences to giraffe across Africa." - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
#sustainability #kenya #green #recycle #preciousplastic #eco #sandiegozoo #giraffe ... See MoreSee Less
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🏅Whether bronze, silver, or gold — go green with your next race!
We’ve been crafting custom medals from 100% recycled plastic for events of all kinds. Sustainable, stylish, and student-made. ♻️🏃♀️🏃♂️
#RecycledMedals #GoGreenGoGold #PlastikiRafiki ... See MoreSee Less
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Rope swings made from durable recyled HDPE sheets....long-lasting fun in the sun!
#plastikirafiki #internationalschoolofkenya #preciousplastic ... See MoreSee Less
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In February, ISK proudly hosted the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Drama Festival. As part of the event, Plastiki Rafiki led a series of hands-on workshops focused on plastic recycling and sustainable design.
Festival participants got to experience the entire recycling process — from collecting, sorting, and shredding plastic, to designing molds and producing final products using our new desktop plastic extruders. ISK Middle School drama students held a bag tag design competition - the winning designs were turned into custom molds, which ISTA participants used to create their own recycled plastic bag tags.
Each participant walked away with a unique, student-designed tag — a tangible reminder of how creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.
#HandsOnLearning #internationalschoolofkenya #plastikirafiki #istafestival #preciousplastic ... See MoreSee Less
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Easy fix - recycled plastic sheet on top of an old broken stool. Whenever possible.....Reduce, Reuse (fix)...and if you can't do either, then recycle! ... See MoreSee Less
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Whiteboard Connectors!
We love helping out our fellow students and teachers. Plastiki Rafiki created these whiteboard connectors for a teacher in the Elementary School. We were able to bring creativity and innovation to our younger classmates while making them out of 100% recycled plastic.
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycle #collaboration #kenya #reuse ... See MoreSee Less
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Today in our meeting, members of the design team presented their many wonderful furniture designs! It was amazing to see all the creativity from our members. But...who will take home the prize?
Stay tuned to find out!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #kenya #designcompetition #recycle ... See MoreSee Less
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The Plastiki Rafiki Design Team presents:
The Furniture Challenge!
Members of the Plastiki Rafiki Design Team will be taking part in an intra-club competition this month. Each member must design a unique piece of furniture and submit it for a GRAND PRIZE!
We are so excited to see all the designs members will develop over the next couple of weeks!
Stay tuned...
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycle #designcompetition #kenya #sustainablefurniture ... See MoreSee Less
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Track and field medals made out of 100% recycled plastic! Celebrating our young athletes while cleaning up the environment! Ready-set-go.....circular!
#plastikirafiki #circulareconomy ... See MoreSee Less
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Alphabet sand toys made from thermoformed discarded HDPE containers. We had a chance to test them out with the ISK pre-k students who are just learning their A-Z's. Lots of exciting feedback coming from the sandbox!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #EducationalToys ... See MoreSee Less
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From sketch to modeling....to final product. Our design process at work - a unique garden stool created by an ISK Design Tech student made from 100% recycled plastic.
#plastikirafiki ... See MoreSee Less
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From trash to treasure: Our recycled plastic rhino hooks are proving that yesterday's waste can become tomorrow's masterpiece! Each hook is crafted from shredded plastic that was destined for landfill and is now transformed into your new favourite way to hang things in style. Who knew being organized could help save the planet? 💙♻️ Drop a 🦏 in the comments if you love this design!
#plastikirafiki #upcycledart #recycleplastic #sustainabledesign #WasteInnovation #circulareconomy ... See MoreSee Less
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Coffee is a globally loved beverage that is best served with family and friends.
This coffee table makes it easy to carry multiple mugs of coffee, or any drink easily. Think about it -- a cold Saturday spent drinking hot chocolate or other warm beverages with your loved ones. This tray makes those moments not only accessible, but sustainable, too.
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #ecofriendly #recycle #coffeelovers #sustainability ... See MoreSee Less
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Sustainable style at its best!
This stunning 10-seater table set was crafted from 100% recycled plastic and combines vibrant colours with a sleek design. 🪑♻️
Our customer loves the artistic flair, comfy chairs, and the eco-friendly mission behind it all. A perfect blend of function and sustainability! 💚
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #EcoFurniture #sustainability #recycle #kenya ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you, Lion's Tank!
Two of our leaders represented Plastiki Rafiki at ISK's annual Lion's Tank - where we, alongside many other amazing clubs at our school, got a chance to pitch our initiatives to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). We are so grateful for their support and the opportunity to share about our Numicon Project. More on that soon... 👀
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #mathgames #lionstank #kenya #sustianability ... See MoreSee Less
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Check out our newest design challenge!
Cookswell Jiko's had tasked us with creating leg caps for metal pipes to put on their Jiko's. Showing yet another creative way of dealing with discarded plastics!
#plastikirafiki #recycle #kenya #preciousplastic #coffee #isk #reuse ... See MoreSee Less
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Capturing the craftsmanship: building the Sheetpress machine step by step!
Ever since we built this innovative recycling tool, it has been incredibly helpful in transforming waste plastic into robust, reusable sheets, which we treat like timber. This has allowed us to create high-quality, durable materials for construction, furniture, and design, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices – a true step forward for the circular economy in action.
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #SheetPress #sustainable ... See MoreSee Less
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It has been almost two years since we began producing our plastic gutters, and they are performing better than ever, standing strong against the elements. This simple, sustainable solution effectively addresses the challenges faced in Kenya.
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #gutters #Update #recycle ... See MoreSee Less
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2024 Shamba Recycling Fair
Last weekend Plastiki Rafiki and the Futbol Mas Recycling Workspace had an amazing time at the Shamba Recycling Fair! We had the opportunity to network with other Kenyan recyclers. Visitors learned about plastic recycling, purchased sustainable products, and had the opportunity to make their own keychains and magnets using our portable injection machine! 🛠️♻️
An additional big shoutout to The Nation Newspaper for featuring us this weekend – thank you for helping us spread the word about the circular economy in Kenya! ... See MoreSee Less
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Hold your treasures close to you!
This ring holder is made from 100% recycled plastic. Bring a touch of the ocean with you wherever you go while making your small impact on the planet.
What shape should we make next?
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #ringholder #recycle #sustainable #kenya ... See MoreSee Less
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Our ISK Middle School Theatre Department is hosting the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Nairobi MS Connect Festival, and we’re proud to have been invited to participate this year! The Nairobi MS Connect Festival is in conjunction with Still I Rise, an international humanitarian non-profit organization working to end the global education crisis by offering top-quality, free education to refugees and vulnerable children. This year, the ISTA festival is welcoming students from Still I Rise Kenya, an international school in Nairobi, Kenya, for over 150 refugee children from the surrounding region. Students from the ages 10-14 will be coming to Kenya to learn the story of Flipflopi: How a boat made of flipflops is going to help save the ocean. They’ll also be able to make their own plastic art with yours truly, Plastiki Rafiki. ISTA schools, come join us!
ista.co.uk/event/nairobi-ms-festival/
#ISTA #ISTAFestival2024 #theater #middleschool #recycle #Kenya ... See MoreSee Less
Nairobi MS Connect Festival - ISTA
ista.co.uk
The space between environments and worlds: highlighting the contrasts and connections between different environments, be they natural, urban, or digital0 CommentsComment on Facebook
From waste to resource!
This vacuum bowl is made from recycled plastic cooking oil cans, demonstrating how everyday waste can be transformed into something useful. By repurposing old materials, we help reduce plastic pollution and contribute to a more sustainable, eco-friendly future.
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #sustainable #kenya #recycling #recycledbowls ... See MoreSee Less
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Welcome Back Picnic! 🌿🍉
Plastiki Rafiki had a booth at our school's Welcome Back Picnic. We sold our products, had some fun games, and even made keychains! It was fun to reconnect, enjoy good food, and celebrate sustainability together under the sun! 🌞
#plastikirafiki #CommunityVibes #EcoFriendlyFun ... See MoreSee Less
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During our recent Intercultural Trips to Watamu and the Masai Mara, our students took part in beach and community clean-up efforts, using our custom-made Taka Tongs to collect waste. These innovative tongs, crafted entirely from 100% recycled plastic, feature jagged teeth for grip and a rounded top joint to maintain tension—perfect for the task! Made using a 2D mold and injection machine, the Taka Tongs have been a reliable tool for several years in helping ISK students and others clean up our environment - the coolest part is that any plastic collected can be recycled into new tongs! ♻️ 🌅 🏝️
#EnvironmentalAwareness #SustainableLiving #PlasticRecycling #Recycling #EcoFriendly #WasteReduction #Watamu #MasaiMara #ConservationEfforts #SustainabilityInAction #CommunityImpact" ... See MoreSee Less
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Honoured to have been invited and to have attended the inaugural Mazingira Awards, hosted by Kenya's First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto. Our team was inspired by fellow grassroots environmentalists working to "restore our land and secure our future". Congratulations to all the changemakers!
#MazingiraAwards #EnvironmentalConservation #RestoreOurLandSecureOurFuture #Kenya ... See MoreSee Less
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Join Plastiki Rafiki at the Shamba Café Recycling Fair this Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20, in Nairobi! Discover how Plastiki Rafiki is turning plastic waste into innovative, eco-friendly solutions that make a positive impact. While you're supporting local farmers and exploring sustainable products, stop by our booth to learn how you can get involved in reducing plastic pollution. Together, we can create a greener future! 🌍💚
#plastikirafiki #shambacafe #ECO-Friendly #kenya♻️ *CALL FOR PLANET SAVERS!*
*Join Us for the Recycling Fair 2024!* ♻️
_*Be Part Of The Movement!*_ 🌍✨
📅 *Date:* 19th - 20th October 2024
📍 *Location:* Shamba Cafe & Shop
Come and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about sustainability. Let’s raise awareness, create networks, and take action toward a greener future together! 🌿🌱
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, share, and make an impact! 🙌🏽
*#RecyclingFair2024 #BePartOfTheMovement #Sustainability #CreateAwareness #EcoFriendly #GreenFuture #NetworkingForChange* ... See MoreSee Less
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We've now created something for animals, the earth, and you!
At Plastiki Rafiki, our design team recently designed Giraffe Flashers, and Futbol Mas created them using their communities' plastic. These colourful discs are used to divert animals from nearby fences, usually electric. We all know how important it is to keep our animal friends safe, and now we can do it while helping our environment!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycle #futbolmas #kenya #giraffe #sustainability ... See MoreSee Less
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Carry your own little piece of sustainability wherever you go!
Here at Plastiki Rafiki, we believe that these carbon-neutral keychains are more than just accessories; they are a reminder that even our smallest choices can contribute to a greener future. Now, you can take your own initiative by buying these keychains and make your own little impact towards a better future.
These keychains were made in collaboration with the Carbon Neutral Alliance here at ISK. We are matching all proceeds that we collected from these keychains and donating them to the Leaf Charity, a mangrove restoration group on the Kenyan Coast.
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycle #keychain #sustainability #kenya ... See MoreSee Less
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We are so excited for our Welcome Back Picnic happening this weekend.
We will be selling all our amazing products, playing cornhole and chess, and we are bringing back our popular ‘Make Your Own Keychain’ Station! We are hoping to see you all there.
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #welcomeback #cornhole #chess #recycle #sustainable ... See MoreSee Less
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Waste plastic -> Unique garden furniture......
#plastikirafiki ... See MoreSee Less
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Hydroponic pipes made from recycled plastic, upcycled PET bottle planters, and nutrients from our biogas bio-slurry....Zero waste!
One of the many exciting projects Plastiki Rafiki / ISK students are working on this year
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #hydroponics ... See MoreSee Less
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Fence Flashers...Production Ongoing!
In a collaboration between Loisaba Conservancy and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, our Futbol Mas Muthare Plastic Recycling Workshop is in the process of making fence flashers. ... See MoreSee Less
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Mini Golf? Bowling?
ISK Product Design students have been experimenting with recycled plastic molding during the recent "Early Childhood Educational Toy Project". Turning trash into treasure!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic ... See MoreSee Less
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Tuktuk anyone?!
One year ago we partnered with the ISK Autos Club to transform a 1-cylinder diesel-powered 1970 PiagioApe passenger-carrier into a pick-up designed for waste collection and showcasing recycled plastic products. The tuktuk features a roof and fenders made from recycled plastic. We also designed a custom cabinet and display case made from recycled plastic sheets to transport, display, and market recycled plastic products at selected events.
Last week, we donated the tuktuk to the Mathare Futbol Mas Plastic Recycling workspace, which we helped set up and have supported since 2019. The vehicle will be used to collect waste plastic from around the community, which will be brought to their workspace to be sorted, shredded, and turned into unique products. The sale of these products supports the after-school football and life skills program - hence the ability for the tuktuk to transform from a utility vehicle into a funky mobile shop and display space!
It has been a fun project and a great learning experience for the students. We look forward to following this tuktuk's adventures as it sets out to help clean up Mathare and showcase the opportunities of grassroots plastic recycling!
#plastikirafiki #futbolmas #circulareconomy #internationalschoolofkenya ... See MoreSee Less
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Cheeky little cable organizer! A quick prototype made by one of our design team students. Our teachers love this product!
Raise your hand if you also need one of these in your life? 😜
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #cables #organizer #sustainability #kenya #nairobi #plastic #recycle #green #recycling ... See MoreSee Less
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Thanks for the shout out! We love working with Cookswell Energy Saving Jikos - innovation never stops as we try and make Kenya a greener and cleaner place!Out with the old way and in with the new! Asante sana Plastiki Rafiki for making us these new recycled plastic tube stoppers for our jiko feet. The trendiest new jiko shoes 👞👞 in town 😍
We are always amazed at all the clever things this incredible high school #STEM project has come up with over the years under the watch of one particularly amazing teacher.
#kidsarethefuture #bestgenerationever #recycledplastic #manufacturingkenya ... See MoreSee Less
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Rev up your engines and get ready for our new cute keychains!
These racecar keychains were custom-made for a birthday party. They are made of 100% recycled plastic using our injection machine. The moulds were designed by students here at ISK.
What keychain should we make next?
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycle #sustainability #birthday #racecars #kenya ... See MoreSee Less
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Thanks WildlifeDirect for inviting us to present our work as part of the Plastics vs. Planet Earth Day discussion! Ten stunning talks by phenomenal young people, six short films, and a lot of discussions about Plastics vs Planet. A great way to celebrate Earth Day with participants from Malaysia, Comoros, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, USA, Mexico, Cameroon, South Africa, Madagascar, and India - all working toward a greener and cleaner planet! ... See MoreSee Less
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Last day of Earth Week!
Today we are introducing our newest product: Earth Day Keychains! We hosted a workshop for our middle schoolers today celebrating Earth Week and introducing them to our club. They used our injection machine to make these bag tags. Thank you so much for following along in our Earth Week fun!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #EarthWeek2024 #EarthDay #sustainability #kenya ... See MoreSee Less
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We are loving our new sheet-press! Check out this picnic table - repurposed frame and 1/2" top made from 100% waste plastic collected from the local environment. Ready for Easter weekend fun!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic ... See MoreSee Less
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Empowering communities through small-scale plastic recycling!
We recently received these photos from Bernard, one of our recycling partners in Nairobi, who had the opportunity to present and sell his products at the Loop Kenya Forum at the Sarit Centre! We have worked with Bernard for the last 5 years - we collaborate on mold and machine design and Bernard employs people in Gachie to collect waste plastic and create unique products! Bernard is one of the many workspaces we have helped set up around Kenya - so rewarding to see the growth and potential of grassroots recycling!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #loopkenya #circulardesign ... See MoreSee Less
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Experimenting with our sheets!
100% recycled HDPE, LDPE, PP 1m x 1m sheets available in 1/2",3/4" and 1" thcikenesses. Lots of bigger products in the pipeline - watch this space!
#preciousplastic #plastikirafiki #sheetpress ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you, AISA!
Plastiki Rafiki was recently featured in AISA's (Association of International Schools in Africa) video about integrating design education into service-learning programs! As a club, we aim to combine our design learning while helping the environment and our community!
#plastikirafiki #internationalschoolofkenya #servicelearning #designeducation ... See MoreSee Less
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The 2023 Futbol Mas Kenya final league took place at the UN Recreation Center. All the participants were awarded 100% recycled plastic medals made from waste collected in Mathare. The medals were made by the youth leaders and parents at the Mathare Plastic Recycling Workshop we set up five years ago!
"Futbol Mas League is a special moment where children get to play against each other and the other schools in the program. The teams are formed based on the Futbol Mas ranking system which is a summation of attendance, Green cards received, child’s progress, and self-evaluation scores. The unique part about this approach is to have both boys and girls from each class play together, purely based on the progress they have had in the program and not how good they are in football!"
We are proud to support this workshop - to see it grow and flourish over the years - doing such great things for youth Mathare!
#football #preciousplastic #plastikirafiki #foryou #tournament ... See MoreSee Less
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Our design team is always hard at work; our latest prototype: Puzzle Blocks!
We are still working out a few kinks, literally 😂! But hoping to have a V2 ready for you soon.
What do you want to see next?
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #toys #recycle #sustainability #isk #kenya ... See MoreSee Less
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ISK Aims Charms!
In collaboration with our Elementary School, we created these recycled backpack charms. Each animal represents a different Aim that we strive to uphold at our school: Self-Manager, Thinker, Collaborator, Change-maker, and Communicator!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #sustainability #kenya #recycledplastic #isk ... See MoreSee Less
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Tumbling Tower!
Following on the theme of toys, our newest creation is our tumbling tower! These bricks, made from 100% recycled plastic, are a perfect game to play with your family.
What should we make next?
#plastikirafiki #recycledplastic #recycledplasticgames #sustainability #kenya #preciousplastic #reducereuserecycle ... See MoreSee Less
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Prototyping - medal designs. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thanks The Elewana Collection for the shout out! So incredible to have rhinos back in Loisaba Conservancy and we are thrilled to see our #recycledplastic designs in action! What an amazing team you guys have there!
#plastikirafiki #loisabaconservancy #elewanacollection #preciousplastic #preciousplasticcommunity ... See MoreSee Less
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Supersized Sheet Press!
Our biggest baddest machine yet! Fabricated at the ISK Design Lab using Precious Precious Plastic's open source blueprints this sheet press creates beautiful 1.2m x 1.2m recycled plastic sheets up to 1" thick, using up +/- 25kgs of waste plastic per sheet. We can not wait to create unique products using these versatile sheets -watch this space!
#preciousplastic #sheetpress #plastikirafiki #internationalschoolofkenya ... See MoreSee Less
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New product prototypes - watch this space!
#preciousplastic #plastikirafiki ... See MoreSee Less
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Transforming waste plastic into beach toys!
A recent project -transforming discarded oil drums into sand toys using thermoforming and a 3D printed mold. The thermoforming manufacturing process traditionally relies on virgin plastic sheets - recycled plastic works just as well and avoids us adding more plastic to the waste stream!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #localocean ... See MoreSee Less
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Shout out to the cast and crew of the ISK Mamma Mia theater production! We made a small token for them to remember this awesome experience for many years to come 💃🕺 #dancingqueen #mammamia #recycledplastic #education ... See MoreSee Less
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Be Bold, Go Gold!
Platsiki Rafiki made the moulds for the medals. Our partner workshop - Futbol Mas, Mathare - produced 2000+ medals, all made from 100% recycled plastic collected from the local community. Big thanks to Faraja for the support and for thinking about the environment!
Be Bold, Go Gold while being Green!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycle #cancerrun #community #isk ... See MoreSee Less
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Plastiki Rafiki has been prototyping with plastic timber created using our extrusion machine. Our latest creation was a plastic timber table created around the base of a wind turbine made in collaboration with 3D Fundi. Remember these other ones? Scroll through to see some of our other creations!
What furniture would you like to see next?
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycledfurniture #recycle #sustainable ... See MoreSee Less
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Welcome Back Picnic!
Plastiki Rafiki had a very successful booth at ISK's annual Welcome Back Picnic. It was amazing to connect with our ISK community and try out our latest injection machine. We appreciate everyone who showed their support for our club!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycling #isk #community #sustainable #plastic ... See MoreSee Less
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Plastiki Rafiki Rhino Flashers doing their thing in Loisaba - waiting for the Rhinos to arrive! ... See MoreSee Less
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Recycled plastic gutters installed at Ewaso Secondary School
After a year of prototyping and iterating on the ISK D&A Lab roof we are excited to be installing our first set of Plastiki Rafiki self-clamp gutters in a field trial at the Ewaso Secondary School in Laikipia. In a part of the country that suffers from drought we are hoping for some good rains this year to take advantage and test the effectiveness this raiwater harvesting system - bring on the El Nino! ... See MoreSee Less
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Free, efficient, reusable, sustainable planters!
Using single use LDPE planter bags is not sustainable, using plastic containers makes the plants hard to transfer when planting causing stress. A couple of years ago we designed some reusable interlocking recycled plastic planters to solve that problem, but they were labour intensive to make which hiked up the price.
This new design works the same way, except they take 2 minutes to make and are completely free! In addition they fit perfectly into a bread create making for easy transport. We might not be making any money on this product, but we are extremely proud of this design and hope people everywhere can use it to plant more trees for a greener and cleaner Kenya for all! ... See MoreSee Less
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Pom Pom Makers!
Check out our new and improved pom pom makers created from 100% recycled plastic! Plastiki Rafiki, in collaboration with Provisions Kenya, a business that sources local artisan products made in Kenya, created these DIY pom pom makers. Check out our TikTok (plastikirafiki) to learn how to use them!
They are now available on the Provisions Kenya website!
www.provisions.co.ke/product/pom-pom-maker/
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #recycle #recycledartsandcrafts ... See MoreSee Less
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Check out this feature on Plastiki Rafiki produced by our friends at Precious Plastic! We can not thank Precious Plastic enough for all their work, support, and vision over the years - we could not have done it without you guys!
Our workshop opens up again next week after the holiday break and we look forward to working together to promote the circular economy in Kenya - turning plastic waste into unique products!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7NOETQ2ekU
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Plastiki Rafiki was honored to be invited as an exhibitor at the recent Green Expo and National Dialogue event hosted by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) at the Kenya International Conference Centre. NEMA and the National Steering Committee have organized the Expo to launch the "Kenya Plastics Pact" as one of the build-up activities to commemorate the 2023 World Environment Day which is commemorated on 5th June of each year. The global theme for this year is "Solutions to plastic pollution", the slogan is "beat plastic pollution".
The theme seeks to highlight science-backed solutions to tackle the problem of plastics pollution as the global community tries to address the Earth's triple planetary crisis - climate, nature, and pollution. In Kenya, other than waste collectors, the plastic recycling space is largely dominated by a few big players, many of which ironically are subsidiaries or larger plastic manufacturers. We believe that for Kenyans to really see discarded plastic as a resource, the know-how and technology needs to reach the grassroots level. During the event, we showcased the different open-source machines we fabricate and the different plastic products designed by ISK students. There is no reason every town in Kenya can not have its own recycling center where discarded plastic is collected and turned into innovative products.
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Turtle rescue transport cage made out of 100% recycled plastic - heading to Local Ocean in Watamu.
We are proud to have been working with such an amazing organization for the last three years. Make sure to check them out when you are next at the coast and find out how you can help protect Kenya's amazing marine environment!
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Photos from Faraja Cancer Support Trust's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Using recycled aluminum to create recycled plastic products!
Creating aluminum casts for recycled plastic wall climbing holds. We started with clay mold, then a plaster cast, then poured an aluminum cast. Thanks to Precious Plastic for the inspiration. Going circular!
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Experimenting with plastic lumber - discarded tires and recycled plastic being turned into funky garden furniture.
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Trophy for upcoming Faraja "Paddle for Cancer" fundraiser taking place at Savage Wilderness on the Tana River. Designed by ISK students. Made from 100% recycled plastic and acrylic off cuts from our workshop. We love collaborating with amazing organizations!
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Mud kitchen tables made out of 100% HDPE recyled plastic!
The old wooden tabled in the ISK Kidergarten garden were rotting away, so we decied to replace them with sustainable, tough, UV and water resistant work surfaces so upcomming cohorts of mud artists can get to work! 🙂
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Anyone up for a game of checkers of chess? Designed by ISK students and injection molded from discarded plastic....we love the simple interlocking chess board solution!
#plastikirafiki Precious Plastic Community #boardgames #preciousplastic ... See MoreSee Less
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What an honor to have his excellency the President of Kenya test out one of our Plastiki Rafiki slingshots at the recent launch of the #NAIROBIRIVER rehabilitation project - working together with SeedballsKenya to regreen degraded riparian land!
Made out of 100% recycled plastic removed from the environment and designed by ISK students, these slingshots, when used together with indigenous tree seedballs, are one of the many weapons we have to fight climate change desertification in Kenya!
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Kicking off the new semester with a brainstorming session!
Plastiki Rafiki has come back from winter break excited to start this semester! Groups of students are working together to brainstorm ideas for the new year and we are looking forward to sharing new products with the Plastiki Rafiki community. We are continuing our long time partnership with Local Ocean, a ocean conservation organization based in Watamu. A group of members is working on creating new products for the organization and we are excited to show you all what we have come up with!
What products do you want to see in the new year?
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Happy New Year!
Thanks for all the support we received in 2022 - we could not have done it without you! As we continue our work towards cleaning up our local environment and empowering communities to earn a living through plastic recycling and creative product design we wanted to give you a sneak preview into some current projects we working on - we look forward to sharing more in the new year!
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We were recently featured on Business Daily / Nation Kenya - thanks for the support!
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Recycling plastics for reuse earns students a tidy sum
www.businessdailyafrica.com
In the not-so-distant future, you could be wearing a pair of sunglasses made from recycled plastic collected from the icy slopes of Mount Kenya or the shores of the Indian Ocean.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Karibu Dudus!
"Insect Hotels" made out of 100% recycled plastic and bamboo provide nesting spaces for solitary bees and wasps and other insects. The bamboo provide nesting spaces while the plastic protect insects from the elements. A recent collaboration between ISK HS clubs Students for the Environment and Plastiki Rafiki.
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Recycled plastic railway tracks.
One of the best toys ever - classic wooden railway tracks - now also available from 100% recycled plastic. Easily interchangeable with any of the original classic wooden tracks. We look forward to developing this prototype to see what railway set creations the team can come up with!
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Recycled Plastic Lawn Games
Have fun in the sun with Plastiki Rafiki lawn/beach games. Kuub, Horseshoes and Bocce Ball all made from 100% recycled plastic. Colorful, tough, waterproof, sustainable.....and so much fun!
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Teamwork! - Grade 1 students learning about the plastic recycling process in our workshop
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Check out these multicolored interlocking puzzles made out of 100% recycled plastic. Designed to foster hand eye coordination and creativity in early years learners, we look forward to testing these puzzle sets with local schools in the coming weeks. What would you make with these pieces?!
#plastikirafiki #preciousplastic #earlylearning #puzzle #recycledplastic #environmentallyfriendlytoys #toys #recycledplastic #ecofriendly ... See MoreSee Less
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Love your Local Ocean!
Check out these beautiful keychains and magnets designed for our friends from Local Ocean in Watamu. Made from 100% recycled beach plastic with all profits form their sale benefiting their important conservation work.
What do you think of our new bracelet design? All the beads and turtle pendant are made from discarded beach plastic. Show your support for your "local ocean" and make sure to check them out when you are next in Watamu! Find out more by visiting localocean.co/ ... See MoreSee Less
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ISK Goes Carbon Neutral!
Plastiki Rafiki, is a proud member of ISK's Carbon Neutral Alliance. A network of student led clubs and organizations advocating for environmental change within the school, with the goal to make ISK - Kenya's first Carbon Neutral school!
Following a school-wide carbon audit, the alliance is extremely proud to announce that ISK has committed to offset all their 2021-22 Carbon emissions through the purchase of Carbon Credits from verified local organizations. While it is great to announce that we are officially Carbon Neutral, we see offsetting as a temporary measure and hope to gradually reduce the credits we buy every year as the school becomes more sustainable.
In commemoration of this achievement, Plastiki Rafiki students designed a custom bag tag / key chain that is made from 100% recycled discarded plastic collected during the 2022 High School Intercultural Trips. We are selling them for 800ksh each with all proceeds going towards greening initiates at the school.
To find out more about ISK's Journey to becoming Carbon Neutral please visit
sites.google.com/designcounts.org/isk-carbon-neutral-alliance/2022-2023 ... See MoreSee Less
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Plastiki Rafiki is proud to be part of the ISK community. We love designing products to help our school community. Check out these colorful numbers made out of recycled HDPE designed for the ISK Kindergarten playground area!
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PETCO Committed Member Awards
Plastiki Rafiki were honored to design the 2021 PETCO Awards recognizing companies working towards a circular economy, leading the way in post consumer PET recycling in Kenya. These beautifully crafted awards were made from recycled plastic and acrilic off-cuts. Congratulations to this year's winners and big thank you to PETCO for their support.
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Do you ever get stuck in mud or sand when on safari? Our sister club, Construction By Design made these rubber recovery tracks! Made from recycled car tires, these recovery tracks are incredibly tough, lightweight, foldable and offer great traction. An incredible project they have been working on that we are happy to showcase. We are glad to work alongside such an incredible team!
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Flower pot stands. Keep your flower pots off the ground, protecting the floor and helping with drainage. Available in different colors and sizes - made from 100% recycled plastic. Simple, sustainable design solutions...
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Plastiki Rafiki wins CSR100 2022 award!
Plastiki Rafiki was recently voted best "Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative" in Kenya by an independent panel of judges drawn from non-profit organisations, academia, sustainability advocacy, professional bodies, industry networks, and media. The yearly CSR (CSR 100) Awards recognize brands who have excelled in the social impact initiatives and have demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. We thank everyone for the support over the years and we look forward to working together for a greener and cleaner Kenya for all!
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Clean beaches are way more fun! - beach toys made from 100% recycled plastic ... See MoreSee Less
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Too cool - The funkiest and most sustainable school benches in town! ... See MoreSee Less
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Emboo River Camp - the greenest lodge in the Mara!
When it comes to sustainable travel, these guys have gone all in! Renewable energy, wastewater treatment, electric vehicles, organic farming, tree planting, onsite recycling, etc....all this while empowering the local community and operating an award winning lodge. We are honored to have partnered with them on several projects including the design of signage design and keepsakes for guests - all made from 100% recycled plastic collected from the environment. Check out their website to find out more about this remarkable place in the Mara.
www.emboo.camp/
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Commemorative DART Mission keychains designed by our own Plastiki Rafiki space geeks and molded from an old discarded water tank by the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) workspace. These keepsakes were given to visiting Astronomers from Edinburgh University who came to Ileret last month to set up a telescope and observe the successful DART impact! Did you know Turkana has some of Kenya's best night skies?
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Loko - Live Performance this Thursday and Friday in Nairobi!
Make sure to check out Kisumu's funkiest band - bringing lakeside vibes to the Gecko Bar and Sarakasi Dome today and tomorrow evening. Best of all they got a song called "Plastiki" - check out the cover shot! ... See MoreSee Less
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Take a minute to vote for one of our oldest friends and recycling partners in Kenya - The Flip Flopi Project!Flipflopi has made it to the final of the World Sailing Racing Sustainability Award!
The award supports innovation in the sailing and marine industry that is creating solutions for the ocean, people and planet. Flipflopi is one of 4 finalists, with public voting to decide on the winner, we really need your help to win!
If we win, we will receive a $10,000 prize that will support our community waste management programmes across East Africa whilst accelerating our research & development into plastic boatbuilding
Please vote for us today using this link: www.powr.io/poll/i/33407576#page ... See MoreSee Less
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Round Square Pins - Take Less and Be More!
ISK students recently travelled to the Round Square Conference in Oxford, UK. Bringing together more than 800 delegates from 50 countries around the world, this year's conference theme was "Take Less and Be More" - a collective pledge, that together as a generation, “we will carefully consider what we take from our environment and from the people around us, and always put back more than we take”.
In the spirit of this pledge, during the traditional "pin exchange" that happens during the event, the ISK delegation brought Plastiki Rafiki pins. Designed by ISK students and made from discarded plastic by our recently set up Gachie workshop, these pins not only clean up the environment but provide much needed income to those who need it most!
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We are 4 years old!
Can you believe it? - we started in 2018 - same time this flame tree was planted (in fact the sign used in the commemoration plaque was one of our first attempts at creating recycled plastic sheets).
Like the the tree pictured, we have can not believe how fast we have grown! From one machine in the HS fabrication lab, being used by six students experimenting with recycled plastic collected from the school's bins - Plastiki Rafiki is now a registered student led CBO, which has set up 12 workshops around Kenya, built over 30 different plastic recycling machines, and designed over 300 different unique products using recycled plastic! Our goal was, and remains, to clean up our local environment and empower communities to earn a living through plastic recycling and creative product design.
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